Your Summer Foundation Checklist for North Texas Homeowners
As temperatures soar and the rain becomes scarce, summer in Dallas–Fort Worth can be tough on your foundation. But with a little foresight, you can catch small issues before they turn into costly structural problems. Whether your home rests on a concrete slab or a pier-and-beam system, this checklist will help you safeguard your foundation through the heat.
At Atlas Foundation, we believe proactive maintenance is key to long-term foundation health. That’s why we created this seasonal checklist specifically for homes in North Texas—where heat, clay soil, and shifting moisture levels demand extra care.
1. Inspect for New Cracks
Walk the perimeter of your home. Look for any new or widening cracks in the brickwork, especially stair-step cracks or diagonal lines near windows and doors. Inside, check drywall and tile grout for similar signs. Cracks are often your foundation’s first cry for help.
2. Check Doors and Windows
Are your doors rubbing or sticking? Are your windows suddenly hard to open? These are signs of shifting frames—often caused by foundation movement. Make note of anything that feels “off” compared to the spring.
3. Monitor Soil Separation
Look down. Is the soil pulling away from your foundation? A gap between the dirt and your home’s perimeter is a telltale sign the ground is drying and shrinking. This is especially common in Texas summers and signals the need for a watering program.
4. Confirm Drainage is Working
Make sure your gutters are clear and your downspouts are directing water away from your foundation. Pooling water from summer thunderstorms can be just as damaging as drought. French drains or splash blocks may help.
5. Maintain Your Watering Program
If you started a foundation hydration routine in spring, keep it going. Use soaker hoses or drip lines 8–18 inches from your home’s edge. The soil should remain consistently moist—not muddy.
6. Trim Trees and Large Plants
Roots compete for moisture and can shift the soil. Prune branches and consider root barriers for any large trees near the house.
7. Evaluate Your Foundation for Sinking or Lifting
Use a level or marble test on your interior floors. If they feel like they’re tilting or if furniture seems to lean, you may be experiencing uneven settlement. This is especially common in the summer months.
8. Inspect Pier and Beam Foundations (If Applicable)
If your home has a crawl space, check for moisture build-up, wood rot, or standing water. Summer humidity in North Texas can wreak havoc on pier and beam systems.
9. Schedule a Summer Foundation Check
Even if you don’t see major red flags, scheduling a free inspection with Atlas Foundation gives you peace of mind. We know what’s normal seasonal movement—and what’s not.
10. Review Your Warranty Coverage
Now’s a good time to review any existing foundation repair warranties. Atlas Foundation offers some of the strongest warranty coverage in the DFW area, and we’re happy to explain what’s included.
Why Atlas Foundation?
We’ve been protecting homes in the Dallas–Fort Worth area for more than 65 years. We know how tough summers can be on North Texas foundations—and how to stop damage before it starts. With free inspections, honest advice, and industry-leading repair methods, Atlas is the name homeowners trust when it matters most.
FAQ
Q: How often should I water my foundation in the summer?
A: Two to three times per week with a soaker hose, depending on weather conditions. Consistency is key.
Q: Do all cracks mean I have foundation problems?
A: Not necessarily. Some are cosmetic, but others can indicate deeper issues. That’s why a professional inspection is important.
Q: Can summer rainstorms undo drought damage?
A: Sudden moisture after extreme dryness can actually make things worse by causing rapid soil expansion. A controlled hydration plan is best.
Q: Is it safe to inspect my crawl space in the summer?
A: Yes, but it’s often best to let professionals check it—especially if it’s hot or humid. Atlas Foundation inspects pier and beam systems thoroughly.
Glossary
Crawl Space – The area beneath a pier and beam home, typically accessed via a hatch or exterior opening.
Hydration Program – A consistent watering routine to keep soil moisture stable during hot months.
Differential Settlement – Uneven sinking or shifting of your foundation, often caused by dry or eroding soil.
Soaker Hose – A slow-release garden hose used for even watering around the home’s perimeter.
Soil Separation – The visible gap that forms between your home’s foundation and dry, contracting soil.