VERMONT

The extreme cold and humid weather in Vermont can lead to many different foundation problems. Residents of Vermont should take care to examine their foundations for signs of failure and contact a professional repair contractor as soon as any issues are found.

CAUSES OF FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN VERMONT

The weather and soil conditions can cause serious issues for foundations. The most common causes of foundation problems in Vermont are:

• Heaving and Settling: In the colder months, the varying cool and cold temperatures may cause the soil under your home to expand and contract. This will cause the foundation on top of the soil to heave, settle, and even crack.
• Hydrostatic Pressure: When the ground around your home absorbs more and more water, the hydrostatic pressure in the soil will increase. This pressure pushes against the foundation, causing it to shift and possibly crack.
• Erosion: Too much water from excessive rain or snowmelt can lead to erosion, which washes away soil under your home to create voids and spaces. The home may then settle into these voids due to the lack of support.
• Poor Drainage: If the drainage system around your home does not function properly, it could allow water to pool around the foundation and seep into the concrete, weakening the concrete and making it susceptible to crack formation.

SOLUTIONS FOR FOUNDATION PROBLEMS IN VERMONT

Settling or sinking foundations can be solved by installing underpinning devices such as steel push piers or helical piers. These piers are driven (or screwed in the case of helical piers) into the stable soils deep underground. Next, the weight of the foundation is transferred onto the pier and they are used to stabilize and lift the foundation, closing any cracks that formed because of the settling foundation.

Shifting foundation problems such as bowing and leaning walls and foundation cracks may be fixed with wall plate anchors. These anchors are installed in the ground next to the affected foundation wall and connected to the wall with a rod and plate system. The rod is tightened gradually to straighten the wall over time. Helical tiebacks can also be used. These are large, screw-like devices that pull the wall into place by applying horizontal pressure.

For all of the foundation problems in your home, be sure to contact a qualified repair contractor. My Foundation Repair will help you find a repair expert in Vermont.

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