Water in the soil around your home can put pressure on your foundation. This can cause cracks, leaks, and even structural damage. You may not think that clogged gutters and overwatering flower beds surrounding your home can affect its foundation. But if water starts to pool or saturate the ground next to your house, it can result in significant damage to your foundation. Water from heavy rainfall, flooding, plumbing leaks, and broken water lines can also saturate the soil around your home, which can weaken its load-bearing capacity.

How Too Much Water Can Cause Foundation Damage

There are three main ways that too much water can affect your foundation:

• Hydrostatic Pressure — When water from rainstorms, broken water lines, landscaping, and bedrock collects around your home, it will put “hydrostatic pressure” on your foundation. This can cause the foundation walls to crack and bow, which can result in leaks.
• Expansive Soils — Expansive soils can come in every state and can have minerals that absorb water, which will increase its volume. Expansive soils will push up against the foundation, which can cause cracks in the walls or floor. They will also shrink when they dry out. This repeated cycle of expansion and contraction can put stress on your home, which can cause damage that will get worse over time.
• Erosion — Rainwater and underground springs can wash away the soil supporting your foundation, which can cause it to settle. The early signs aren’t always noticeable. So, they can be easily dismissed — that is, until they become serious enough to call a professional. Some of these signs can include sinking, uneven floors, doors and windows that don’t close properly, drywall cracks, and tilting chimneys.

All of these can lead to serious foundation damage.

Signs Your Foundation Has Water Damage

It can be hard to notice a wet foundation, but there are some signs you can watch for that will tell you if it has water damage. That way, you can take the appropriate measures to get them taken care of early. Your home is full of a lot of complexities, and the easiest way to tell if your foundation has water damage is to look for the following signs:

• Moisture or Dampness — Your foundation is supposed to be clean and dry. When it gets damp, it can turn into an ideal environment for fungi and bacteria. So if your foundation walls constantly get damp or wet, there’s a good chance that water is seeping through. Do your best to find the source of the moisture, and take steps to take care of the problem as quickly as possible.
• Mold or Mildew — If you see streaks of mold and mildew on your walls, it’s a sign of water damage. Both of them thrive in damp and wet environments. So if you see any gray, white, black or green substances on your walls, there’s a good chance that mold has taken over. This can pose some serious health risks (such as respiratory complications and breathing problems). It can also cause wood to rot and can even damage your home’s structural supports.
• Foundation Cracks — Cracks can cause foundation problems, but they can also be a sign of water damage. Water located outside your foundation can put stress on the walls (which is referred to as “hydrostatic pressure”), and it can cause them to crack. Depending on their size, you may need anything from a minor repair to something more extensive.
• Wall Discoloration — Concrete is porous, so it can get discolored if groundwater stays on the surface. These stains come from minerals that form when water dries inside the concrete, which is usually the result of “efflorescence.” Any stains on your walls, carpet, or wallpaper is a sign that water has seeped through your foundation walls. But not all of them are caused by water. Mold can also leave black or grayish stains on your walls.
• Pungent or Musty Smell — Once mold or mildew has formed on your foundation walls, it will release a musty or pungent smell that will move up to your home’s living space. Some of them can also come from decaying wood or pest waste.

A puddle on the floor or a small crack on the walls is something that a lot of homeowners feel they can deal with, so many of them wait years before they even think about calling a professional. But if your foundation starts to crack, sink, or bow, the problem can seem more serious. The idea that the one thing keeping your home from collapsing has gotten damaged can be frightening. But in a lot of cases, the structural damage isn’t as bad as it looks. In fact, most problems can be solved with minimal disruption to your home with the use of foundation repair techniques and products.

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.

Foundation watering is important for most homeowners. But in Texas, it’s absolutely essential. The summers in this state (especially in Corpus Christi) can be hot and dry, which can take a toll on your foundation. When the soil inside your home doesn’t get enough water, it will dry out (which will affect your foundation). It can put your home’s structural integrity at risk. Some parts of Texas see as much as a 15% shrinkage in soil, which can affect a homeowner’s foundation watering schedule. If you live in any of these areas, you could easily water your foundation on a daily basis.

How Foundation Watering Works

Some homeowners never had to worry about watering their foundations until they moved to states like Texas, but it’s an important consideration because your home’s surrounding soil needs to be stable. Otherwise, it can threaten the integrity of your foundation and increase the risk of damage (which can lead to a large repair expense).

While every foundation is built to be sturdy and well-balanced, it does need support from the soil. The State of Texas (especially Corpus Christi) experiences frequent droughts that can be a major hazard for your foundation. And like many areas of the state, Corpus Christi has clay soil (which makes foundations more susceptible to serious problems).

Dry soil doesn’t offer enough support for your foundation. If there isn’t enough ground support, it will sink unevenly. This issue will put stress on your foundation, but the problems don’t stop when the drought ends because the first rainstorms can flood parts of your home. So, you can see how dry, hot weather can have serious financial consequences when it comes to your home’s foundation. It’s much cheaper to have an irrigation system in place before these problems come up instead of having to deal with them later on.

Questions to Ask Before Watering Your Foundation

To make sure you understand how to water your foundation, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• What are the daily temperature highs in my area?
• What kind of watering system will I be using on my foundation?
• What kind of soil is surrounding my foundation?
• Do I have a watering schedule for other seasons as well?

Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.

Helpful Tips for Watering Your Foundation

Here are some tips on how you can start watering your foundation:

• Pick the Right Time — You should water your foundation when you can see your yard starting to dry up. There should be no gap between the soil and your foundation, which happens when the soil gets too dry.
• Ensure Proper Drainage — An important part of watering your foundation is to make sure the area around your foundation has enough drainage. You want to offset any dryness in the soil, but you don’t want to create muddy (or even soggy) conditions in the soil.
• Grow More Plants — Aside from directly watering your foundation, you can take other steps to improve soil conditions around your foundation by adding some landscaping. This can include planting some shrubs and flowers around your home. Not only do they provide some much-needed shade during the summer months (which can counter the effects of evaporation in the soil), but it will also make it less likely for the soil to erode.
• Use a Drip Hose — You can water your foundation by hand, but it’s not the most ideal solution. You should think about using a drip hose, because it can help you to be consistent and systematic about your foundation watering schedule. Make sure you connect this system to your outdoor faucet with an automatic on/off timer, but drip hoses also have a slower rate of release. So, you may need to water your foundation between 20 and 45 minutes (depending on the soil conditions and water release rate).

Watering your foundation isn’t hard, and you can do it either actively or passively (depending on your equipment and skills). Regardless of your approach, your goal is to moisten the soil around and under your home so it can continue to support the foundation. Keeping it maintained is an important job, but it doesn’t have to be a hard one.

If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi to help you answer questions about watering your foundation, be sure to reach out to Streem Foundation Repair. We have a team of people who would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs!

Because it’s strong, durable, and has very little maintenance requirements, concrete is the most popular material for driveways and walkways. But like most materials, it will wear out over time. Everyone will show signs of age with wrinkles and gray hair. Concrete will show its age with cracks and holes. If you see any of these signs, you might be wondering if you should replace the entire slab or try to repair it. While there are times when it’s a good idea to replace your concrete, there are times when it’s not even necessary. In fact, concrete repair can be a great way to add new life to your slab.

Common Concrete Problems

When it comes to keeping your concrete in good condition, knowing which issues can and can’t be repaired can save you a lot of money over the long term. Some of the common issues related to concrete include the following:

• Raised or Sinking Slabs — Raised or sinking slabs are usually the result of natural soil settlement, compaction, or erosion (which can be caused by water or animals). In most situations, both interior and exterior sunken slabs can be lifted back to their original position with professional concrete leveling services. So, they won’t have to be replaced.
• Breakage, Missing Chunks, or Chipping — This can be caused by heavy impact, freeze-thaw cycles, or age-related deterioration. Small chunks or chips can usually be repaired by applying a patching compound. But if the damage is too extensive or has affected the concrete’s integrity, replacing it would be a better option.
• Uneven Surface Texture — If you see this on an exterior slab (including rough or spalled areas), it’s most likely caused by exposure to salt and freeze-thaw cycles. There is no long-term concrete repair solution for uneven surface texture on exterior slabs, but thoroughly cleaning and sealing the concrete with a good penetrating sealer can slow down its progression.
• Discoloration or Oil Stains — If you don’t clean and seal your concrete surface on a regular basis, these issues can build up over time. Surface stains and mold can usually be removed or reduced by applying a stain-fighting product with a pressure washer. But if you want to prevent this from happening in the future, you should treat your concrete with a good sealer when you’re done cleaning and removing stains.
• Cracking — This is a common problem that can be caused by freeze-thaw cycles, slab settling, as well as trauma caused by heavy equipment or vehicles. Small surface or hairline cracks can usually be sealed with concrete caulk. But if they’re too extensive or have affected its stability, a concrete replacement will most likely be necessary.

Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.

When Your Concrete Can be Repaired

In a lot of cases, concrete repair will be the most cost-effective way to deal with any issues. So, you should consider repairing your concrete in the following circumstances:

• The damage hasn’t affected its structural integrity.
• The cost to repair is a lot lower than a concrete replacement.
• The concrete is in reasonably good condition (aside from the specific problem area).
• The issue can be resolved over the long term by leveling, lifting, caulking, patching, applying an overlay (for interior slabs), cleaning, or sealing.

Be sure to speak with a professional to determine if your concrete slab can be repaired.

When You Need a Concrete Replacement

Concrete repair is often the preferred option, but there are times when it’s better to replace the entire slab. You should think about a concrete replacement in the following situations:

• The damage is too extensive, has affected too much of the surface, or has compromised its structural integrity.
• You want to add a new feature or level of functionality (such as a concrete ramp to replace a set of steps).
• The concrete has been severely deteriorated with the presence of deep cracks, extensive spalling, or widespread discoloration.
• The existing concrete has gone through a number of repairs that haven’t fixed any of the underlying issues.

At first, it can be hard to decide if it’s better to repair or replace your concrete. That’s why you need to look at the specific problem, the extent of the damage, and condition of the surface. But now that you have a general idea of what kind of concrete issues can and can’t be repaired, you might be better able to evaluate your specific situation.

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

If your home has a settling foundation, it’s important to fix the problem as soon as possible. But the foundation repair technique that your home needs will depend on a number of factors, which can include the following:

• The symptoms that your home is experiencing.
• The composition and compaction of the soil underneath.
• How far down stable conditions are located.
• The type of foundation that’s in need of support.

Most foundation repair methods aren’t considered to be DIY projects, so they will require the skills of a trained professional. You do, however, need to understand the situation and know which options are available because they can be valuable tools in finding the right person for your specific set of circumstances.

Identifying Foundation Problems

Foundation problems can show themselves in subtle ways during the early stages. You may see small cracks in the walls, or there may be some water intrusion after a period of heavy rain. They’re often minor issues, so they may not be signs of a bigger problem. They can, however, be early symptoms of a major issue that may come up later on if they’re not taken care of. If you see any of these potential warning signs, you should have a professional take a look at it so he or she can assess the situation.

Other signs of a foundation problem can include the following:

• Doors that don’t open or close as easily.
• Windows that become harder to operate.
• Gaps developing in the trim work.
• Cracks in the drywall.

All of these issues are signs that your foundation is in need of repair.

Permanent Foundation Repair

There are several ways to restore the support for your home’s foundation, but the best options will depend on the soil composition underneath the house and what type of foundation is in need of repair. The primary methods for permanent foundation repair include:

• Steel Piers — In most cases, installing steel piers underneath your home will be the best long-term solution for stabilizing a foundation. But it’s also the most expensive. This type of foundation repair involves the use of galvanized steel posts, which are driven deep into the ground below the foundation.
• Hellical Piers — This foundation repair method also involves the use of galvanized steel, except they are twisted into the ground with a hellically-shaped leading point that looks like a screw or auger. This is a great way to support the massive weight of a home and foundation without having to reach the bedrock.
• Concrete Piles — These are blocks or cylinders of pre-cured concrete, which have a length and width of several inches to many feet. The piles are driven or placed underneath the foundation into the compacted soil and can either consist of one piece or several pieces that are stacked on top of each other.
• Poured Concrete Piers — This is a low-cost foundation repair technique that can work if the conditions under your home are right. A large hole is dug under your foundation, which is filled with wet concrete. Then, it’s allowed to cure before it’s attached to your home.

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

Minor Foundation Adjustments

There are times when your home has a foundation problem that isn’t severe enough to justify a more involved repair, but it still needs to be dealt with before it gets worse. The main methods for making minor foundation adjustments include:

• Slab Jacking — If your home sits on a concrete slab that isn’t level or has cracks caused by soil erosion, this foundation repair method may solve the problem. It involves drilling holes into an existing slab and injecting a concrete slurry or dense polyurethane foam under the failing section. If your home sits on soil that is compact enough, this method can be a good solution for fixing a sagging foundation.
• Shimming — New homes are sometimes built on soil that may not have been compacted enough before the foundation was built. And after the home has been completed, that soil can shift or erode. This can cause gaps to form between the foundation and the rest of the home’s structure. These conditions may or may not be the sign of a larger problem, but a foundation expert or structural engineer may decide to fill the gap with steel shims after he or she has looked at the situation. This can act as a permanent solution if the soil has stopped settling under the home. But if the gaps reappear, a more invasive foundation repair will most likely be needed.

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

Most homes in Texas are built on expansive clay soil. And because it shrinks and swells according to the amount of moisture, it can be a major source of foundation problems. To keep your foundation from getting damaged from clay soil that expands and contracts, Texas homes need to have good drainage and landscape irrigation systems around the property to make sure it has a constant and consistent moisture level throughout the year. In fact, foundation problems are a big concern for Texas homeowners.

The type of foundation being used on a home will depend on the local climate, soil condition, and construction budget. Here are the three main types of slab foundations being used in Texas Homes.

New Slab Pour

#1: A Typical Slab Foundation with Traditional Footings

This is the most common type of slab foundation. A large piece of concrete (called a “footing” or “footer”) acts as the base for the home’s foundation. A steel rebar is placed before the concrete is poured around the perimeter. But sometimes, a gap can form under the poured concrete floor. This can usually be filled with a type of fill material that can level the surface and provide support for the slab. But if the layer isn’t tamped down well enough or has eroded, it will leave an empty void. This is what can cause a slab foundation to crack. As the weight of your home presses down on the foundation, the improperly supported concrete can crack under the pressure.

The best way to fix this problem is to use some type of concrete leveling procedure (such as “slabjacking”). The fill material is injected under the slab foundation and will gradually lift the foundation as it builds up and fills the void. The crack can then be filled and smoothed as your foundation becomes level again.

This type of foundation can also get damaged from erosion. If water erodes the ground under one of your footers, it will cause the foundation to “settle.” A portion of your foundation is sinking at a faster rate, which can add additional strain. The most common symptom of this problem is the presence of cracks in the drywall, especially around doors and windows (which can become hard to open). You may also have cracks across the floor, or it may slope toward the outside.

The best way to stabilize a settling foundation is to use hellical piers. They’re long steel posts that are screwed into the ground next to your foundation. Once they reach stable soil (which can be measured with a pressure gauge), they can be attached to the footer so it doesn’t keep moving.

#2: A Floating Slab Foundation

This type of slab foundation also has a concrete footer, but the exterior walls are built on top of it. The slab floor is poured after this step, so it “floats” or rests on the footing without supporting as much of the structure itself. Like it does with traditional footings, erosion can affect a floating slab foundation. But because the floor is separate from the footer, you may only need to install piers to repair it. A settling footer would only be needed if erosion has occurred under the floating slab, because it would create a void that can cause slab cracks due to the lack of support.

#3: Post-Tension Slab Foundation

This is a kind of monolithic slab foundation that uses cables inside the slab instead of rebar reinforcements, which are pulled tight after the slab has cured. Post-tensioning compresses the concrete and holds the entire slab together as a single piece. This can help to reduce any foundation problems if there’s any settlement or expansion of the soil.

For a post-tension slab to work, the entire building site has to be prepared all at once. This is because the concrete footing and floor are poured together as a single piece. Like any other slab foundation, erosion can be a problem. Because the floor and footers function as a single piece, the repairs will include both piers and concrete leveling. Any changes that are made to a portion of the structure will have to be mirrored on the other side.

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 can repair all types of slab foundations, and we would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs.

Becoming a homeowner is a huge milestone, because it will give you the freedom to create your own place of domestic comfort. You no longer need the blessing of your landlord to renovate a bathroom or keep pets, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. One of them is keeping up with the regular maintenance, which can go a long way toward keeping its property value and avoiding expensive repairs.

One of these costly repairs is your foundation, but maintaining your home’s structural integrity is an important part of preserving its value and keeping it safe to live in. Everything from shifting soil to flooding can damage your foundation. When these issues come up, you need to take care of it as soon as possible.

Here are some reasons why you should never put off repairing your foundation.

#1: You Can Avoid Plumbing Problems

As foundation cracks expand and floors start to slope, the risk for plumbing leaks will increase. Any pipes that run below a concrete slab can get damaged when it moves. But other parts of your home will be under stress, which can cause leaks to develop.

#2: It will Improve Energy Efficiency

Your home will be more efficient if there aren’t any cracks in the walls and ceiling, because there will be less heat loss or gain inside. Heat can flow in the summer and escape during the winter, but distorted windows and cracked door frames can compromise this seal because there are uneven gaps. This will allow hot or cold air to get inside your home, which will cause your AC bill to go up in the summer and your heating bill to increase during the winter.

#3: You Can Avoid a Termite Infestation

Termites can get inside your home through a single crack. Most of them only need the width of a business card to get inside, so foundation cracks and even ones along your home’s exterior near ground level can give them plenty of entry space.

#4: It Will Be Easier to Sell Your Home

Whenever a homeowner notices a crack, the common response is to fix it and move on. While there’s nothing wrong with doing this, you should never assume that it’s going to make the structural problem go away. It won’t prevent other foundation issues from popping up.  When it comes time to sell your home, it could be a “deal-breaker.” Even if a prospective home buyer is willing to accept the risk of purchasing a home with a foundation issue, a lender isn’t likely to allow a mortgage to be granted for a property with this kind of problem.

#5: You Can Avoid Rising Repair Costs

The cost of restoring your home from foundation damage can increase if the problem isn’t taken care of quickly enough. Most homeowners will get an estimate once they notice the issue to find out that it’s much higher than they hoped for. They will put off the job until they’re more comfortable paying for the repair, but many of them don’t realize that none of these issues will go away. The problem will get worse the longer you wait. But, so will the cost of the repair. You can save thousands of dollars in the long run if you take care of the problem as soon as you find it.

#6: It Will Improve Your Home’s Structural Integrity

Foundation damage can have a detrimental effect on your home’s structural integrity. If it’s left unchecked, it can lead to serious damage (such as cracks in your walls and ceilings, bowing floors and beams, as well as compromised roofing). If you take care of your foundation repair once you notice a problem, you can keep other parts of your home from getting damaged. This will make sure that every part of your home is structurally sound.

#7: It Will Keep You and Your Family Safe

Probably one of the most important reasons why you should never put off foundation repair is because it will keep you and your family safe (along with anyone else inside your home). A weak foundation can cause floors, walls, and other parts of your home to suddenly and unexpectedly collapse. So, anyone inside your home will be at risk of injury or even death. If you take care of foundation problems as soon as they come up, you can make sure your home is safe.

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.

Concrete structures are susceptible to a number of environmental stresses, and many of them can cause damage (such as cracks, heaving, or sinking). Once the settlement process has started, the problems associated with it will get worse as the soil continues to erode. Once concrete leveling issues come up, they can often be fixed. There are two main methods for raising concrete: mudjacking and polyurethane injection.

One of the biggest threats to the structural health of your home is the sinking or settling of your concrete foundation, which is there to stabilize your entire home. But it can’t keep its shape or structural integrity if the ground underneath it can no longer provide enough support. This can happen when a concrete slab has become inadequately packed or is overly absorbent to water. As the soil collapses or goes through a cycle of expansion or contraction, the concrete will start to heave, bend, and ripple. Over time, the sinking will get deeper into its own footprint.

While underpinnings are usually the best option, some homeowners will choose to go with mudjacking or polyurethane injection (depending on their goals). Both of these procedures can halt and even reverse the sagging process of a concrete slab foundation, and neither of them will involve any excessive inconveniences or massive life disruptions. So, which one is the better solution?

The Basics of Mudjacking and Polyurethane Injection

Foundations typically sink when there are voids under the concrete slab. Until they’re filled, it will be impossible to restore it to its previous elevation level without the use of underpinnings. Mudjacking and polyurethane injection are used to fill these voids in the underlying soil, which can prevent an unfolding catastrophe.

Mudjacking lifts the concrete foundation on top of a densely-packed, swelling wave of slurry (which is a mixture of hard fill that includes mud, sand, cement, crushed limestone, and other materials). Polyurethane injection raises the concrete by using a dense, durable, and environmentally-safe polyurethane foam. In both cases, holes need to be drilled into the floor that penetrates through the concrete foundation, so it can be injected into the sunken spaces below (though mudjacking holes are bigger and harder to patch).

The slurry or foam is injected in large quantities, with enough concentration to fill the cavities located underneath and to gradually lift the foundation back to an adequate position. Once the technicians are satisfied with the results, they will fill and repair the injection holes so the floor looks like new. Both of these technologies can restore sunken concrete foundations, but they can also be used in many other concrete installations that may suffer the same fate.

Pros and Cons of Mudjacking

Some of the advantages of mudjacking include the following:

• It’s a fairly inexpensive procedure.
• It’s a time-tested service with which many contractors are familiar.
• The injection slurry is primarily made from naturally-occurring materials with no negative environmental impacts.

Despite its advantages, mudjacking does have its drawbacks. Some of them can include the following:

• The slurry has too rough of a texture to completely fill the voids under a concrete slab, which increases the chance of more sinking in the near future.
• It’s less reliable and will eventually need to be replaced.
• The injected materials are extremely heavy, which can cause another round of soil compression.
• The slurry is susceptible to washing out if it’s exposed to underground water penetration.
• Large holes must be made in the flooring.

Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.

Pros and Cons of Polyurethane Injection

Some of the advantages of polyurethane injection include the following:

• It’s a long-lasting procedure.
• The lightweight materials won’t cause any more soil compression and will flow easily during the injection process.
• The density is enough to completely fill the cavities below a sinking foundation.
• The soil under the foundation will mix well with the material and will get stronger as a result.
• The injection holes are smaller.

Despite its advantages, polyurethane injection does have its drawbacks. Some of them can include the following:

• Fewer contractors have access to the procedure, so it’s not as widely available.
• Equipment and materials are expensive, which makes them less accessible to smaller contractors.

If you have a damaged foundation and are looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, Streem Foundation Repair has a team of experts that can help. We’re proud to service residents of the Coastal Bend, so feel free to reach out to us. We would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs!

One of the most important parts of your home is the foundation (if not the most important). It supports the entire structure, keeps moisture out, and resists movement. It also insulates your home from the heat and cold. While most foundations can last a lifetime without experiencing any problems, there are times when they can fail in some way. Foundation problems can be caused by a number of issues (such as poor drainage, climate fluctuations, soil conditions, and plumbing leaks). Knowing the signs of a foundation problem can be critical to your home’s overall integrity.  The earlier you can find the warning signs of foundation failure, the more easily a foundation repair company can fix it.

Here are some of the warning signs that you may have a problem with your foundation.

Exterior Wall Crack

#1: Exterior Wall Cracks

Look for cracks that run along your home’s exterior walls. Small, thin cracks on the surface need to be inspected. But if there are any large exterior cracks with a zig-zag shape, it could be a sign that you have a problem with your foundation. Any bricks that protrude from your wall should also be checked.

Interior Wall Crack

#2: Interior Wall Cracks

You want to keep an eye out for any cracks that run along the walls inside your home. If they’re heading in a diagonal direction off the corners of door and window frames, you should get your foundation checked. The larger and longer the cracks are, the more severe the problem will be. Even smaller cracks should be kept an eye on for any changes because if they suddenly get larger, you could have a problem with your foundation.

#3: Bowing Walls

Bowing walls could be another indication that you have a foundation problem. You should look for any diagonal cracks that run along the inside or outside of your walls, because they could be a sign of bowing. You can have this issue fixed, but you also need to take care of the foundation problem that’s causing it. This will make sure it doesn’t happen again.

#4: Uneven and Sagging Floors

Uneven floors are usually a sign that the foundation is settling or shifting underneath. If you believe your floors are uneven or sagging, roll a marble across the floor to see it takes a straight path or moves toward the center of the room. It may not be the most scientific method, but it will give you a general idea of what the problem is. The sloping can sometimes be caused by a poor structural design. But in most cases, the issue is caused by a foundation problem.

#5: Crooked Doors and Door Frame Separation

When foundations move from their original position, it can cause a door to be crooked or “out of square.” The door frame opening will no longer be at a 90-degree angle at each corner, and it’s a common sign of a foundation problem. An easy way to identify this problem is to step back a few feet from the door and look at its top edge to see how it sits in the frame. You should see a consistent gap between the door and frame all the way across from left to right. If one side has a larger gap than the other, the door is “out of square” (which could be caused by a foundation problem).

#6: Sticking Doors or Windows

If your doors and windows are becoming harder to close, it could be because you have a foundation problem. As an unstable foundation shifts, the shape of your door and window frames can warp. This can cause windows and doors to not close correctly.

Door Frame Separation

#7: Gaps Between Walls, Windows, or Doors

Gaps between your windows, walls, and doors can not only mean a lot of hot or cold air leaking into your home, but can also be a sign that you have a foundation problem. You should also look for gaps in other parts of your home’s interior because if you see them above your kitchen cabinets or between the wall and countertops, it could be a sign you have a foundation problem.

#8: Cracks and Nails Popping Out in Your Drywall

If you see the head of a nail coming out through your drywall and paint, make sure you keep a close eye on it. One or two nails popping out here and there can be easy to fix. But if they happen more frequently, you could have a problem with your 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.

Slab foundations have become increasingly common in Texas because they’re cost-effective and are also ideally designed for the state’s soil composition. But, they also have their disadvantages. A lot of the problems related to slab-on grade foundations are the result of poor planning during the construction phase of the project, but they can also develop over a longer period of time.

A lot of properties have been built with slab foundations since the 1970’s. It’s made with a thick concrete that’s poured on top of the soil. But even though the crawlspace is replaced with a slab foundation, there are still some common issues that they can experience. If you believe you have a problem with your slab foundation, you need to contact a professional foundation repair company as soon as possible.

Here are some of the common problems people experience with their slab foundations.

#1: Broken Concrete Slabs

Concrete slabs can be caused by a number of issues, but it may not mean you have a foundation problem. Stress coming from the walls can cause a piece of concrete to crack or break off at an outside corner. At the top of the slab, pieces of concrete can break off along both edges and can extend 4-8 inches from the corner. It can then extend 1-2 inches down toward the bottom, which can weaken the concrete wedge and cause it to come off.

If you see a post-tension cable sticking out of the concrete wedge, you need to call someone who specializes in this area. This person will be able to fix the concrete while making sure the slab has the right amount of cable tension. It’s also important to perform maintenance on all cable anchors and post-tension cables.

#2: Unlevelled Floor

An unlevelled floor is a sign of a foundation problem and needs to be immediately addressed by a professional. It will often cause bumps that will gradually appear in a concrete slab floor. In most cases, it’s caused by a plumbing leak. The clay will expand as it absorbs water, which can put pressure on the concrete floor. The leak can also take place in sewer or freshwater lines.

Water leaks can happen even if you don’t have plumbing in that part of the property. Water occasionally travels from another part of the property where there’s a plumbing system present and travels through a place where there’s soft soil that was formed during construction. Plumbing is also designed to distribute water from a central point to different areas of the property where water is required, which is often done to cut costs related to piping and construction.

A bump in the middle of the property is rarely caused by a foundation problem. But if they’re not taken care of, water leaks can lead to slab foundation issues. It can even cause the surrounding soil to weaken if they’re left unaddressed.

#3: Upheaval

This problem takes place when the foundation rises in certain areas and is often caused by excessive moisture in clay soil or in a foundation that hasn’t been properly designed. If your countertops, floors, and walls are no longer at the same level, it’s a sign that you have an upheaval. To fix this problem, it’s a good idea to use Potential Vertical Rise (PVR) before you build the property. If it has already been built, you need to make sure you have a good drainage system.

#4: Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks cause separation at the joints, which can lead to water, moisture, and insects to get into the property. It can be caused by a number of things. What may start as a hairline fracture can become larger over time, which is why you should inspect your foundation for cracks on a regular basis. If they’re larger than 1/16 of an inch, it needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.

#5: Settling

This is a common problem that happens to a lot of properties. It’s a natural process that causes it to gradually sink into the ground, but it can cause slab foundation problems. If they’re not addressed in a timely manner, they can cause serious damage to the property. If you see cracks in your walls, bricks, and windows, you need to call a professional as soon as possible because they’re definite signs of a foundation problem.

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.