If you recognize any of the warning signs of foundation damage, including staircase cracks on the walls and doors or windows that constantly get stuck, you may be wondering what’s caused your home’s sturdy concrete foundation to break. Ironically enough, it might be something as seemingly inconsequential as the soil beneath your home. Although the soil itself doesn’t harm the foundation, the shifting and settling of the earth beneath your home can cause the foundation to rise and fall in response. Poor drainage can increase the moisture content in the soil directly beneath your home, which can lead to more soil movement and subsequent foundation damage.

The good news is that foundation instability and damage can be corrected with the help of a licensed foundation repair contractor in San Antonio . Soil stabilization and drainage correction are two of the steps foundation repair contractors can take to prevent future foundation problems, at least those resulting from soil expansion and deterioration.

Your home’s foundation literally carries the weight of your home on itself—that’s why you want to make sure that your foundation is strong and stable enough to support your home for years to come. There are many things that can negatively affect your foundation. Here’s an overview of common foundation problems and repair techniques.

If you notice an issue with your home’s foundation, no matter how small it may be, schedule an appointment with a foundation repair specialist to have your concrete slab and pier and beam foundation in San Antonio inspected.

Overcoming Poor Drainage

Water is a foundation’s arch nemesis. When drainage is poor—i.e., your property slopes toward your home, or you have downspout issues—water can pool around your home, seeping into the concrete of your foundation, which can result in basement flooding and accelerated foundation erosion. In the case of gutters, your home’s gutter and downspout systems work well to direct rainwater away from your roof’s surfaces, but sometimes they can direct that water straight to your home’s foundation. To mitigate water intrusion, proper waterproofing of your basement’s interior and exterior is crucial. Have a foundation repair specialist perform a complete diagnostic inspection. He or she can offer the appropriate drainage correction solution—for example, having a contractor perform a French drain installation to channel water away from your home.

Dealing With Shifting Soil

Your house sits on its foundation that rests on soil. If your home was built on soil that was not adequately compacted, or if you live in an area where soils naturally shift due to excessive rains or extreme droughts, your foundation can be in trouble. Shifting soil can cause your foundation to resettle and crack, which can weaken its structural integrity. Additionally, poor drainage can worsen, or be the cause of, this problem. To combat and prevent this, your contractor can correct drainage issues and stabilize the soil. Your foundation may also need to be leveled—a process that involves lifting your home and repositioning it, and stabilizing its foundation with supportive piers.

Invasive Tree Roots

Invasive roots from large trees can do a number on your home’s foundation. These roots can lift up concrete structures or break through them, causing much damage and giving rise to other problems. If feasible, consider having large trees relocated or removed from your property.

Your home, office building, or other property is likely one that you worked hard to earn. Although there are many elements that might stand in your way, MitchCo foundation repair serving San Antonio can help you keep your building in top shape for as long as possible. Always choose a qualified contractor when dealing with your foundation, and look for one who offers a range of repair methods and techniques. Fortunately MitchCo Foundation Repair satisfies both of these criteria. Feel free to continue on if you are interested in taking a look at your concrete slab service options.

When you work with MitchCo Foundation Repair, you can rest assured that your home or building will have the foundation integrity needed in areas of influence where piers are installed for years to come. Our limited lifetime warranty is designed to offer our customers the confidence and assurance that they need in order to focus on the pressing aspects of daily life. At MitchCo Foundation Repair, our team specializes in a multitude of methods and techniques; this means that we are able to find the perfect solution for your needs. From hydraulic driven steel piers to hybrid concrete-steel piers to concrete pressed piling systems, we know exactly what it takes to ensure that your building or home sustains the test of time

If you’re like most people, you don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your home’s foundation until something goes wrong. However, a strong foundation is the most important part of a well-built home, and if it fails, your whole house could face major damage. The best way to keep your foundation in top shape is to pay attention to the condition and call a foundation repair company at the first sign of problems. If you notice cracks in your walls or doors that stick, these could be signs that your foundation is cracked, shifting, or sagging and requires attention from a foundation repair expert. Get to know more about your foundation in this infographic from MitchCo Foundation Repair . We offer foundation repairs in San Antonio, along with other services such as drainage correction and basement waterproofing. Avoid costly damage and contact us when your foundation shows signs of trouble. Help your neighbors avoid similar issues by sharing this information.

Before you hire a contractor in San Antonio to come to your home to do foundation repair, waterproofing, or any other kind of work, you need to be sure that he or she is qualified to do it. MitchCo Foundation Repair employs qualified general contractors who have all the licenses and experience they need to work on your home. 

You should ask your contractor to provide you with certain information before you agree to work with him or her. For example, you want proof that the contractor is licensed by the city. You also want proof of insurance so that, if anything goes wrong during your foundation repair, you and the contractor are fully covered. You should also make sure that your contractor is bonded and that he or she conducts all the proper tests on your property before work begins. When you hire MitchCo Foundation Repair, we will put your mind at ease prior to working on your home by providing with you proof that shows we are fully qualified to do work for you.

When it comes to foundation repair serving San Antonio , it is important to understand when your problems are cosmetic and when they are structural. Looking at your concrete with a trained eye can allow you to seek the repairs you need in a timely fashion and preserve the structural integrity of your home. Watch this video clip for a quick look at the process of examining a crumbling foundation.

If you notice that the foundation of your home is not looking as clean and neat as it used to, your first instinct might be to panic. It is wise to take a closer look, however, and decide how serious the damage is. Crumbling flakes of paint and concrete are not good signs, but they do not necessarily indicate an emergency.

Signs of foundation problems can mean serious issues for your home, which is why it is important to identify the source of the problem and seek  foundation repair serving San Antonio immediately. A failing foundation can impair the structural integrity of your home and lead to water damage and mold growth. Common culprits of foundation problems include unstable soil below and around your concrete, faulty water drainage systems, and warning signs that go unnoticed. Continue on for a closer look at the common causes of foundation problems.

Unstable Soil
In order for your foundation to stay completely stable, the soil that lies below it and around it must be stable as well. Unstable soil has a tendency to shift around, which is dangerous for your foundation. Your concrete foundation must stay level in order to avoid cracking, crumbling, and deteriorating, and unstable soil typically does not shift in a level manner. In the event that all of the soil around your foundation moves uniformly, your foundation should be fine. If your soil settles unevenly, on the other hand, you will likely notice a negative impact on your foundation. Shifting soil can even contribute to other foundation problems such as water drainage issues.

Poor Water Drainage
Water should never be allowed to pool around your home. Instead, it should be transported to the road using a drainage system. Water that pools or collects around the base of a house may seep into the soil that surrounds the foundation; this is especially likely if the soil around your foundation is unstable in the first place. From there it can make its way into your home, where it can cause a number of problems ranging from poor indoor air quality to loss of structural integrity.

Unheeded Warning Signs
Many homeowners allow their foundation problems to develop because they are unaware of the signs to look out for. Foundation problems might show up as cracks in your floor or separations in your windows and doors. Understanding these warnings is the first step in diagnosing and treating your foundation problems before they develop.

Your home may be the foundation of your family and even your life, but your home relies on a different kind of support. This is why it is important to recognize the signs that indicate that you might need foundation repair serving San Antonio. Before you can call a contractor, you must know what to look for and understand what you are seeing. Here is your look at a few tips on evaluating whether or not your home needs foundation repairs.

Recognizing Household Changes
While a small amount of unevenness due to settling may not be an issue, certain issues that you may notice around the house might suggest otherwise. Some indicators, like cracks in your walls, are more obvious. These cracks typically appear near windows and doors as well as in the areas where ceilings and walls meet. You may also find them in tile over concrete. If you notice that your doors and windows are not opening and closing as easily as they used to, this may also be a sign that your foundation is in need of repair. You can also walk around your house and check to see if any of your walls are leaning.

Understanding Foundation Cracks
The sight of a single crack in your concrete may alarm you, but it is important to remember that not all concrete cracks are problematic. Since concrete shrinks as it cures, it is common to see a few small cracks in your foundation. Hairline cracks and cracks found at perpendicular junctures may not be signs of trouble with your structural integrity. Cracks that are horizontal or resemble a set of stairs , on the other hand, may warrant your concern. If you see larger cracks like these, it is a good idea to call a professional.

Calling In the Pros
Understanding these signs of trouble can allow you to call for a professional foundation repair service sooner rather than later. This is a significant job that must be done with the utmost care and professionalism, so it is important to find a trustworthy foundation repair service in your area.