- 2001Median year homes were built, Schertz (ACS)
- CrockettMost extensive soil series, Guadalupe County (NRCS)
- 35.7 inYearly rain, New Braunfels
- 12 mi southwest of New BraunfelsStraight-line distance
Ground and housing
What is under Schertz homes
The soil survey for Guadalupe County maps Crockett, Branyon, Houston Black as its most widespread soil series, so the ground under a Schertz lot can differ from the next street over. Census estimates put the median Schertz home's build year at 2001, which helps you guess what original materials you have. For permits and local rules, start at https://schertz.com
Services here
What we handle in Schertz
Schertz across three counties
What shapes foundations here
Three counties
Schertz spans Guadalupe, Bexar and Comal counties and is the largest city of the Randolph Metrocom near Randolph Air Force Base. It grew from 31,465 people in 2010 to 42,002 in 2020.
Cibolo Creek
The town was once called Cut Off because Cibolo Creek floods cut the settlement off; the biggest recorded flood was in 1913. Low lots near the creek need careful drainage.
Clay slabs
Most homes are slab-on-grade subdivisions built since the late 1990s on clay soils that move with moisture.
Graded pads
Fast growth means many engineered pads; settlement within a few years can point to fill.
Drought swings. Clay shrinks hard in drought, then swells after rain, cracking brick and drywall.
Local issues
Common foundation issues in Schertz homes
Cracks in a home built in the last ten years
Look for your builder's structural warranty before calling anyone, and report the problem in writing as the warranty requires.
Low lot near Cibolo Creek with water after storms
Check FEMA flood maps for your address, keep gutters and downspouts working and make sure soil slopes away from the slab.
A corner that keeps dropping
Growing cracks above windows and in brick at one corner usually mean settlement there. Piers under that corner are the common fix.
Before you sign
Questions to ask a crew working here
- County
- Ask which county your home is in for permits.
- Warranty
- Ask about transferable warranties.
- Survey
- Ask for readings.
- Permit
- Ask whether the City of Schertz requires a permit for pier work or drainage changes, and who pulls it.
Local checklist
Signs to act now
Gaps in brick mortar. Stair-step gaps in mortar at corners show movement.
Doors binding in late summer. Typical of clay shrinkage.
Drywall cracks from door corners. Diagonal cracks show framing shifted.
Gaps between the slab and soil. Clay pulling away in drought; water evenly.
Water at the slab after rain. Grade so soil slopes away from the house.
Photos
