Comments for Houston Slab Foundations

Comment on How do engineers identify damage caused by foundation movement? by R Michael Gray PE

R Michael Gray PE — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 01:34:27 +0000

Normally, you are better off repairing the plumbing after the foundation repair is completed.

Comment on How do engineers identify damage caused by foundation movement? by Jen

Jen — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:43:10 +0000

18 months ago we had cracks appearing in the drywall and shower tile walls in our bathroom. The foundation company told us to watch it for a year to determine if it was progressive. Things got worse (in spite of watering the foundation during the drought) and they recommended a hydrostatic test which this week indicated a leak in the sewer line (wish they would have recommended this test a year ago!). The foundation company now recommends installing interior and exterior pilings and then fixing the leak. In general, does your experience say it makes more sense to fix the leak and let the soil moisture reach equilibrium before considering slab mitigation? Thanks for your very informative website!

Comment on How do engineers identify damage caused by foundation movement? by R Michael Gray PE

R Michael Gray PE — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:21:29 +0000

If the cracks are widening it is likely to be due to the current on-going drought, not to a leak that was repaired a year ago.

Comment on How do engineers identify damage caused by foundation movement? by Colene Mixon

Colene Mixon — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:03:24 +0000

Your description of vertical brick cracking is very applicable to my damage. I have substantial vertical brick cracking radiating out from a previous below grade leak along a perimeter wall, near the shut off valve to the water main. It leaked for 3+ months before water surfaced and we were told to give it a year to dry out. However, it’s been a year now and the cracks are widening, not closing. I also have a 4′ section of brick wall about 10-12′ away from said prior leak cracked horizontally along the mortar line where the brick direction changes from horizontal to vertical at the top of the wall. The wall itself appears to be pushed out at the top, with the crack is along the weakest point. Is this likely the result of the prior heave along the intersecting perimeter wall from the leak, or all new damage from new movement? I know, I know, you haven’t seen it. But you can speculate what is likely or not… Thanks.

Comment on If my floor tile pops loose, do I have a foundation problem? The short answer from this Houston Engineering Foundation Inspector is: No. by R Michael Gray PE

R Michael Gray PE — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:34:01 +0000

I cannot speak directly to your home since I have not seen it. But if the only issue is loose tiles, the cause is almost certainly not an issue of excessive foundation bending or tilt.

Comment on If my floor tile pops loose, do I have a foundation problem? The short answer from this Houston Engineering Foundation Inspector is: No. by Ivan Hristov

Ivan Hristov — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:41:15 +0000

I do have the same problem right now – there iare 5 tiles on the edge of my kitchen floor that are loose, not bounded properly and the same problem on a few, arround 8 tiles in front of my entry door.
I have these tiles for 7 years and the problem just started.
Is that a sign of foundation problem?
Thanks!

Comment on When does a crack become a problem? by R Michael Gray PE

R Michael Gray PE — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 19:58:04 +0000

I cannot answer any of these questions without looking at your foundation. My number is 281-358-1121.

Comment on What are some examples of foundations in need of concrete repair? by R Michael Gray PE

R Michael Gray PE — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 19:56:56 +0000

Cracks such as you describe are, unfortunately common, in new and old slab foundations. Whether the crack in your foundation is a concern cannot be answered without me looking at the foundation and the house.

My number is 281-358-1121

Comment on What are some examples of foundations in need of concrete repair? by Carlos Rios

Carlos Rios — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:49:38 +0000

I am buying a new house in the Houston,Tx area.The house has a hairline crack in the foundation slab from the entrance of the garage into the house.The home has tile on the floors and I cannot tell if it extends into the house. But there is also a similar hairline crack on the slab of the porch outside. The crack on the porch seems to run along the same line (back into the house and towards the garage) as the crack in the garage. Should I be concerned? Or are hairline cracks common on new slabs. Thanks CAR

Comment on When does a crack become a problem? by Mike Race

Mike Race — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:35:39 +0000

Please tell me what is the ecceptible amount of movement of a foundation before you should be concerned? For instance physical evedence indicates that the front of my garage is dropping in elevation. An elevation servey was taken at the ceiling of the garage. The front wall of the garage drops 0.9″inches with respect to the back wall. There are two lare oak trees. roots exted above ground towards the garage. It has been very dry and soil has been shrinking. Should I water the yard around the foundation to correct the problem or install piers or a root berrier? Is 0.9″ significant movement to be concerned, Thank you for your response.

Michael