Are You Harming Your Home's Foundation?
The foundation is a key element of a home’s structure, and its condition can have a major impact on the longevity of the house. While foundations are buried underground, they can still be affected by weather patterns such as heavy rains and droughts, especially if they are not properly cared for. It is important to use high-quality materials when building a foundation and to regularly inspect and maintain it in order to ensure that both the foundation and the house remain in good condition and have a long lifespan. To avoid costly repairs and structural issues, it is important to be aware of the following mistakes that can be detrimental to a foundation.
Proper Drainage Helps Your Home Foundation
Proper drainage around the foundation is essential for maintaining the stability and integrity of a home. The soil surrounding the foundation should have an appropriate amount of water, neither too wet nor too dry, to prevent damage. If rainwater does not drain effectively from a home and begins to pool around the foundation, it can enter the crawlspace, potentially causing issues such as mold, wood rot, pest infestations, pipe damage, electrical hazards, and even significant structural damage. Additionally, soil in Houston often contains a high amount of clay, which is prone to significant volume changes due to moisture content. This can result in soil expansion beneath the foundation, causing upward pressure on the foundation and potentially leading to problems such as differential settlement, uneven or sagging floors, and cracks in the foundation, floors, and walls over time.
Texas Heat Can Hurt Your Home's Foundation
During the hot summer months in Texas, soil around and under a home can become extremely dry and shrink, leading to the development of cracks. If this dryness persists, the soil may also pull away from the foundation, creating gaps. These cracks and gaps can disrupt the foundation’s ability to provide adequate support for the home, potentially causing one side of the foundation to sink and the other sides to shift upward. This can lead to an unlevel foundation and home.
If this shifting continues over time it can result in major, irreversible structural changes. To avoid this type of damage, it is important to maintain consistent moisture levels around the foundation during the summer months. If a foundation does begin to shift, an experienced foundation repair contractor can help address the problem, and provide you with a repair plan, however, it is best to try to prevent such issues from occurring in the first place.
Postponing Foundation Repairs
Repairing a foundation crack may seem like a simple DIY task, but certain foundation repairs require professional training and experience to be properly completed. Certain foundation cracks may indicate serious structural issues that could worsen over time, so it is important to call a professional to inspect the foundation and fix any cracks or gaps that could compromise the structural integrity of the home. It is also important to note that foundation inspections should be completed by a homeowner on a yearly basis.
In addition to this, some experts recommend avoiding planting trees or shrubs too close to the home. While these plants can cause damage to the foundation, root barriers can redirect roots away from the foundation and prevent this damage. If any signs of foundation problems are observed, it is important to contact a foundation repair specialist for assistance. Taking action early can significantly reduce the cost of foundation repair if you notice signs early on. Postponing a foundation repair can add thousands down the road.
Schedule Your Free Estimate Today!
AAA Foundation Service
If you live in the Houston area and believe you may be facing foundation issues, there is only one call to make. Trust the professionals of AAA Foundation Service to provide honest information about your foundation issues. Call us today and we will get you setup with an in-depth inspection, free repair estimate, and a list of solutions.
Get Your Professional Foundation Repair Today!
Call: 713-467-8981
0% Financing for 18 Months
