The massive size of Texas includes environmental variations quite unlike other states in the lower 48. The range of different soils, the overnight temperatures, the seven thousand lakes, over three thousand streams – these factors and more all have their different influences on the state. Subsequently, there are many things that impact your property’s foundation and the time of year is just one of them.
The best times of year to repair your Texas foundation are likely during the more temperate months in fall and early spring. As soon as May hits, however, you may need to prepare for rain. The last thing you want is water getting into fresh or repaired concrete and causing a cracked foundation. Of course, the best course of action for anyone with foundation concerns is to get your foundation evaluated as soon as possible.
That said, truly the best time to seek repairs is once you’ve seen the foundation issue warning signs. You simply don’t know what the future may hold and waiting for the right time of year isn’t always the best course of action.
Why Is Water Bad for My Foundation?
We mentioned earlier that the rainier season may prove to add challenges to the process. Rainy weeks can mess with scheduling and repair efficiency, and that’s just on the logistics end of things. The influence of water is another matter entirely.
Excess water can cause material degradation, particularly in concrete. Concrete is porous and, when water gets into cracks or holes it can cause the concrete to break down. This then leads to foundation issues, particularly cracks. But the appearance and disappearance of water can also cause soil to expand and contract, also causing cracks and other damage types like sunken foundations and unwanted home settling.
Other Ways Water Affects Your Foundation
But water doesn’t just come from rain getting in your soil. Inadequate drainage and landscaping designs can result in pooled water that can add hydrostatic pressure to your property. Then, once evaporated, it leaves craters and groves in your land, potentially leading to unwanted erosion of the topsoil. And your topsoil should be supporting your foundation, not leaving it high and dry.
Can a Drought Hurt My Foundation?
In keeping with the theme of environmental influence, seasons in which droughts are more common (in some areas more than others), property owners will want to take some protective measures on behalf of their foundation.
Droughts can affect your property’s foundation by causing nearby root systems and soil to take whatever they can of the land’s moisture. As the soil shrinks from lack of water, the strength of the topsoil becomes compromised, and shifting, sinking, and cracking can occur.
The best way to combat a drought is by ensuring you have the land around your home watered sufficiently (not overdoing it, of course), and that you keep an eye on the large root systems of trees on your property. Even outside of times of drought, a large root system can influence the land and cause dry soil where you don’t want it.
What Type of Foundation Do You Have?
Other matters that will affect your foundation repair? Your property’s foundation type. More modern homes are likelier to have concrete slab foundations. Pier and beam—also called pier and post—foundations can be found in older homes and may consist of wood, concrete, and/or steel elements. Historically speaking, concrete slab foundations are cheaper to build and withstand the test of time. Hence, why so many modern homes are built with slab foundations.
Spotting Concrete vs. Pier & Beam Problem Areas
The downside to concrete foundations is that it can be difficult to reach the root of problem areas in issues like unlevel flooring or cracks in the foundation. Getting to these areas may require working in tandem with utility companies or plumbing experts. However, pier and beam foundation problem areas are typically a little easier to spot because of the natural crawl space provided.
Ready to Take on Your Foundation Issues – Whatever the Season
At Perma Pier, our team of experienced engineers brings informed solutions to every foundation repair need. We have the resources necessary to tailor and test repair methods as each issue calls for it. Perma Pier serves areas throughout Texas, including San Antonio, Houston, Austin, Dallas, & Fort Worth.
Connect with us to schedule a free evaluation today.
