Home & Garden
Foundation Sealing Tips For Washington, D.C.
Everything you need to know about proper foundation building and diagnosing foundation problems in Washington, D.C.
Foundation sealing requires localized knowledge, since soil composition, annual rainfall and yearly temperatures vary across the country. In Washington, D.C., building code requires contractors to provide soil profiles based on historic data. If this isn't available, soil borings must be conducted to determine the type and location for foundation bearing soil. This report will detect any soil problems that could lead to structural defects, if not corrected.
For those who are building new, reputable contractors will work through all of these steps to ensure your foundation will last a lifetime. Depending on the soil, moisture and gasses can be prevented through construction techniques like a special mastic coating and drain board on the exterior of the foundation wall.
Drain tile is installed at the foundation footing to redirect water away from the house. Before pouring your basement floor, gravel fill is used beneath the slab with a poly membrane to resist moisture and gasses released from the soil.
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If executed properly, today's techniques will prevent cracks or gaps in the foundation. Where problems can come in, however, is in older homes. This can be thanks to obsolete building techniques or prior owner neglect. If you have an older home, there are some warning signs to look out for. Keep your eyes peeled for any cracks in the foundation, sloping floors, or misaligned doors and windows. This can suggest a structural issue that requires immediate attention.
If you spot any of these red flags, hire a structural engineer on HomeAdvisor to help. Don't try to seal cracks or gaps on your own or with the help of a handyman before a professional diagnosis. You might make the problem worse by obscuring the issue. A structural engineer isn't going to repair the damage, but they are best equipped to diagnose the program and advise how to properly resolve it.
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Once you have a prognosis from a structural engineer, a professional contractor can help take next steps to maintain your home's structural integrity. If you only need to fill gaps to prevent further damage, there are several foams, caulks and fillers on the market that can cheaply and easily get the job done.
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