Texas has had some of the oddest weather during these past few years. It is either drought or severe storm and floods. When Texas is going through periods of drought and then endures periods of heavy rain, the foundation is the first to suffer from these weather patterns. To better understand how drought can affect your home’s foundation, Dallas Foundation Repair will explain what happens to your home’s foundation during periods of drought.
How Does Lack of Water Affect How Foundations are Affected By Drought
Prolonged periods of drought affects the foundation in few different ways. When the soil becomes too dry, the soil underneath the foundation contracts and basically shrinks. When soil shrinks it does not provide the proper support for the foundation. Often the foundation will collapse inward, creating sagging or low areas in the foundation or floors. When the soil contracts major sections of the foundation may not be supported which cause large cracks to develop through much of the entire foundation. Another danger of prolonged drought is when it does finally rain, the rain water can wash away at the soil. Soil erosion is a major problem for the health of your foundation and your home. When the soil that supports the foundation is washed away, your foundation will move upward which is called heaving. The foundation can even begin to sink and develop uneven sections. If the rains do not wash away the soil, they can cause erosion. The soil will swell which puts pressure on the foundation. The pressure can shift the foundation as well as cause up-heaving. When the foundation sinks, shifts, cracks and develops other problems, it can affect the entire home. It is important to have your foundation repaired when the foundation develops these major problems.
Signs of a Drought Damaged Foundation
When the foundation isn’t properly protected from sudden rain or drought, and it develop problems, you will notice certain issues inside or outside of your home. As you cannot look at your bare foundation, you must pay attention to other telltale signs that your foundation is in trouble. Below are some of the signs that point to foundation problems.
• Crack or Gaps in the Walls and Ceilings
• Sticky Doors and Windows
• Uneven Floors or Ceilings
• The Chimney is Separating from the House
Why Foundation Repairs are Worth It
When you discover that you have foundation problems, your first step is to contact a foundation repair contractor. They will want to come to your home and inspect your foundation. After a thorough inspection, the repair contractor will be able to determine if you do need repairs and what is needed to repair your home’s foundation. Regardless as to what has occurred, there are many ways to repair a foundation. In some cases you may need to repair a small section of the slab and mudjacking is done to repair the sagging foundation. If the foundation is in need of support, piling or piers are used to help provide support for your home’s foundation. Depending on which repair method is needed, some repairs are more invasive than others. When the contractor draws up a plan to repair your home’s foundation, ask what the repair entails to make sure you are properly prepared.
Slab Foundation Repair in Lewisville, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Plano, Richardson, Grapevine, Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Arlington & Great Dallas, Texas
For detailed foundation inspection and quality repairs, contact Dallas Foundation Repair today!
