In Dallas gutters are installed on only a select number of houses. Most builders do not include them as a standard package (one more way to cut corners), and most customers only have them installed after blatant evidence of foundation problems has presented itself. This is a most unfortunate fact because here  in our area, our homes are built on clay-based soils. That, coupled with concrete slab foundations, results in an entire region filled with homes sitting on a failing, or soon-to-be failing, foundations – a problem which is great for foundation repair companies, but terrible for homeowners!

One tool I like to use to assess the likelihood of a potential client having foundation problems is a site called Web Soil Survey. I often refer potential clients to explore this data for themselves, but explaining it can be a bit tedious. Therefore, I decided to record the steps here so I can refer them to this post rather than repeating it each time.

This program is not so difficult to use. Just follow the steps below:

First, follow this link.

Next, in the left hand column,  click “Address” under Quick Navigation and enter the address of the property of interest.

Once, the property has been marked on the map, in the toolbar above the map, click the box with the small red rectangle and the letters “AOI”.

Next, use your cursor to outline an area around your neighborhood block to create the Area Of Interest. The map will now divide into different segments.

Next, click the Soil Data Explorer tab above and in the left-hand column, click Building Site Development.

In the menu that drops down, click Dwellings On Concrete Slab (TX), then click View Rating.

The map’s segments will now be divided into color codes: Green, Yellow, Red. Green is generally a safe area which is not likely to have foundation issues. Yellow is an area of caution, with an above average chance of foundation issues and red is the danger zone. If your home is found to be in the yellow and especially red, get gutters up quickly!

If you scroll down, below the map are a few more details which includes soil type.