8 Common Causes for Foundation Issues

Foundation problems can compromise your home's safety and value, making timely identification and repair essential. 

This comprehensive guide explains the common causes of foundation issues, signs to watch for, prevention tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. 

If you suspect foundation damage, our team is ready to assess and repair foundation walls, providing solutions you can trust.


At Functional Foundations, we specialize in foundation wall repairs and long-lasting solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by homes in Asheville, NC. From addressing cracks and uneven floors to preventing structural instability, our expert team ensures your home remains secure and stable for years.

This is why you should choose us: 

  • Immediate Customized Solutions for Every Home 🏡

  • High-Quality Materials for Lasting Repairs ⚒️

  • Transparent Pricing Without Surprises 🏷️

  • Commitment to Customer Satisfaction 🙋

  • Experienced Professionals Dedicated to Excellence 👷

  • We offer dependable foundation repair services without the burden of excessive costs.

  • We stand behind our work with a comprehensive service warranty that covers both materials and labor

Read on to learn more about maintaining a strong, stable foundation for your home in Asheville, NC.

If you have more questions or need foundation repair services, call 252-594-3603.

A close-up of dry, cracked soil underneath a home's foundation, with visible gaps and shrinkage causing potential foundation problems. This image illustrates the impact of dry soil on foundation stability.

2. Excess Water Around the Foundation Weakens Soil Support

Heavy rainfall and inadequate drainage can saturate the soil around your foundation. When water accumulates, it weakens the soil’s ability to support the foundation, leading to shifts and cracks. Asheville’s frequent rainstorms make properly functioning gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems critical to preventing water-related damage.

3. Improper Construction Weakens Your Foundation

If the soil wasn’t compacted correctly during construction, the foundation may lack the stable support it needs. Improperly mixed concrete or shortcuts during the building process can lead to premature foundation problems. Homes built on sloped areas in Asheville are especially vulnerable if builders fail to account for the terrain’s unique challenges.

1. Dry Soil Underneath the Foundation Causes Shrinking

Asheville’s soil often contains clay, which shrinks during dry periods. This shrinking creates gaps between the soil and the foundation, leading to settling or uneven support. Over time, this causes cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings. Dry conditions are particularly common during Asheville’s summer months, making proper soil hydration essential to prevent damage.

A close-up view of excess water pooling around a home's foundation, weakening the surrounding soil and causing visible damage to the foundation structure. This image highlights the dangers of improper drainage.

5. Freeze-thaw cycles Create Stress on the Foundation

Asheville experiences seasonal freeze-thaw cycles that can harm foundations. When water in the soil freezes, it expands, creating upward pressure on the foundation. As the ice melts, the soil contracts, leaving voids that destabilize the foundation. This repeated process can lead to cracks and shifting over time.

6. Plumbing Leaks Saturate the Soil Beneath the Foundation

Undetected plumbing leaks under or near your foundation can saturate the surrounding soil, weakening its ability to support your home. Over time, this saturation can lead to settling or cracks in the foundation. Regular plumbing inspections are crucial to catch leaks before they cause significant damage.

7. Natural Erosion Washes Away Supporting Soil

Asheville’s mountainous terrain increases the risk of soil erosion. Heavy rains often wash away the soil supporting your foundation, especially in homes built on slopes or near hillsides. Erosion creates instability, leading to cracks, uneven floors, and compromised structural integrity.

8. Minor Ground Vibrations or Tremors Weaken the Foundation

Although Asheville doesn’t experience frequent earthquakes, minor ground vibrations from construction or small seismic events can cause subtle damage over time. These vibrations may expand or create new cracks, gradually weakening the foundation’s overall stability.


4. Tree Roots Disrupt the Foundation’s Stability

Tree roots grow toward moisture and can spread under your home, disrupting the foundation’s support. Large trees near your property can absorb significant amounts of water from the soil, causing it to dry and shrink. Additionally, roots may exert pressure on foundation walls, leading to cracks and structural issues.

A view of an uneven foundation caused by dry soil shrinkage, showing visible cracks and settling under the home. The image demonstrates the effects of dry soil on foundation stability.

Functional Foundations Provides Foundation Repairs That Solve Immediate Issues and Ensure Long-Term Stability

At Functional Foundations, we specialize in delivering expert foundation repair services designed to address immediate structural concerns while securing the long-term integrity of your home. Whether you’re dealing with foundation cracks, sagging floors, or failing walls, our team applies proven techniques and high-quality materials to ensure lasting stability and safety.

Comprehensive Foundation Solutions

We go beyond surface-level fixes to provide complete, long-term solutions. Our services include rebuilding foundation walls, stabilizing soil, and addressing root causes like water damage and poor drainage. Each repair is designed to withstand environmental challenges common to North Carolina, such as shifting soil, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy rainfall.

Thorough Assessment and Expert Execution

Our process begins with a detailed inspection to identify all underlying foundation issues. We develop a repair plan tailored to your home’s unique needs, ensuring that every solution addresses visible damage and its root cause. Our experienced team rebuilds and reinforces your foundation for years of stability using advanced techniques and durable materials.

Your Partner in Home Stability

We prioritize customer satisfaction by maintaining clear communication and delivering reliable results. We aim to give you peace of mind, knowing that your home is secure from the ground up. From free estimates to lasting repairs, Functional Foundations is committed to ensuring your home remains safe and strong for generations.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward a safer, more stable home.

Call 252-594-3603 now!

FAQs

  • You should be concerned about foundation problems if you notice signs such as cracks in walls or floors, doors or windows that stick or don't close properly, uneven or sloping floors, or gaps between walls and ceilings. These indicators suggest potential structural issues that may require professional evaluation.


  • Consider walking away from a house with foundation problems if the damage is extensive, the cost of repairs is prohibitively high, or the issues have led to significant structural instability. Before making a decision, consult our experts to assess the severity of the damage and obtain repair estimates.


  • A faulty foundation may present visible signs such as horizontal or stair-step cracks in walls, bulging or bowing basement walls, uneven or sagging floors, and doors or windows that misalign or stick. These symptoms indicate underlying structural problems that should be addressed promptly.


  • The most common cause of foundation failure is soil movement beneath the foundation. This movement can result from soil expansion and contraction due to moisture changes, poor drainage, or improper soil compaction during construction. These factors can lead to the foundation settling, shifting, or cracking.


  • Foundation issues occur due to various factors, including soil composition and moisture fluctuations, inadequate drainage systems, poor construction practices, and environmental conditions such as freeze-thaw cycles. These elements can compromise the foundation's stability over time.


  • Homeowners insurance covers foundation issues if they result from specific covered perils like fire, explosion, or vehicle impact. However, damage due to general wear and tear, poor maintenance, flooding, or earthquakes is usually not covered. It is important to review your policy details to understand the extent of coverage for foundation repairs.