One area of the home most homeowners tend to ignore when it comes to maintenance and repairs of the home is the foundation. Whether you have a basement or concrete slab, the foundation is an essential support structure for your home. From hot and cold temperatures to different weather conditions, these can pose problems for your foundation, which can lead to costly repairs.

Hot Weather

During the hot summer months and periods of drought, the dry air causes the water in the concrete to evaporate. This can lead to cracking and a weakening of the foundation. Hot weather also causes the soil to dry out, which can lead to foundation settling because there is less moisture in the soil. As a result, the foundation will “settle” or sink into the ground, resulting in an uneven foundation and cracks.

Rainy Weather

Any problems created during hot, dry periods of weather can cause problems once rain returns. Cracks or gaps in the foundation can allow the water to get under the home or into your basement, which causes flooding and further weakens the foundation. The water will also cause the cracks and gaps in the foundation to become bigger.

Not to mention, the underlying soil is often so dried out, it cannot reasonably absorb large amounts of water after prolonged dry spells, so it will become soft and mushy and could result in further “settling” or sinking of the foundation.

Cold Weather

While not that common, it can turn cold in San Antonio during the winter months, and we do occasionally get some snow. The colder temperatures can cause problems for your foundation in situations where there are already small cracks and gaps. As temperatures drop, concrete will contract slightly, until temperatures warm back up, when it will expand again. As such, any existing cracks and gaps can become larger.

How to Check Your Home for Foundation Damage

It is a good idea to get into the habit of performing a foundation inspection after especially long periods of hot, dry weather. Your home will exhibit certain characteristics that could indicate potential foundation damage, including:

1. Cracks and gaps in the foundation or basement floor and side walls.
2. The appearance of cracks on walls, ceilings, and stairways, and other upper levels of the home.
3. Doors and windows become difficult to open or close and seem overly tight.
4. You notice gaps and cracks around windows and exterior doors.
5. The roof looks like it is sagging, which is common in homes with severe foundation damage.
6. Large cracks and gaps in the soil around the exterior perimeter of the home.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is highly recommended you contact a professional foundation repair company, like us, here at MitchCo Foundation Repair, to get a second opinion. Discovering foundation damage sooner, rather than later, is less costly to repair and fix. For further questions about foundation damage or to arrange an in-home inspection, please call us at 210.485.1995 today!

When the spring months arrive in the state of Texas, you may find that your area receives heavy rainfall and other extreme weather conditions. By waterproofing your basement and scheduling foundation repair for your home, you can make sure that the lower levels of your home are protected from water damage during the spring season. A company that offers French drain installation in San Antonio will help you make sure that your property is ready to withstand heavy rain during the next few months. To highlight the importance of working with a reputable contractor, here is a look at some tips for protecting your foundation from water damage this spring.

Clean Your Gutters

You may be surprised to learn that one of the best ways to protect your foundation from water damage this spring is to make sure that your gutters are clean. During the winter months, falling leaves and tree branches can easily clog up your gutters or the downspout extension from your gutter. If you neglect to clean out your gutters properly, rainwater can flood the sides of your foundation.

Schedule Drainage Correction

Improper drainage can cause major water damage to your home’s foundation. If your property does not slope gently away from the sides of your foundation walls, you could be at risk of experiencing major flooding. With drainage correction services, your contractor will carefully adjust the slope of your property and make sure that rainwater is able to naturally flow away from your foundation. After your drainage correction services are completed, you can rest assured that your foundation is protected from damage.

San Antonio’s clay soil, persistent dryness, and high summer heat present a perfect storm for foundation damage. In order to do its job of supporting your home, the foundation must first be supported by the soil underneath it.

When summer temperatures hit in Texas, moisture located between soil particles can evaporate, causing those particles to fall together and “shrink” under your foundation. This kind of shrinking action can cause the foundation to rotate, drop, or both.

Issues can also be caused during times of intense storms accompanied by soaking rains. These conditions can cause shifting due to an excess of moisture between soil particles, which causes soil to become slippery and the foundation to shift.

Symptoms of a Foundation Shift

Albeit subtle, there are several symptoms which indicate a shifting or sinking foundation that’s in need of repair. These include:

• Cracks in interior drywall
• Buckling tile in the kitchen or bathroom
• Gaps around windows
• Doors that stick

None of these symptoms should ever be ignored, as they can lead to major damage and expensive repair to your home’s roof and plumbing. This is why it’s so important to have your foundation repaired as soon as possible.

Taking the First Step for Foundation Repair

If you are seeing the above symptoms of a shifting foundation, your first step is to contact a company experienced in foundation repair. They should send out a contractor who will conduct a thorough evaluation of your property, including the land situated around your home. This will allow him or her to evaluate both the cause and extent of the damage.

Common Repair Suggestions

It may be that your foundation will require leveling, which involves lifting your home and then stabilizing the foundation with piers. In other cases, soil can be a main culprit of foundation problems. Where this is the case, the drainage around your home may require adjustment and the soil stabilized to prevent future issues.

Prevention Options

Once you’ve called a reputable foundation repair company to fix your foundation, you can apply prevention measures to ensure that your foundation doesn’t shift in the future. If the cause of foundation shifting was excessive dryness, hydration of the soil around your home will be needed.

You can gauge the dryness of the soil by digging down six inches at your foundation. If the soil is very dry, your foundation will require hydration. However, you should dig down at your foundation and test the soil in this way at each side of your home because the conditions can and do vary.

If moisture is needed, you’ll need to run a soaker house approximately one foot away from the foundation, allowing the water to run until the soil is only moist.

Call the Professionals

MitchCo Foundation Repair has over 30 years of experience in foundation repair, as well as foundation restoration and maintenance services to customers in the San Antonio area. Call our office at (210) 485-1995 and discover how we can help keep your foundation in the best shape possible.

Mature trees provide your landscaping with undeniable appeal. However, if your trees are planted too close to your pier and beam foundation, you may start to experience issues with the structural integrity of your home. If tree roots have started to damage your pier and beam foundation in San Antonio , you will want to get in touch with a team of concrete contractors. With professional concrete repair and foundation maintenance, you can make sure that your tree roots are not affecting the durability of your foundation.

There are a few ways that mature tree roots can affect the integrity of your home’s foundation. When tree roots start to grow and spread, they can easily make their way through the soil that forms the base of your foundation. As the tree roots continue to grow, they may cause your foundation to shift, crack, and experience other serious issues. By planting trees within a safe distance from your foundation, you can ensure that your property is safe from structural harm.

A pier and beam foundation will provide your home with excellent structural integrity, while also providing you with a spacious crawlspace. Over the years and seasons, however, your pier and beam foundation will eventually require routine maintenance and repairs. A team of concrete contractors near San Antonio will have the tools, knowledge, and expertise needed to restore your pier and beam foundation repair to excellent condition. To help you prepare for your foundation and concrete repair services, here is a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about pier and beam foundation repair. What are common causes of pier and beam foundation issues?

In order to properly repair your foundation problem, it is important to identify your underlying repair problem. There are a few common causes of issues in pier and beam foundations. Improper initial installation of the piers can also lead to maintenance issues at a future date.

One main potential issue with pier and beam foundations is the possibility of a drought. Droughts can cause settling of the posts or plumbing leaks, and excessive rain can cause a foundation to move or shift. Your foundation could permanently alter when there is a period of heavy rain followed by droughts for long periods of time. This could also cause your foundation to become unlevel and must then be structurally leveled and raised.

How do I repair my pier and beam foundation?

A pier and beam foundation repair is a major procedure that is best left to the professionals. During your foundation repair, your team of contractors will carefully inspect your foundation to determine the source of the damage. If improper drainage has caused the soil underneath your foundation to expand, it may be necessary to perform drainage correction services. A shoring installation can also help to stabilize a weakened foundation structure.

Will my pier and beam foundation repairs be expensive?

Some homeowners worry that foundation repair services will be cost prohibitive. If you neglect to repair your pier and beam foundation for too long, you may find that you have to schedule very costly repairs in the future. When you schedule a pier and beam foundation repair appointment today, your contractor will be able to work with you to help you create an affordable payment plan for your services.

Foundation repair issues can be a major inconvenience for any homeowner. In this video, you will take a look as the founder of MitchCo describes some of the most common foundation issues that are found in San Antonio homes. If you start to notice shifting window sills, foundation cracks, or other signs of foundation problems, you should schedule services with MitchCo’s foundation repair experts serving San Antonio.

As a general rule, it is also a good idea to schedule foundation inspections at least once a year. During your inspection, a team of concrete contractors will inspect your foundation for signs of structural issues. Using state-of-the-art construction methods, your MitchCo technicians will create a foundation that has been built to withstand the test of time.

When you are seeking a durable alternative to a conventional slab foundation, you may want to consider constructing a pier and beam foundation for your home. A pier and beam foundation in San Antonio will be durable enough to withstand shifting soil and exposure to water. At MitchCo Foundation Repair, we will be able to help you keep your pier and beam foundation in excellent repair.

Our general contractors specialize in working with pier and beam foundations. If your foundation has shifted or developed other problems, we will be able to repair your pier and beam foundation and restore it to its original condition. Using our drainage correction techniques, we will also be able to prevent water from flowing underneath the crawlspace of your foundation. With our help, you can correct problems with your pier and beam foundation and make sure that future problems do not compromise the structural integrity of your home.

When you invest in a new home or commercial property, it is essential to educate yourself about its various structural components. A pier and beam foundation is a common foundation style that is found in many properties around the country. A contractor that offers foundation repair and drainage correction serving San Antonio can make sure that your concrete foundation is being maintained correctly. To help you gear up for your next property purchase, here is a look at what every property owner should know about foundations.

The signs of foundation damage are easy to spot

As you are considering investing in a new building, you should be aware of any potential indicators of foundation damage. While a foundation inspection is the best way to unearth structural issues in a foundation, you may be able to notice the signs and symptoms of foundation issues on your own. If the building sags to one side, the foundation is starting to show visible cracks in the walls or doors are not closing properly, these are all indications of serious foundation damage.

Many foundation issues can be corrected with proper repairs

When you discover foundation problems in the building that you are thinking about purchasing, you should not necessarily be daunted by the prospect of performing foundation repairs. A foundation repair company can repair many different types of foundation problems and restore the structural integrity of the building. In fact, you might be able to get a good deal on a property that has visible signs of foundation issues.

When you are in need of a foundation repair or drainage correction contractor, you will want to do your research before you make your decision. In this video from realtor.com, you will receive some essential tips and advice for choosing this contractor. To find a reputable contractor that repairs foundations and drains in San Antonio, you will want to check out the contractor’s customer reviews. It may also be a good idea to visit the contractor on a concrete repair jobsite.

Once you have found a contractor that has great reviews, you will be ready to start the building or remodeling process. From foundation repair to waterproofing, there are many types of jobs that can be accomplished by a licensed contractor. Before you start work on your project, it is a good idea to review any contracts or documents carefully.