Foundation Repair in Boston, MA and New Hampshire

Stabilizing Foundations in Greater Boston, Cambridge, Lowell, MA and Manchester, NH

A home is only as strong as the foundation it rests upon. If the foundation hasn't been placed on solid ground, its strength can be meaningless. In fact, foundation problems are most commonly caused by constant changes in the soils that surround the home. With a Cambridge, Manchester, Boston, Plaistow, or Lowell foundation, weak supporting soils, changes in the density of load-bearing soils, and varying levels of water and moisture in the soil can all contribute to foundation damage. And when foundation problems are not addressed, they can continue to deteriorate the foundation and may even lead to the complete failure of the structure.

Moisture Content in Foundation Soil

As soil conditions in Massachusetts or New Hampshire change from drought conditions to completely saturated, these fluctuations in soil moisture content can cause significant foundation damage. When soil soaks up moisture from poorly-drained rainwater, leaks in water lines, or plumbing, or a raised groundwater table, it can cause the soil to expand, lifting the house upwards and causing movement. As the soil dries out, the home will settle back down, causing more foundation shifting again. And clay soils especially shrink dramatically in drought conditions, causing even further disturbance and potential damage to a foundation.

Weak Bearing and Consolidated Soils

When foundation soils in Methuen, Derry, Nashua, Lexington, Salem are too weak to support the weight and pressure of a foundation, it can sink into the soft soils and sustain damage to the structure. While it's possible for footings to be designed that spread the weight of the house and reduce the potential of settlement, most residential construction projects are based on general guidelines and are not designed for individual soil conditions.

When the weight of a structure compresses weak clay soils, the pressure can force water from the area and cause the soil to become denser. The home can continue to sink for several years before it finally ceases to sink downwards. The process is gradual, sometimes taking several years before the home stops sinking downwards into the earth.

Poor Foundation Soil Compaction in Massachusetts or New Hampshire

Not all foundations in Boston, Plaistow, Lowell, Manchester, or Cambridge are built on completely level ground. When the general contractors plan to build the home, they must first level off hills and fill in gaps with soil. This may allow a foundation to settle unevenly as the soil is packed under the weight of the foundation, which can lead to foundation sagging, cracking, and uneven settling with Somerville, Derry, Nashua, Andover, Lexington, Woburn, Merrimack homes. This may cause your foundation to settle unevenly due to disproportionate soil support, leading to potential foundation issues in New Hampshire homes.

Trees and Vegetation around Foundations in Massachusetts or New Hampshire

Foliage, vegetation, and large trees located near the foundation in Manchester, Boston, Cambridge, Plaistow, or Lowell are common causes of foundation settlement. If a home foundation in Massachusetts or New Hampshire is located among this vegetation, you can be sure that the drying will cause the foundation to settle downwards in the compacting soil. When a foundation in Massachusetts or New Hampshire is located on a plot with several trees and shrubs, this drying will cause the foundation to settle in the drying, compacting soil. This is especially true with foundations located close to the surface, as they will be especially near to the thick web of shallow roots located at this level. This pressure can build to the point where it begins to exceed the load-bearing capacity of the walls and cause them to crack, bow, shear, or lean under the weight. As the pressure builds, it often exceeds the load-bearing capacity of the walls, forcing them to bow, lean, shear, or crack. Clay soil around a foundation can make this situation even worse as it drastically changes in volume with varying moisture. The saturated soil expands, and the lateral pressure it creates can add an enormous burden to the walls- sometimes amounting to several tons per square foot!

The Best Foundation Repair Contractors in Massachusetts or New Hampshire

Foundation Repair Contractors in Massachusetts or New Hampshire

No matter what you're looking for with your foundation repair, Basement Systems of New Hampshire of Manchester, Plaistow, Lowell, Boston, or Cambridge can provide you with the services you need. Our highly trained foundation experts are happy to offer you a consultation, inspection, and written estimate at no cost or obligation to you. If you're interested in repairing your foundation in Merrimack, Nashua, Woburn, Andover, or Salem or the areas of Boston, Lowell, Plaistow, Manchester, or Cambridge, call or contact us today!