- 1961Median year homes were built, Arp (ACS)
- CuthbertMost extensive soil series, Smith County (NRCS)
- 47.7 inYearly rain, Tyler (NOAA normal)
- 16 mi southeast of TylerStraight-line distance
Ground and housing
What is under Arp homes
Across Smith County, the largest mapped soil series are Cuthbert, Wolfpen, Pickton. Soil type shapes how a crew plans the work in Arp. Half of Arp homes were built before or around 1961 (Census ACS), a useful clue to original parts and methods. Permit rules for Arp are on the official site: https://www.cityofarptx.net/
Services here
What we handle in Arp
Arp, the old strawberry town
What shapes foundations here
Bissa, Strawberry, then Arp
Arp was called Bissa, from the Choctaw and Chickasaw word for blackberry, then Jarvis Junction and Strawberry before being renamed for humorist Bill Arp. It had 892 people in 2020.
Older rural homes
Many homes in and around Arp are older farmhouses on pier-and-beam foundations, plus manufactured homes on acreage.
Sandy soil over clay
Much of Smith County has sandy topsoil over clay subsoil. Water soaks through the sand and collects on the clay, which keeps footings wet.
Rolling ground
The ground around Arp rolls, so water from higher fields can reach houses on lower ground.
Local issues
Common foundation issues in Arp homes
Floors sloping in an old farmhouse
Look for sinking piers, rotted sills and damp soil. New piers and shims usually bring floors back.
Water under the house after rain
Regrade and add a swale so water from higher ground goes around the house.
A manufactured home out of level
Piers and tie-downs can be re-leveled; ask for a tech familiar with manufactured homes.
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