Like many other locations in the country, Liberty Hill is no stranger to foundation issues. Although many modern foundation building practices help prevent a majority of foundation problems today, the weather and clay soil commonly found in Liberty Hill together can stress our foundations. Foundations may be out of sight out of mind for many homeowners, but there are a few signs you can watch for that may alert you to a foundation problem. Learn more about common foundation problems and how CenTex can help below.
CenTex Liberty Hill Foundation Services
Causes of Foundation Problems
A foundation may seem insignificant, but foundation problems can end up causing major damage and cost homeowners a ton of money if ignored. For the Liberty Hill area, clay soil is a contributing factor for many foundation issues. This type of soil shifts more easily than other types, which can put physical pressure on foundations.
Fluctuations in weather patterns can also cause the soil to rapidly expand and contract, putting extra strain on the foundation of your home. Rain and moisture leads to expanding soil. Dryer and colder times of the year will cause the soil to contract. Some years are different than others, so it’s difficult to predict when your foundation will be most at risk for an issue.
Usually, compacted soil isn’t too affected by various conditions. When a house is built, however, the digging for the foundation loosens the soil and makes it vulnerable to future shifting. Construction teams will try to re-compact the soil after the building is complete (some crews are better than others), but it will always take time for the soil to settle back to what nature originally formed.
When a foundation problem appears, it can cause significant damage to a home and disrupt the daily lives of the occupants in major ways. Uneven floors, cracks in the walls, crooked windows and doors, and drafts from newly formed gaps in the structure are just a few of the many impacts a foundation issue can have on a family. Foundation problems should always be promptly taken care of, otherwise a homeowner can face even more severe issues and higher foundation repair costs down the line.
Four Areas of Your Home Alerting You to a Foundation Problem
Some foundation issues can go undetected for years, while others are quite obvious. Yearly or seasonal foundation inspections can benefit homeowners by helping to spot potential issues before they become giant problems. If you begin to notice anything off about these next four areas of your home, you may want to take a look at the state of your foundation.
Walls
As a foundation begins to weaken, the exterior and interiors walls of your home may start to bow. This may start as a slight bowing or can be fairly noticeable. Running a level along the walls may help you confirm if the walls are truly bowing if you are concerned.
Besides bowing, your walls may also begin to grow cracks. You may notice these cracks on your interior walls, exterior walls, ceiling, or even the foundation itself. Although the cracks may appear small or not seem very significant, they can cause immense structural damage over time if not immediately addressed.
Floors
Like mentioned above, uneven flooring can be a sign of problems with your foundation. You may notice your floors starting to sag in certain areas, sink in particular spots when you walk across, or develop cracks. These flooring issues are often quite serious and should never be ignored. Many times these problems stem from water damage caused by a compromised foundation
Doors and Windows
If all of the sudden the doors in your home start sticking to the frame when you open and close them or your windows are harder to open and close, this could be due to a foundational issue. When a foundation shifts, it often takes the rest of the structure with it. Framing may no longer align with the doors and windows, which leads to the difficulty in use. If other causes for these issues have been ruled out, you may have a foundation problem on your hands.
Overall Structure
Like the doors and windows, the overall structure of your home can become compromised when the foundation shifts. These openings created by gaps and cracks in the structure provide a pathway for moisture and bugs to enter your home. A sudden influx of pests or a rise in your utility bills can signal that there may be an issue with your foundation. All of these problems require immediate attention from a professional.
How do we fix your foundation?
If you live in Liberty Hill, you likely have either a slab foundation or a pier and beam foundation. CenTex is skilled at repairs on either type and ready to help make your home structurally sound once again. Our repair options are explained below.
Slab Foundations
One of the more affordable options for slab foundation repair is concrete pressed piling. This process involves our team driving concrete cylinders into the ground under a structure called the concrete beam. Alternatively, we can use our patented CENTERBEAM Steel Pier® repair option, which uses steel pipes in place of the concrete cylinders. This often leads to a more durable and longer-lasting repair job.
Pier and Beam Foundations
These types of foundations were used in older homes and are not very common in newer builds. Many foundation repair companies are unfamiliar with the techniques required to fix this type of foundation, but our professionals at CenTex are specifically trained to handle this style of foundation as well as more modern styles. For a pier and beam foundation repair job, our team uses temporary supports for the home before the concrete beams are put in place. To level the home, hydraulic jacks are used. We then reinforce the concrete beams and replace the dirt where it was removed earlier in the process.
When you are in need of foundation repair, our skilled professionals are at the ready to handle any issue big or small. We only use the best available materials to ensure you receive a quality repair job that will last. To restore the structure and security of your home, call CenTex today.