Your home’s foundation is the key to structural integrity. When you have foundation issues, they can cause everything from roof leaks, wall cracks, and broken pipes to sewer drainage backup. Foundation problems in Houston typically arise when the soil dries up after severe weather conditions and other circumstances. These issues occur slowly and are sometimes difficult to detect early.
We asked Houston’s foundation repair experts at Church Foundation Repair about what homeowners can do to protect their house’s foundation. Recognizing and detecting problems before they affect the integrity of your home’s structure is key.
Drought, flooding, and harsh environmental factors can affect soil conditions and cause the foundations of the homes in our area to be compromised. Sometimes the signs are obvious, but they can also be hidden, which means you should have your foundation inspected on a regular basis—especially if you have an older home with a lot of older, larger trees in your yard.
Here is what every homeowner should be watching for:
#1 Cracks showing in bricks and mortar between the individual bricks.
Cracks with a staggered or “stairstep” appearance are a clear warning sign of foundation movement. These cracks will be noticeable in a wall’s exposure above ground. They often begin small and grow over time.
#2 Diagonal cracks in the drywall inside your home.
Cracks that are diagonal or horizontal on your interior walls may be due to foundation problems. Vertical cracks are often of less concern. They might be due to loosened taping between sheets, not structural or foundational trouble.
#3 Sometimes one part of a home will “settle” or lower.
If you suspect this has happened, look for the clear warning signs on the home’s exterior. A weakened foundation may be present if brickwork, trim, fascia board, and the home’s siding are separating. For example, the fascia connection point with your roofline or window casing may have a misalignment gap.
#4 Interior doors do not close properly or rub against the doorframe when closing.
This could mean there is damage to the foundational structure of the house. Watch for first-floor doors that have alignment issues. Deeper problems could exist in the below-ground foundation of the home.
If you recognize any of these signs, get a foundation quality inspection. The professionals at Church Foundation Repair have been helping homeowners detect and repair foundation issues since 1989. We’ve earned high ratings for our dependable work done right and on time and at the price we estimate. Call us to schedule an appointment.