When your area is experiencing a drought, it means more than simply watering your lawn differently. A drought can impact several parts of your life. One thing that many homeowners don’t realize is that their home’s foundation can be greatly affected by a drought. It can wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your home. DuraTech Texas is here to talk about what a drought means for your home and what you can do to protect your home’s foundation during a drought.
What a Drought Does to Your Foundation
You may not realize the impact the soil around your foundation has on your foundation. Water plays a big role in it all. When there isn’t enough water in the soil, it causes it to contract. This is usually the biggest problem in places that have clay soil. When the soil starts to shrink, it will contract and form gaps around and underneath the foundation. This means that your foundation doesn’t have the support that it needs. It often leads to uneven settling and large structural issues.
Signs Your Foundation has Problems Due to Drought
If your foundation is struggling because of a drought and lack of moisture in the soil, there will certainly be signs that you might start to notice.
– Cracks in Walls & Ceilings: if you notice that there are all of a sudden cracks around the windows, doors, and corners of your home, it could be problematic and caused by a lack of moisture in the soil.
– Sticking Doors & Windows: The doors and windows in your home shouldn’t be difficult to open and close. If they are, it is often indicative of shifting in the soil and foundation that could be caused by a drought.
– Gaps Between Soil & Foundation: You shouldn’t be able to see the soil pulling away from the foundation of your home. This is a sign that there is some major shrinking that is occurring.
– Uneven Floors: The floors in your home might start to warp or slope. This is a major sign of significant foundation trouble.
How to Prevent Foundation Damage Due to Drought
You can’t always control the weather, but you can do some things to help the soil around your home during a drought.
– You can use a soaker hose to keep the soil moisture around your foundation
– Ensure that there are gutters and downspouts that are creating drainage solutions for your home
– Water the trees and shrubs that surround your home
– Put mulch around your home’s foundation to keep moisture there
Foundation Inspection & Repair Services in Crosby, Cypress, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas
If you have seen signs of foundation damage in your home, you can turn to DuraTech Texas to come and take a look. We will provide you with the foundation repair options that make most sense for your home. We want to make sure your home is structurally sound. Call us today!