San Antonio's clay soils move, and foundations move with them. Find out what the cracks, gaps, and sticking doors are telling you.
Cracks in drywall, doors that won't latch, gaps around windows, sloping floors, and cracks in brick are all ways a house signals that its foundation may be moving. Some of those signs are normal settling. Some point to real foundation performance problems. A foundation and structural inspection from ATD Property Inspections looks at the whole picture to help you tell the difference.
Daniel Windler evaluates the visible foundation, the interior and exterior signs of movement, and the conditions around the home that contribute to it — drainage, grading, gutters, vegetation, and plumbing leaks. He then gives you his opinion on the foundation's performance based on what he observes. If the findings warrant it, he'll recommend an evaluation by a structural engineer.
As a licensed Master Plumber, Daniel also understands a connection many inspectors overlook: under-slab plumbing leaks can soften the soil beneath a foundation and contribute to movement. That's why he can pair a foundation inspection with hydrostatic testing when leaks are a concern.
Knowing early gives you options — and keeps a small problem from becoming a big one.
Interior and exterior indicators are documented throughout the home.
Grading, gutters, and water management are evaluated as contributing factors.
Under-slab leaks that can contribute to movement are considered.
Clear guidance on whether a structural engineer's evaluation is warranted.
Much of Greater San Antonio sits on expansive clay soils that swell when they're wet and shrink when they dry out. As the soil moves through wet and dry cycles, slab foundations can heave, settle, and flex. Long droughts, heavy rains, trees drawing moisture near the home, and poor drainage all make that movement worse.
The result shows up throughout the house: diagonal cracks at door corners, separated trim, doors that drag or won't latch, cracked brick and mortar, and floors that feel uneven. On their own, many of these are minor. Together, and in the wrong pattern, they can point to a foundation that needs professional attention.
Whether you're buying a home with visible cracks, selling one, or worried about your own house, a focused foundation inspection helps you understand what's happening before deciding what to do next.
Every foundation and structural inspection looks at the foundation and everything around it.
No. Daniel is a TREC-licensed inspector, not an engineer. He gives his opinion on the foundation's performance based on what he observes, and recommends a structural engineer when the findings warrant it.
No. Small cracks from normal settling and shrinkage are common. The size, pattern, and location of cracks, along with other signs, help show whether movement is a concern.
It can contribute. A leak under the slab can saturate or wash out soil beneath the foundation. As a Master Plumber, Daniel can add hydrostatic testing to check the drain system for leaks.
It's a measured floor-level survey that maps relative elevations across the home. It adds hard numbers to a foundation inspection and creates a baseline for tracking movement over time.
Good drainage and consistent soil moisture help the most. Keep gutters working, grade soil away from the home, and address plumbing leaks promptly.
From your first phone call to your next steps, here's what to expect.
Call or text Daniel at 210-216-4322 and describe what you've noticed.
Daniel evaluates the foundation, signs of movement, drainage, and plumbing indicators.
You receive a written report with his opinion on the foundation's performance.
Plan drainage fixes, monitor, or schedule a structural engineer if recommended.
"I Inspect, so that you know what to Expect."— Daniel Windler, Owner & Operator
Call or text Daniel today • Veteran-Owned • TREC #21665 • Licensed Master Plumber • Serving Greater San Antonio