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It's all about checks and balances.Use proper due diligence and contact a consultant.
| Monolithic Slab Foundation |
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Preventing foundation problems!
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| Expansive soils |
Structural foundation movement or
damage occurs for a reason, or a couple of reasons or several reasons. The reason for most foundation damage in North Texas is the soil. The soil
in question is clay, it can be red clay, black clay or brown clay, or a mixture of all of the above. The clay shrinks,
causing settlement, expands causing upheaval, and moves laterally which causes settlement or shifting. It does not mater if
the building is slab or pier and beam, reinforced with rebar or post tension, has piers down to 100’ or not have piers
at all. If the soil wants to allow the structure to move, it will likely move.
There are, however, thing that can
be done to protect your home. Positive drainage and proper watering are the major
keys. It is however much more complex than a sprinkler system and gutters. Neither
sprinkler systems nor gutters are designed to protect your foundation. Sprinklers are designed to keep your vegetation green
and that’s all. I don’t really know what gutters are designed for. Maybe to catch leaves? Most gutters do not
carry water away from the house far enough in all directions to protect the foundation. Quite often gutters cause foundation
problems when not designed for the purpose of balancing the moisture level of the house all the way around. Planter areas around the house, which look so good, can also be a direct cause of major foundation problems
when used to collect gutter downspout release.
These are but a few of the reasons
you need a “friend” in your corner when dealing with real, perceived or potential foundation problems. For a few
dollars, I can be that friend. I’ll re-assure you if your problem is not structural. I will show you how to prevent
or stop problems with simple maintenance. If structural problems exist, I will explain your options and help you find a good
contractor, with a good product, at a reasonable price. We will also avoid “excess
repairs”, which could save you thousands of dollars.
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