With the extremes of North Texas climate and the busy schedule of the new year, it’s easy to forget the impact winter can have on a home’s foundation. However, the drop in temperature can cause new problems and AlphaLift Foundation Repair wants to make sure you’re home is prepared for the changing seasons. Explore four winter maintenance tips from your North Texas foundation experts.
How Cold Weather Impacts Your Foundation
When temperatures fall, your foundation reacts by contracting or shrinking. Furthermore, the concrete will begin to expand as temperatures rise again. Additionally, changes in moisture can cause the soil beneath your home’s foundation to undergo similar shifts.
Over time, these fluctuations can cause your foundation to move, settle, and sometimes crack. This is particularly relevant in North Texas, where most homes are built on concrete slab foundations due to the region’s clay-rich, expansive soil. While slab foundations are cost-effective and suitable for the local climate, they can be susceptible to these environmental changes.
With North Texas’ frequent temperature shifts and the tendency of the soil to expand and contract with moisture changes, it is paramount that your foundation be prepared to weather the changing seasons. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, ensuring the long-term stability of your home’s foundation.
1. Get a Foundation Assessment From Foundation Experts in North Texas
The first and most crucial step of winter preparation is having your foundation inspected for pre-existing damage. During an inspection, an expert will examine both the interior and exterior of your house for settlement, cracks, or any other foundation concerns.
If indeed there is a problem, an AlphaLift expert can provide a free estimate to remedy the issues so that future problems are eliminated.
2. Direct Your Home’s Drainage
As temperatures fluctuate, pooling water can create extreme pressure on your foundation. To prevent this, be sure your gutters are clear of debris with downspouts directed away from your house. If poor drainage is a consistent issue, consider having your drainage system replaced to ensure your home is protected.
3. Have Your Soil Graded
Over-saturation of foundation soil can lead to severe cracks and structural damage. With changing temperatures affecting soil density, risks of instability become even more concerning. As a preventative measure, grade your soil to slope groundwater away from your foundation. Though grading is a great preventative measure, consider having your foundation assessed to ensure no damage from previously retained water.
4. Know The Warning Signs
Foundation issues can reveal themselves in your home’s interior and exterior. You can find interior issues in floors that dip or doors and windows that stick when opening. Outside your house, look for cracks in your brick walls or driveway.
These warning signs are important to watch as they often indicate further issues in your home’s structural integrity.
Choose AlphaLift Foundation Repair As Your Foundation Repair Specialist in North Texas
Don’t let foundation issues ruin your winter season. Contact AlphaLift Foundation Repair today at 214-868-4774 or send us a request to schedule an appointment. Our team of experts is ready to serve you by providing both the information and solutions needed to ensure your foundation is in excellent shape for years to come. We look forward to helping you!
