Your foundation may become infected by tree and shrub roots, eroding its integrity and leading to failure. The earth itself may shift your foundation because of roots that deplete the soil of moisture. These issues may manifest as uneven floors, stuck doors or windows, or a musty odor that permeates your entire home.
There are numerous strategies to assist safeguard your foundation from issues caused by roots. But occasionally the damage has already been done. If this is your situation, we strongly advise you to contact Align Foundation Repair so we can arrange for one of our skilled and qualified contractors to do a free examination. Since foundation damage may develop over time and may become more costly to repair if ignored, it is crucial to take action as soon as possible.
Steps You Can Take To Prevent Root Damage
There are several tried-and-true methods to stop tree and shrub roots from harming your foundation. These consist of:
- Carefully select your trees and shrubs; generally, it’s preferable to go with low-water-demanding, slow-growing plants. Your neighborhood landscaper may have some helpful information.
- giving your trees and bushes enough room to grow; for instance, hardwood trees should be planted at least 20 feet away from your home. Again, for information on particular plants, consult your neighborhood landscaper or garden center.
- Installing a root barrier involves encircling a tree or shrub with a flexible polyethylene (HDPE) shield known as a root barrier. It directs roots downward and away from your home when buried or driven into the ground.
How Roots Can Cause This Issue
- Trees and bushes require a lot of water because they utilize it to dry up the soil surrounding your home. A mature oak tree, for instance, may need up to 50 gallons of water each day to be healthy. They can cause the foundation to grow and eventually break by sucking this moisture from the earth surrounding your home.
- Tree and shrub roots can also modify how much dirt is distributed around your home by shifting the soil, which can cause your foundation to either heave upward or sink farther into the ground.
- You might imagine tree and shrub roots as underground spear tips that are continually probing your foundation for flaws by burrowing into the foundation itself. They will eventually work their way into cracks in the structure or even make new ones, causing the entire thing to become weak.
