The foundation is the part of the home that is built first, but is usually the last thing homeowners think about until there is a significant issue. There are a variety of problems that can plague a foundation in Killeen, Texas and several tell-tale signs that homeowners can watch for from season to season and year to year. When you think you have a foundation issue, call the professionals at CenTex to set up an inspection and repair any damage before it becomes worse.
CenTex Killeen Foundation Services
What causes foundation issues?
No matter how well a home or business is constructed, foundation problems can cause major damage to the home and inflict extremely high repair costs on the homeowner. In Killeen, Texas, soil is one of the main culprits for foundation issues. Clay-based soil is especially hard on foundations as this soil tends to shift more easily than other types of soil.
As weather patterns fluctuate, the composition of the soil also changes. More moisture causes soil to expand, and dryer or colder conditions cause the soil to constrict. All of this movement and excess water from season to season or year to year can put a lot of pressure on a foundation.
Normally, the compact soil in Texas shouldn’t cause too much movement as conditions change. However, digging into the ground and loosening the soil during the initial construction process strips compact soil of its many benefits. No matter how well the construction team compacts the soil after completion, it is rarely as good as nature’s job.
Foundation issues can cause significant problems for the home and daily lives of the homeowners. These problems can lead to uneven floors, crooked doors and windows, cracks in the walls, drafts from gaps, and much more. Neglecting foundation issues can quickly lead to more severe damage and higher costs of repair. When you spot a sign of a foundation issue, it is important to call a professional for foundation repair and take care of it right away.
Signs of Foundation Problems
Some foundation problems are fairly obvious while others can go undetected for years until they begin to affect other areas of the home. Killeen residents can perform seasonal or yearly foundation inspections on their homes and their foundations to immediately spot issues and address them before they become worse. A few of the most common signs of foundation problems are explained below.
Walls
Interior and exterior walls may begin to bow as the foundation weakens. The bowing may stand out or may not be very noticeable. One way to confirm bowing is by running a level along the walls to see if the level remains flat or not.
Another sign to watch for in your walls are cracks. Cracks can appear along interior, exterior, and foundation walls, including the ceiling. These cracks may begin small, but can cause significant structural damage if not addressed over time.
Floors
If you notice your floors starting to sag in certain areas, sink when you walk across particular spots, or develop cracks, this could signal a shift in your foundation. Some of these issues may be caused by water damage from an impaired foundation, which brings with it a whole host of additional problems. Uneven flooring is definitely an issue that should be inspected more closely as soon as it is noticed by a homeowner.
Doors and Windows
Many times, a shifting foundation can cause the rest of the structure to shift as well, including frames for doors and windows. Most often, gaps appear around the framing or the framing no longer aligns at the corners as it once did. Doors and windows may be more difficult to open and close as well. If you can rule out other causes for these issues, you may want to take a look at the health of your foundation.
Secondary Issues
Ideally, your home should be sealed off from outside elements. When gaps and cracks form in your foundation, the end result can be more than just a few cracks here and there. Pests and moisture can gain access into your home when there is a breach in your foundation. You may also notice a rise in your utility bills as your air conditioner may have to work harder to combat the extra moisture and/or heat allowed into the home. All of these secondary issues could signal a problem with your foundation that needs immediate attention.
Fixing Your Foundation
Many homes in Killeen have either a slab foundation or a pier and beam foundation. CenTex is ready to service either and make your home level once again. Take a look at the foundation repair options we provide below to find the right fit for your home’s structure.
Slab Foundation
Concrete pressed piling is one of the more affordable options for a slab foundation. With this foundation repair, our team drives concrete cylinders into the ground underneath the concrete grade beam to level the foundation of your home. Our patented CENTERBEAM Steel Pier® option uses steel pipes instead of concrete cylinders under the concrete grade beam for a longer-lasting and more durable repair.
Pier and Beam Foundation
Mostly found in older homes, a pier and beam foundation requires a technique that not all foundation repair companies are equipped to handle. CenTex just happens to be one of them, and a skilled one at that. For pier and beam foundation repair, our team places temporary supports before the concrete beams are placed. Hydraulic jacks then level the home, the concrete beams are reinforced, and dirt is replaced where previously removed during the process.
Contact CenTex for Foundation Repair
Whether large or small, CenTex is ready to tackle your foundation problems and restore your home’s structure and security once more. Our skilled repairmen will handle your foundation repair needs with utmost care, using only the best available materials. If you want your foundation fixed the right way, the only way to go is CenTex. Contact us now to set up an inspection and prevent the damage from becoming worse.