Total. Foundation. Structural. Failure.
Unfortunately, this string of four terrifying words is much-less a nightmare and more of a reality for more clients than you could imagine. Take, for example, the above home in West Deptford, NJ. During the brutal Hurricane Irene in 2011, the homeowners woke in fright as their foundation wall, already ripe with bows and cracks, finally gave way. Everyone in the home was safe, but many possessions were crushed, and many head and heartaches were had in the following weeks.
The homeowners gave a call to our expert team as soon as they could, and South Jersey Waterproofing came out to inspect the site. We knew right away we had quite the job ahead of us.
But what, you may ask, besides the immense storm itself, led to this catastrophic collapse?
In this reimagining and exploration of their tale, we put you in their place and delve into the harrowing experience that homeowners can face with an already bowed and cracked foundation wall that plunges into darkness overnight.
A Silent Threat Unveiled:
It’s a relatively peaceful August evening, and you’re nestled cozily in your bed, blissfully unaware of the impending catastrophe lurking beneath your home. Unbeknownst to you, your foundation wall had silently endured the weight of the earth above and the relentless pressure of expansive soil. Over time, this led to bowing and dangerous cracks, all while you went about your daily life, oblivious to the impending disaster lurking beneath your feet.
The Perfect Storm:
On that fateful night, a sinister combination of circumstances conspired against you. Heavy rainfall, hydrostatic pressure, or poor drainage exacerbated the compromised foundation wall. These forces pushed it beyond its breaking point, triggering a catastrophic collapse as you slept peacefully, dreaming of kittens.
A Rude Awakening:
Suddenly- a jolt of thunderous proportions rings throughout the house. One like you have never experienced before. Thoughts and feelings of panic and disbelief overcome you as you are abruptly awakened by a deafening crash in the dead of night. Disoriented and filled with dread, you rush to what once was their basement, only to be met with a nightmare scene. Your lowest floor is now a chaotic scene of debris, and the once-solid foundation wall lies in ruins. It’s a devastating realization, shattering the tranquility of your home in an instant.
Assessing the Damage:
As the dust settles, you face the daunting task of assessing the extent of the damage. The collapse of a foundation can have far-reaching consequences, compromising the structural integrity of the entire home. Floors crack, walls shift, and potential damage to vital utilities like plumbing and electrical systems become stark realities. It’s a grim and overwhelming situation that demands immediate attention and action. Not to mention, it’s pouring outside.
Seeking Help:
After ensuring your family is safe and out of the home, you call the experts at South Jersey Waterproofing. The local team came out right away to assess the situation and, within a few weeks, with the help of their structural engineering and repair experts, have the job completed and a new structurally reinforced foundation for your gorgeous West Deptford, NJ, home.
The job took lots of dirt and debris removal before starting on the actual rebuild, but knowing the steps and how to execute them is why homeowners trust a company like South Jersey Waterproofing with such important jobs.
Remember, a home’s foundation is its literal backbone, supporting everything above it. Its stability should never be underestimated or taken for granted. Taking steps to protect the house, including consulting professionals, scheduling regular inspections, and addressing any issues promptly, becomes paramount. By doing so, homeowners can ensure that their foundation stands strong and that the haunting collapse of a wall in the dead of night never shatters their dreams.
If you suspect your foundation has bows or cracks and you don’t want to wake to a nightmare scenario like the family in West Deptford, New Jersey, give our team a call or click today for us to come out and assess your home!
