The main and fundamental moment of the construction of any building is the laying of the foundation. Competent calculation and high quality of work when laying the foundation will guarantee a long operation of the building, and vice versa, incorrect selection of the type of concrete, violation of technologies and defects made during construction will lead to premature destruction of the foundation, and therefore the house.
Signs Indicating the Danger of Breaking the Foundation
The first signs of the destruction of the foundation are divided into explicit and hidden. There are the most obvious signs you may notice:
- filiform thin cracks appearing on the basement, walls of the building;
- the appearance of signs of destruction of the finish;
- visible dips in the floor;
- partial caving;
- changes in density and soil level,
- visible dips of soil near the socle;
- signs of warping;
- curving the walls of the house;
- stratification of masonry;
- destruction of the basement areas.
It is quite difficult to identify hidden signs for an inexperienced person, special measurements and examinations are needed. Although it is possible to detect some of them with an attentive visual inspection.
In order to extend the life of the foundation, it is necessary to periodically inspect the walls of the building, its finishing. This will prevent premature destruction of the foundation.
How to Protect the Foundation from Destruction?
To protect the destruction of the foundation from the adverse effects of dampness and moisture, it is necessary, first of all, to change or improve the waterproofing. Since this is a serious and dangerous work, it is recommended to provide good drainage from the foundation as an alternative method. It is necessary to check all the plums and water drains from the roof, widen the blind, increase the angle of its inclination and carefully make its waterproofing.
Catastrophically strong destruction of the foundation, as a result of which there is a “withdrawal” of the walls, is corrected by the gradual casting of reinforced concrete. This method involves a complete replacement of the foundation. First, the heavily loaded sections are replaced: corners, windows, aisles and spans, and then the remaining parts. Replaceable parts must be reinforced so that at the end of the repair a monolithic foundation is formed.