Exterior Home Damage

Everything’s bigger in Texas — including the toll that our shifting soils can take on your home’s foundation. One of the first and most visible signs of foundation trouble often shows up outside your house. Cracks, gaps and warping on the exterior of your home might not seem like much at first glance, but they can be early warnings of serious structural issues beneath the surface.

At Hercules Foundation Repair, we specialize in identifying and repairing foundation problems before they turn into costly disasters. Our team provides dependable, long-lasting solutions to restore your home’s stability — starting with a thorough look at what’s happening on the outside.

Common Exterior Signs Of Foundation Damage

Exterior issues can be the first sign that something deeper is going on with your foundation. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to have your home evaluated by a professional:

1. Cracking Brick Or Mortar

Look for cracks in your brick exterior, especially those forming diagonal or “stair-step” patterns. These are strong indicators that the foundation is shifting unevenly and putting pressure on the structure above.

2. Visible Cracks In The Slab

One of the most serious warning signs is a visible crack in your home’s concrete slab or foundation. A cracked slab suggests active foundation movement and should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage.

3. Splitting Around Windows Or Doors

If your windows or exterior doors appear misaligned or you see gaps forming around the frames, your home may be settling unevenly. These shifts are common in homes experiencing foundation stress.

4. Gaps Between The Garage And The Brick Exterior

Pay close attention to where the garage meets the main structure — visible separation or cracking between the brick and garage walls often signals foundation movement.

5. Fascia Boards Or Trim Pulling Away

Trim boards and fascia that appear warped or detached may seem cosmetic, but they often point to deeper foundation issues, especially if accompanied by cracks or sloping.

6. Warping Or Buckling Walls

Exterior walls that appear to bow or buckle could be reacting to uneven foundation movement. This is often paired with other signs of structural imbalance and should be checked out right away.

What Causes This Exterior Damage?

The root of the problem lies underground. Common causes of foundation-related exterior damage include:

• Expansive clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry
• Poor drainage or standing water near the foundation
• Tree roots pulling moisture from the surrounding soil
• Improper soil compaction during initial construction
• Plumbing leaks or excess moisture beneath the home

Over time, these factors can shift your foundation and show themselves as exterior damage that worsens if left unaddressed.

How Hercules Foundation Repair Can Help

At Hercules Foundation Repair, we don’t just patch cracks or mask cosmetic issues. We get to the source. Our team will perform a full structural assessment to determine what’s causing the damage, then develop a customized repair plan that may include:

• Pier and beam repair and home leveling
• Soil excavation for safe access under tight crawl spaces
• Structural reinforcement and foundation stabilization
• A 10-year warranty on all pier and beam repairs

With decades of experience serving homeowners across San Antonio, Houston, Austin and Victoria, we know Texas soil — and how to keep your home standing strong on it.

Protect Your Home With Hercules

Your home is more than just a building — it’s one of your biggest investments. If you’ve noticed cracks, gaps or unusual changes on the exterior of your home, don’t wait to take action. Foundation damage only gets worse over time, and early intervention can save thousands in repairs.

Contact Hercules Foundation Repair today to schedule a professional inspection and find out how we can restore your home’s stability — from the ground up.