Dallas, TX, is known for its older homes. These properties often come with hidden foundation problems that most homeowners are unaware of. By understanding the unique issues that affect these homes in Dallas, you’ll be better equipped to deal with the older homes if you are looking to purchase. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the common foundation issues of older homes in the Dallas area.
Why Dallas Homes Are Prone to Foundation Issues
Dallas and Fort Worth are located on expansive clay soil, which has expanding and contracting properties with moisture changes. During the Texas summers, the soil shrinks from the long dry period, but when a rainy day in the wet season hits, it expands the Texas soil and can cause hydrostatic pressure. This sudden movement is known to cause damage to a home’s foundation. When the soil is shocked with rain without having time to adjust, it can contribute to causing issues with the soil, leading to foundation repair. There are also the factors that older homes constructed with may not use the modern foundation technology to help combat the shifting soil.
Common Foundation Problems in Older Dallas and Fort Worth Home
Common Foundation Problems in Older Dallas and Fort Worth Homes
Foundation problems can come in various forms. This can be more pronounced in older homes, especially. Here is a list of the most common issues we come across:
- Uneven floors
- You will first notice gaps between doors and floors that become slanted or increase in size.
- Cracks in walls and ceilings
- Look out for cracks above doors or windows. After a day with heavy rain, quickly inspect the condition of your home.
- Doors and windows that stick
- If they don’t open or close smoothly, the frame itself may be shifting, making it difficult to open.
These foundation issue symptoms can progress quickly, so it’s important to contact bi yearly inspections before they do any expensive damage.
Signs of Foundation Damage
Older homes in Dallas can develop visible warning signs of foundation damage. Here are red flags homeowners should call a home foundation repair company, like Maestro’s Foundation Repair, to inspect your foundation, watch for:
- Interior and exterior cracks
- Gaps around window frames and doorways
- Separation of chimneys or porches
Homeowners noticing any of these issues should schedule a professional inspection as soon as possible.
Foundation Damage Risks Unique to Older Homes
Older homes come with different construction techniques because of the time they were constructed:
Outdated foundation materials
Homes from the 1900s often used brick, stone, or concrete that might not hold up for over 50 years.
Lack of modern drainage systems
Some homes may not have proper water management. After a few decades, your home’s foundation may look slightly different from the constructed home. To compact this, look for gutters and proper grading to protect against soil erosion and moisture buildup.
Historical Drought
Long periods of drought followed by heavy rainfall can cause soil movement and foundation damage.
Previous low-standard repairs or modifications
If a construction company attempted to remedy the home and did so unsuccessfully, older repairs may not have used modern techniques or may have deeper structural issues that need to be addressed.
Understanding these risks helps homeowners plan for targeted inspections and proper remediation strategies.
How the Dallas Climate Makes Foundation Damage Worse
The North Texas climate plays a major role in homes needing foundation repair. Here’s how:
- Soil: In the summer, clay soil contracts when dry, pulling away from the foundation and causing it to settle unevenly.
- Sudden rain and flash floods: Heavy rain saturates the dry, contracted soil, rapidly expanding and pushing against foundation walls.
- Tree roots in dry periods: Trees search for water during drought, and their roots can pull moisture from beneath a foundation, increasing soil shrinkage. Therefore when a rainy day hits causing more damage.
This constant push-pull effect from weather conditions leads to ongoing structural shifts if left unchecked.
Why You Should Hire Maestros Foundation Repair To Repair Your Old Home’s Foundation
When looking for foundation repair solutions for old, damaged home foundations, you can trust Maestro’s Foundation Repair. With over 1500 foundation repair jobs completed in the Dallas and Fort Worth area, you’ll know you will be in good hands.