In the years following the construction of your home, you can count on a certain amount of settling to happen. It’s when that settling turns into something bigger that problems with your foundation can occur. DuraTech Texas LLC is here to share the difference between normal settling and signs that you could have major foundation problems on your hands.

Normal Foundation Settling Cracks

There several factors that go into the amount of settling that happens after your home is constructed. After the completion of your home, your house is going to start to sink into the ground. A certain amount of this “settling” is totally normal. Depending on the climate and soil composition in your area, the amount of settling that takes place could me more or less when compared to homes in other areas. Before your home was built, the soil should have undergone a certain amount of preparation before the process even gets started. If this was done incorrectly, it can cause more foundation settling to occur. This settling should occur within the first few years following construction completion. If settling continues to happen, there could be a problem.

When Does Foundation Settling Becomes a Problem

If there is ongoing shrinkage that is occurring or the shrinkage is severe, it causes foundation problems. Foundations problems can be put into two basic categories: foundation shrinkage and foundation expansion. Following is a little more information about the two.

Shrinkage Cracks in Foundation

So many factors go into foundation shrinkage. As your concrete goes through the curation process, it is completely normal to see a certain amount of shrinkage. You can even see it with the naked eye sometimes. This is all due to the loss of water and the chemical reaction that takes place as concrete hardens. Following are some of the variables that effect foundation shrinkage:
– Humidity & Temperature
– Type of Concrete Mix
– Aggregate Type
– Sun Exposure
– Groundwater
– Amount of Water Used

Foundation Expansion Movement

If your foundation is constructed using brick, foundation expansion is extremely common. Brick will naturally grow and expand over the course of time. This is especially true for brick walls that are exposed above the ground, but brick walls underground tend to grow because of moisture.

Early Signs of Foundation Issues

There are several signs that are often present when you have foundation problems on your hands.
– Wall Cracks: If you see cracks in your walls that are at a 45 degree angle, this is indicative of foundation issues that are literally ripping your sheetrock apart.
– Sticking Windows & Doors: If you only have one window or door that seems to be sticking, you don’t usually need to worry, but when there are several throughout the house it is cause for concern.
– Roof Issues: If there are problems with your foundation, you will see it at the highest points of the house as well.
– Water in Basement (if applicable): After storms you shouldn’t be seeing water accumulation in your basement. This a sign of foundation trouble.

Foundation Repair Services & More in Crosby, Cypress, Friendswood & Greater Houston, Texas

If you suspect you have foundation issues in your home, you can call on the experts at DuraTech Texas, LLC to inspect the situation and give you a free estimate to repair it. Call us today!