Very few things strike as much fear in the heart of a homeowner as hearing the words “foundation repair.” Your home’s foundation is what keeps the structure standing, after all, and when that vital component starts to fail, a host of other problems can raise their ugly heads.
Foundation problems don’t get better with time, and they’re also not something you should try to address on your own—you could make the situation worse and harm yourself or your family. Call in the pros for a thorough assessment of the problem and a detailed plan for how to move forward.
Houston Foundation Repair
Foundation repair in Houston is unique to anywhere else in the world because of the area’s expansive clay soil. This clay soil absorbs a lot of water during rainy, wet weather, making the soil increase in volume. When the weather is dry, the soil dries out and shrinks.
This swelling and shrinking cycle causes instability in the ground on which your home is built and is one of the primary causes of foundation cracks.
Signs of foundation problems
The signs of foundation problems vary somewhat depending on how your home was built and the materials used, but if you notice any of the following issues, contact a qualified foundation repair contractor as soon as possible.
- Cracks around interior doorways and windows
- Stair step cracks in exterior brick, stone, or concrete
- Windows pulling away from the home’s exterior
- Windows and doors that stick and are very difficult to open
- Interior doors that swing open or slam shut on their own
Some settling is normal—especially in new homes—and not every crack is a crisis. But because foundation problems only get worse with time, it’s always best to get a professional opinion as soon as you notice something out of the ordinary.
Foundation repair options
Drilled bell bottom piers are a popular option for repairing foundations in Houston because of their strength and accuracy. The bell bottom pier process takes longer to complete, but it’s generally considered a superior option compared to other repair methods on the market.
Before the piers are constructed, your contractor will test the soil at the repair site to determine its composition and stability. Each house—and each specific foundation problem—is different, so once the contractor has the necessary data, he or she will design the piers. Each pier is reinforced with steel rebar for added strength.
Pressed pilings are a common foundation repair method in the Houston area because they can be installed relatively quickly and tend to be less expensive than other methods. Pressed pilings are made of concrete cylinders that are driven (pressed, in other words) into the ground beneath the home to support a compromised foundation.
If you decide that pressed pilings are the right solution for your home, ask the contractor to clarify the piling installation method. Inexperienced contractors can botch the installation, misaligning cylinders and ultimately causing more harm than good. Ask your contractor how he or she plans to connect the cylinders to prevent breaks and misalignment.
The Best Pick for Foundation Repair Companies in Houston
Owning a home in Houston means that you’ll likely encounter foundation issues at one point or another. And that’s why the survey team at Best Pick Reports contacts Houston homeowners each year to identify the best foundation repair contractors in the area. Each of our Best Pick companies must adhere to our strict quality standards to maintain their status as a Best Pick.
We’re proud to present the findings of our stringent qualification process in a clear, easy-to-navigate format that helps you find the right foundation repair company for your project. Contact a Best Pick Houston foundation specialist today to keep your home safe and standing tall for many years to come.
