Heavy Rain Water and Concrete Foundations

Since we have been having rainy spring days lately, I thought I would discuss what can happen to concrete foundations after excessive exposure to water. There are multiple issues that can occur when too much moisture accumulates under and/or beside a foundation wall. It has to do with additional surface pressure against the foundation wall, the porosity within the soil and its ability to hold extra water. The soil can swell and shift the elevations of the concrete causing cracking. Another issue that can occur is known as spalling. Which is when small deposits of water is trapped inside existing void space within concrete and chips away over time due to freeze and thaw cycles.

Water effects on concrete slabs