When it comes to keeping your home standing, foundations carry all the weight of the home. Foundations are built in a variety of ways. The type of foundation your home has can affect everything from how it handles moisture to how it should be repaired when things go wrong.
If you live in Fort Worth or the surrounding area, chances are your home sits on one of a few common foundation types. In this blog, we’ll break down the main kinds of foundations, how each one works, and what you should know when it comes to foundation repair.
1. Slab-on-Grade Foundations
This is the most common type of foundation in Fort Worth Texas, and for good reason. A slab-on-grade foundation is a single layer of concrete poured directly on the ground, usually reinforced with rebar or post-tension cables. It’s simple, cost-effective, and works well in warmer climates like ours where the ground rarely freezes.
Pros:
- Lower construction cost
- Minimal maintenance
- No crawl space for pests or moisture to build up
Cons:
- Harder to access plumbing or electrical under the slab
- Prone to shifting if the soil underneath moves, which is a big deal in Fort Worth’s clay-heavy soil
You will most likely need to do a small amount of foundation repairs for this type of foundation. Things like fixing cracks, settling, and uneven slabs caused by soil movement or poor drainage
2. Pier and Beam Foundations
Before slab foundations became the norm, pier and beam foundations were standard in many older Fort Worth homes. This type involves wooden or concrete beams that rest on piers (columns), creating a crawl space beneath the home. Manufactured homes usually come with these types of foundations standard.
Pros:
- Easier access to plumbing and electrical
- Can perform well on shifting soil if properly supported
Cons:
- Vulnerable to moisture, rot, and pests in the crawlspace
- More moving parts that can break down over time
Common Foundation Repairs: You will sometimes need to replace a pier, crawlspace leveling, wood rot treatment, and reinforce the beams.
3. Basement Foundations
Basements aren’t very common in Fort Worth because of our high clay content and low water table, but they do exist, especially in custom-built or out-of-town homes. A basement foundation includes a full-height lower level, typically made from poured concrete or cinder blocks.
Pros:
- Extra living or storage space
- Strong structural support if built well
Cons:
- High construction cost
- At risk for water intrusion or pressure cracks if not properly sealed
Common Foundation Repairs: Wall bowing, crack sealing, waterproofing, sump pump installation
Why Soil Type Matters in Fort Worth
No matter what kind of foundation you have, the clay-rich soil in Fort Worth is constantly expanding and contracting with changes in moisture. That movement puts stress on your foundation, which can lead to cracks, sinking, or shifting over time.
That’s why understanding your foundation type and how it interacts with local soil is critical for long-term stability.
Not Sure What Kind of Foundation You Have? We Can Help.
Whether you’re dealing with signs of foundation damage or just want to better understand your home, knowing what’s under your house is the first step. At Maestro’s Foundation Repair, we’re experts in all types of foundations and how to fix them especially in tough North Texas soil.
We offer free foundation inspections in Fort Worth, Dallas, and surrounding areas. Our team will take the time to assess your foundation type, explain any issues we find, and lay out your best options.
Schedule Your Free Foundation Inspection Today
If you’ve noticed cracks, sloping floors, or doors that won’t close right, don’t wait for it to get worse. Foundation problems don’t fix themselves, but the right repair done the right way can give your home decades of stability.