Choosing the right foundation for your home is one of the most important decisions you can make during its construction. Without sturdy support, your home will have no future because it won’t be stable enough. But many homeowners don’t think about how soil type can determine whether a structure’s foundation will stay strong over the long term. Every type of soil will play a role in how well a home’s foundation will hold up against movement, because all of them will respond differently to moisture and water runoff. You need to evaluate the surrounding soil before you can start building your home, because it will help to create a strong and stable foundation.

Common Soil Types

Soil type is an important consideration when you’re building any type of structure, especially if it’s a home. Not every piece of land is suitable for construction, because the subsurface soil composition can have a huge effect on your foundation’s integrity. Soils with a great deal of clay content can cause foundations to sink and settle, because it tends to absorb water and expand when it rains. Sandier soils can cause foundations to experience excessive settlement and displacement because of their loose consistency, which makes it harder to stay compacted. Some soil types are well-suited for building, because they can provide a secure base for your home’s foundation.

Here are some of the common soil types and how they can affect your home’s foundation:

• Clay — Building on this type of soil can come with some advantages, as well as some challenges. Because of its moisture retention properties, it’s more stable than other soils. So, landslides and subsidence aren’t as likely. But it can also lead to drainage issues caused by the overlapping layers that can form during the building process. This can keep water from draining away from your foundation as easily. The increased amount of stationary moisture around the foundation can eventually cause structural instability, especially if it’s in a climate that experiences freezing temperatures.
• Rocky Soil — Building on this type of soil can come with a number of challenges. You may have a hard time finding areas that are stable enough to build a solid foundation. It may require the use of some special techniques and materials, but there are some advantages to having a home built on rocky soil. Properties that are built on or around large rocks or boulders can look very picturesque. The extra stability can also come in handy during natural disasters that homes in other locations may not be able to withstand.
• Loam — Building on this type of soil can have some advantages, as well as some challenges. Its moisture content is relatively high, which can be helpful in keeping the foundation stable. It can also minimize the need to add extra water or fix the soil while the concrete is being poured, but heavy rainfall can affect your foundation’s stability by causing erosion. It can even destabilize the structure of the building itself. Loamy soils tend to expand and contract in response to fluctuations in moisture, which is caused by their high clay content.
• Silt — Depending on the specific composition, this type of soil may compress well (which can result in fewer structural issues associated with a home’s foundation). Silty soil that’s compressible will be better able to withstand seasonal shifts in moisture levels and thermal expansion than soils that are more impervious to liquids. But their weak shear strength can cause some settling issues that may affect the safety and stability of a home’s foundation over time.

Choosing the right type of soil to build on is important if you want your foundation to be stable over the long term, which is why you need to understand what type of soil can give your home the most support. You also need to think about how different soils react to changing weather conditions. Your final decision will depend on the type of terrain surrounding the construction site, as well as on what type of structure needs to be built. Thinking about all these factors will help you decide which soil type is best for giving your home the strongest foundation, so it can last for many years.

If you’re concerned about the integrity of your foundation and are looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Streem Foundation Repair. We have a team of experts who would be happy to speak with you!

Polyfoam is a polyurethane resin that can either be two-component (which expands) or single-component (which acts as a permeation grout). The two-component resin starts as two separate chemicals. Once it’s mixed, they’ll expand 15-50 times their liquid state. Single-component resin reacts with ground moisture to infiltrate and combine with the surrounding soil to create a waterproof mass that can be used to stabilize it. There’s also leak seal resin, which can be used to seal leaks in concrete structures.

Here are some common questions people ask about Polyfoam concrete lifting:

If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.

Your home’s foundation serves as its proverbial bedrock, but it can be susceptible to seasonal changes and fluctuations in the weather. Corpus Christi, along with many other areas of Texas, can experience extreme weather conditions (including different wet and dry seasons). When they’re combined with the clay soil, these extremes can wreak havoc on your foundation (which can threaten your home’s structural integrity). Variations in weather and temperature that occur throughout the year can affect even the sturdiest foundations, but it’s often overlooked by many homeowners.

How Seasonal Changes and Expansive Clay Soils Can Damage Your Foundation

Corpus Christi has a great deal of expansive clay soil, which is more susceptible to wet and dry conditions. That’s why it’s often referred to as “swelling and shrinking soil.” Think of it as like a giant sponge, which expands as it gets wet and contracts when it dries out. Expansive clay soil can damage homes, roads, and other structures (with repair bills that come to about $2 billion each year). Expansive clay soil expands and contracts based on the amount of moisture within it, so it’s moving and shifting every time it’s saturated or dried out. As it moves, your home’s foundation moves and shifts along with it.

Throughout the year, the Texas soil will experience either a wet climate or a dry one. It can also experience severe weather conditions (such as heavy rain and flooding brought on by tropical storms). When there’s too much rain, the soil around and under your foundation will become saturated. But it will dry out when the opposite is true. Periods of dry weather can cause the Corpus Christi soil to harden and shrink, and your foundation will move along with it. Wet clay soil will become saturated, which will also cause foundation movement.

All of these scenarios can cause the following:

• Cracked or sloped foundations.
• Cracks in floors, walls, or ceilings.
• Structural damage.

Be sure to speak to a foundation expert for more information.

Why You Should Worry About Foundation Issues Caused by Seasonal Changes

Your home may be your castle, but it’s not built like a fortress. It’s made stable by a concrete foundation, which can weaken over time. It’s often caused by shifting soil. The extreme weather that Corpus Christi can experience throughout the year can cause the soil to shift, and it can eventually lead to foundation issues.

Concrete foundations don’t hold up well when they’re under the stress of shifting soil. They can end up lifting and cracking. If it’s extensive enough, your home can even settle or sink. Shifting soil can not only cause vertical and horizontal cracks but can also damage the plumbing systems that run under your slab.

This kind of damage can cause moisture and water to seep into your living space, which can eventually lead to mold and infestations. It can also cause the drywall to crack, along with sticking doors and windows. It can even lead to structural damage that will make your home unsafe to live in. You may not notice the damage at any given year, but there’s a cumulative effect. So, serious issues can develop over time.

How You Can Protect Your Foundation from Seasonal Changes

You can’t control the weather or the soil around your home, but there’s a great deal you can do to minimize the damage caused by weather and shifting soil. Some of them include the following:

• Properly grading the yard and the soil around your foundation to make sure water flows away from your home.
• Installing a French drain or basin system to draw water away from your foundation.
• Maintaining consistent moisture levels in the soil around your foundation by using soaker hoses.
• Planting deep-rooted trees and shrubs away from your foundation to absorb excess moisture.
• Using moisture barriers or foundation waterproofing to prevent water infiltration.
• Inspecting and repairing foundation cracks on a regular basis to prevent water seepage.
• Consulting with a professional to assess your foundation and implementing any repairs or reinforcements as needed.
• Addressing any plumbing leaks to prevent fluctuations in the soil moisture near your foundation.

If you’re already experiencing problems, you will need to contact a professional to stabilize your foundation. You may even need to install piers or underpinnings for crawlspace repair. If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair. We have a team of experts who would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs.

Trees are part of our natural environment and can even add to the appeal of any home. They can give you some much-needed shade during those hot Texas summers while adding to the landscape of your front and back yards, but they can also create problems for your home’s foundation. So if your house has a lot of trees, you need to be aware of any warning signs that can wreak havoc on its foundation. You should also understand that as tall as a tree grows, its roots extend to three times its height below the ground. But it doesn’t mean you need to cut down all your trees or that you need to repair your foundation. You will, however, need to take certain precautions.

Trees and Their Roots

You should never underestimate the strength of tree roots. They’re extremely strong. In many ways, they can even be unstoppable. They’re constantly looking for water, which is why they grow and spread so far underground. Much of it revolves around the type of soil you have. Clay soil is often extremely thick, so it compresses around the roots as they spread.

Looser soil will have plenty of rocks and dirt, so it shifts instead of staying in one place. In fact, the looseness of the soil allows the roots to spread more easily. Weather can also play a role in how roots spread. In clay soil, the roots tend to shift a little when there’s a drought. But if it rains, the roots are more likely to expand.

Tree Roots and Concrete Shifting

A lot of homeowners have been led to believe that trees can cause foundation damage, but it’s not entirely true. In many cases, it’s the changes in the soil that cause foundation problems. But both of them share some part of the responsibility. Concrete is often the primary culprit, especially when it settles. It can often lead to cracks. Sometimes, the effect is very minimal. But there are times when it’s more extreme.

Concrete shifting can also occur in these types of situations. While there are times when it will have a minimal impact on your foundation (or no effect at all), there are times when the shifting is more extreme (which is when you’re more likely to experience a problem). This is especially true if you live in an older home.

The problem may also be caused by the way your foundation was built, especially if it isn’t deep enough. Homes with basements aren’t as susceptible to this type of damage because the foundation is already deep into the ground, but most homes in Texas don’t have them. This makes them more likely to be affected by shifting from dry soil, especially in the summer when the heat is extreme.

How to Prevent Tree Roots from Spreading

If you’re concerned about how roots can affect your foundation, there are some things you can do.  Root barriers can help you to stop roots from spreading around your foundation. You may have to dig deep to get to your foundation base, but it will allow you to cut away any roots that have come into contact with your foundation.

A trench of about 30 inches deep is usually dug into the ground between the foundation and any approaching roots. The barrier itself is made of a thick, impenetrable material that will guide the roots away from the foundation. You may need to cut away any roots that may cause problems later on, which can be helpful if your home has older trees that you’re not willing to cut down.

Another way to keep tree roots from spreading is to make sure they’re getting enough water. If trees aren’t getting the water they need to survive, they’ll move into places where you don’t want them to go. So if water deficiency is a common problem in your area, you will need to water around your foundation to keep tree roots from going under it. Trees have been known to discharge as much as 200 gallons of water into the air each day, so they must be able to get enough moisture from the soil to survive.

If you need to remove trees so you can replace them, you can choose from a variety of slow-growing species with roots that aren’t as aggressive. Some tree species (such as oak and maple) don’t grow quickly. But no matter what type of tree you choose to plant, you want to avoid varieties that have deep and invasive roots (such as willow and elm trees).

If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.

The foundation is your home’s proverbial cornerstone, because it provides stability and support. But despite the important role it plays in preserving the structural integrity of a property, it’s often overlooked. If you’re a homeowner, you need to understand the importance of having a solid foundation. There are also a lot of misconceptions about foundation repair that can lead to unnecessary concerns or even neglect. A lot of homeowners don’t have the knowledge that’s needed to maintain their property, which makes it easy for them to believe in a lot of misconceptions and DIY fixes that do more harm than good.

Here are some of the common foundation repair myths and some of the reasons why they’re not true.

#1: DIY Fixes Are Enough to Fix the Problem

This is one of the most common foundation repair myths. Some minor issues (such as hairline cracks) may have simple solutions, but more complicated problems need the help of a professional. Resist the temptation of tackling intricate foundation problems on your own, because taking the wrong approach can make things worse. If you want to get the best results, have a qualified professional evaluate the severity of the issue and come up with an appropriate solution.

#2: Foundation Problems Can Fix Themselves

Assuming that foundation problems can fix themselves is risky, because they rarely resolve themselves without some type of intervention. Ignoring any signs of distress can make them worse, which can lead to higher repair costs. If your foundation develops cracks because of soil movement, settlement, or temperature fluctuations, you can expect them to get bigger over time. To avoid these common pitfalls, you should be more proactive in how you deal with foundation issues by calling a professional. Taking care of minor issues early can go a long way toward managing foundation repair costs.

#3: Foundation Repair is Always Expensive

A lot of people believe that foundation repair is always expensive, but the actual cost will vary. While some repair jobs will be costly, not every solution requires a large financial investment. Taking care of problems early can lead to more manageable repair expenses, so be sure to contact a professional to give you a foundation repair quote.

#4: All Foundation Repair Contractors Are the Same

Believing that all foundation repair contractors are the same underscores the importance of making the right choice. If you want to get the best results, you need to find a contractor with the right kind of skills and experience. Do your research so you can find someone with a proven track record. Ask for recommendations, read reviews, and verify credentials before you make a decision.

#5: Foundation Repairs Always Involve Lifting the House

This myth oversimplifies the foundation repair process. While the house leveling process (which is usually achieved through the use of hydraulic jacks) is a viable method, not every foundation repair project requires the lifting of an entire structure. The process can involve a number of techniques (such as underpinning or piering) that can be used according to what’s needed to fix the specific issue.

#6: Foundation Problems Only Affect Old Houses

Newer homes aren’t immune to foundation problems. There are many different factors (such as soil movement, construction practices, or environmental changes) that can contribute to foundation problems. That’s why performing regular foundation inspections is important for both old and new homes. It will help you to identify any potential problems early, which will allow you to take care of minor issues before they get worse.

#7: Watering the Foundation Prevents Problems

It’s important to keep a consistent moisture level around your foundation, but overwatering can be just as problematic as not watering enough. Make sure you have enough drainage and grading around your home, so water can be directed away from the foundation. You should also think about waterproofing your foundation, so you can have an extra layer of defense. Taking these practical steps and being mindful of your watering practices will minimize your risk of foundation problems over time.

#8: Foundation Problems Are Always Visible

Believing that you can see all foundation problems can lead to a false sense of security, especially if you live in an area that’s more prone to soil movement or geological shifts. Finding and taking care of foundation issues while they’re still in the early stages will keep repair costs down to a minimum and will preserve your home’s structural integrity. It’s always a good idea to perform regular inspections, even if you don’t see any visible foundation problems.

If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.

Without a solid foundation, your home could develop serious structural problems and may eventually collapse. That’s why protecting your foundation is so important. Most slab foundations have a great deal of durability, but they can still get damaged. If you’re not careful, you could end up dealing with ongoing repairs as soon as you see cracks, upheavals, or sinkholes. Because it plays such a critical role in your home’s structural integrity, it’s important to do the proper maintenance.

Regular foundation maintenance will not only keep any serious issues from developing but will also keep repair costs down to a minimum. Here are some tips on how you can keep your slab foundation properly maintained.

#1: Schedule a Regular Plumbing Session

Plumbing leaks are one of the biggest causes of foundation problems, so you should check for leaks in every part of your plumbing systems. This includes any of the following:

• Sprinkler systems.
• Freshwater lines.
• Sewer lines.

In ideal circumstances, it should be done at least once a year. If you do find a plumbing leak, you should contact a professional as soon as possible. The first thing a plumber will do is run a hydrostatic test, because it will help to identify any plumbing issues (including ones that can’t be seen).

#2: Install a Root Barrier

Installing a root barrier around your home will protect your foundation from any invasive root systems, which can cause heaving in driveways and sidewalks. They can also cause cracks in your walls. In some cases, it can cause problems with your sewer line. Some of the common trees with invasive root systems include:

• Silver Maple.
• American Elm.
• Live Oaks.
• Magnolias.

Root barriers are usually installed 30 inches deep and can keep these roots away from your home.

#3: Protect Your Foundation from Large Trees

Everyone loves the look of a majestic tree in front of their home, but what they don’t know is that it can pose a significant threat to your home’s foundation. Trees need moisture to survive, and one large tree can consume as much as 150 gallons of water in a single day. It can absorb this water from the soil surrounding your home through a process known as “transpiration.” This can damage your home’s foundation over time and can even send roots under the slab.

Avoid planting any of the following trees:

• Maple.
• Elm.
• Magnolia.
• Chinese Pistach.
• Live Oak.
• Bradford Pear.

These trees have very deep and strong roots that can damage your foundation. Experts also recommend planting trees at least the distance away from your house covered by a mature canopy, but it will depend on the type of tree you want to plant.

#4: Make Sure Your Home is on the Right Slope

A good slope for your home makes sure that water flows away from your foundation and is sometimes referred to as a “positive slope.” If it moves in the opposite direction, it’s referred to as a “negative slope” (which is bad for your foundation). You need to make sure that the ground around your foundation has been properly graded.

According to experts, your yard should have a 2% slope, which is a half-inch per foot (or two inches in eight feet). It can be a laborious process. But with a little “sweat equity,” you can do it as a DIY project. But it might be in your best interest to hire a professional.

#5: Make Sure Your Home Has a Good Drainage System

Foundation upheaval is often the result of too much moisture in the surrounding soil, and you’ll start to see it when your foundation rises above its intended position. This problem is often caused by negative sloping, which directs water toward your foundation instead of away from it. Gutters and downspouts also play a major role, so you want to clean them on a regular basis. Otherwise, rainwater can overflow onto the brick or foundation.

Downspouts are an important part of a good gutter system, so you should make sure they’re clean as well. You may need to use a plumber’s snake to clear out a clogged downspout. But if you’re still having problems even after regular cleaning, you should think about installing a surface drain. You can also install a French drain if the surrounding soil is always damp.

If you need to find one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Streem Foundation Repair.

It’s easy to take concrete patios, sidewalks, driveways, and garage floors for granted. You walk or drive all over them, so they seem pretty invincible. Like a weightlifter who stops working out, a concrete surface that isn’t properly maintained can deteriorate over a long period of time. If you combine that with the fact that concrete isn’t cheap, it would be in your best interests to protect it from unnecessary deterioration.

Here are some important tips on how you can keep your concrete surface maintained.

#1: Apply a Protective Sealant

A concrete surface should always be coated with a protective sealant to keep moisture from compromising its integrity. It will also make the surface more resistant to stains. For newly-poured concrete, experts don’t recommend applying a sealer until it has had enough time to completely cure (which takes 28 days). There are two types of concrete sealers: acrylic-resin and penetrating. You will need to re-apply it on a regular basis.

Weather and how much traffic it receives will determine how often you need to reseal your concrete. In most cases, you will need to reapply acrylic-resin sealers every two years. Penetrating sealers can last 5-10 years. But no matter what type of sealer you use, doing it yourself is fairly easy. All you need is a reputable sealing product and a paint roller with a 3/4-inch nap. The cost of the sealer will depend on where you’re buying it from, but it’s usually about 15-25 cents per square foot.

#2: Clean it on a Regular Basis

Regular cleaning is an important step in maintaining concrete. Remove debris, leaves, and dirt with a broom or leaf blower. If you have more stubborn stains, consider using a pressure washer to clean the surface. Use a mild detergent or a special concrete cleaner to remove oil stains, grease marks, and any other stubborn spills. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or high-pressure settings, because they can damage the concrete surface.

#3: Avoid Using Deicing Chemicals

Experts recommend not using deicers on concrete, especially if it’s less than a year old. But it’s not the deicers that cause problems. It’s the increased number of freeze-thaw cycles that they cause. Deicing agents chemically lower the freezing temperature of water. As they work, they turn snow and ice into a brine solution (which keeps thawing and refreezing as the weather and temperature change). As a result, the concrete has to endure a lot more freeze/thaw cycles than it normally would. The solution will also migrate into the concrete, where it will freeze (expand) and thaw (contract). This continuous freeze/thaw cycle will cause more damage.

Deicers that contain ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulfates are even worse for concrete, because they attack it on a chemical level. Sodium chloride (rock salt) and calcium chloride won’t cause as much damage, but it’s harmful to vegetation. Using sand and scraping off ice will be a better alternative.

#4: Repair Cracks Immediately

Cracks on a concrete slab can compromise its integrity, so it can cause more damage if it’s left unattended. Check the concrete surface for cracks no matter how small they are, and immediately repair them with a concrete patching compound or crack filler. Clean the crack thoroughly by removing any debris or loose materials. Then, apply the filler according to the product instructions. Make sure it fills the entire crack and that it’s level with the surrounding surface. You should also smooth it out before giving it enough time to cure.

#5: Protect it Against Heavy Loads

Concrete is strong and durable, but it isn’t indestructible. So, you should avoid placing heavy objects or parking vehicles that exceed the concrete’s weight capacity. Too much weight on a concrete slab can cause it to crack, sink, or develop other types of structural damage. If you have heavier vehicles or equipment, you should think about adding some extra support (such as stepping stones or concrete pavers) to distribute the load more evenly.

#6: Deal with Stains as Soon as Possible

Accidental spills from oil, gasoline, or other chemicals can stain your concrete if you don’t take care of it promptly. As soon as a spill happens, you should soak it up with an absorbent material (such as kitty litter or sawdust). You should also avoid using abrasive cleaners, because it can damage the concrete surface. Use a mild detergent or a special concrete stain remover, but make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have any stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process or seek the help of a professional.

If you’re looking for one of the best Corpus Christi concrete contractors, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.

Landscaping next to a home’s foundation can make the structure look more aesthetically pleasing. But if it’s not done properly, it could have a negative impact on your home’s structural integrity. It can even lead to expensive repairs later on. Most foundation problems are caused by too much water in the surrounding soil, which can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation. It’s more than just a minor inconvenience. If your foundation starts to shift or settle, it can cause cracks in your walls, ceilings, and floors (which can lead to expensive repairs).

How Landscaping Can Cause Foundation Problems

You may have passed by a beautiful home with a gorgeous landscape to find out that the homeowner had to deal with issues related to foundation maintenance and repair. While landscaping can bring more life to your home’s exterior, you need to know how it can affect its foundation. Trees and shrubs with invasive roots can wreak havoc on your foundation’s structural integrity. Heavy landscaping features (such as large stones and concrete) can cause soil displacement, which can also cause foundation problems. While landscaping can give your home more curb appeal, you need to be aware of how it can affect its foundation.

Texas soil has a lot of clay, which is one of the main reasons why homes in this state experience a lot of foundation problems. Clay acts like a sponge, so it expands and contracts with changes in moisture levels. Soil with a high amount of clay content will absorb water from rainfall, which will cause it to expand. This puts pressure on a home’s foundation, which can cause foundational cracks and can even leave it open to the absorption of sinking water. If that happens, it can wreak havoc on your floors and even your plumbing.

During the summer when there are long stretches of excessive heat, the dryness and drought can cause clay-rich soil to contract. This can create gaps between the foundation wall and the surrounding landscape, which makes it easy for water to collect and settle. Clay soil also expands unevenly, so the different sides of your home’s foundation can move and change in completely different ways. That’s why it’s important to know how to care for your soil and to recognize the signs of foundation problems early on.

How to Create Landscaping Next to a Home’s Foundation

Landscaping is a great way to give your home more curb appeal, but it can be a challenge if it’s next to your foundation. If you’re not careful, plants and trees can damage your foundation, attract pests, or cause drainage problems. With that in mind, here are some tips that can help you create beautiful and functional landscaping next to your home’s foundation:

• Keep vegetation at least several feet away from the foundation — They may look nice when they’re planted next to your home, but they need water. You also need to avoid adding extra moisture to the ground surrounding your foundation.
• Don’t cover up your home’s foundation — You should leave at least several inches exposed to make sure that water buildup can’t go over the top of your foundation and leak into your home’s interior.
• Use mulch — This will keep the soil around your foundation from becoming too dry, which can also cause problems.
• Don’t landscape one side of the house and forget the rest — Doing this can cause you to water only one side of your foundation, which can be a problem if the soil has a lot of clay. It will expand when it gets wet and will shrink when it dries out. So if you water only one side of your foundation, you will have the problem of that side continuously expanding and contracting.

All of these tips will help you create a beautiful and sustainable landscape that will complement your home’s architecture and protect your foundation.

How You Can Prevent Problems with Your Foundation

Because most foundation problems are caused by excess moisture in the surrounding soil, you can prevent any problems by getting groundwater levels around your foundation under control. This can be done in the following ways:

• Clean your gutters on a regular basis to make sure they’re not full of dead leaves and other debris.
• Install downspout extensions in your gutter system to carry water at least 15 feet away from your foundation before it’s released.
• Install a drain tile system.

If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.

Because of its role as a structural base, the foundation is an important part of your home. It has to bear the weight of the entire structure and everything inside it. The time it has before it becomes unstable will depend on the type of soil on which it was built. If the surrounding soil is stable, your foundation will hold together for many years. But if the soil is weak, it’s going to sink after just a few years. This downward movement is referred to as “foundation settlement,” and it usually happens when the surrounding soil is shifty or expansive. In either situation, the soil isn’t able to carry the weight of your home and everything in it.

Causes of Foundation Settlement

Some homes aren’t built on stable soil. When its contents shrink or expand, they leave voids under the structure. There are several things that can cause these changes, which can include the following:

• Drying and Shrinking — Soil dries out during long droughts. When the particles are left without moisture inside them, they shrink. This will leave gaps in the soil, which can occur under homes that were built on unstable soil.
• Wetting and Softening — While droughts can cause the soil to become too dry, heavy rainfall can cause it to become too saturated. When this happens, the soil particles will soften, which will make it unable to support the foundation.
• Poor Soil Compaction — Some soil types have poor compaction, which causes them to compress under the weight of the structure. Before they construct a new building, builders need to excavate, fill, and level the soil within the construction site. If they compact the soil well enough, the foundation is less likely to settle.

Be sure to speak to a professional for more information about the causes of foundation settlement.

Signs of Foundation Settlement

Whenever a foundation settles or sinks, you’ll be able to notice certain signs. Some of them include the following:

• Foundation Cracks — If you see cracks in your foundation, it’s a strong indication that settlement has occurred. Over time, these cracks can become longer and wider (which is a sign that the foundation is shifting even further). If the cracks are wider at the top, it’s a clear sign of uneven foundation settlement.
• Sticking Doors and Windows — This is a common problem in older homes. It can sometimes be caused by a moisture issue or a problem with the internal parts, but it can also be the result of foundation settlement.
• Cracks in the Drywall — This can be caused by a bad tape job or excess moisture, but it can also be sign that you have a foundation problem. If it is caused by foundation settlement, the cracks will reappear after you patch them. Look out for nail pops, which can happen when the drywall shifts.
• Uneven Floors — If your floors are uneven or out of level, it’s a clear sign of foundation settlement. Look for any signs of leaning or tilting in your chimney. You also want to watch for stair-step cracks in a concrete block or in brick foundation walls.

Be sure to speak to an expert for more information about the signs of foundation settlement.

Types of Foundation Settlement

Here are the three main types of foundation settlement:

• Uniform Settlement — This type of settlement occurs when the structure is built on the same lay of soil up to the foundation depth, which doesn’t have a major impact on the structure.
• Tipping Settlement — This happens when one part of the structure has settled to a certain depth. This can cause the entire structure to collapse.
• Differential Settlement — This usually happens when the soil has different layers. Certain parts of the structure can settle differently, which can cause cracks to form in different areas.

Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.

How to Fix Foundation Settlement

Here are some of the ways that foundation settlement can be resolved:

• Foundation Push Piers — This is a great method for heavier structures and will prevent cracks from spreading. In some situations, these piers can lift a sunken foundation and permanently close any gaps.
• Helical Piers — Also referred to as “screw piles,” this method can be helpful in stabilizing your foundation. They can be installed down into stable soil, which will permanently stabilize your foundation. Helical piers are perfect for lighter structures and are often used by contractors to lift foundations.
• Slab Piers — This is a hassle-free system that’s great for homes with concrete slab foundations. They’re installed deep into the soil so it can become more stable, which can be helpful in stabilizing a foundation.

If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.

As soon as you notice cracks in your foundation, leaning foundation walls, or signs of settling, your first reaction is to worry. All kinds of questions go through your mind. What’s causing the damage? How much will it cost to repair, and how do you find someone you can trust? Finding the right foundation repair contractor can be a little intimidating, especially since it’s an unregulated industry in the State of Texas. Your hairdresser or barber has more educational licensing requirements than someone who does foundation repair.

There’s no stipulated formal training, no insurance bonding requirements, and no industry standards that have been outlined by the state. So anyone with a shovel, wheelbarrow, and jack can repair foundations. While it may not be a major problem, but it’s something that’s worth considering. There are no rules and standards coming from the government or other regulating agencies. So instead of relying on a certification, score, or outside regulatory body, you will need to rely on your own investigation and impressions to make sure you’re hiring the right person.

Choosing a Foundation Repair Company

Here are some tips on how to choose the right company for foundation repair:

• Check out reviews and ratings — This is one of the best ways to find out how a company has been performing in the market, because you can look at comments from real customers. Testimonials can have a huge impact on a company’s reputation, and having a good rating is a sign that they do good work. You can also look at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), because companies get a letter grade based on the reviews and complaints that were officially submitted. You want to do hire a company with an A+ rating and has been in business for at least ten years.
• Hire a family-owned company — Family-owned businesses are a great alternative to choosing the big box companies, because they tend to focus more on customer service and satisfaction. Their experience often results in much better performance and results, because they can provide more training to their staff. Unlike larger companies that may be hard (or even impossible) to contact, family-owned foundation repair contractors will most likely be easy to get a hold of. Their company turnover won’t be as much of a problem.
• Ask your neighbors — Because foundation repair is such an important project, you want to make sure you hire a company that other people have been happy with. Ask your neighbors if they know anyone they can recommend. There’s a good chance that someone living within 1-2 blocks from you has had their foundation worked on in the past.

Regardless of how you approach it, you want to do some research so you can find a foundation repair contractor that will do the job right.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Foundation Repair Contractor

Here are some questions you should ask before hiring a company for foundation repair:

• How long have you been in business?
• Are you locally based?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you offer a warranty or service agreement, and what are the terms?
• Have you done foundation repairs in my neighborhood, and do you have any references?
• How long have your crews been with you, and how many people do you have per crew?
• Do you subcontract any of the work?
• What type of underpinnings or supports do you use?
• Do you test the plumbing after raising the home?
• Do you fill the voids created after raising the home?
• How do you protect landscaping?
• What’s your cleanup procedure after the job has been completed?
• How long will the job take, and when can you start?
• How much will you raise my home, and when do you stop?

While the industry itself doesn’t have any regulations in Texas, it doesn’t mean there are any rules at all. There are still municipality rules, permitting, and report requirements you may have to deal with. That’s why you should ask contractors the following questions.

• Do you need to pull a permit for foundation repair?
• Is an engineer report required for foundation repair?

You should consider talking to more than one foundation repair contractor, especially if the first one you spoke to doesn’t make you feel confident about their ability to do the job. Getting a second opinion can help you to solidify your choice.

If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair.