Slab Foundation Problems
Older homes in Texas possess a great deal of charm and character. San Antonio and Austin are home to many beautiful historic houses. But the ground they sit on—that’s where problems can start. When you own a beautiful, older home, especially one with a concrete slab foundation, you need to watch for specific signs of trouble.
Knowing what to look for can save you a significant amount of money and help protect the value of your historic property. This is where G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair can help. With this guide, we’ll help you spot problems as soon as possible.
Why Do Older Texas Homes Have Foundation Problems?
Older homes, particularly those built decades ago, were often not designed to accommodate Texas’s unique soil conditions. We have what’s called “expansive clay soil”. This soil is the primary reason for the foundation problems in historic homes in Texas.
This clay soil is like a sponge. When it rains heavily, the soil absorbs water and swells, exerting pressure against the foundation. When we experience prolonged, hot droughts, the soil dries out and shrinks away from the foundation—this constant swelling and shrinking causes significant stress. Over many years, this stress leads to movement and damage in the concrete slab.
Another issue is the age of the materials. Older concrete slabs may not be as strong as modern ones. They’re more likely to show damage from the shifting soil.
Key Signs Of Slab Foundation Cracks In Older Homes
If you own an older home, you need to be observant. The signs of foundation trouble often show up inside the house first. If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to call a professional for an inspection. Ignoring these minor signs will only lead to more significant and more expensive repairs later.
Inside Your Home: Walls, Floors, And Doors
Look closely at your interior walls, as cracks are the most common warning sign. Watch for cracks that run diagonally from the corners of doors and windows. These cracks are often a sign that the wall frame is stressed. They can be a clear signal of slab foundation cracks in older homes.
Another simple test is with your doors and windows. Are they difficult to open or close suddenly? Doors may stick, or windows may no longer latch properly. This isn’t just old age. It means the frame around them has moved because your foundation has shifted. When the foundation moves, the house’s square shape is pulled out of line. This is a classic symptom of foundation problems in older houses in Texas.
Check your floors, too. Do you notice slopes or unevenness when you walk across a room? Are there large cracks in your tile or concrete floors? Look at where the wall meets the floor. If you see a gap, the foundation has likely settled or moved.
Outside Your Home: The Foundation And Brick
Walk around the outside of your older San Antonio or Austin home. Examine the exterior walls and the foundation itself. Look for horizontal cracks in the foundation near the base of the house. These are clear signs of soil pressure pushing the slab inward.
If your home has brick siding, watch for stair-step cracks. These cracks follow the mortar lines in a zigzag pattern. They’re a very strong indicator of historic homes’ foundation problems. The stair-step pattern shows that the corner of the house is either sinking or lifting due to soil movement.
Also, check the chimney. If the chimney is pulling away from the house or leaning, it means its foundation is failing. This is another serious sign that the main foundation may be struggling, too.
Don’t Wait: Get Your Free Foundation Inspection From G.L. Hunt
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t panic. But don’t wait either. The problems will only get worse and become more costly to fix over time. The best next step for your historic home’s foundation problems in Texas is to call G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair. We’re the local experts who have specialized in fixing foundation problems in older Texas homes for decades.
We understand the specific soil conditions in San Antonio and Austin that lead to slab foundation cracks in older homes. We can perform a detailed, free inspection to accurately measure the movement of your foundation. You’ll get a clear, personalized repair plan from a trusted name. Contact G.L. Hunt today to schedule your free evaluation and protect your cherished home for the next generation.
