Can foundation problems cause roof damage?
Foundation problems that go ignored can lead to major structural problems, that includes roof damage. How does that happen?
It all starts with your foundation. The foundation of your house moves depending on the moisture in the soil below it. Movement in the soil causes stress to the foundation. Enough movement can cause the slab to crack or bulge. All that movement travels up your home through the walls and eventually to the roof.
When the foundation shifts, so can the roof. This is why it’s crucial to seek help from experts if you suspect that your foundation is damaged.
Repairing your roof is another costly project that you shouldn’t ignore.
Shifting in the foundation can cause the roof to shift
If your foundation has caused damage to your roof you might see some curving or bowing along the ridgeline. A sturdy roof can usually withstand a couple inches of shifting but more than that can start to cause problems.
You’ll especially notice if the roof has started to curve or have leaks. In extreme cases, there could be separation in parts of the roof. Openings allow rain and animals to enter the structure and cause havoc.
Is your home at risk for foundation issues?
If you live in North Texas, the answer is yes. Our region is covered in highly expansive soil, it’s a clay-like soil that expands when it absorbs water and shrinks when it drys out.
This expansion and contraction below and around the foundation causes stress to the slab and can cause it to crack or bulge. Once the foundation begins to crack water seeps into the slab and it can further break and leave your home on an unstable and unlevel foundation. Use proper foundation maintenance to prevent damage and when damage is unavoidable tend to repairs as soon as possible.
What causes foundation problems?
Poor drainage
Poor drainage from rainwater, natural streams, or water lines can affect the soil around your home. Water can touch your foundation but puddles around the foundation are a problem. Having a good drainage system, including gutters can be a big help in preventing foundation failure.
Tree roots
Tree roots near your house can grow deep and get underneath your foundation. Trees require lots of water to grow and stay healthy so the roots absorb the water from the surrounding soil. Root systems drain moisture from underneath the foundation leading. When this happens moisture levels become uneven causing significant stress to the concrete.
Signs indicating foundation problems
Cracks
Movement of the soil causes cracks in the foundation. On the interior of your home, you may notice cracks in the sheetrock and on the exterior, it may be in the masonry. The most serious cracks are those that are horizontal.
Floor Level
Uneven floors are an indicator of a failing foundation. The more the floor is sloped the more serious the damage is.
Unexplained cracks in tiles is another clue that the foundation has failed.
Problems with windows and doors
Keep tabs on the condition of your windows and doors, including the garage door. Sometimes foundation problems can knock these systems out of square making them difficult to operate.
Watch out for:
- Difficulty opening or closing windows or doors
- Cracks around the surrounding walls
- Separation in the caulking
What should you repair first, roof or foundation?
We recommend repairing your foundation before you repair your roof. After a foundation is repaired it has to settle into its new position. Too much shifting can cause movement in the roof and shingles.
If the roofing problem is extreme work with both a foundation team and roofing team to come up with a plan of action.
Ecoscape Foundation provides foundation repair services and drainage services to homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
If you think your foundation needs some repairs, contact us to schedule a free in-home evaluation. Our detailed evaluations include foundation elevation readings, work order, and payment plan options.
