As soon as we are faced with damage to foundations or pipes, we quickly tend to blame the trees and cut them down. However, they bring many benefits to our home. Apart from this fact, they are not, in most cases, the main culprits for your damages. Of course, they can indirectly contribute to the deterioration of infrastructure, but their role would be that of a catalyst. Especially since other factors can cause these damages.
Trees: a catalytic role for damage already present
The most common tree-related disorders are clogged pipes, displaced concrete masses and cracked foundations. However, trees are very rarely the first to blame for your damage. They play more of a catalytic role. This means that when a problem appears at the structure level, trees will tend to accentuate this problem in a completely random way.
Freeze and thaw
In winter, it is common to see water turn to ice. Many roads are icy, freezing and then thawing repeatedly, causing potholes to appear. This effect also creates the shift of some structures, they fall back into place when the water melts, creating a space. This space between each freeze and thaw leaves room for tree roots to grow. Thus, the tree is not the main cause of the uplift of these concrete masses, but rather the freeze-thaw phenomenon.
Drying out the soil
The tree, if it can contribute to the drying of the soil, can also contribute to the maintenance of humidity, through the shade it provides. If the tree’s roots can’t get under the foundation, they shouldn’t be able to cause this kind of damage. Indeed, the condition of the soil would be the first indicator of a risk of damage to the foundations. Muddy soils in particular are the ones to worry about, because once they dry out, they leave a void in soil. This is when it is recommended to check the condition of your French drains. On the other hand, in this kind of situation, trees can be of great use, as their roots can drain the soil during heavy rains, thus preventing landslides.
Tree roots
It is well known that roots are constantly looking for water to be able to grow. So it’s natural to think that they’re attracted to the pipes in our homes. It is true that it is often the case that pipes are clogged with fine roots, but this is not a deliberate phenomenon. This is because when tree roots develop, they cannot detect water from a distance, they grow randomly and if they come across a damp place, they will proliferate. Therefore, if you find roots in pipes, it is often due to chance.
The solutions
As mentioned above, trees are not always directly responsible for your infrastructure damage. However, it is important to make sure that they are not planted within three metres of the foundation. You should also check that the structures in your home are deep and compact enough to prevent roots from developing.
In addition, it is necessary to regularly check the condition of your pipes and replace them if necessary, for this you can consult with the municipality of your neighborhood.
If you are facing foundation damage, do not hesitate to contact the Fissure Expert team, you will be dealing with real professionals experienced in crack repair.
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