Signs Your Foundation Might Be in Trouble in North Texas
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The foundation is one part of the house that all North Texas homeowners know to be wary of. We know that some foundation movement is inevitable due to the nature of our soil. So any and all knowledge you can gain about your foundations, how it works, and signs that it might be in trouble is good knowledge to have. This week, we’re looking at some North Texas foundation issues that you might see at home.
High Soil Line
A high soil line is what we call a conducive condition for wood-destroying insects, meaning it creates an attractive environment for them to come to your home, nest, and reproduce. But not only that, it’s a damaging environment for your foundation. High soil attracts moisture, which can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot. It’s also usually indicative of a poor drainage situation, which means water is pooling or running along the foundation. When water gets in the foundation, it creates hydrostatic pressure, which leads to the concrete breaking down more quickly. To avoid this, you should keep at least 4-6 inches of your concrete foundation visible above the soil line.
Honeycombing
Honeycombing is a foundation deficiency caused when the concrete is mixed. The pattern you see in the picture, which looks rather like a honeycomb, forms in concrete either when pockets of air are allowed inside or when too few fine particles get mixed in before it is poured. This can also interfere with the structural integrity of the foundation and should be looked at by an expert if you see it.
Moving Doors
Don’t worry, your house is not haunted! Those doors moving on their own just mean you need to have your foundation evaluated. It’s a sign that things are moving. Home inspectors recommend that you have a structural engineer evaluate your foundation rather than a foundation repair company. The reason for this is that the structural engineer is an unbiased professional who will give you a straightforward report of the condition of your foundation that you can use when you sell your home. A foundation repair company is trying to sell you their repair services, so they are likely to find something to repair, whether you need it “right now” or not.
As the season changes, it’s a great time to walk your foundation and check for signs of movement. If you have concerns and you aren’t sure who to call, ask a home inspector. We’re always happy to help.
