Texas cities consistently remain at the top of the list of cities with the worst foundation issues. These issues commonly arise from the polarizing weather conditions in Texas and the drastic shifts in temperature, but time and nature can also be factors that cause damage. These foundation damages can lead to structural damage, plumbing issues, insect infestations, sticking windows and doors, and even water damage. At their worst, these issues can compound, affecting the structural integrity of your home, putting you and your family at risk if left unaddressed.
The longer the issue is left unchecked, the more expensive it will be to repair. The first step to diagnosing a problem is understanding the circumstances and symptoms associated with it. Below are three of the most common foundation-related issues found across West Texas and some tell-tail signs we look for when determining if there is a problem.
Settling Foundation
Over time your home’s foundation will settle. This settling means that your home’s foundation will sink into the ground over time and compress the soil underneath. Texas has a unique clay-based soil composition, leading to expanding pressures during wet months and shrinking during the dry season. A new home gradually sinks into the ground and depending on the soil composition, climate of the area, and quality of your home’s construction, your home could settle unevenly, leading to damage such as cracks along walls and the foundation itself, sticking doors and windows, and uneven floors within your home. If you’ve noticed any of this in your own home, contact your local foundation repair professional.
Weather Damage
The unpredictable and often harsh weather in Texas provides a variety of natural stress to your home’s soil, and as a result, your foundation. Dry heat leads to drying the soil around your foundation, creating shifting soil and changing soil distribution around the foundation. On the other hand, too much rain softens the soil around your foundation, leading to shifts in soil distribution as well. The rainy season can also lead to flooded basements or crawl spaces which breed their own set of foundation issues. Either way, the extreme weather of Texas can influence your foundation, creating issues down the road if not repaired.
Trees and Shrubs
We all love the shade of our trees on a hot Texas summer day. However, if planted too close to your home, tree and shrub roots can grow into your foundation, causing cracks and other damage. This type of damage can occur over time and slowly break your foundation apart without you even knowing it. Plants near your home’s foundation also draw water during droughts, drying up the soil and heightening the likelihood of a shifting foundation and further complications down the line.
Settling, weather, and plants are just some of the factors that can damage your home’s foundation and create an unsafe environment for you and your family. Having a trusted and reputable foundation repair company can make your life and your wallet a lot happier. At WTX Foundation Repair, we offer free consultations and will work with you every step of the way to guarantee that your home is safe and your foundation is sound for decades to come.