Oklahoma is famous for its historic past, the rolling Great Plains and, more recently, its robust economy. On a less positive note, Oklahoma is also famous for tornadoes and other severe weather conditions. Oklahoma’s people are tough, but buildings are more fragile and foundations can be stressed and fail.
Causes of Foundation Failure
1. Hot winds and heat affect the soil beneath the foundation. As the soil dries, it shrinks underneath the foundation and can result in cracks as the building settles.
2. Those lovely and treasured shade trees can be villains in disguise. The roots desiccate the soil beneath the home, also causing soil shrinkage and settling.
3. Water leaking underneath the house can also create a serious problem. Just as with heat and tree roots, anything that causes soil to be eroded from underneath the foundation is damaging. Repair any plumbing leaks and check for signs of dampness.
4. Dampness can be linked to improper drainage. Excess water or moisture against the foundation will ultimately affect the soil, causing the home to settle. It’s a good idea to routinely check for any signs of moisture where it should not be. The soil beneath the house is tremendously important and must be properly compacted.
5. If all the houses in an area were built at the same time and one or more have had foundation problems, it would pay to be especially vigilant about checking for cracks. The builder may have used inferior materials for the foundation and/or prepared the soil improperly.
What to Look For
1. Cracks often show up first in the basement, either in the walls or floor. Oklahoma City Brick Cracks may appear on the exterior of the home. Check all of the doors and windows for gaps.
2. In the garage, examine the garage door to see if there is a new gap between the door and the ground.
American Leveling Company works hard for the people of the Oklahoma City area when their homes are in jeopardy. They are proud to be authorized dealers for a patented piling system for foundation repair – the Ram Jack Foundation Repair system. Oklahoma City Brick Cracks are signs of a serious problem which will only get worse with time. Call for a free inspection and to learn more about how to fix the problem. Visit American Leveling Company Facebook page for Oklahoma City fans!