No Houston area homeowner wants to hear that they have foundation damage. The mind immediately assumes catastrophic damage brought on by
tiny cracks in the foundation that are spidering their way to the core of their house. The next thought is usually how much cash this will set them back.
Truth is, foundation problems in Houston and across Texas, when caught early, don’t always mean sweat-inducing bills. You are best off structurally
and financially when addressing foundation problems early before they worsen. This is where expert
foundation repair comes in. From cracks and exterior mildew to standing water and sloping floors, you should know about
common foundation problems so you can nip them in the bud.
Oftentimes, Texas foundation problems aren’t fixed with just one solution. You must fully understand and diagnose the issue so that the correct solution can be used. Your
foundation repair expert will do an inspection and initial analysis before engaging in comprehensive foundation repair services.
Identify Foundation Problems
First, it’s necessary to identify the type of foundation problem you have. Document all issues in detail so when your foundation repair expert visits, you can pinpoint the areas promptly.
Here are some indicators that can signal trouble:
- Improperly closing doors and windows
- Cracks in sidewalks, patios and other surfaces
- Buckling walls
- Cracks in walls and ceilings
- Sagging and sloped floors
- Warped ceilings
- Water damage and soil shifting
- Diagonal cracking at the corners of door jambs and windows
- Cracked and crumbling foundation
Some signs are obvious and others just aren’t. A foundation repair expert has the
tools and diagnostic equipment that can detect hidden leaks, slippage and cracks.
Common Early Signs of Foundation Issues
Because you know your home better than anyone else, you will probably be the first to notice the subtle little signs that show impending problems may be on the horizon. From ill-fitting windows and doors to water damage, heed these warning signs that will allow you to catch issues before you have to shell out a lot of money on extensive repair costs – or worse, jeopardize the safety of your family.
- Water Damage: Water that’s saturating the soil around your home will expand when moist and contract when dry, causing shifts in the soil. This, in turn, can cause crumbling, cracking and breaking of your foundation. Any cracks that form there will encourage water to pool around it and seep into those cracks. A big sign of cracks in your foundation? When the surrounding soil is still dry even after a rain storm or watering your lawn.
- Floor and Ceiling Damage: Be on the lookout for sagging floorboards, warped parts of the ceiling, and gaps between the indoor wall and ceiling. If you think your floorboards are starting to warp and sag, try this little test: place a ball on the floor and see if it rolls. If it stays still, you’re OK. If it moves, there’s a problem with the sub-floor or foundation.
- Ill-Fitting Windows and Doors: Your windows and doors should fit snugly for a precise fit, but not so tightly that they’re hard to open and close. If you find they are too loose or too tight, your foundation may be to blame, or it could just be that your window installer put them in improperly, or perhaps even that they’re old. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Get the issue looked at anyway to rule out foundation damage.
Wall Warping: Interior and exterior walls will settle over time, especially with new construction. But that’s common: building designs make allowances for this type of natural settling. This is why cracks or warping in the walls should be something to take serious and investigate further, as it could signal a foundation problem. Do you see water stains or evidence of mold and signs of decay? These are red flags that may mean water has made its way into your home via the foundation. If you have brick or cement walls, check for crumbling parts or cracks.
How Cracks and Damage Occur to the Foundation
Settling is often the culprit. While some amount of settling and cracks is normal and can be expected over time, only a foundation repair expert knows for certain when the settling has gone too far. Other
causes of foundation problems include:
- Improper grading of soil around the foundation
- Build-up of moisture in the surrounding soil
- Flooding and heavy rains
- Water main break
- Property built on expansive clay, or compressible or improperly-compacted fill soils
- Lack of maintenance
Settlement may result in poor drainage, uneven floors, cracks, tripping risks, and equipment malfunctions.
French drains may offer a solution to send away excess water from the foundation. Also, make sure your gutters and downspouts encourage the free flow of water, well away from the foundation.
Time and Moisture
These are your foundation’s two main enemies. Foundations that have cracks absorb moisture, which begins by accumulating in the soil. It then expands and exerts pressure on walls and foundation footings, which is when cracks begin appearing, says
House Logic. Make sure your
grading is sufficient – it should slope at least six inches for every 10 feet.
Time is also to blame. As we said before, some settling is normal, but when the foundation experiences
differential settlement (meaning the ground under the house doesn’t settle in a uniform manner), subjected to moist soil and poor drainage repeatedly over time, you have a large problem that will only worsen with the passage of more time.
Additional Damage
When you delay foundation repair, both
occupant safety and the structural integrity of the home are at risk. Just because Texas doesn’t have the huge earthquakes of California, all it takes is one small one, or
torrential rains over many days to
worsen cracks and damage.
You could experience
bowed or cracked foundation walls brought on by lateral pressure from over-saturated soil. Or, you may get
dropped or sunken foundations, which require a type of repair known as underpinning. In this instance, a support known as a pier is placed underneath the foundation, lifting it back up to a stable position.
The more damage occurs, the more piers are required to repair it, which increases your price tag. Best to catch the problem early and save yourself the big bills.
Contact Aftermath Structural Repair
To learn more about our
foundation repair service and how we can help,
contact us today at 281-815-0025, or schedule a
free evaluation online.
