Summertime in North Texas is synonymous with a little rain, a lot of heat and a constant fear of foundation difficulties. As of June, 33 percent of the state is officially drought-free, compared to last summer when the peak of the drought had 88 percent of Texas in the “exceptional drought” stage.
But even though the drought is over, the potential for foundation damage isn’t.
“The Metroplex is no longer in a serious drought cycle, but we’re still not getting as much rainfall as points further south, like Houston and San Antonio,” said Jon Sisson, CEO of Perma-Pier Foundation Repair of Texas. “It has been wet enough to stave off a drought for the moment, but that doesn’t mean foundations are immune to drought-related problems.”
Since it’s dry in Texas most of the year, when it rains, parched soil expands, he added. When the ground dries up, it contracts again. The mixture of rain and heat is a catalyst for movement that can cause serious damage to foundations.
To help homeowners cut costs, the Dallas-based company has released a list of the 10 Most Common Foundation Maintenance Mistakes, and is offering it for free to consumers.
“Texas soils are known for causing serious foundation problems, but much of the damage can be alleviated with a few basic care and maintenance procedures,” said Sisson. “You just need to know what the right procedures actually are.” Among the most common mistakes homeowners make during the peak summer months are:
- Lack of moisture control. Moisture must be evenly maintained around the home’s perimeter. When a homeowner waters one part of the house but doesn’t water the other, the differences in soil moisture will cause the home to shift.
- Watering when the sun is high. The dry Texas summers cause water to evaporate at accelerated speeds. It’s best to water when it’s cooler, early in the morning or late at night.
- Sprinkler system waste. Using directional sprinkler heads on a conventional system allows homeowners to point the flow of water toward their foundation. If a hose-end sprinkler is used, homeowners should use units that also drop water on the ground, rather than spray directly in the air.
For a copy of the complete list of 10 Most Common Foundation Maintenance Mistakes, go to www.permapier.com/mistakes.
