The beautiful beaches and coastal lifestyle that are part of living in Corpus Christi also come with a tradeoff. Challenging soil and moisture conditions can affect the health of a home’s foundation, so regular foundation inspections aren’t just a precaution. They’re a smart investment that can prevent a number of problems.
Texas has some of the most challenging weather conditions for home foundations. The state can experience extreme heat, long droughts, heavy rains, and even flooding (all of which can happen in the same year). This constant change in the weather creates a cycle that can put a great deal of stress on your foundation.
How Soil Conditions Can Affect Your Foundation
While the soil in Corpus Christi can be different from region to region, there are two features that stand out: sandy crusted deposits and pockets of clay or mixed soils located inland. Sandy soils near the shoreline can drain quickly, which may sound like an advantage. But they can also shift and settle, which can create voids under the slab or uneven supports for footings. Soils that are rich in clay tend to absorb moisture, which can cause them to expand. And when the weather dries out, they shrink. This cycle can cause ground movement, which can put stress on your foundation.
The Effect of Coastal Moisture and Moisture Fluctuations on a Home’s Foundation
If you live on the Gulf Coast, you’ll have to deal with humidity, storm surges, and periods of heavy rainfall (which will be followed by periods of hot, dry weather). But it’s not just about how much water the ground gets. It’s about how unevenly the moisture is distributed and how quickly it changes.
According to regional contractors, inconsistent soil moisture is one of the leading causes of foundation movement. Wet patches swell, and dry patches settle. Foundations can tilt, crack, or separate from the masonry. That’s why experts encourage homeowners to control site drainage, keep a consistent watering schedule during droughts, and inspect their foundations for any signs of trouble.
How Summer Heat and Drought Conditions Can Affect Home Foundations
Texas summers are brutal, and Corpus Christi is no exception. During hot and dry periods, the clay soil around your foundation can shrink and pull away from your home. This will remove any support from your home’s foundation, which can cause settling. When the soil shrinks, it creates gaps around your foundation (which can cause it to settle). Cracks can also appear in your foundation walls and in other areas of your house.
You want to water the soil around your foundation during dry spells. You can use a soaker hose to maintain consistent moisture levels. Set a timer to water for 30 minutes three times a week, but don’t let the soil get too dry because it can pull away from your home.
How Heavy Rain and Flooding Can Affect Home Foundations
Like the rest of Texas, Corpus Christi can get periods of heavy rainfall and even flooding. All that water can cause clay soil to expand rapidly, which can put a great deal of pressure on your foundation wall. It can even cause them to bow, crack, or shift.
You want to make sure that any excess water can drain away from your home. You also want to clean your gutters and extend downspouts away from your foundation. Grade your yard so water flows away from your home, and install drainage systems to keep water from pooling near your home.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Foundation
You don’t need to be an expert to protect your foundation from being affected by Corpus Christi’s bipolar weather. During the hot and dry months, you want to keep the soil slightly moist (which you can do with a soaker hose). You also want to check for gaps between the soil and your foundation.
During wetter periods, you want to make sure that water can drain away from your home. Keep your gutters clean, and check your downspouts. You want to look for any standing water around your foundation, and be sure to remove any water that pools near your home.
Some of the things you can do throughout the year include the following:
- Inspecting your foundation twice a year for new cracks.
- Keeping plants and trees from growing too close to your foundation.
- Fixing plumbing leaks quickly to prevent soil problems.
- Watching for signs that your house is settling or shifting.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for foundation repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to Streem Foundation Repair.