The
foundation is the most important part of any structure. It’s responsible for carrying and holding the entire load of the building above it – not just the weight of the structure itself but the weight of other stressors such wind, rain, floods or earthquakes. Let’s take a look at why a solid foundation is so important in Texas, and what it can accommodate.
Temperature
The earth’s surface is dynamic, not steady. Additionally, it’s interior is teeming with lava, hot water and molten metals. Even the surface soil is extremely porous and may sink some over time. The foundation has to be built in such a way that it can take on all of these parameters, especially knowing that Texas soil is so varied by region.
Bending Moment
When designing the foundation, the total static and dynamic load must be calculated and the bending moment must be assured. A factor of safety must be added to the calculation, which will depend on the soil strength and integrity. A bending moment occurs when a force is applied at a given distance away from a point of reference to cause a bending effect. In other words, it’s a force that causes something to bend. If the object (in this case, the foundation and structure) is not restrained well enough, the bending force will cause that object to rotate.
Addition of Floors
It’s not uncommon for people to add more floors than was originally intended or sanctioned, which significantly adds much more to the load. If not built correctly, the foundation would not be able to accommodate that extra load and would eventually collapse.
Protection of Home
Your foundation is not just where your home sits…it also helps to protect the entire structure. Home sizes and shapes vary widely, but a good foundation forms the basis of any home. The need for a solid foundation is the same despite when or where the home is being built. In essence, the foundation is what keeps your whole home stable.
Prevention of Shifting and Settling
A good foundation prevents your home from shifting or settling into the ground underneath it. When homes are on unstable foundations, they could experience faults such as uneven flooring or cracks. In turn, this can lead to water and property damage. If the soil under the foundation is not compacted in an efficient manner, it puts your home at risk for serious issues such as sinking or cracking.
Climate Resistance
A strongly-built foundation will resist any changes in weather, from torrential downpours to bone-dry summers.
Property Value
A strong foundation also keeps your property value intact. When it comes time to sell your home in Texas, potential buyers will recognize the value of your home without having to worry about its foundation.
Contact Aftermath Structural Repair
If your Texas foundation is in need of repair, or you are just not sure,
contact us in Houston at 281-231-8904.
