Home & Garden
How To Ensure Your Foundation Is Properly Sealed In Pennsylvania
Work with a reputable local professional who is knowledgable of Pennsylvania building code.
Soil composition, annual rainfall and yearly temperatures vary across the country, so it's no wonder the process of foundation sealing varies as well. In Pennsylvania, building officials may recommend soil testing for a particular location if they have concerns about shifting or compressive soil.
If you're building new, reputable contractors will have extensive knowledge of local requirements and will work through proper steps to ensure your foundation will last a lifetime. Depending on the soil, moisture and gasses can be prevented through construction techniques like a special mastic coating and drain board on the exterior of the foundation wall.
In new construction, drain tile is installed at the foundation footing to redirect water away from the house. Before pouring your basement floor, gravel fill is used beneath the slab with a poly membrane to resist moisture and gasses released from the soil.
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If executed properly, these modern techniques will prevent cracks or gaps in the foundation. Problems can come into play, however, in older homes. This can be thanks to obsolete building techniques or prior owner neglect. If you have a historic house, there are some warning signs to look out for. Keep your eyes peeled for any cracks in the foundation, sloping floors, or misaligned doors and windows. This can suggest a structural issue that requires immediate attention.
If you spot any of these red flags, hire a structural engineer on HomeAdvisor to help. Don't try to seal cracks or gaps on your own or with the help of a handyman before a professional diagnosis. You might make the problem worse by obscuring the issue. A structural engineer isn't going to repair the damage, but they are best equipped to diagnose the program and advise how to properly resolve it.
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Once you have a prognosis from a structural engineer, a professional contractor can help take next steps to maintain your home's structural integrity. If you only need to fill gaps to prevent further damage, there are several foams, caulks and fillers on the market that can cheaply and easily get the job done.
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