Why a Solid Foundation Is Essential in West Texas
And 5 Signs You May Need Foundation Repair
Sooner Rather Than Later.
Like most West Texas homeowners, you want your home to be built on a stable, rock-solid foundation. So if you think you need foundation repair, it’s best to know the signs and the right solutions.
The foundation is the anchor for any home or building. And it is termed as one of the most important steps in the construction process. Without a strong foundation, the home becomes unstable, resulting in minor repairs or even major disasters such as the entire structure collapsing.
While every home or business has had land cleared for the home to be built on, the ground can still shift and move. The foundation is meant to resist this movement, so the home itself does not move.
Two Major Reasons For Foundation Failure
In West Texas, there are two big reasons for foundation failure: improper drainage and expansive soils.
Improper drainage refers to the drainage around the home. For example, if it rained and this water sat around your home rather than drain away, as years passed, this would cause the foundation to crack. This is why it is always recommended that the downspouts of your gutters should extend at least 4-7 feet away from the base of your home.
The type of soil that your home is built on is also a major contributor to how well your foundation holds up. Periods of intense heat and dryness and long periods of moisture can lead to the soil expanding and contracting. This movement will cause foundation settling due to the pressure changes in the soil.
But these aren’t the only reasons your foundation may break down. Let’s take a look at a few other common causes of foundation failure…
Other Reasons For Foundation Failure
Of course, while these may be the two main reasons why you may need foundation repair methods, there are several other components that can wreak havoc on any foundation. Tree roots that are close to the foundation can cause cracks in this, allowing for moisture to seep into the foundation. Other components that can affect this foundation include:
- An addition to the home, such as adding a second story, can put more weight onto a foundation that was not rated to handle this type of weight.
- Insufficient reinforcement used in the foundation. Or, poor engineering from the start.
- Geo-technical issues like an earthquake, landslide, or even a sinkhole can all affect the foundation.
Understanding what has caused a foundation issue can directly affect the types of foundation repairs needed to correct the issue.
5 Signs You Need Foundation Repair
When staring at a home, the foundation is not seen, however, this does not mean that you cannot find visual confirmation that your foundation is in need of repair. Here are the most common signs that you need to watch out for:
- Walk around your home and look at the foundation from the outside. Do you see cracks or chips in this? Or even crumbling concrete? This could be a sign that the integrity of this foundation has been affected.
- If you find that the floors in the home have become uneven, this is a huge sign that the foundation has shifted in some way.
- Doors and windows that are no longer closing properly could be a sign that the foundation is compromised.
- For those with a basement, if the walls look as though they are bowing or caving in, this is a huge sign that the foundation is in need of repair.
- Anytime that water is in the basement, this could be a sign that you need to have the foundation checked, as there is an obvious leak that can affect the foundation over time.
When you spot any of these signs, it is best to consider calling a professional to have this foundation inspected and see what foundation repair methods may be needed.
The Types Of Foundation Repair
There are several types of foundation repair techniques that can be utilized in order to make a foundation structurally sound again.
- Helical Piers are one type of foundation repair that can be done and are considered long-lasting and reliable.
- Soil Stabilization is the method that is meant to ensure the soil is exactly where it needs to be to stop foundation shifting. This is also a method to stop soil swelling permanently.
- Basement Stabilization is the method for those homes with basements whether the basement has leaks or the walls of the basement are caving.
- Pier & Beam Adjustment is meant for those homes that have a crawl space between the foundation and the home. This is meant to get the foundation to the right level and ensure that it can handle the weight of the home as it should.
No matter the type of foundation repair your home is in need of, we have the solution and expertise to get it done right. Our foundation repair methods have been proven over the last 50 years, through tens of thousands of satisfied customers.
Your home is more than just a house; it is your place of solitude, happiness and much more. When signs of foundation issues arise it can disrupt your home life. At the first sign of foundation failure give us a call today for your free 27 point evaluation. Contact us today.