Effects of Heat on Your Foundation and the Possible Solutions
When summer comes, the weather is usually scorching and sunny. As a result, the foundations of your house can become subject to significant changes in temperature and humidity. This can affect the structural integrity of your home and lead to expensive repairs down the line. Summertime heat can cause severe damage to your home’s foundation, including:
Cracks in Your Foundation
Concrete is a porous material that allows moisture to seep through it. It becomes brittle when exposed to the sun for extended periods, and cracks can develop. It can cause significant issues with the structure of your house if left untreated.
Shrinking Soil
In excessive heat, water evaporates from the soil and concrete, which causes shrinkage. When the soil around your foundation shrinks, it creates voids and spaces underneath your home, allowing airflow into the foundation. With increased airflow, more soil dries up, causing cracks on your foundation.
Sinking Foundation
The foundation of a house will always settle until it finds new support. It means that the longer the dryness, the more your foundation settles. The dry soil beneath your house will move, and your home’s foundation will also start moving until a new soil can support it once more. Consequently, your home’s foundation may lean toward a sinking foundation. Your foundation’s corner may therefore settle more than other areas.
Tips to Protect Your Foundation from Summer Damage
Keep it Wet
Watering the foundation is one method homeowners can use to prevent soil contractions and cracks during the summer months. You can water the soil surrounding your foundation for 15 to 20 minutes daily. Keep the hoses 6 to 18 inches far from your foundation. Your water bill may rise, but it’s a better solution than a costly foundation repair.
Repair Cracks in Your Foundation Walls
If you have cracks in your foundation, repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage or water from entering when it rains.
Call Professionals
The foundation issue is not just a summertime problem. Your home’s foundation may also experience cracks and lose its integrity in colder weather. No matter the season or weather, foundational cracks should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Steady House Foundation Repair in the DFW area offers you all your foundation needs, including inspections, repairs, and education throughout the process.
Contact us today to enjoy our exceptional services.