How Long Does It Take for Water to Damage a Home’s Foundation?

How Long Does it Take for Water to Damage a Home's Foundation?

One of the biggest threats to your home’s foundation is water damage. Because concrete is porous, if cracks in your foundation allow water to seep in, the water will be absorbed and stay in your foundation. This causes further damage, which is often undetected. 

We’ll discuss how long it takes for severe water foundation damage to occur and what you can do about it.

How Fast Can Water Damage Occur?

Water damage in a foundation is often gradual, starting with small cracks allowing in small amounts of water. This weakens the foundation and lets in more water. This process can take months or even years to destroy your foundation. However, a large enough crack in your foundation can be destroyed by moisture in as few as 72 hours. 

How to Notice the Signs of Foundation Damage

It’s always best to catch any damage to your foundation as soon as possible. Water damage can often be subtle, but it might be noticeable in warping or leaning walls and your floor becoming warped or uneven overnight. Some more obvious signs you should look for are wet spots, mold, or mildew on your walls and floors.

How to Prevent Serious Water Damage

The best way to prevent water foundation damage is by keeping excess water away from your house. Ensure your gutters are regularly maintained, and slope your lawn away from your house. You can also prevent severe damage by contacting professionals to evaluate your foundation at the first signs of damage to ensure it doesn’t get worse. 

Is Water Damaging Your Foundation? Contact Christopher Contracting LLC

Foundation damage is a serious issue and should always be treated as such. If you think your foundation might have been damaged by water or otherwise, don’t hesitate to contact us at Christopher Contracting LLC today.