7 Causes of Home Foundation Problems Part 6: Inferior Ground Preparation

The causes that lead to home foundation repair in Kansas City can begin long before your home is move-in ready. Unlike other foundation problems with natural causes, including soil that is affected by thirsty tree roots, the way a construction team builds your foundation can ultimately lead to long-lasting strength - or serious damage down the road.

One aspect of building a foundation that is essential to its long-term strength is ensuring proper soil preparation before pouring the concrete slab. While some contractors deeply consider soil conditions and how to create a “bed” for the concrete, others - unfortunately - dive right in, and that’s what eventually leads to a need for polyjacking and other solutions. 

The good news is that the foundation problems caused by inferior ground preparation can be resolved with the expert assistance of PierMagic, the leading company for foundation repair in Kansas City. Whether you have a post and pier foundation or any other foundation type, we inspect your foundation for free and present an affordable solution to ensure the strength, integrity, and safety of your most important investment: your home. 

What Is Inferior Ground Preparation - and Why Does It Cause Home Foundation Problems?

It is essential that a construction company prepares to pour concrete for your foundation by taking good care of the soil that will ultimately form a “bed” for the base of your home. A construction team must ensure that topsoil is removed and all vegetation is cleared out. Then, the soil’s grade is leveled and evened by backfilling carefully chosen soil and compacting it. 

If this work has been thoroughly completed by an experienced team, the house built atop this soil is set up for success. It’s no wonder people use the terms “laying the groundwork” and “building a foundation” in situations other than homebuilding, as they signify a successfully planned endeavor, no matter what it is. 

However, not all homebuilders are the same. Improper soil grade is one of the most common causes of foundation failure among homes in Kansas City. It is typical to find homes that lack the proper soil preparation beneath the foundation.

PierMagic regularly observes the following:

• Soil that has not been filled properly - leaving empty pockets beneath the concrete
• Soil that has not been compacted, which causes uneven settling 
• Soil that has not been thoughtfully selected, leading to excess moisture against the concrete

These costly errors can cause foundation movement and, possibly, foundation failure. Eventually, the homeowner will notice the signs and symptoms of these mistakes and begin searching for home foundation repairs in Kansas City for concrete foundation repair, polyjacking, and more. That’s where PierMagic comes in. We solve these challenges affordably and expertly, for any type of home, including those with post and pier foundations. 

How Can Homeowners Tell If Ground Preparation Is Causing a Home Foundation Problem?

Homeowners won’t necessarily know if their home’s builder unsuccessfully prepared the ground for their foundation. They will, however, notice the effects of inferior soil preparation.

Here’s how you can tell if inferior soil preparation is affecting your home, leading to a need for home foundation repair:

Interior

• Cracks in the basement walls
• Cracks in the concrete floor
• Uneven flooring 
• Bowing, tilting, leaning, or bulging walls 
• Water in the basement 
• Air drafts in the basement
• Sticking windows and doors on any floor of the home 
• Crown molding separating from the ceiling
• Excess moisture and humidity in the basement

Exterior

• Cracks in the foundation’s exterior
• Soil erosion around the home 
• Dry cracks in the soil 
• Cracks in the chimney
• A leaning chimney 
• Water leaks coming into the home through the chimney

If you notice any of these signs, it is possible that inferior ground preparation is to blame. But don’t worry, it’s not your fault that you couldn’t control how soil was filled around your home when it was built. What you can control is what you do about it now. PierMagic understands that home foundation repairs are sometimes unexpected - so we make the process effective, efficient, affordable, and transparent while customizing a solution that protects the value of your home and keeps you and your family safe. 

PierMagic’s superior team for foundation repair in Kansas City offers concrete foundation repair financing options to ensure you can take care of your home right away without having to worry about budget concerns. Everyone deserves accessible, high-quality waterproofing, crack-sealing, post and pier solutions for their foundation, and more to protect from foundation failure.

No Matter the Cause, PierMagic Has a Solution for Your Specific Home Foundation Problems

Whatever the signs, and whatever the reason - whether it’s cracks in the basement wall from shifting soil or water coming up through the floor due to improper drainage - we have a precise, affordable solution for any home foundation repair in Kansas City. 

We take care of concrete foundation repair, polyjacking, backup sump pump and french drain installation, waterproofing, floor sealing, and several other premier services. As a local business with highly trained technicians and a wealth of experience with Kansas City homes, soil, and climate conditions, we’re ready to provide the right solution for your home’s foundation today.

Give us a call at (816) 765-4800. Or, you can request a free quote online today, and get to know our lasting, signature solutions.