Full House InspectionsServing Waco, China Spring, Hewitt, Woodway, Valley Mills, West, And Surrounding Central Texas Communities |
JohnPeitsmeyer's blogHot, Hot, Hot!Fri, 08/06/2010 - 21:19 — JohnPeitsmeyerWell as most of you from our local area know, it is hot, hot, and hot outside. It has been over 100 degrees most of this week with the heat index at about 105. Please remember to drink plenty of water and wear sun screen if you are going to be out in the heat. If you feel yourself getting a little light headed then get into an air conditioned area as soon as you can. Cotton clothing can feel quite cool but if you are prone to perspire than perhaps a polyester material may suit you better as it tends to wick the moisture away from your body and keep you cooler in the end. Again I can't emphasize enough the importance of water which by the way is also an important factor in maintaining the foundation of your home.
Did you know that as the expansive soils in our area (Clay) dry out they tend to shrink or contract. When this occurs, the homes sitting on these soils settle. This may result in foundation cracks, cracks in the interior and exterior finishes, out of square doors, and sloping floors. Large trees planted within 15 feet of the foundation can consume incredible amounts of water contributing to soil shrinkage. The best way to maintain your homes foundation is consistent moisture. An irrigation system works well when the spray heads are placed and used properly. Soaker hoses placed 12 to 16 inches away and parallel to the foundation are another way of keeping moisture in the soil under and adjacent to the foundation. As long as the soil does not dry out, the foundation should remain relatively stable with little noticeable effects from differential foundation movement.
Of course if you are already seeing cracks in the soils adjacent to the foundation the soil is too dry and you will have to work at getting moisture back into the soils adjacent to the foundation. If significant settling has occurred sometimes putting moisture back into the soils can expand the soils enough to move the foundation back into place. And finally if all else fails, get an evaluation from a qualified professional foundation repair contractor. Good Luck This Summer and Stay Cool. Yours Truly, John Peitsmeyer
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