Do you keep having foundation failure? Are you in need of residential foundation repair? Here is why!
Texas is a very large place. Why does this very obvious fact matter? Because of its incredible size, it is home to over 60 different soil types. If you decide to set up shop, or a brand new home, on the wrong type of soil and you could end up with more problems than just your normal house bills. It pays to invest in a expert who is qualified and trained to give you an expert soil analysis. This in turn will be the difference between paying hundreds or more on fixing and replacing. You are paying for the peace of mind that your home will, hopefully, not sink or crumble in your sleep.
What kind of foundation issues could you be experiencing? It depends on your location. Texas, for example, has large quantities of clay soils. Clay soils tend to move and shift in large volumes. Any Texas citizen will tell you it is not out of the ordinary to experience an incredible cold winter and then a hot and dry summer. However, the issue starts to arise when the following year Texans could experience another cold winter only to then be hit by a cool and wet summer. The end result is contracting and expanding clay soils that can, and have, cause great damage to your foundation. It pays to invest in not only the right foundation but also temper that decision with the weather your location experiences on a yearly basis.
What is a pier and beam foundation? If you live in areas that experiences heavy rains or flooding is the norm and are looking to avoid the call of residential foundation repair, pier and beam might be your ticket. Alternatively known as post and beam, pier and beam foundations are built with an elevation known as a sub-floor or crawlspace, thus preventing flood waters and moisture from overstaying its uninvited presence. This also allows for easy access to pipes, for streamlined drainage solutions. The sub-floor can be as thin as one half inch plywood, but no less. The placement of the beams are capable of reaching 12 feet apart from each other, but no more. The joists typically have 18 inches of space between another joist.
Here is a tip on cracking foundation prevention: a soaker hose for watering your foundation placed 12 to 18 inches from your home’s foundation. No, you are not trying to make your house grow. For locations like Texas, you will experience intensely dry periods. It certainly gets hot and when it does, it can sap moisture from a foundation, causing deterioration. This is especially true for Texas homes built on a slab foundation, a common trait for Texas homes built in the past 50 years.This can be prevented by simply watering the foundation of your house and in turn, preventing the call for residential foundation repair. Your wallet will thank you.