San Antonio Residential Property Foundation Issues
It’s no secret that San Antonio residential property foundation issues are a common problem, and that drought is quickly returning to the area with the heat of the summer. Drought can have significant effects on home foundations, and are quite costly to repair easily wiping out equity of your investment. The primary issues arise from soil shrinkage and subsequent settling. The region's soil, predominantly expansive clay, expands when wet and contracts when dry. During drought conditions, the soil loses moisture and contracts, creating gaps and voids beneath foundations. This can lead to uneven settling and cracking of the foundation. Over time, these movements can cause structural damage that can be quite costly to repair. Homeowners in San Antonio often need to take preventive measures to mitigate these effects.
Indications of Residential Property Foundation Issues
Foundation issues can manifest in various ways. Keeping an eye out for these signs can help you address problems early, potentially saving you significant time and money:
Cracking in Drywall: Look for cracks around windows, door frames, or in the corners of rooms.
Exterior Facade Cracks: Examine the exterior walls for cracks, especially those that seem to widen over time.
Flooring Gaps or Tile Cracks: Notice any separations or cracks in tile flooring.
Foundation Wall Cracks: Check the foundation walls for any visible cracks.
Doors Swing Open or Stick: Doors that do not close properly or swing open by themselves can be a sign of foundation movement.
Uneven Gaps in Doors: Gaps that appear uneven when doors are closed can indicate shifting.
Weather Affects Door Function: If your doors stick or become difficult to close during certain weather conditions, this may be a red flag.
Sloped Floors: Walk around your home and notice if the floors feel uneven or sloped.
Bulging Interior Walls: Any bulging in interior walls should be checked immediately.
Sagging or Loose Trim: Trim that appears to be sagging or coming loose can be a telltale sign.
Bowing Exterior Walls: Look for any bowing or bulging in the exterior walls.
Proactively maintaining the foundation of your home is best for preserving its value and ensuring its structural integrity. Proper drainage is vital for preventing foundation problems. Here are some key practices to ensure water drains away from your structure:
1. Slope the Ground Away from the Foundation
Ensure there is a minimum slope of 5% away from the foundation in the first ten feet. Beyond this distance, water should continue to drain away from the structure. If re-grading these areas is not feasible, consider installing a piped drain system.
2. Discharge Downspouts Properly
Downspouts from gutter systems should discharge a minimum of five feet from the foundation and direct water away from the structure. This principle also applies to any drip lines or similar systems that expel water from the building.
3. Re-organize Landscaping
Your landscaping plays a significant role in how water flows around your property. Ensure that it allows for sufficient drainage of overflow during weather events.
Plumbing System Maintenance
A properly functioning plumbing system is critical to optimum foundation performance. Regular testing and maintenance can prevent leaks and other issues that might compromise your foundation.
Conduct Hydrostatic Testing
It is recommended to test plumbing lines every 1-3 years, depending on the age of the plumbing system. Hydrostatic testing can ensure the integrity of the lines, verifying they are performing as intended without backflow.
For more information on navigating, maintaining, or repairing your foundation issues, you can visit our friends at Risen Foundation Solutions. Risen Foundation Solutions is a slab-on-grade foundation repair company operating in San Antonio and the surrounding areas of south central Texas. Risen was founded by two lifelong friends with roots in the heart of Texas. Risen's business exists to restore trust in the Home Services Industry by providing a best-in-class foundation repair experience. Risen installs structural steel systems for residential and commercial structures that are manufactured in San Antonio, and their passion lies in providing clarity to clients for all slab foundation concerns.
If you are a client of Hendricks Property Management, we will work with you and your tenants to create a maintenance system for your foundation, or we can manage the repair for you if your property does have foundation issues with respect to be minimally invasive on your tenants’ daily life. Most foundations can be repaired in 2-3 days. Please contact your property manager if you have concerns or want to discuss the status of the foundation of your investment property.
