As a home inspector and foundation professional in Houston, TX, I see countless homeowners struggling to afford extensive foundation repairs, the cause of which could have been easily avoided. The culprit often isn't structural flaws in the building but a lack of root barriers between the home and trees.

Expansive clay soils, such as those found in the greater Houston area, are particularly susceptible to root penetration causing foundation issues. Texans are paying billions annually on these avoidable repairs, an egregious cost given it can be almost entirely prevented with root barrier installation at the time of construction.

Currently, IRC/ICC building code offers no requirement for root barriers to be installed when a house is newly constructed. An installed seamless root barrier of at least 36" in depth and 100 Mil Thickness (2.54 millimeters) in thickness between the home and trees could practically eliminate the adverse foundation settlement that leads to costly foundation repair. This amendment would allow Texans to take back control of their homes, circumventing foundation repair companies that take advantage of the public's lack of information about this issue.

We must reform the current building code to require the installation of root barriers in all new homes constructed in expansive clay soils throughout the United States. Sign this petition to urge our local officials to act immediately, to save homeowners from unnecessary financial burden and to ensure the longevity of our homes.

Thank you,

Neil Arnold

TREC# 23450

Imperial Pro Inspection LLC

https://www.ruleyourhome.com