Texas has experienced a high amount of rainfall this summer and soon will be entering a dry period. People can be unaware of how these changes in moisture can affect their home’s foundation. In areas like Fort Worth and Dallas, expansive clay soils in addition with fluctuating rainfall can cause foundation damage.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how rainfall impacts your foundation, the warning signs to look for, and what you can do to protect your home.
Soil Moisture Matters
The soil underneath your home will most likely shift during the summer. It expands when it ab2sorbs water and shrinks when it dries out. In areas like Texas, clay soils are found everywhere. When heavy rain follows a dry period, the soil can swell unevenly beneath your foundation, putting stress on the slab and causing it to crack, settle, or even lift in some areas.
This cycle of drying and swelling is made worse during long periods of drought followed by rainfall, which is a common pattern in this area.
How Rainfall Leads to Foundation Damage
Soil Expansion
When water soaks into dry clay, the soil can swell significantly. This can push up on your foundation. An upward pressure occurs that can create cracks in walls, door misalignment, and uneven floors.
Erosion
If your home doesn’t have proper drainage, water from rainstorms can erode the soil around your foundation. This erosion removes essential support, allowing your foundation to settle unevenly, which causes visible damage over time.
Hydrostatic Pressure
When too much water collects around your foundation, it creates hydrostatic pressure. This happens when a buildup of water presses against the concrete. Over time, this pressure can cause crawl space walls to bow inward or crack.
Warning Signs to Watch For After Rain
After several days of rainfall, you should inspect your home for signs of foundation issues. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Cracks in your foundation or the walls of your home
- Doors and windows are more difficult to open and close
- Water builds up around your home after it rains
- Smell for odors along walls or crawl spaces
If you notice any of these changes, it’s a good idea to have your foundation professionally inspected. By catching some of these issues early, they can prevent further damage and save you money in repairs.
Why Dallas and Fort Worth Homes Are Vulnerable
Homes in Fort Worth and Dallas are particularly susceptible to foundation damage because of the expansive clay soil found throughout the region. This type of soil absorbs and releases moisture more than other soil. These homes in Texas experience greater movement in their foundations. Combine that with the new home construction not having the best grading and drainage planning and you have a problem with foundation issues.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Foundation
Maintain Proper Drainage
Make sure your gutters and downspouts are directing water away from the base of your home. Water is one of the most preventable causes of foundation problems.
Landscaping
Keep large trees and heavy vegetation a safe distance from your home. While roots can absorb moisture, they can also contribute to soil conditions when rainfall is high. They can take up water and contract the areas around the concrete.
Use Soaker Hoses During Dry Periods
Maintaining a consistent level of moisture in the soil around your home can prevent expansion. Most of the damage happens after the rain has left. When there are long periods of drought, foundations shift and homes move.
Schedule Regular Inspections
Annual inspections by a professional foundation repair company like Maestro’s Foundation Repair can catch minor issues before they turn into costly structural problems.
Don’t Let Rainfall Catch You Off Guard
Rain may seem harmless, but in regions like Fort Worth and Dallas, it can quietly erode the health of your home’s foundation if left unaddressed. Whether you’re dealing with visible cracks, unlevel floors, or just want peace of mind after a heavy storm, Maestro’s Foundation Repair is here to help.
Our experienced team knows North Texas soil inside and out, and we’re dedicated to keeping your home safe, level, and secure.