Your home’s foundation is its backbone; it’s the most important structure that keeps everything in place, stable, and secure. When the foundation blocks begin to crumble, it’s a dire situation that requires quick attention.
We have seen too many Kansas City homeowners live through the stress of failing foundations. Shifting concrete blocks can cause concern for your family’s safety and your property value. These are all very valid concerns because foundation issues can quickly escalate from hairline cracks to major structural damage.
Common Causes of Crumbling Foundation Blocks
Some of the common causes of crumbling foundation blocks include continued exposure to moisture, extremes of temperature change, poor drainage systems, chemical reactions within the concrete, and age-related deterioration.
Professional Repairs vs DIY Solutions
While some homeowners might be tempted to tackle foundation repairs as a DIY project, there are reasons why professional expertise is necessary. Foundation issues are complex; often, multiple underlying factors are involved that need specialized knowledge and equipment to deal with properly. At Level Up Foundation Repair, we know how stressful it can be to find out you have foundation problems.
Environmental Impact
Kansas City’s climate provides the perfect environment for foundation damage. Temperatures constantly changing cause repeated freezing and thawing. Water that is trapped inside the concrete freezes, expanding by about 9% and causing internal pressure to crack and weaken your foundation blocks over time.
Scaling and Spalling
These two processes hit hard at the integrity of your foundation. Scaling is the flaking off the surface layer of concrete, exposing the underneath material. Spalling occurs when concrete breaks off the face of it, resulting in more extensive damage.
Mineral Threats
We commonly see that older foundations will especially have minerals deposited in them: pyrites, for example, oxidize where water and oxygen meet. As these minerals expand, they force your foundation blocks to crack and disintegrate.
Water Damage
Water penetration can be a serious problem with concrete foundations. Concrete, by its nature, is very absorbent. Absorbed water carries dissolved minerals that can decompose the concrete. When exposed to constant moisture, mineral leaching occurs as essential compounds are washed out of your foundation.
De-icing Products and Their Effects
Various de-icing products affect your foundation differently. Rock salt (sodium chloride) is the most common but most damaging to concrete. Calcium chloride is less damaging but more expensive. Potassium chloride is safest for concrete but less effective at colder temperatures.
These de-icing agents chemically react to your foundation blocks, adding another stress to the concrete structure. Salt-based products draw moisture into the concrete, accelerating deterioration when combined with freeze-thaw cycles.
Soil Conditions
The clay-type soil typical in Kansas City has some very unique characteristics. It expands tremendously when wet and contracts when dry, creating pressure against foundation walls and allowing water to pool around your foundation.
Together, these factors work to compromise the structural integrity of your foundation. The interaction of moisture, temperature fluctuations, and chemical reactions slowly undermines your foundation blocks, which show visible deterioration over time and could lead to structural problems.
Signs Your Foundation Blocks Are Crumbling
Your foundation blocks send out clear signals when they’re in distress. The sooner you catch these warning signs, the easier it will be for you to make needed repairs without risking major structural complications or a very high bill down the line.
Warning Signs To Watch Out For
Flaking or powdering concrete particles gather at the base of your foundation. Surface deterioration shows when the surface has peeled, exposing the concrete beneath or exposed aggregate. Vertical cracks, particularly those wider than 1/8 inch or that seem to be expanding are concerning. Horizontal cracks can mean there is significant structural pressure against your foundation walls.
Stair-step cracks trace along the mortar lines between blocks in a step-like fashion. Bulging walls show any noticeable bowing or curving of your foundation walls. Crumbling corners indicate deterioration of the edges and corners of foundation blocks.
Inside your home, you may experience uneven floors, sticking doors, or gaps between the walls and ceilings. These are common indoor signs directly associated with the deteriorating condition of your foundation block. Annual inspections of your foundation help reveal such problems before the integrity of your house becomes compromised.
We recommend fully inspecting your foundation every season, but more particularly after heavy rain and significant temperature changes.
How to Repair a Crumbling Concrete Foundation
When your foundation blocks start to deteriorate, acting quickly to avoid advanced structural damage in your home is crucial. While DIY repairs can be tempting, extensive foundation problems require specialized expertise and equipment.
Professional Foundation Repair
Licensed foundation repair experts have the experience and technical knowledge to determine the extent of the damage and apply the right solutions. They can carry out extensive structural analyses, use state-of-the-art equipment for accurate repairs, use specialized materials intended for foundation restoration, provide warranties on their work, and address underlying issues causing the deterioration.
Small Scale Repairs Homeowners Can Do
You can do small scale repairs where the damage is only superficial. Start the process by using a wire brush to clean the area of loose concrete and debris. Use a concrete bonding agent to help the repair material adhere properly. Mix and apply concrete patching compound following manufacturer directions.
Surface Preparation
Proper surface preparation is the key to long-lasting repairs. The repair area must be:
- Clean and free of dirt, oil, and loose particles
- Completely dry
- Above freezing at the time of application
- Profiled or roughened to increase adhesion
Moisture Protection Systems
Vapor barriers and crawl space encapsulation provide a defensive barrier against moisture damage. The systems prevent water vapor from gaining access to the foundation walls, reducing crawl space humidity and mold growth and improving indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Drainage Solutions
A good drainage system is one that diverts water away from your foundation. The major components include properly graded landscape, functional gutters and downspouts, French drains, and sump pump systems. These drainage elements work together to keep the perimeter of your foundation dry, reducing the potential for water-related damage and future deterioration of your foundation blocks.
Don’t forget to schedule regular inspections in order to catch any potential issues early. Professional foundation contractors can identify problems before they become major structural concerns that would require expensive repairs.
How Can Level Up Foundation Repair and Excavation Help You with Your Crumbling Foundation Blocks Problem?
Level Up Foundation Repair and Excavation assists Kansas City homeowners with foundation problems. Our certified professionals will assess each situation to find out exactly why your foundation blocks are crumbling.
Our Services
Level Up Foundation Repair and Excavation provides foundation block repair and replacement, structural assessment and engineering solutions, waterproofing systems installation, drainage correction and management, and soil stabilization techniques.
Customized Solutions for Your Property
Your property deserves a customized solution—not a one-size-fits-all. We use the latest diagnostic equipment to determine the full extent of the damage, then design repair strategies that pinpoint your specific home needs.
Local Expertise for Lasting Solutions
Our Kansas City foundation repair experts know local soils, weather patterns, and construction techniques. We can develop solutions tailor-made for your home’s needs, which will protect its structure and value over the long term.
Transparent Communication Throughout the Process
We take pride in keeping you updated throughout the entire repair process. All projects receive due attention from our expert technicians who, using state-of-the-art materials and techniques, restore strength in your foundation.
Contact Us Today!
Don’t let failing foundation blocks compromise your home. Our professional team at Level Up Foundation Repair and Excavation is ready to inspect the condition of your foundation and create solutions that meet your specific needs. Delaying could lead to higher repair costs, structural damage, lower property value, and safety risks.
We are here to help protect your Kansas City home with expert foundation repair services. Call us at (816) 230-0101 to book your inspection. Our skilled technicians will evaluate your foundation issues and develop a customized repair plan to restore stability and peace of mind to your home.
