Not only does hot, dry weather affect your watering habits, electric bills, pocketbook and mood but it also affects your home. Homeowners in areas of Texas with clay soils are learning the hard way that moisture levels have to be maintained to prevent structural damage.

Soil that is too dry or too wet for a long period can cause severe problems for homes with slab foundations. Many homeowners in the Dallas, Austin, and Houston areas were not aware that they needed to be watering their foundations until they noticed damage to their homes, and by that time, thousands of dollars in repairs were already needed.

Terry County soil is composed of layers of silt, clay, and fine-grained sand with interspersed caliche nodules. The drainage and moisture holding capabilities that make it excellent for growing grapes also make one wonder about the effects of severe drought on that soil as well. As Chris Bishop, local Texas AgriLife Extension Agent, explains, we have never had a drought like this one before and we really don’t know the extent of how it will affect us.

As far as foundation or home damage in Terry County, no one has noticed anything significant yet, but we all need to be aware of the possibility, as other parts of Texas didn’t realize what was happening until major problems arose.  

Many older homes in Terry County show signs of some foundation damage anyway from settling soils, plumbing leaks, leakage from a swimming pool or landscape watering system, or landscaping (obvious examples are roots that have broken the cement and are pushing sidewalks up and  cracks forming in driveways and on patios). If this is noted, check your foundation.

There has been notable damage to trees and shrubs in Terry County from the drought. Large trees and bushes near the house have roots that may have grown under the foundation. Some of these roots are shrinking and dying because of the lack of water, leaving changes in soil and open spaces where larger roots used to exist. The weight of the house may cause settling of the foundation into these areas. Note, too, that plants that have grown larger than expected near the house may have already caused foundation damage.

What should you do? Inspect your home for typical signs of foundation damage. If you notice any of the signs  below, noted by AgriLife Extension, contact a contractor as soon as possible.

1. Cracking of exterior brick veneer that varies in width from top to bottom or diagonal cracks. (Cracks of uniform width are commonly shrinkage cracks and do not indicate expansive soil activity.)

2. Separation of expansion joints.

3. Cracks above or below window and door openings inside the home.

4. Visible cracking of foundation slab.

5. Inability to open or close doors. Doors of rooms, closets or cabinets out of alignment.

6. Cracking or waving of floor finishes. Most often visible in linoleum tiles or ceramic tiles.

7. Feeling of walking up or down hill as you walk across the room. (In fact, you are!)