NEW MEXICO

The dry, hot weather conditions in New Mexico can cause several different problems for foundations. Property owners in New Mexico should take care to regularly examine their homes for foundation problems and contact a repair expert as soon as any symptoms are found.

CAUSES OF FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN NEW MEXICO

Several different factors can cause foundation problems, the most common of these causes in New Mexico are:

  • Soil Shrinkage: Exceptionally dry, hot conditions can cause the soil around your structure to shrink. This soil shrinkage leads to void formation and foundation settlement, as the soil falls away and creates spaces beneath the foundation.
  • Erosion: Erosion washes away soil under your foundation, causing voids and spaces to form under the building. These empty spaces cannot support the foundation, and it will sink or settle as a result. This is especially likely to occur when a sudden or severe rain follows a long dry period.
  • Soil Movement: Other types of soil movement can result from excessive organic material, overloading, or other factors, and may lead to foundation shifting, settlement, or even crack formation.
  • Poor Soil Compaction: Often, when a building is constructed, the workers fail to properly compact the soil under the foundation. This soil will eventually settle. taking the above foundation down with it.
soil level cross section

COMMON FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN NEW MEXICO

When dry, drought-like conditions cause shifting or settling foundations, it can lead to an unstable structure and several different problems throughout the home. Shifting, sinking, and settling foundations may also cause cracks to form in the foundation, creating an opportunity for water issues, pest infestations, and other problems. Some of the most common signs of such foundation problems are:

  • Floor cracks
  • Sloped or uneven floors
  • Wall cracks
  • Sticking doors or windows
  • Ceiling cracks
  • Bowed or leaning walls
  • Leaning chimney

SOLUTIONS FOR FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN NEW MEXICO

Shifting foundations may be repaired by helical tiebacks or wall plate anchors. Helical tiebacks are screw-like devices that are screwed into the ground to provide lateral pressure that will pull the foundation wall back into place. Wall plate anchors straighten the wall by utilizing a rod and plate system to attach the wall to an anchor in the ground, putting opposite horizontal pressure on the foundation.

When it comes to settling or sinking foundations, the most effective solution is underpinning with foundation piers such as helical piers or steel push piers. These piers are installed in the load-bearing soils deep underground to support the structure and lift and stabilize the foundation. The difference between steel piers and helical piers is that steel piers are driven into the ground, while helical piers are screwed into the ground.

For foundation repair in New Mexico, My Foundation Repair can help you locate an expert professional repair contractor in your area.

Helical Torque Anchor

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