Flooding Brings Foundation Woes to Houston - Summer storms cause drainage problems in South Texas

PRLog (Press Release) - Jul. 23, 2012 - The saying holds true for summertime in Houston: When it rains, it pours. And when a massive deluge follows a significant drought, the resulting drainage, runoff and soggy soil can cause foundation problems not typically seen during peak summer months.

“Earlier this month, the Southeast region of Texas got 8-10 inches of rain in one week, instead of the typical one inch,” said Jon Sisson, CEO of Perma-Pier Foundation Repair of Texas. “Many people don’t understand the damage that rain can pose to foundations, especially after an extended dry period.  Problems we don’t usually see this time of year—like runoff control and drainage nightmares—are more and more common this summer. If left untreated, these issues can lead to significant foundation problems.”  

Since it’s dry in Texas most of the year, when it rains, parched soil expands, he added. When the ground dries up, it contracts again. Rain can be a catalyst for movement that then causes foundation damage.

To help homeowners cut costs relating to foundation repair, the Texas-based company has released a list of the 10 Most Common Foundation Maintenance Mistakes, and is offering it for free to consumers.

“Although Texas soils are known for causing serious foundation problems, much of the damage can be alleviated with a few basic care and maintenance procedures,” said Sisson. “You just need to know what the right procedures actually are, especially when dealing with unseasonable weather patterns.” Among the most common mistakes homeowners make when the soil is wet are:  

 •  Lack of moisture control. Moisture must be evenly maintained around the home’s perimeter. When a homeowner waters one part of the house but doesn’t water the other, the differences in soil moisture will cause the home to shift.

 •  Poor rain run-off control. Gutters and downspouts can help control moisture levels. Downspout extensions, splash blocks or underground piping also help direct rainwater away from your foundation. Failure to redirect the water can lead to moisture imbalances and soil erosion.

 •  Improper drainage. Installing a drainage system alone isn’t enough to ensure adequate moisture protection for your foundation. The drainage system should slope away from your foundation at an angle of three inches for every five feet.

For a copy of the complete list of 10 Most Common Foundation Maintenance Mistakes, go to http://www.permapier.com/mistakes.

About Perma-Pier:
Founded in 1992, Perma-Pier Foundation Repair of Texas offers more than 100 years of combined experience in providing structural foundation repair, soil stabilization and drainage solutions for homeowners, real estate brokers, investors and business owners. Visit http://www.permapier.com for more information.

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