Roots under the foundation: what to do with them and how to prevent destruction

The foundation, or the base upon which everything else is built, is one of the most important considerations when building or remodeling a home. But hidden beneath this important structure are the roots of surrounding plants and trees. Even though these roots are normal and helpful in and of themselves, they can seriously jeopardize a foundation’s stability and longevity.

Over time, roots beneath the foundation can result in a variety of problems, from small cracks to significant structural damage. Trees and other plants have extensive roots that can reach far below the surface of the ground in search of moisture as they search for nutrients and water. These roots put pressure on the foundation slab and walls as they spread and grow, which could cause shifts and cracks.

Several techniques can be used to address the roots that lie beneath the foundation. Root barriers, which are physical barriers buried to divert roots away from the foundation, are one useful technique. Usually constructed of plastic or metal, these barriers are put in place during building or remodeling projects. Root barriers prevent structural damage by directing roots around the foundation rather than allowing them to pass through.

The first step in preventing root damage is thorough planning and thought during the construction and landscaping stages. Studying the root systems and growth patterns of trees and shrubs is crucial before planting them close to a residence. Selecting plants with non-invasive root systems can help lower the probability of foundation issues in the future.

The management of roots close to foundations also requires routine maintenance. Future expensive repairs can be avoided by routinely checking the area surrounding the foundation for indications of root intrusion and taking quick action to resolve any problems. Furthermore, keeping the soil around the foundation at the right moisture content can deter roots from looking for water underneath the building.

Issue Solution
Roots growing under the foundation Cut back tree roots regularly to prevent them from reaching the foundation.
Trees planted too close to the house Relocate trees at a safe distance from the house to avoid future root problems.
Cracks in the foundation caused by roots Seal cracks and reinforce the foundation with proper materials to prevent further damage.
Roots blocking drainage systems Clear out roots from drainage systems and install root barriers to protect pipes.
Weak soil around the foundation Improve soil stability with proper landscaping techniques and materials.

Roots spreading beneath the foundation can seriously compromise the stability of your house. In order to solve this problem, you must locate the troublesome roots, cut them out, fix any damage, and take preventative actions like erecting root barriers or selecting less invasive landscaping plants. By doing these actions, you can guarantee the long-term stability and safety of your house and shield your foundation from future root-related issues.

Can tree roots destroy a foundation?

Numerous trees have strong roots. They can penetrate extremely strong materials in search of moisture.

Seldom do roots pierce through a solid, monolithic foundation. They attempt to avoid the house’s foundation because they see it as a barrier. However, roots expand their size and grow into foundational fissures. Warning signs for this:

  • cracks in the part of the foundation located above the soil surface;
  • warping of window frames or doorways;
  • swelling of the floor.

Trees may be the cause of sinking foundations. They break down the structure of the soil by taking moisture from it. However, this only occurs in the following scenarios:

  • the tendency of soil to swell when shrinking;
  • extreme soil drying.

Clay soils should not experience frequent frosts, intense rainstorms, or periods of drought. They contract in the summer and swell in the fall and winter due to the copious amounts of moisture and frost. When strong trees’ branched roots are present, these types of soils move with greater intensity. Plants disturb the equilibrium of soil moisture.

The foundation depth level is a crucial parameter. Drought causes shallow foundations to sink, making it easier for roots to get access. Deeper foundations require extended periods of drought, which prevents roots from growing beneath them and causing harm. However, even beneath the building’s deep foundation, soil subsidence is caused by moisture-loving trees with strong, aggressive roots.

What to do if roots grow into the foundation

It is important to stop additional damage to the building’s base if it is found that a tree’s roots are starting to penetrate the foundation. Many people choose to cut down the tree and dig out its roots because it makes sense. But sometimes this is not the best course of action.

Tree removal must be done carefully from start to finish. Survey the foundation before you destroy. When an ingrown root is uprooted, it has the potential to drag the building with it, altering the soil’s density and carrying capacity beneath the structure. As a result, weigh every risk.

However, there are situations when a tree next to the house and wall or foundation cracks have nothing to do with one another. It is worthwhile to arrange for a professional inspection to verify the extent of the roots’ influence. Professionals will investigate and provide a commentary.

Additionally, determine the moisture content of the soil before taking down an old tree. When moisture isn’t "sucked out," established soil may start to rise and swell. There will be cracks in the walls and deformation of the foundation structure. It is preferable to leave the tree alone if the roots have not yet reached the foundation and started to erode it.

How to get rid of roots that have grown into the foundation

In the event that the roots have already pierced the foundation, the tree must be chopped down in the initial stages. It is not recommended to carry out this task without the necessary tools. There is a chance that a tree trunk will fall during cutting and destroy the house.

Proceed to remove the stump after removing the trunk:

  1. First cut it at ground level.
  2. Then dig a trench down to the foundation, cut off and remove all roots directed towards the house.
  3. It is better not to touch the roots that have penetrated deeply into the wood. It is enough to cover the resulting cracks with cement mortar.

Without nourishment, roots will stop growing and the house’s foundation will stop being destroyed. If the stumps are removed, the roots might continue to spread. The addition of specific chemicals to wood will aid in inhibiting growth.

Tree cutting without permission could be considered an administrative infraction. Therefore, get approval from the appropriate authorities before deciding to remove a tree, even if it is on your own property.

How to protect the foundation from roots

It’s not always feasible to remove a tree that has already been planted in order to safeguard the foundation. This kind of situation frequently occurs when something is situated on a neighbor’s property and goes against accepted norms. An agreement with the owners of such vegetation is not always achievable. The only options available are to fence the root system or construct a protective structure for the house’s foundation.

Digging asbestos-cement slabs adjacent to the foundation will aid in "scare off" roots that try to infiltrate the home. Because of their robust and smooth surface, the roots will have nothing to grip onto and will be able to spread outward. The slabs’ composition will make the soil more acidic, which will prevent plants from growing.

A polymer waterproofing profiled membrane on the foundation’s exterior provides straightforward yet remarkably effective protection. It consistently guards against soil moisture. When placed underground, a waterproofing membrane will outlast a steel sheet of equivalent thickness.

Building a foundation out of steel screw piles is an additional choice. Underneath the house, geotextiles are placed to prevent plant germination. You can construct any house and preserve trees in this way.

Taking care of the root intrusion beneath your foundation is essential to preserving the structural integrity of your house. Unchecked roots can seriously harm an area and require expensive repairs. Early detection and intervention are critical to effectively managing this issue.

Regularly check your property for evidence of invasive roots close to the foundation to prevent problems caused by roots. Plants and trees that are too near to your house should be pruned back, and root barriers should be installed to divert growth away from the foundation. Additionally, it’s a good idea to select trees and plants with less aggressive root systems for the areas close to your home.

It’s critical to take immediate action if you already have a root intrusion. You can prevent future, more serious damage by seeking professional advice to evaluate the damage and suggest suitable solutions. In certain situations, it might be necessary to carefully remove roots and fix any foundation damage or cracks to stop future problems.

You can shield your house from the potentially harmful effects of root intrusion by being watchful and proactive. Taking good care of your landscaping and performing routine maintenance are important steps in protecting your foundation and guaranteeing the long-term stability of your house.

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Milan Yashina

Design engineer, specialist in development of design documentation. I will help you correctly design your home or other building.

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