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

The foundation is the base your home rests upon. It goes without saying that it’s hugely important, 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. You will have to explore deeper to detect the early warning signs.

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, then there may be a backup or other issue with your drain.

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

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 signs of the foundation shifting.

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. If you spot any of the signs of a compromised foundation, please give Align Foundation Repair a call and schedule your free evaluation and estimate.