Is It Time for a Foundation Inspection

Foundation problems are common in Texas. Constantly changing weather, unique and different soils across the state, and the high amount of rain that falls in very short periods of time often cause foundations to weaken, crack, or become uneven, leading to dangerous conditions for those living in the house. A foundation inspection can help detect these issues early enough that you can make repairs, reinforce your foundation, and prevent further damage from occurring in the future.

If you have not had a foundation inspection performed lately, check for the following indications that it may be time for one:

• Cracks in the foundation around your house. While some small cracks can be patched up with concrete or plugged with epoxy, these can be indicative of a larger problem. Your foundation could be settling, which can lead to uneven floors, stuck windows, leaning walls, and more. If you notice cracks, call a qualified foundation inspector or repair professional to evaluate it.
• Large cracks on your walls. If you see deep cracks on the inside walls of your house or in the brick on the outside of your home, this could also indicate a foundation problem. Some of these cracks may be repairable, but they often stem from an underlying issue that should be addressed.
• Stuck or ill-fitting windows and doors. Doors and windows that no longer operate properly mean that something has shifted in the structure of your home. Walls may have started to lean or the foundation may have begun to sink, and you need to get these things repaired to prevent future problems.
• Diagonal cracks in windows. When windows have diagonal cracks, it points to a foundational issue as well. The foundation could be settling and weakening the integrity of your home.
• Roof leaks. While a roof leak could be caused by a hole or missing shingle, it could also indicate that the home has shifted and walls have begun to pull away from the roof itself. In order to fix this, you’ll need to reinforce the foundation and return the home to its proper position.
• Standing water around the home after it rains. Standing water can be hugely detrimental to your foundation, causing it to weaken and crack, and it can also affect the strength of the soil that holds up your foundation. If you’ve begun to notice standing water after a heavy rain, get a foundation inspection done and enlist the help of a contractor to solve your water drainage issues immediately.
• Floor problems. If you see cracks in the floor, the floor becomes uneven, or there are gaps in floorboards or surfaces between rooms, you could have an underlying foundation problem. These problems are often caused when your foundation or the surrounding soil that holds it upshifts.
• Flooding. If you’ve recently experienced a flood in or around your home, it’s important to get a foundation inspection done right away. Water can wreak havoc on your home as a whole and can put you and your family’s safety at risk.
• If you’re buying a home. When considering a new home for purchase, always have a foundation inspection and a full-scale home inspection performed before you close. An inspection can not only help you be sure you’re making a wise investment in the long-run, but it can also give you leverage in negotiations, especially if there are existing issues that must be tended to.

To SCHEDULE YOUR FREE INSPECTION, call or e-mail us today! We proudly serve San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Houston, Austin, and surrounding areas.