Cracked Foundations in San Antonio? Here’s Why
San Antonio is known for its rich culture, amazing food, and deep history. But as a homeowner in Texas, you’re probably familiar with a less celebrated reality: foundation problems.
If you’re seeing wall cracks or sticky doors, you’re not alone. These problems affect homes all across the city, from Alamo Heights to Live Oak to the Northeast Side. This guide will help you understand what’s happening, what signs to watch for, and how to take action before things get worse.
3 Reasons Why San Antonio Foundation Are at High Risk
1. Clay-Rich Soil That Expands and Contracts
The soil in San Antonio is packed with clay soil. Clay soil is expansive, which means it swells up when it rains and shrinks when it’s dry. This constant movement causes your concrete slab foundation to shift, which can lead to cracking, uneven floors, and other damage over time.
“San Antonio has a lot of clay soil… it’s the shifting and settling of the soil that causes problems.” — Tim Tracy, Groundworks
2. Wild Weather Swings
San Antonio weather is full of surprises—long, dry summers, sudden storms, and the occasional deep freeze. These swings in moisture and temperature levels make the soil expand and contract more than it would in most places. That puts extra stress on your slab foundation.
3. Drainage Problems
When water doesn’t drain away from your home properly, it can soak into the soil and make it even more unstable. Broken or clogged gutters, poor yard grading, and damaged downspouts all contribute to faster wear and tear on your concrete slab foundation as water collects next to it.
Common Signs of Foundation Damage
Not sure if your home is affected? Look for these red flags:
- Cracks in drywall
- Gaps between floors and walls
- Doors and windows that are hard to open
- Uneven floors
- Chimney leaning away from the house
While some of these signs often start small, they lead to bigger issues if ignored. Don’t wait, call a professional if you notice structural issues in your home.
Understanding Slab Foundation Repair in San Antonio
Many homes in San Antonio—especially those built since the 1960s—sit on concrete slab foundations. These are strong and low-maintenance, but they’re especially vulnerable to shifting soil and weather extremes.
Fixing a slab foundation (and preventing further movement) requires specialized tools that Groundworks and other local professionals use.
How Slab Foundations Are Repaired
Slab foundation repair in San Antonio can include:
- Slab piers: Installed beneath the foundation to lift and stabilize it
- Helical piers: Used for lighter homes or tight areas
- Polyurethane injection: Fills space under slabs to lift sunken sections like patios
When looking into concrete slab repair, always start with a detailed inspection. Choose a contractor who understands local soil conditions, and ask about warranties and follow-up care to keep your foundation secure long-term.
Are Foundation Repairs Covered by Insurance?
In most cases, no. Standard homeowner’s insurance usually doesn’t cover concrete slab foundation repair caused by soil movement or drainage problems. These are considered maintenance issues, not unexpected damage. That’s why early action is so important—it can prevent small cracks from becoming serious structural issues.
What to Do If You Suspect a Problem
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Reach out to a structural engineer or a local foundation expert with experience in San Antonio’s soil. Getting a proper foundation inspection will help you understand the problem and choose the right solution.
Fix Drainage First
Simple drainage fixes—like cleaning gutters, redirecting downspouts, or regrading your yard—can go a long way in protecting your slab foundation from future issues.
Use Soaker Hoses During Drought
In dry seasons, keeping the soil around your concrete slab foundation evenly moist helps prevent sudden shifts when the rain returns. Soaker hoses are an easy and affordable way to do this.
Cracked Foundation? Work With Groundworks to Fix It
Foundation issues are common in San Antonio, but they don’t have to cause long-term damage. By spotting the signs early, improving your drainage, and choosing the right team for foundation repair, you can protect your home and keep it safe for years to come.
The first step? Book a free foundation inspection with Groundworks. We want to help protect your home—and more importantly—everyone that lives inside it.
Slab Foundation FAQs
Yes, by increasing soil density and treating expansive clays, we mitigate future risks of settlement, movement, or damage to foundations.
It reestablishes soil support beneath slabs, filling voids caused by erosion, poor drainage, or compaction issues.
Geotextiles can help stabilize soil to reduce movement but don’t directly prevent foundation cracks, as they don’t reinforce the foundation itself.
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