When you think about foundation damage, poor construction and plumbing leaks are seen as among the top causes. But did you know that it can also be caused by critters, particularly groundhogs? The reality is that these rodents, also referred to as woodchucks, can pose a significant threat to your home’s foundation due to their burrowing habits. In this post, our home foundation repair experts talk about everything you must know about the impact of groundhogs on your foundations.
The Hidden Danger of Groundhog Burrows
Groundhogs are rodents known for taking up real estate underneath the soil. They can create complex tunnel systems that can extend up to 100 feet in length, with the average depth of the main tunnel ranging between 3 to 6 feet. These burrows typically have multiple entrances and exits, and chambers for nesting, sleeping and storing food. While this might sound harmless enough, the location of these burrows can lead to substantial issues, particularly if they are near your home’s foundation.
These creatures often choose to dig under structures such as houses, sheds, decks, patios or anything with a concrete slab for overhead stability. When groundhog burrows are located near a foundation, they can cause water to flow directly underneath your home and cause enough imbalance leading to excessive drainage problems. This constant water flow can erode the soil structure beneath your home, eventually causing the foundation to settle or even fail.
Recognizing Groundhog Foundation Damage
The signs of groundhog activity may not always be visible since their burrows are underground. Be vigilant for holes or piles of dirt near the foundation. If there are no visible indications, the first signs of a problem might be increased moisture, humidity and even mold in your basement or crawl space. These issues can progressively lead to more severe structural problems, including cracks in walls, windows and doors that stick shut, uneven floors, sagging walls and in extreme cases, potential collapses.
How To Address Groundhog Damage
The key to preventing extensive and costly repairs is early detection and action. If you suspect groundhog activity near your foundation, it’s imperative that you first seek to have the groundhog trapped and removed. Following removal, assessing foundation damage is also important. Professional foundation repair technicians can offer solutions like basement waterproofing, drainage services, concrete leveling and more, depending on the extent of the damage.
To take care of any groundhog damage, professionals can use underpinning, injection, wall plate anchors, helical tiebacks and improvements to drainage systems. These solutions not only address the immediate damage but also help to prevent future incidents.
Protecting Your Home From Groundhogs
It’s possible to keep groundhogs outside your home. Line existing holes with materials that groundhogs cannot easily remove, like gravel, sand, concrete or clay. Additionally, employing deterrents such as fencing, repellents, traps or seeking professional removal services can help to keep these critters at bay.
If you need help with your residential and commercial foundations, you can always count on us at The Dwyer Company, Inc., your leading local foundation specialists. Call us at (877) 399-3726, or fill out this contact form to reach us.
