Dealing with interior water intrusion in residential and commercial buildings.

My job for the last forty years has been dealing with specific foundation problems. One of the main issues I deal with every year is drainage induced problems.

Not only is poor drainage the cause of a majority of the foundation damage in North Texas and other areas of expansive clay soils, but also the cause of rain wter entering the home.

Intrusion of water, through exterior points of the home, such as weep holes is usually rather obvious.

Water or damp spots showing up in central areas of the structure, away from outside walls happen less often and usually take a specialist familiar with foundations soils and drainage to affect a solution. This is usually the product of a weakness in the structure and a pressure buildup under the slab. 

Pressure tends to build up around and under slab foundations as the soil swells from the induction of water pulled in by capillary or wicking action. As the pressure increases to a certain point, areas of the foundation will either be moved/lifted above grade or will find a small crack or weak point in the slab foundation where the pressure will be relieved by flowing up into the interior of the structure.

To attempt to solve either result by trying to seal the weak spot, without relieving the pressure, may at best stop the intruding water, while transferring the pressure, which will likely cause the structure to move, which may damage bricks, sheet rock, door frames or other problems we consider foundation damage.

This type of situation can also be the result of a leak under a slab foundation either from incoming water or outgoing sewer leak.

Call me for more information or pass this along to friends who may be experiencing these issues.

Richard Rash, Foundation and Drainage Consultant, Call/text: 817-308-8186                                        email: richardrashinc@tx.rr.com

        Website: repairfoundations.com