Tag Archives: foundation

The First 5 Years of a New Home: What’s Normal Foundation Settling and What Isn’t?

The First 5 Years of a New Home: What’s Normal Foundation Settling and What Isn’t?

The First 5 Years of a New Home: What’s Normal Foundation Settling and What Isn’t? A brand-new home shouldn’t have foundation problems, right? Not necessarily. During the first several years after construction, both the home and the soil beneath it continue to adjust. Some minor settling is completely normal, but certain changes can indicate that […]

Street Creep in the Summer: Why Hot Weather Can Put Your Foundation at Risk

Street Creep in the Summer: Why Hot Weather Can Put Your Foundation at Risk

Street Creep in the Summer: Why Hot Weather Can Put Your Foundation at Risk When most homeowners think about foundation problems, they picture heavy rain or freezing winter temperatures. But summer heat can create its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to street creep.  In Missouri, prolonged periods of high temperatures cause concrete […]

Your Lawn Could Be Hurting Your Foundation And Here’s How

Your Lawn Could Be Hurting Your Foundation And Here’s How

Your Lawn Could Be Hurting Your Foundation And Here’s How A lush, green lawn is something every homeowner enjoys during the summer, but did you know your landscaping habits could be affecting your home’s foundation?  While watering your grass and garden is essential during Missouri’s hot summer months, too much, or too little, water near […]

Is Your Dehumidifier Actually Helping? Common Basement Moisture Mistakes

Is Your Dehumidifier Actually Helping? Common Basement Moisture Mistakes

Is Your Dehumidifier Actually Helping? Common Basement Moisture Mistakes A dehumidifier can be a valuable tool for controlling basement humidity, but many homeowners assume that simply plugging one in will solve every moisture problem. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.  If your basement still feels damp, smells musty, or shows signs of moisture, your dehumidifier […]

How Drought Conditions Can Damage Foundations Just as Much as Heavy Rain

How Drought Conditions Can Damage Foundations Just as Much as Heavy Rain

How Drought Conditions Can Damage Foundations Just as Much as Heavy Rain When foundation problems occur, many homeowners assume water is to blame. While excessive rainfall can certainly create issues, prolonged drought conditions can be just as damaging, especially in Missouri, where clay-rich soils are common. In fact, some foundation problems begin during the driest […]

The Basement Smell Test: What Different Odors Might Mean

The Basement Smell Test: What Different Odors Might Mean

The Basement Smell Test: What Different Odors Might Mean Your basement can tell you a lot about the health of your home, and sometimes, the first warning sign is smell. Musty odors, damp air, or strange sewer-like smells are often more than just unpleasant. They can point to moisture problems, drainage issues, mold growth, or […]

Spring Soil Expansion: The Hidden Cause of New Foundation Cracks

Spring Soil Expansion: The Hidden Cause of New Foundation Cracks

Spring Soil Expansion: The Hidden Cause of New Foundation Cracks As winter fades and temperatures begin to rise, many homeowners start to notice new cracks in their basement walls or foundation. While it may seem sudden, the cause often isn’t new at all, it’s the result of spring soil expansion, especially in areas like Missouri […]

Creepy Crawlers and Cracks: How Pests Reveal Foundation Problems Before You Notice Them

Creepy Crawlers and Cracks: How Pests Reveal Foundation Problems Before You Notice Them

Creepy Crawlers and Cracks: How Pests Reveal Foundation Problems Before You Notice Them Most homeowners don’t associate pests with foundation problems, but sometimes insects and small critters are the first sign that something isn’t right beneath your home. Basements and crawl spaces provide the perfect environment for pests: dark, damp, and protected from the elements. […]

The Physics of Water Pressure: Why Basements Leak During Storms

The Physics of Water Pressure: Why Basements Leak During Storms

The Physics of Water Pressure: Why Basements Leak During Storms If your basement leaks during heavy rain, it may seem like water is somehow “finding its way in.” In reality, there’s a scientific reason behind it. The problem is often caused by hydrostatic pressure, a natural force created when water builds up in the soil […]

Turning Basements into Livable Space: Why Waterproofing Is the First Step

Turning Basements into Livable Space: Why Waterproofing Is the First Step

Turning Basements into Livable Space: Why Waterproofing Is the First Step Finishing a basement is one of the most popular ways homeowners add usable space without building an addition. A basement can become a family room, home office, gym, or guest suite, adding both comfort and value to your home. But before choosing flooring, lighting, […]