How Do the Extreme Rains DFW Received in 2018 Affect Foundation Performance?

DFW had about 33 inches over the last 4 months of 2018. Typically, that time period only averages about 12 inches of rain. The heavy rains have identified thousands of homes as having poor drainage.

The clay soil in DFW expands as moisture increases and shrinks as the soil dries out. When the soil is too dry, it cannot support the weight of the foundation which can cause it to move downward (settle). When a foundation settles excessively, it causes brick and sheetrock cracks, doors to stick and can cause below slab plumbing leaks. Foundation settlement is typically addressed by installing piers or pilings and mudjacking to lift and support the foundation.

When a foundation has poor drainage, the soil expands and can cause the foundation to heave (move upward excessively). This type of movement also causes brick and sheetrock cracks, doors to stick and can cause below slab pipes to separate. This scenario is typically addressed by some type of drainage system(French Drains, Surface Drains, or both).

Sometimes, a foundation that has settled excessively and requires repairs, can appear to “fix itself” with a lot of rain. However, once the foundation has settled excessively, adding moisture is only a temporary improvement (visualize pumping air into a tire with a slow leak). Permanent settlement typically requires piers or pilings to raise and support a foundation.

DFW residents with questions about their foundations can call Structured Foundation Repairs for a free, comprehensive evaluation. Structured Foundation Repairs is the industry leader in foundation repair and drainage correction in the DFW area. Contact us today at 972-484-1200!