How Can You Tell if You Have a Healthy Home Foundation?

The stability of your home depends on the foundation. Yet, it’s often overlooked because the structure itself is out of sight. There are signs that will let you know that you have a healthy home foundation and that the structure remains capable of supporting your house. If the concrete is in good condition, there should NOT be any: 

• Puddling water adjacent to the home perimeter 
• Doors and windows that do not open and close properly 
• New cracks or existing cracks getting larger on the wall, floor, or ceiling 

Even if there are no obvious signs of foundation problems, there may still be lurking damage. When it comes to spotting foundation problems, you will have to explore deeper to detect the early warning signs. 

Signs That Your Foundation Is in Good Shape 

When assessing the health of your foundation, here are some tell-tale signs to keep an eye out for: 

Good Drainage 

Consider the ground around your home. If there is sloping, the slope should run in a downward direction away from the property to allow water to flow away from the foundation. Good drainage is a major factor in foundation stability, and a proper ground slope facilitates optimum drainage.  

No Cracks 

Foundation issues may also be evident in the home’s exterior. Look for any cracks or bulging areas, as these indicate that soil movement is taking a toll on home stability. You may also notice gaps around door and window frames.  

Common Signs of Foundation Damage

Homeowners should also be aware of the common signs of foundation damage, which include: 

• Shrinking or cracking soil along the foundation
• Sticking doors
• Cracks in drywall 
• Uneven flooring 
• Warped and damaged siding 
• Springy or bouncy floors 
• Pooling water near foundation
• Separating molding
• Brick Cracks

If you notice one or more of these signs, call for a professional inspection of your property to determine if foundation issues are responsible.  

Steps You Can Take to Extend the Life of Your Foundation 

The most important step you can take to preserve your foundation is to schedule an inspection as soon as you notice any problems. Repair technicians can address all types of foundation defects, including relatively minor issues. By repairing these problems immediately, you’ll avoid worsening damage and keep your home in great condition for as long as possible. Other preventative measures include: 

Check for Pooling Water

We suggest an evaluation of the home exterior for pooling water around the border of the home. Water presence is not a sign of a healthy foundation; ponding water is absorbed by the soil, causing a continuous cycle of expansion and contraction. The soil essentially “heaves.” In turn, this causes the foundation to shift in its place; over time, this leads to the concrete fracturing and even completely splitting apart. This is especially an issue in the North Texas area because the soil in the region is heavily clay and loam-based. These elements are highly porous. 

A healthy home foundation should have a functioning drainage system that prevents water from puddling too close to the home. If you see puddles lingering for extended periods following rain, you may need a drainage system.

Check Gutters and Downspouts 

Even if drainage is good on a property, gutters can cause moisture issues when improperly positioned. Gutter downspouts should deposit water a safe distance from the home, as opposed to distributing water into the ground around the foundation. If the downspout is faulty, repair or replacement can spare foundation issues.  

Evaluate the Landscape

A landscape rich in foliage substantially adds to the curb appeal. However, think twice before planting trees or shrubs too close to the home. The roots can expand meters in length and steal vital moisture, which causes foundation settling. It can also burst an underground pipe, causing a leak that causes the aforementioned soil heaving. 

If you want to add trees to your property, then consider this guide: 

• Trees 30-feet tall or less, keep at least 10-feet from home 
• Trees 70-feet tall or more: at least 30-feet from home 
• Trees between 30 and 70-feet, at least 20-feet from home 

Be sure to cut away any climbing vines and trim shrubs to avoid contact with your home.  

Cracks in the Home 

We mentioned cracks earlier. Seeing a hairline fracture is no immediate cause for alarm, as this may simply be due to the home settling. However, if you see new fissures or existing ones expanding, then that may be a sign of the foundation shifting. Keep in mind that cracks in concrete also increase the risk of a pest infestation within your household. 

We Inspect and Repair Home Foundations 

We cannot overemphasize the importance of a healthy home foundation. If it begins shifting or breaking apart, the home itself will incur serious consequences.  

Foundation problems can significantly lower the value of the property. If you spot any of the signs of a compromised foundation, please give our foundation repair experts in DFW a call and schedule your free evaluation and foundation repair estimate.