At Precision Foundation Repair and Concrete Lifting, we see a wide variety of structural issues, but water is almost always the primary culprit. I recently visited the Community Center in Menard, Texas, to assess a massive building suffering from a problem that is incredibly common, though rarely this severe.
If you want to understand why proper drainage is critical for your property, this facility serves as a perfect cautionary tale.
The Hidden Danger of Broken Downspouts
This particular building was designed with a system to collect water off the roof, funnel it into a series of underground pipes, and deposit it into an above-ground collection tank. When functioning properly, this is a great way to utilize natural resources.
However, problems arise when downspout tie-ins fail. Instead of being safely carried away from the structure, massive amounts of rainwater were dumped directly next to the foundation.
The Consequences: Soil Compromise and Foundation Heaving
When water is allowed to pool around a structure, it doesn’t just sit on the surface. In this instance, the failed downspouts compromised the soil all around the perimeter of the building.
Even worse, that water leached back underneath the building. The resulting pressure and soil expansion caused the center of the building to heave upward. The sheer force of this movement created devastating structural damage, including:
- A severely cracked concrete slab.
- Nasty, highly visible cracks running through the interior CMU block walls.
Our Engineered Repair Solution: Polyurethane and Carbon Fiber
A project of this magnitude requires a highly technical approach. We are working closely with an engineering firm on this entire project to ensure we understand the problems at a very deep level and execute a permanent solution.
Our comprehensive repair plan includes two main phases:
- Soil Stabilization: We are addressing the compromised soil around the building’s perimeter by injecting a high-density polyfoam to stabilize and strengthen the base.
- Structural Stitching: To repair the severe slab damage, we will stitch the cracks back together using a series of high-strength carbon fiber staples combined with foundation epoxy.
Protect Your Home, Barn, or Commercial Building
We are grateful to take on important commercial projects like the Menard Community Center. But the lessons learned here apply to any structure. If you notice broken gutters, pooling water, or early signs of cracking, do not wait for the center of your building to heave.
Whether you have an issue with your commercial facility, your house, or your barn foundation, we work on those all the time.
Would you like me to schedule a free inspection for your property? We would be happy to help you address your foundation concerns before they become major structural failures.