Foundation repair questions, answered

Hairline cracks from normal settling are common. Cracks that grow, run diagonally from door and window corners, or show up with sticking doors usually point to foundation movement worth inspecting.

Mostly expansive clay soil that swells when wet and shrinks when dry, plus poor drainage, uneven watering, tree roots and plumbing leaks under slabs.

If there is a crawl space with skirting or vents around the base of the house, it is pier and beam. If the house sits directly on concrete at ground level, it is a slab.

Typical Valley jobs run about $2,500 to $7,000. Minor pier and beam leveling can cost less and large slab repairs can cost more. Only an inspection gives a real price.

Pier and beam leveling usually takes one or two days. Slab repairs usually take one to three days once work begins.

Most companies offer one, and some transfer to a new owner when you sell. Terms vary a lot, so get the warranty in writing and read what it covers.

Texas does not have a state license for foundation repair companies. Ask about insurance, years in business, engineer involvement and warranty terms before you hire.

Usually not for normal soil movement. Damage from a sudden covered event, like a plumbing leak, is sometimes covered. Check your policy.

Keep soil moisture even around the house during dry spells, make sure gutters and downspouts carry water away, keep the yard sloped away from the foundation and fix plumbing leaks quickly.

You send a short request with your city and what you are seeing. It goes to an independent local foundation company that serves your area, and they contact you about a free quote.

Requests are accepted from across the Rio Grande Valley, including McAllen, Brownsville, Harlingen, Edinburg, Mission and the towns around them.

Yes. The whole site is available in Spanish, and you can choose Spanish as your preferred language in the request form.