1. Water Trouble
Water is the #1 enemy of foundations. Here’s how it causes harm:

• Too Much Rain or Flooding: Pools of water around your home push against the foundation walls. Over time, this pressure can cause cracks

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• Leaky Pipes: Broken pipes under the house can wash away soil, creating empty spaces that let the foundation sink.

• Poor Drainage: Gutters that don’t direct water away from the house let water soak into the ground nearby, making the soil expand or shrink.

2. Soil Problems
The ground under your home isn’t always steady:

• Swelling Soil: Clay soil acts like a sponge-it grows when wet and shrinks when dry, pushing or pulling the foundation unevenly.

• Erosion: Wind or water can carry away soil, leaving gaps under the foundation.

• Tree Roots: Big roots near the house suck moisture from the soil, causing it to shrink and drop the foundation.

3. Construction Mistakes
Sometimes the problem starts when the house is built:

• Weak concrete or not enough steel bars (rebar) inside.

• Soil wasn’t packed tightly before building, so it settles unevenly over time.

4. Natural Shifts

• Earthquakes or heavy storms can move the ground suddenly.

• Temperature changes make materials like concrete expand and contract, leading to cracks.