If you live in Vancouver or nearby, you’re no stranger to heavy rain. But when an atmospheric river rolls in, things can get serious—fast. These massive streams of moisture in the sky bring intense rainfall, leading to flooding, erosion, and foundation and concrete problems.
Many homes in Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland experience flooding, over saturation, and leaking issues.
If your home or driveway is showing signs of settlement after a heavy downpour, it could be time to consider concrete or structural repair.
What Is an Atmospheric River?
An atmospheric river is a long, narrow band of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere. When it reaches land, it can dump days’ worth of rain in just a few hours, overwhelming drainage systems and saturating the soil. Vancouver has seen its fair share of these weather events, and each time, homeowners face the risk of water damage, soil shifting, foundation instability, and sinking concrete.
How Does an Atmospheric River Affect Your Home’s Foundation and Concrete?
The excessive rain from an atmospheric river can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation and surrounding concrete in several ways:
1. Soil Saturation and Erosion
When the ground absorbs too much water, it becomes unstable. Saturated soil can shift, wash away, or compact, leading to foundation settlement. If your home sits on shifting ground, you might notice uneven floors, cracks in the walls, or doors that don’t close properly. Similarly, this shifting can cause your driveway, patio, or walkways to sink or become uneven.
2. Hydrostatic Pressure on Foundation Walls
As water builds up around your home, it creates hydrostatic pressure against your foundation. Over time, this can cause basement walls to bow or crack, allowing water to seep in and cause even more damage.
3. Pooling Water and Settled Concrete
Heavy rain can cause pooling water around driveways, patios, and walkways. This standing water can erode the ground underneath, leading to sinking or uneven concrete slabs. Over time, settled concrete not only becomes a tripping hazard but also allows water to seep into cracks, accelerating damage.
Signs Your Home and Concrete Might Need Repair After an Atmospheric River
If you’ve experienced a major storm and are worried about your home’s stability, look out for these warning signs:
- Cracks in your foundation, basement walls, or exterior walls
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Gaps around doors and windows
- Water pooling around your foundation or in your basement
- Sinking or shifting concrete slabs in your driveway, walkways, or patio
- Uneven steps or noticeable gaps between concrete sections
How to Fix Foundation and Concrete Issues
The good news? If your home has suffered damage due to an atmospheric river, there are solutions to restore stability and prevent future issues.
Foundation Repair
If your foundation or any part of your home has shifted or cracked due to soil movement, professional repair methods like helical piers or push piers can help stabilize it. These deep-driven supports anchor your home to stable soil or bedrock, preventing further settlement. In many cases where the areas have settled, we can even lift the structure back to level.
We can use our piers to permanently stabilize: houses, decks, columns, concrete steps and structures, and more.
Concrete Leveling and Repair
For sinking driveways, patios, or walkways, concrete lifting with PolyLevel can raise and stabilize the slabs. This method can fix uneven concrete, eliminate trip hazards, cracked concrete, and prevent further deterioration. This method is quick, non-invasive, and far more affordable than full concrete replacement
How to Protect Your Home and Concrete from Future Storms
While you can’t stop the rain, you can take steps to minimize damage from future atmospheric rivers:
- Improve Drainage: Ensure your gutters, downspouts, and grading direct water away from your home and concrete areas.
- Seal Foundation and Concrete Cracks: Prevent water intrusion before it becomes a bigger issue.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection: If you’re unsure about your foundation’s or concrete’s condition, an expert assessment can help you catch problems early.
Don’t Let Vancouver’s Rain Take a Toll on Your Home and Concrete
With Vancouver’s rainy climate, foundation and concrete issues are a real concern. If you’ve noticed signs of settlement or damage after an atmospheric river, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Our team specializes in foundation and concrete repair solutions that keep your home and outdoor spaces safe and stable for years to come.
Contact us today for an inspection and let’s make sure your home and concrete stand strong—rain or shine!