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What’s Causing Foundation Cracks In Your Houston Home

Quick Answer

  • Cracks usually trace back to soil movement, not just age.
  • Clay soil around Houston expands fast after heavy rain, putting pressure on your foundation.
  • Plumbing leaks can speed up foundation shifting, eroding the soil underneath.

Why Your Houston Home Is Seeing More Foundation Cracks

Houston’s soil moves more than most people expect. The clay around your home swells when it’s soaked and shrinks when it dries out. That shift puts pressure on your slab, which is why Houston foundation cracks are so common.

Hercules Foundation Repair has helped families across Texas handle this kind of movement for decades. We’re a 3rd generation, family-owned team that understands how local weather patterns and soil conditions push a home around. If you’re seeing cracks widen, doors sticking or parts of your floor dip, your foundation may be reacting to soil changes under the slab.

Common Causes Of Foundation Damage In Houston

You’re not imagining the changes in your home. Houston’s climate and soil can put a lot of stress on a foundation. The most common causes of foundation damage Houston homeowners deal with include:

  • Soil expansion and shrinkage during heavy rain or dry spells
  • Plumbing leaks under the slab softening the soil
  • Poor drainage causing water to collect near the foundation
  • Tree roots pulling moisture away from the soil
  • Older homes built without modern drainage or soil prep

Signs The Damage Is Progressing

If you’re noticing more than one of these at the same time, the soil movement is likely increasing.

How Weather And Soil Conditions In Houston Push Your Foundation Around

Houston gets long stretches of heat followed by intense storms. When the ground goes from soaked to dry quickly, the soil shrinks away from the slab. Our technicians see this often: gaps around the edges of a home, cracks that start in corners or sections of the slab that dip slightly. These changes don’t fix themselves. They continue as the soil shifts, especially during back-to-back weather swings.

When To Call Hercules Foundation Repair

You don’t have to wait until the cracks grow larger. If the movement is noticeable, it’s safer to bring in a team that knows Houston soils and understands how fast these issues can spread.

Hercules Foundation Repair offers slab repair, pier-and-beam solutions, interior piers, soil excavation and commercial services. Our team is known for honesty, clear communication and staying focused on the customer’s needs. We also stand behind our work with a lifetime warranty on slab foundations and a 10-year warranty on pier-and-beam homes.

Call right away if you notice:

  • Cracks appearing in several rooms
  • Floors dipping or feeling soft
  • Moisture or plumbing issues under the slab

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Foundation Cracks In Houston Normal?

Small cracks can be normal, but wider or angled cracks usually point to soil movement. Houston’s clay often expands and contracts, which puts stress on the slab.

When Do Cracks Become A Real Problem?

If a crack widens, runs at an angle or appears with sticking doors or uneven floors, the foundation is likely shifting. That’s the time to bring in a specialist.

Can Weather Changes In Houston Cause Sudden Foundation Shifts?

Yes. Heavy storms followed by heat can cause quick changes in soil moisture. This movement can push or pull on the foundation.

Should I Worry About Hairline Cracks?

Hairline cracks can still be the first sign of movement. Watching them closely or getting a professional look is the safest approach.

How Does Hercules Foundation Repair Fix These Issues?

Depending on the home, we may install slab piers or use soil excavation to access problem areas. Each solution is matched to what your home needs.

Do All Cracks Require Repairs Right Away?

Not always, but cracks linked to movement should be checked as soon as possible. Waiting can lead to costlier damage.

Call Hercules Foundation Repair For Service

If your Houston home is showing cracks, uneven floors or soil gaps around the slab, our team is ready to help. With decades of experience and customer-focused service, we’ll guide you through what’s happening and how to get your home stable again.

Call Hercules Foundation Repair and get answers about your foundation.

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