The Dallas Fort Worth area is a great place to live and raise a family and is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country. In fact, in 2018, the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area gained more new residents in 2018 than any other metro area. With so many people moving in, the housing market is booming. One of the questions that we get asked a lot is why the Dallas area has so many foundation issues compared to the rest of the nation. It is a fact that foundation issues are a geographical issue here in Dallas. And it is perhaps one of the only drawbacks of owning a home in the area. Let’s take a look at what causes so many foundation problems in the area and go over a few things that you can do to keep your foundation in good shape.
What Causes Foundation Problems Generally?
Most foundation problems that are not caused by poor construction are the result of either too much or too little water in the soil that surrounds your home.
In the case of too little water during a drought, the soil around your home contracts and pulls away from the foundation, which can cause foundation movement.
In the case of too much water, the soil around your home can expand, and put too much pressure on the foundation causing movement and cracking. A steady climate that is not prone to extreme wet or dry or is steadily wet or dry are the areas of the country that see the fewest foundation issues. It is the mix of climate and soil type that makes the Dallas area so prone to foundation issues.
What Causes Foundation Problems in Dallas specifically?
The soil in the Dallas area is composed of what is known as expansive clay soil. This soil type is especially prone to expansion and contraction in the presence or absence of water. In a stable climate, this type of soil would not be as much of a concern. But the Dallas area is known for its variable climate between seasons and even day to day. There can be long stretches of drought followed by torrential rains and flooding. These climatic conditions in combination with the expansive clay soil puts considerable stress on the foundation as the soil expands and contracts with the weather. It is this dynamic between climate and soil type that causes Dallas to be an area prone to foundation issues.
What you can do to prevent foundation problems in DFW
Now that you are up to speed on what causes foundation issues, here are some things you can do to avoid them:
1. Water your foundation.
It may sound odd to recommend watering your foundation, but the goal of foundation preventative maintenance is to keep the water content of the soil stable and reduce the rapid fluctuations in volume that the expansive clay soil is prone to.
2. Improve Drainage
Watering your foundation might prove useless if you do not simultaneously improve your drainage conditions to keep the water content stable. If you have pooling water around your foundation and gutters that leak or overflow, it is important to get those fixed to keep too much water from accumulating in the soil.
3. Keep an Eye out for Foundation Cracks and Signs of Foundation Movement
It is a good idea not to ignore the signs of foundation movement (link) and to keep an eye out for foundation cracks (link). Follow the links for detailed discussion of each topic.
Get a Foundation Inspection
If you are worried about the state of your foundation in Dallas or are looking to buy or sell your home and need a professional foundation inspection, contact Lange Engineering. With over 7,000 inspections completed to date, Lange Engineering is dedicated to helping Dallas area residents navigate the tricky foundations issues that the area is known for. Give us a call or sign up for an inspection online.
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