Foundation Heaving In Buffalo, Rochester & Western New York

Expansive Soils:  Different soil types are affected by moisture in different ways.  Clay soil is the biggest problem because it expands and contracts as the moisture in the ground increases and decreases.  Clay soil contains minerals that can absorb moisture and cause the soil to increase in volume. The more moisture that is absorbed, the more the volume increases.

This significant volume change can exert force on a home that causes substantial structural damage.  Swelling soils can cause considerable damage to a foundation, such as cracks, bowing or buckling walls, and uneven concrete slabs.

Swelling soils can also cause damage to the upper floors of a home by cracking drywall, making floors uneven, and making doors and windows hard to open and close.

Other common causes of foundation heave are:

Plumbing Leaks & Foundations

Lifting foundations can break pipes and sewer lines running through the floor and underneath the foundation. That moisture will cause the soils to swell and lift even more.

Plumbing Leaks:  Leaks or breaks in plumbing lines that run underneath a concrete slab can cause the soil under the slab to swell and lift or "heave."  

This heaving can cause significant damage, especially when partition walls on top of the slab are pushed upwards, causing damage throughout the house.

Dry Soils During Construction: If your home was constructed during dry soil conditions, the soil's potential for expansion is incredibly high.  When dry soil absorbs moisture, it causes it to increase in volume and expand. 

When this happens, it can lift and heave your floor slabs and cause damage.

Frost Heave: Persistent cold weather causes moisture in the ground to freeze.  As soil moisture freezes, it expands by about 4% of its volume, resulting in soil heaving.  This heaving can exert a large amount of force onto your foundation and cause it to shift and crack.

Prolonged or Heavy Precipitation: Prolonged or heavy precipitation will naturally lead to increased moisture underneath your foundation. The soil may absorb this precipitation and lead to the heaving of your foundation and interior slabs.

Local Foundation Contractors in Greater Buffalo & Rochester, NY

Frank's Basement Systems would like to help you address and repair any foundation issues your home may be experiencing.

We offer homeowners within our service area FREE, no-obligation foundation inspections and written quotes. If you have a failing foundation, call or contact us today!

We service Western New York, including Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Rochester and nearby areas.

Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.