How Foundation Issues Can Damage Your Roof
When the winds start howling and the rain comes pouring down, you probably feel safer at home than anywhere else. You trust your roof to shelter you through the storm, keeping you dry and protected until the sun returns. Yet, beneath the surface, your home’s foundation affects the stability and integrity of the entire structure, including the roof. This relationship surprises many homeowners, but overlooking foundation issues could be the reason for that mysterious roof damage.
The Unseen Connection Between Your Foundation and Roof
It may seem counterintuitive, but problems with the foundation inevitably ripple upward, causing shifts and damage to the roof. Here are several issues at ground level that can affect the structure overhead:
- Expansive clay soils: One of the primary culprits is soil expansion. Clay soil, in particular, is known for swelling when wet, exerting upward pressure on the foundation. This upheaval leads to cracked walls and a strained roof.
- Poor maintenance: The hidden nature of foundation issues means they often get neglected. Skipping regular maintenance and inspections means you miss the chance to catch small problems before they escalate, and roof damage ensues before you can stop it.
- Faulty plumbing: Water from leaky underground pipes can over saturate and erode the soil beneath your home, undermining the foundation without your knowledge. This, in turn, leads to shifts that affect the roof structure.
- Tree roots: While trees add beauty and shade, their roots are problematic if they grow too close to the foundation. Direct contact with the concrete leads to upheaval, while moisture absorption causes the soil to contract and destabilize the foundation. This instability may damage the roof, manifesting as sagging or wavy roof lines.
- Uneven settling: Homes settle over time, but uneven settling leads to cracks and other structural damage that affects the roof. After all, as the foundation shifts, so does the structure it supports.
- Unlevel foundation: A foundation that isn’t level leads to structural problems with the floors, ceilings, and roof. A simple test can reveal whether your home has foundational issues—simply place a golf ball on a hard floor and see if it starts rolling. If so, you can bet the foundation isn’t level.
Schedule a Foundation Inspection
Clearly, the health of your foundation is inextricably linked to the condition of your roof. Ignoring signs of foundation distress may lead to costly roof damage, so don’t delay repairs.
If you’re worried about your roof because of issues with the foundation, let James Bond Complete Foundation Repair put your mind at ease. We bring over 25 years of experience to every project, leaving you with a stable foundation to safely support the rest of your house. With a focus on honesty, integrity, and customer education, we are a top choice for foundation repair in Dallas, Garland, and the Plano Area. Every repair comes with a lifetime transferable warranty, so you know our work is designed to last. Don’t let foundation issues compromise your home—contact us at 214-621-8771 today for a free foundation repair estimate.