Just like many other Texas cities, Katy is characterized by soil with high clay content. Unfortunately, because this type of soil has a relatively high swell-shrink capacity, it could spell trouble for your Katy home’s foundation. This is particularly true if you’ve failed to take the necessary preventive measures, which effectively eliminate or at least reduce the risk of foundation damage caused by expansive clay soils.
Since the foundation is one of the few elements that can keep your home structurally sound throughout the years, knowing the warning signs of foundation problems could help you determine the right time to have an inspection performed by a professional and prevent major structural damage. To better understand when you should call in a foundation repair contractor, here are the most important warning signs of foundation damage you should keep an eye out for.
Cracks
Hairline cracks in the drywall or stucco are a very common occurrence in homes. But if your foundation, slab, floors, walls, chimney, garage, and/or other elements that are somehow connected to your home have developed any diagonal or horizontal cracks or cracks in a zigzag or stair-step pattern, chances are your foundation is failing. Also, deep and/or large cracks developing in the ground around or under your home may indicate current or even future foundation problems. Cracks or gaps forming along ceiling and wall seams are some other indicators of foundation damage.
Since even a small crack can widen and deepen considerably in just a few weeks, it’s imperative that you get a foundation inspection done as soon as you observe the first cracks in your Katy home. A professional contractor specializing in foundation repair will be able to identify whether the cracks have been caused by concrete shrinkage, which typically occurs in newly built homes, changes in the soil due to poor drainage, or normal settling of the house. Once the specialist diagnoses the problem, he will recommend the most appropriate repair methods that can make your home structurally sound again.
Uneven and/or Soft Floors
Compared to the cracks that may develop in your foundation, slab, floor, walls, and ceilings, an uneven or soft floor may be more difficult to spot. That’s because specific types of flooring, such as carpet and wood floors, could hide these defects and other floor issues that may indicate foundation damage. However, if your floor seems uneven, has any soft spots, or feels oddly bouncy, the problem may be due to foundation damage or deteriorating floor structure. Additionally, specific foundation issues may cause your subfloor to work its way loose from the joists. Creaking or squeaking sounds coming from the subfloor may be indicative of this problem. Whether you suspect foundation damage or any other issue, a full foundation inspection will indicate exactly the cause of the problem and what needs to be done to fix it.
Elements Separating from the Walls
If specific elements, such as counters, cabinets, window and door frames, trim, and molding, which were once firmly attached to the walls, are now pulling away, make sure you have your foundation inspected immediately. Because foundation issues may cause your floors and walls to become uneven and separate from your home’s foundation and structure, some of the things attached to your walls may start to detach. This movement in your walls and floors may also cause your windows and doors to stick, so they no longer shut and open properly.
Differential Settlement
Although uneven settling of a home’s foundation is a serious problem, as it can lead to extensive structural damage, differential settlement is quite difficult to spot. However, suppose you notice that your home and/or other structures on your property appear to be settling more on one side than on the others. In that case it’s imperative to have your entire home checked out right away by a foundation repair contractor. If the professional confirms that the problem is caused by differential settlement, the repair method will most probably involve lifting the home and installing additional piers in order to bring the entire structure back to its initial elevation. As part of the same foundation repair project, the contractor can also lift your entire home above the BFE, which could significantly reduce the chance of future flood damage.
If you have recently noticed any of the aforementioned problems in your Katy, TX home, then there’s no question as to when to have a foundation inspection done by a licensed foundation repair contractor. Because foundation issues could lead to irreparable damage and ruin your house if left untreated, they need to be professionally addressed sooner rather than later. Besides giving you peace of mind, foundation problems identified and fixed in a timely manner will save you a lot of hassle and money. Call Allied Foundation today for professional foundation inspection and repair services in Katy and other Houston areas.
