You Can Inspect Your Home’s Foundation (Part 2)
This is Part 2 of information you can use to self-inspect your home’s foundation. (You can read Part 1 HERE.) When a homeowner thinks of home maintenance, the predominant concerns are the superstructure (everything above the foundation) and the grounds (landscaping). But there is more to it.
Here are two important considerations Dawson Foundation Repair wants you to be aware of to provide quality care for your home’s slab. This information is influenced by a home inspection foundation guide prepared by a structural engineering committee of the Foundation Performance Association in Houston. It is intended for use by homeowners, builders, tenants, realtors, architects, engineers, inspectors and repair contractors for external inspection in Southeast Texas. (Information for internal inspection will be addressed later.)
The guide addresses four areas of inspection: cracks and separation, drainage, vegetation and water leaks. Here’s what you can do to find out if your home needs foundation repair by inspecting these areas—vegetation and water leaks:
Vegetation
There is no question that foliage, trees and flower beds greatly enhance the visual appeal of a home. But some of that plant life can be the culprit that causes problems. In your inspection, check that there are no broadleaf trees (for instance, hackberry, oak, pecan, ash or tallow, etc.) closer than 20 feet to your home. These trees have extensive root systems. They suck a lot of water out from the soil and if the roots extend under your foundation they could cause dramatic shrinkage of the soil possibly resulting in settlement or the collapse of a portion of the foundation. For conifers (such as pine trees) make sure they are no closer than their canopy. In other words if the conifer’s branches are scraping the home, they are too close. Additionally, make sure you check trees that are adjacent to your property. The adjacent property might have a tree that potentially threatens your foundation. Finally, check that there are no trees of any kind and no large shrubs growing next to your foundation.
Water Leaks
Foundation problems can result from too much water and too little water, especially in southeast Texas with the extensive expansive soil in the region. When inspecting your home’s foundation check all water connections to make sure there are no leaks. These types of leaks include dripping faucets or condensation drip pipes from an air conditioning unit. It would be wise to correct or repair these problems. In the case of air conditioning drip pipes the drain tube or pipe should drain the water at least three feet away from the foundation. Then, check your automatic sprinkler system if you have one. Make sure it is functioning properly. And make sure that your watering schedule provides for uniform coverage (no extremely wet areas while leaving some extremely dry, or vice versa). You also do not have to water until the ground is saturated and no longer soaks in water. Hydrate your lawn just enough to support the vegetation. And if you have other sources of water—a fountain, fish pond or even a swimming pool—make sure they are not leaking.
These tips are intended to help you inspect the exterior of your home’s foundation. Dawson Foundation repair will conduct a free inspection* if you think you might have problems that require professional and expert attention. We’ve been taking care of homes using the bell bottom pier method since 1984. We are also highly skilled to take care of foundation issues that require special plumbing issues. Your home is worth the call to our offices.
*Free Inspections are only available to homeowners that are NOT involved in a real estate transaction.
Dawson Foundation Repair installs only Bell Bottom Piers for homeowners and commercial property owners. Bell Bottom Piers have far more advantages over any other method of foundation repair and we feel the homeowner should receive the best option available. Dawson Foundation Repair services homes and commercial businesses all over Texas including Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and other smaller cities. Call us for an assessment of your home’s foundation.