As spring winds down and we approach the start of summer, drought is already upon us. According to drought.gov the vast majority of the Southern Plains are experiencing the start of what is expected to be a extremely hot and dry summer. With over 75% of counties experiencing drought conditions compared to 25% this time last year. The Lack of moisture and the intense summer heat plays a toll on your home’s foundation.
Why Homeowner’s Should Be Worried About A Drought
During a drought, the soil surrounding your home’s foundation shrinks. While the soil underneath the center of your foundation tends to stay moist compared to the soil that comes in contact with the sun. When the soil around the perimeter of the foundation begins to shrink more than the soil under the center, foundation issues appear. This differential shrinkage means that the soil supporting your foundation is no longer flat, but mound shaped. This causes the foundation to shift and crack, which in turn damages the structure of your home.
Signs To Watch For
1.Doors and windows beginning to stick or that won’t shut properly.
2. The freeze board that wraps around the top of brick is separated.
3. Cracks in the brickwork. Small hairline cracks in individual bricks are normally not a concern.
4. Cracked plaster or sheet rock.
5. Flooring that feels uneven.
6. Separation of caulking around windows and garage doors.
7. Cracks in tile flooring.
8. Expansion joint separation.
Solutions To Limit Foundation Damage
Install a soaker hose or drip line around your foundation. This helps keep the soil nearby intact. A soaker hose should be installed 12-18 inches away from the foundation. A timer can be added to set a watering schedule for lower maintenance. We recommend starting with 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a week, adjusting as conditions change.
Having proper drainage will also affect the foundation. The ground should slope away from your house to allow water to flow away and not pool. Gutters should have a downspout that discharges water away from the foundation.
As we know moisture content plays a big factor in the performance of foundations. Another contributor to foundation problems are tree roots. Large trees can lift up to 100 gallons of water out of the ground a day, which in turn rapidly dries out the soil around them. Having large trees next to your home requires increased watering. A root barrier is recommend to help limit the flow of roots towards the foundation.
My Foundation Is Damaged, What Do I Do Now?
If you suspect your foundation might be damaged, it is imperative to have a professional evaluate it. Foundation Repair can often be completed in 1-2 days, and should always be done prior to any structural/cosmetic repair work. If repairs are made to interior walls or doors prior to repairing your foundation, those signs may re-appear once the foundation is corrected. Postponing foundation repair could cause further damage and need a more invasive repair. Contact Renee for a list of reputable foundation companies in the North Texas area.
Published on 2018-06-05 15:44:52
