Tree Root Foundation Damage And The Repair Process | PIERMAN Foundation Repair

If you’re concerned about the well-being of your home’s foundation, we at PIERMAN Foundation Repair are here to help. Today, we will discuss a sneaky culprit you may not have thought of before but need to consider! When examining cracks or fissures in your concrete flooring or basement walls, look for roots from any nearby large trees in your front or back yard. Believe it or not, strong materials and structures used to uphold the integrity of your home can be easily destroyed by tree roots; all they need is a little time.

The damage from moisture intrusion that can be dealt to a home’s foundation is usually done over a slow process, similar to what happens when tree roots slowly invade the soil over time. If you observe signs of moisture intrusion, such as soggy surfaces or warped floorboards, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. If the damage is extensive, your only option may be to have the tree removed.

To protect your home from water damage, a local waterproofing team like ours here at PIERMAN will start by excavating a trench around the damaged wall. Any exterior landscaping is carefully removed so the trench can be dug. We will locate any cracks and root intrusion that may have penetrated all the way down to the foundation’s footer. 

By removing the tree from above ground and then digging down past its roots to the foundation walls to remove the rest, the wall can be protected from further tree root foundation damage. It is still vulnerable to moisture intrusion, however. Of course, it will still remain vulnerable to the damage done by an excessive amount of surrounding moisture. In fact, cracks made in the wall from protruding roots are an open invitation for moisture to enter and cause more serious damage.

After the tree and any deep roots have been removed, the foundation wall needs to be protected using exterior waterproofing techniques. A waterproofing membrane, drainage board, and appropriate drainage system are installed outside the foundation wall to keep moisture intrusion from continuing where the tree roots had left off. 

After the job has been finished, the dirt can be refilled on top of the exterior waterproofing system and into the trench that was previously dug. The site will look as good as new after the removal of the big tree. Call PIERMAN Foundation Repair at (580) 453-0330 today if you believe that the foundation of your home is at risk or is suffering damage from encroaching tree roots. Additionally, if your foundation is showing signs of distress or damage without the presence of tree roots, you can still count on our expertise to restore the integrity of your home’s foundation.