There are many excellent reasons not to put off foundation repairs. Weather and soil conditions in Texas, and particularly the DFW metroplex, present many factors that can cause home foundation problems at any point during the year:
- Properties of clay soils – expansion and contraction (see expansive clay soils for more information)
- Periods of heavy rainfall
- Excessive heat
This environment can cause sinking, cracking, or simple settling that can create serious issues for homeowners. When early signs of foundation problems are detected, many residents are slow to address the issues, fearing the cost of repairs or just hoping that it will not get any worse.
Why You Should Not Put Off Foundation Repairs:
One of the top reasons not to delay in repairing your foundation is that it will continue to deteriorate and become more costly to fix later. Foundations are aptly named, as they provide the stability and strength that supports your entire home. Once the foundation’s integrity is compromised, there is likely to be a domino effect that impacts the entire structure.
If you put off repairs, your foundation:
Could Suffer Damage from Seeping or Gushing Water
When foundation cracks appear, it will likely not be long before water finds its way through the cracks, further damaging the foundation and destroying interior furnishings or stored items.
It Could be Affected By Mildew or Mold Growth
Mold and mildew form in areas that retain moisture or water. These contaminants can trigger health issues like coughing or asthma, as well as other hazardous conditions. At this point, building professionals are often required to do a complete removal to make the home habitable, which can be very costly and inconvenient for the homeowner.
If You Wait To Fix It, You’ll Have Higher Foundation Repair Costs
Foundation issues will never correct themselves – they only get worse. Addressing the problems when they are first detected may prevent spending more money on a much larger problem down the road.
Structural Damage Will Occur
Floors, walls, and every part of the home rely on a strong foundation for stability. Weaknesses in the foundation can result in sagging floors, cracked walls, doors that don’t fit in frames, and even roof leaks as the home settles or sags. Repairs in such conditions can be extensive and very costly.
Plumbing Problems May Develop
Pipes located under the foundation or that run through slabs are very susceptible to shifting foundations. This may cause leaking or broken pipes that can be challenging and expensive to fix. Solving the foundation problems early may avoid such damage to plumbing.
Property Values Will Decrease
Ignoring a foundation problem by moving is not the answer, either. Inspections required by home sales will certainly uncover foundation issues, resulting in lower prices due to the expense of required repairs.
How Homeowners Can Prevent the Need for Foundation Repairs
Fortunately, there are steps homeowners can take to avoid – or significantly reduce – the need for foundation repairs:
Be proactive: Have an experienced foundation repair company review your structure and make recommendations for avoiding future problems such as changing drainage patterns or installing a French drain. There are also seasonal foundation maintenance tasks you can do to prevent foundation damage. Check out our Spring Home Maintenance Tips post for ideas.
Act promptly: at the first sign of a problem, call experienced foundation repair professionals to perform a complete analysis of the problem and offer solutions. This could provide considerable savings in future repairs, damaged property, and inconvenience.
HD Foundations repairs multiple types of foundations, including slab foundation repair and pier and beam foundation repair. Our services ensure strength and stability; identifying and repairing any structural damage to your foundation and home.
Contact the foundation experts at HD Foundations for solutions to foundation problems in the DFW metroplex and surrounding areas. We’ll make your home “Texas strong”.