The Lone Star State is known for many great things, but homeowners know that in Texas, foundation repair is like nowhere else in the United States. Let’s explore what makes this state so vulnerable to foundation problems and failures.
The Black Clay Issue
A wide expanse of Texas has black soil. While this fertile soil is a blessing for farmers who rely on it to boost their crop yield, the soil is not so friendly toward construction projects.
This soil consists of dark clay that is very reactive to weather conditions. For example, when it rains and the clay gets wet, it expands. During warmer times, the soil dries out and then contracts.
This back-and-forth movement is called “upheaval” or “slab heave,” and it is not difficult to see how it can cause uneven pressure on your home’s foundation. For this reason, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of foundation problems because, as the soil moves with the seasons over time, it can cause significant damage or foundation failures.
The Heat Makes the Problem Worse
Slab heave is exacerbated by Texas’s heat and rainy seasons. When summer swings by, temperatures can easily rocket past 100 degrees for weeks on end. This scorching heat causes moisture to evaporate quickly from the black soil and any other type of soil. This dryness encourages more soil movement and shrinkage, which is not ideal for foundation integrity and stability.
Texas also experiences rainy seasons that dump a lot of water on the ground. Not only does this cause the clay to expand, but when water pools around homes and foundations, inadequate drainage can lead to problems like moisture retention, mold, rot, weakening materials, and a host of other issues.
Poor Construction Practices
When a house in Texas develops foundation problems, nature is not always to blame. Just like in any other state, Texas homeowners can fall prey to construction companies that do not deliver excellent services. They might use lower-quality materials to build the foundation or fail to prepare the soil properly. This can lead to problems such as cracking, shifting, and sinking.
Texas Foundation Repair Solutions
Homes in Texas are known for problems such as cracked windowsills, doors that do not open or close properly, damaged chimneys, cracked walls, and wobbly floorboards. All of these can be indicative of a foundation that is sinking or shifting.
Apart from these, you can also be on the lookout for other common signs that it’s time for your foundation to be checked.
- Uneven walls
- Damaged or cracked drywall
- Nails that fall out of walls or drywall
- Windows that get stuck
- Uneven floors
- Cracked tiles
- Drainage issues
- A mold problem
- Bowing walls or other wall abnormalities
- Gaps appearing between the wall and countertops or cabinets
- Gaps opening between a wall and window frames
Act Quickly When You Discover a Problem
Some of the aforementioned signs can be related to other issues, but never assume that the foundation isn’t responsible. Since Texas homes are more vulnerable to foundation failures, it’s essential to play it safe. Once you notice an issue, contact an expert to inspect your home as soon as possible.
The Importance of Expert Texas Foundation Repair
Considering the unique combination of clay soil and Texas’s weather, it is important to rope in an expert who is highly specialized and experienced in dealing with Texas foundation repair issues. This way, you can rest assured that your home will receive personalized attention that deals with the issues that are specific to your foundation.