Landscaping and Foundation Repair
/ By Chase Gohl / Foundation and Landscaping/ 0 Comments

7 Tips for Landscaping Next to House Foundation

From increasing curb appeal to making your yard more usable, landscaping has a long list of undeniable benefits. That said, if you’re going to be landscaping close to your home, it’s important to watch out for
mistakes that may damage your house’s foundation on over me. The last thing you want is a long list of costly repairs to undermine that long list of landscaping benefits.

In this guide, the professionals here at Align Foundation Repair provide 7 expert tips for landscaping next to your house foundation. Not only will these tips spare your foundation on from damage due to bad landscaping choices—they’ll also show you how to better preserve your foundation, as good landscaping can actually protect a foundation in the long run.

Read on to learn how to landscape the right way for your foundation, and book your free estimate with our foundation on repair experts today!

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Protect your foundation before your landscaping even starts. Contact Align Foundation Repair for recommendations.

Checklist for Landscaping Next to House Foundation

Here are seven tips for proper landscaping around your foundation.

Plant Trees Away From Your Foundation

As far as foliage for landscaping goes, trees are the biggest and baddest choices out there. Take a moment to think how tall and wide they can grow above-ground. (They often need trimming and pruning in order to protect power lines, roofs, and other property.) Now, apply that same size and growth rate to what’s going on underground.

That’s right: the root systems of certain tree species can be as large as their above-ground branch systems. These massive root systems can grow under your foundation, causing major damage as roots grow in all directions in search of moisture. Avoid trees that extract a lot of water from the soil, as this is bad for your foundation.

To avoid any interaction between root systems and your foundation, it’s a good rule of thumb to plant smaller trees at least 15 feet away from your house and larger trees at least 20 feet away from your house.  You can also choose trees with shallow, less-expansive root systems, including:

  • Japanese maples
  • Umbrella trees
  • Redbud trees
  • Weeping willows
  • Lilac trees
  • Dogwood trees
  • Most pine trees
  • Most fruit trees

Make sure you leave some of Your foundation exposed

Excess moisture is one of the biggest of enemies of a home’s foundation. To mitigate, it’s a good idea to give your foundation some breathing room—literally.

By leaving a few inches of your home’s foundation exposed, you’re promoting air circulation, which can go a long way in regulating the moisture levels in your soil. This will help ensure that your foundation is never bogged down with excessive moisture, which can lead to a number of problems, including erosion, mold, and pest infestations.

As an added benefit, leaving a bit of your foundation exposed will allow you to inspect it at any time. This will give you insight into any potential hazards or small issues—allowing you to address them before they become big problems.

Watch out for drains or outlets

If excess water is the enemy of your home’s foundation, your drains are excellent defenders against it. That’s why it’s important to let them do their job—and not let your landscaping get in the way.

If there is a drain in your yard, it’s there for a good reason. Covering it with plants can restrict drainage which contributes to foundation damage. Covering it with dirt or mulch is even worse, as it will restrict water flow even more. Worse of all is covering any drain with pavers or other solid features, which all but eliminates water flow and can lead to flooding, pooling water, and oversaturated soil—all hazards for your foundation.

Improve your gutter system

Continuing on the theme of water—a short review of the water cycle will quickly reveal another source of trouble for any foundation: precipitation. When rain or snow hit your roof, they eventually drip down to the base of your home, where they can seep into your foundation and cause major problems.

To stop the seeping before it even starts, keep precipitation away from your foundation by installing a high-quality gutter system. This is a tip that transcends landscaping itself—and it will pay dividends by keeping your foundation in great shape for years to come. Here are a few guidelines for making your gutter systems the best it can be.

  • Use gutter extensions to push water at least 6 feet away from your foundation (best to take to street or alley)
  • Install underground downspouts to carry water further out and away from your home
  • Keep your gutters free of dirt and leaves (clogged gutters lead to excess water, overflow, and pooling water)
  • Check for any holes, gap, or leaks while cleaning your gutters and repair them as soon as possible

Mulch your flower beds.

By this point in the guide, we’ve made it clear that excessively wet soil is bad news for foundations. What you may not know is that excessively dry ground can cause its own host of problems. In summary: excessively dry soil will shrink and if not properly covered with some sort of ground cover may lead to erosion.

So, how do you keep the ground around your foundation properly moisturized? Landscaping is the answer. (And yes, this is yet another case where proper landscaping can actually help protect your foundation.) To moisturize your soil and safeguard your foundation, is water with sprinklers, soaker hose, drip irrigation, mulch and landscape.

Mulch retains moisture and will be beneficial to both your plants and your foundation in the summer months by preventing the soil around your property from becoming too dry. It’s a good idea to reapply every few years, as even mulch can move or dry out over time. Han scaping is more permanent and is not termite food.

Make sure flower beds slope away from your foundation

Whether you live in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area or elsewhere, it’s vital to ensure that the grade of your property isn’t adversely affecting your foundation. Before we get into our grade guidelines, here’s a quick review.
In simple terms, the grade of a piece of land refers to its slope. (In fact, the words “slope,” “incline,” “mainfall,” “gradient,” “pitch,” and “rise” are all frequently used to refer to grade, so you’ve likely encountered the concept before.)

For the purposes of preserving your foundation, you want a grade that guards against erosion in all its forms. (Again, improving your grade is a landscaping choice that help protect your foundation in the future.)

Here at Align Foundation Repair, we recommend having a minimum of a couple inches per foot or a drainage system may be needed. This will enable water to move away from your foundation and help prevent against pooling.

Water evenly in non-landscape areas.

Excess moisture is bad for your foundation. Excess dryness is bad for foundation. An imbalance of both? Bad for your foundation. If you’re going to be watering your yard, make sure you water primarily around the foundation and everywhere—not just the landscaped areas. Here’s why.

If only one section of the yard is landscaped, the soil on that side will expand because it’s likely to be watered more often. Soil expansion can lead to foundation cracks, which can lead to hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in repair costs. To prevent this unwanted expansion (and cost) water uniformly wherever possible.

An added tip for the Dallas-Fort Worth area:the expansive clay soil in the region is best watered moderately but routinely. Use deep-rooted plants, as shallow-rooted plants could erode over a short period of time. Consistency is key!

214-463-2974
If your landscaping is damaging your foundation, contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

Learn More and Contact Our Dallas Foundation Repair Experts

Choose the North Texas foundation and drainage repair experts you can trust. Contact Us today if you would like more tips for landscaping around house foundation in Dallas, or you’re concerned that your foundation may be damaged. We can schedule a free inspection and give you even more advice on landscaping, maintenance, and foundation repair in Dallas-Fort Worth.

 

Crawl Space Encapsulation in Dallas-Fort Worth TX
/ By adminrm / Crawl Space Repair/ 0 Comments

How Often Should You Replace the Vapor Barrier in a Crawl Space?

The heavy-duty StegoCrawl® wrap lining we use in our vapor barriers at Align Foundation Repair has a lifetime warranty, so there is no need to replace it. Vapor barriers are crucial in maintaining a healthy and comfortable home environment. You might need to replace your existing vapor barrier if it is old (installed before technology improved), damaged, installed incorrectly, or improper material.

Our vapor barrier helps you avoid common and costly issues, especially here in Dallas-Fort Worth, where hot, humid summers are a way of life. Contact the crawl space encapsulation experts if you are experiencing moisture-related problems in your home. Now is the time to act to avoid more costly issues down the line. Call us today for a free inspection and quote.

Signs Your Vapor Barrier Needs Replacing

Recognizing the signs that your vapor barrier needs replacing is essential to maintain your home’s structural integrity and indoor air quality.

Here are the key indicators:

1. Visible Damage:

Tears, holes, or punctures caused by wear, rodents, or improper installation are common signs. A degraded barrier may also become brittle or crack, especially if exposed to UV rays

2. Increased Humidity:

High indoor humidity levels, especially in crawl spaces or basements, signal that the barrier is no longer effectively preventing moisture infiltration. Frequent condensation on windows or walls may also indicate a failing barrier.

3. Pest Activity:

Chewing or nesting from rodents or insects can tear the vapor barrier and compromise its effectiveness.

4. Poor Install:

If joints are not lapped, not taped, or not properly adhered to foundation wall or pier.

Why Replacing Your Vapor Barrier Is Important

Replacing a damaged or ineffective vapor barrier is essential to:

  • Prevent structural damage caused by moisture buildup.
  • Reduce the risk of mold and mildew, which can impact indoor air quality and health.
  • Maintain energy efficiency by regulating humidity and preventing moisture-related
    insulation issues.

As noted above, vapor barriers installed by Align Foundation Repair have a manufacturer warranty and can easily be patched if damage occurs. In fact, StegoCrawl® wrap lining is engineered from special resins to provide superior moisture protection, puncture resistance, and longevity.

Schedule a Free Estimate Today!

When it comes to the health of your home, don’t take chances – choose crawl space encapsulation contractors who use only the highest quality products to ensure lasting results and have a reputation for unsurpassed customer service. For vapor barrier replacement in Dallas Fort Worth, contact Align Foundation Repair today. We provide free vapor barrier installation estimates, and with our expertise, you can keep your crawl space dry, healthy, and comfortable for many years.

Crawl space encapsulation value
/ By adminrm / Crawl Space Repair/ 0 Comments

Should You Install a Vapor Barrier in Your Crawl Space?

Yes, installing a vapor barrier in your crawl space helps prevents moisture from entering your home. It also helps to maintain good air quality, especially with our inconsistent weather in Texas. As industry leaders, our team at Align Foundation Repair knows that crawl space vapor barrier installation in Dallas Fort Worth, is essential.

However, they can also encourage the growth of mold and fungi. With our assistance, it will remain safe from moisture and its damaging effects.

Benefits of Vapor Barriers

Crawl space vapor barrier installation is associated with numerous advantages, including:

  • Keeps wood and other materials protected from moisture damage.
  • Reduces the chance of mold growth.
  • Decreases utility expenses by allowing HVAC equipment to function more efficiently.

We use vapor barriers created from durable resins, which ensures the protective layer can stand the test of time. Along with affording protection against moisture, these barriers are also highly resistant to other types of damage, including punctures. Our team can install a barrier in an existing structure or incorporate it into new construction, depending on your needs.

What You Can Expect During Vapor Barrier Installation

Each property is different, which means the installation timeline can vary quite a bit. Generally, however, our team can do this within two to five days. You can remain at home while we work, as we won’t require access to the interior. Here’s what to expect:

  • Cleaning – We begin the process by removing any debris within the crawl space. Clutter removal is key to approaching the installation correctly.
  • Inspection – Once the area is clean, we can better assess possible issues, such as water-logged wood and damaged insulation.
  • Installation – At this point, we apply the vapor barrier to prevent moisture from entering the crawl space and negatively impacting your home.

Keep in mind that you may not be aware of moisture issues. In north Texas, homes are built on clay soil, which absorbs moisture very easily. This can cause moisture to build up under the home, eventually resulting in a mold outbreak, especially when compounded with high humidity levels. Texas homes are very susceptible to mold growth in crawl spaces and this highlights the importance of our comprehensive inspection process, as we can detect problems well before they take a toll on your home and its foundation. Feel free to contact vapor barrier installation experts if you have concerns about the condition of your crawl space.

Other Solutions to Consider

Depending on the needs of your property, we may also recommend additional measures:

  • Sump pump installation to divert water from the crawl space.
  • Addition of a ventilation system or dehumidifier.
  • Incorporation of underground drainage to stop water accumulation.

When used with a vapor barrier, these solutions will further protect your home from water damage and help stave off expensive repairs.

Protect Your Home with Align Foundation Repair

We cover a wide range of DFW foundation repair service areas, and our dedication to superior workmanship is backed by the industry’s strongest warranties. When you want the best protection for your home’s crawl space, trust our knowledgeable team at Align Foundation Repair. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for a free vapor barrier installation estimate.

Crawl Space Incapsulation
/ By adminrm / Crawl Space Issues/ 0 Comments

How Do I Stop Moisture in My Crawl Space?

A home’s crawl space serves important practical functions, such as housing plumbing and utility equipment. However, this area can fall victim to moisture accumulation, which can damage your home’s foundation while also causing major problems such as mold and mildew, infestations, and poor air quality in the home.

Our skilled contractors at Align Foundation Repair provide multiple services aimed at alleviating moisture accumulation in crawl spaces and keeping your property in top condition. We create a custom solution for each home, avoiding unnecessary products and allowing for future adjustments if required.

Keeping Crawl Space Moisture at Bay: Proven Methods Used by Align Foundation Repair

Many properties throughout North Texas rest upon clay soil. This soil type is notorious for poor drainage, which can lead to major moisture issues under and within your pier and beam home. For the best possible defense against moisture problems, Align Foundation Repair offers the following professional solutions:

Crawl Space Encapsulation

Crawl space encapsulation in Dallas Fort Worth is a highly effective way to protect your home from all types of moisture damage. This process involves the placement and installation of barriers and equipment, which work in conjunction to stop moisture in the soil from leaching into your home or damaging your foundation. Our approach customizes your encapsulation to address your home’s specific needs, employing only the methods you need and none that you don’t.

Vapor Barrier Installation

Vapor barrier installation is a key component of the encapsulation process. Here at Align Foundation Repair, we use a durable StegoCrawl Water Vapor Barrier that’s constructed from special resins to provide lasting protection. This tough, puncture-resistant barrier fully seals the crawl space to stop soil moisture from wreaking havoc.

Drainage Solutions

In some cases, a drainage system is needed to manage excess water. Align Foundation Repair prefers an exterior or gravity-based drainage system for the crawl space. However, if elevation or fall issues prevent natural drainage, a sump pump and cistern may be required to remove the excess water. These drainage solutions effectively divert water away from your home, protecting your foundation.

Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are only installed when there is significant water intrusion due to elevation or fall issues. These pumps collect and redirect water away from your home, helping to manage water accumulation after heavy rains. While not always necessary, sump pumps are a reliable solution for crawl spaces that experience consistent water buildup.

Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers can be useful in preventing moisture damage, but at Align Foundation Repair, we prefer to test other solutions before recommending them. In many cases, passive or boosted ventilation combined with a vapor barrier is sufficient to control humidity. Wherever possible, we prefer to keep our systems free of electrical components, which lowers cost and reduces the need for ongoing maintenance. A dehumidifier is only suggested if testing shows that it’s necessary for maintaining proper humidity levels.

What Homeowners Can Do on Their Own to Keep Crawl Spaces Dry

While professional encapsulation offers the highest level of protection, there are a few additional steps homeowners can take. It’s important to note that Align Foundation Repair does not provide these services, but they are highly recommended for homeowners:

  • Repair Leaking Pipes – Plumbing pipes are often located in crawl spaces, and leaks can exacerbate moisture damage. In this case, timely repair of leaks is crucial to preventing worsening water damage under your home.
  • Perform Gutter Maintenance – As gutters become clogged, they will no longer disperse water away from homes as intended. Instead, clogs cause water to spill over the sides of gutters and pool around your property. Cleaning gutters at least twice per year can help you avoid this issue.
  • Check Downspout Positions – While checking gutters for clogs, pay attention to the position of your downspout. If it’s depositing water near the foundation of your home, moisture issues are practically guaranteed. You can reposition or reinstall the downspout to rectify the issue.

These simple steps, when combined with professional crawl space encapsulation, offer excellent protection from moisture damage.

Learn More About Keeping Your Crawl Space Moisture Free

Align Foundation Repair has the tools, knowledge, and experience to help homeowners throughout the Dallas Fort Worth area. If you have concerns about water damage in your home’s crawl space, we’re the team to call. Contact crawl space encapsulation experts to schedule an inspection today and receive a free crawl space repair estimate.

Crawl Space Encapsulation in Dallas-Fort Worth TX
/ By adminrm / Crawl Space Issues/ 0 Comments

How Do You Waterproof a Crawl Space?

If you have detected pooled water, moisture, or any other signs of dampness in your crawl space, waterproofing is essential for maintaining the integrity of your home and foundation. Water in your crawl space can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and compromised air quality. Align Foundation Repair offers a customized solution to waterproofing your crawl space, designed to address the specific conditions of your home. We never recommend unnecessary products. Instead, our experienced pros assess your situation and provide only what you need to get the job done.

This blog will guide you through the process and explain how our services can protect your home.

Step-by-Step Guide to Waterproofing Your Crawl Space

1. Inspection and Assessment

The first step in waterproofing your crawl space is a thorough inspection. A professional crawl space waterproofing contractor from Align Foundation Repair will evaluate the extent of moisture issues, identifying sources of water intrusion and assessing any damage. This assessment is crucial for developing an effective waterproofing strategy tailored to your home’s needs.

2. Vapor Barrier Installation

A critical component of crawl space waterproofing is the installation of a high-quality vapor barrier. Align Foundation Repair uses StegoCrawl, a durable encapsulation system designed to prevent moisture from seeping into your crawl space. This system involves lining the ground and walls of your crawl space with a thick plastic sheeting, sealing out moisture and creating a dry environment.

Vapor barrier installation is essential for reducing humidity levels and preventing mold growth.

3. Drainage System Installation

A drainage system controls excess water in or around your crawl space. Our preferred method is a gravity-based exterior drainage system, but if you have elevation and fall issues, a crawl space may require a sump pump and cistern to keep water away from your home’s foundation.

4. Sump Pump Installation

In cases where there is significant water intrusion, a sump pump may be necessary. Align Foundation Repair can install a sump pump system to effectively remove water from your crawl space. This system collects water and pumps it out of your crawl space, keeping it dry and preventing water accumulation. Sump pumps are particularly useful during heavy rains or in areas with flat terrain and poor drainage.

5. Dehumidification or Ventilation

Before recommending dehumidifiers, we work closely with homeowners to test the effectiveness of simpler solutions. Often, the combination of a vapor barrier and passive or boosted ventilation is sufficient to maintain proper humidity levels. We like to keep our systems free of electrical or mechanical components when possible, reducing long-term maintenance and costs. Dehumidifiers are only suggested if necessary based on the results of these tests.

6. Sealing and Insulating

If a homeowner opts for a fully insulated crawl space, Align Foundation Repair can seal exterior vents when a dehumidifier is installed. However, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, insulation is generally unnecessary for crawl spaces, especially with our vapor barrier system. For those seeking the benefits of a fully encapsulated space, we offer solutions tailored to your home’s specific needs.

Why Choose Align Foundation Repair?

Align Foundation Repair stands out among crawl space waterproofing companies for our comprehensive and customized approach to crawl space encapsulation. Our approach is all about giving you exactly what you need and avoiding products or services that you don’t need. We use a hybrid method that combines vapor barrier systems with optional sump pumps and dehumidifiers, ensuring your crawl space remains dry and your home protected.

Our experienced team of professionals will assess your unique situation and recommend the best solutions for waterproofing a crawl space.

Crawl space encapsulation in Dallas Fort Worth is the most effective way to safeguard your home from moisture damage.

If you’re experiencing moisture issues in your crawl space, don’t wait until the damage worsens. Reach out to Align Foundation Repair to discuss your needs and get a free crawl space encapsulation estimate. Let our crawl space encapsulation experts help you find the best solution for a dry and healthy home.

/ By Chase Gohl / Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

Neighbors Name Align Foundation Repair a “2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Faves”

[GARLAND, TX, 10/10/24] — Align Foundation Repair has been named a 2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave business, the annual awards program that recognizes local businesses loved by neighbors. Neighborhood Fave winners like Align Foundation Repair will receive greater visibility and ranking on the Nextdoor app, a Neighborhood Fave badge on their Nextdoor Business Page, and a “2024 Neighborhood Faves Winner” sticker to showcase their win in the real world.

“This year’s Neighborhood Fave businesses represent the outstanding service providers, local spots and eateries that are an essential part of our everyday lives,” said Nirav Tolia, Chief Executive Officer of Nextdoor. “We’re thrilled to celebrate these important members of the community, but more importantly, being a Neighborhood Fave is good for business. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.”

Selected by volume of neighbor ‘Faves’ and recommendations on the platform from the past year, the Neighborhood Faves awards recognize the most beloved local businesses on Nextdoor. Used by one in three households in the US, Nextdoor is the essential neighborhood network where neighbors, public agencies, and businesses connect around local information that matters.  In a May 2023 Nextdoor survey, 94% of Nextdoor neighbors report valuing recommendations for products, services, and businesses from their Nextdoor neighbors and Neighborhood Faves winners receive six times more recommendations on their respective Business Pages.

“Thank you to our neighbors! We are honored to be recognized as a 2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave. This award means so much for our business and helps us continue to grow in our community! Be sure to visit us on Nextdoor and leave a recommendation. https://bit.ly/AlignNextdoor” – Align Foundation Repair

The complete list of winning businesses is available at nextdoor.com/favorites. Join the neighborhood network by downloading the Nextdoor app in your favorite app store or visiting nextdoor.com.

Crawl Space Encapsulation in Dallas-Fort Worth TX
/ By Chase Gohl / Crawl Space Repair/ 0 Comments

Crawl Space Encapsulation vs. Ventilation

Many homes in North Texas have crawl spaces, which are open areas between the house and the ground underneath. Crawl spaces also contain vents to enhance circulation and deter mold growth by allowing an exchange of air with the outside.

Unfortunately, vents don’t usually prevent mold and mildew growth in crawl spaces. In some cases, venting can make these problems worse. And when airborne contaminants like mold enter your home, they can cause significant allergy issues. That’s why our team at Align Foundation Repair offers an alternative approach to crawlspace maintenance called encapsulation.

What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

It entails the installation of a water vapor barrier, typically made of a rugged form of plastic called polyethylene. Encapsulating materials cover the entire crawl space, including the underlying ground and the walls. This material also blocks vents, which stops air exchange between the inside of the crawl space and the outside of the home.

How Does It Differ from Ventilation?

Building designers began adding vents to crawl spaces, hoping to reduce humidity and condensation in the closed-off area. They thought airflow throughout the space would help evaporate moisture, deter mold growth, and create an inhospitable environment for bacteria.

In reality, the differences in temperature inside and outside the home can actually increase condensation within this space. Humid exterior air flowing into crawl spaces will also accelerate the growth of mold and mildew while simultaneously creating a favorable condition for bacteria to thrive. And while closing crawl space vents can limit air exchange to some degree, it can’t rival the protection a durable water vapor barrier provides.

What Benefits Does Encapsulation Offer?

For most homeowners, encapsulation is a better option than ventilation in crawl spaces.

Encapsulation is associated with a variety of benefits, including:

  • Improved Air Quality – Encapsulating material keeps the air within the crawl space free of contaminants, creating a healthier environment.
  • Greater Energy Efficiency – When humidity is controlled in the crawl space, your home will no longer be plagued by it. That means your HVAC system can function more efficiently and keep home cooling costs affordable.
  • Decreased Moisture Damage – Increased crawl space humidity causes wood rot, which can negatively impact the stability of your home. In this case, encapsulation can protect you from expensive repairs caused by extended moisture exposure to wood and other components.
  • Enhanced Home Comfort – Better humidity control means a more comfortable home. You’ll enjoy a cool summer environment while reaping many other practical benefits.

Learn More About Crawl Space Encapsulation

Among the many other essential home foundation services we provide, the skilled contractors at Align Foundation Repair also perform fast and efficient crawl space encapsulation for Dallas, TX and the DFW Metroplex area. We use superior materials to protect homes from moisture damage while applying our extensive knowledge to ensure our customers are fully satisfied with the completed project. Reach out to our team today to get started on your free estimate.

/ By Chase Gohl / Crawl Space Repair/ 0 Comments

How Crawl Space Encapsulation Can Extend the Lifespan of Your Foundation

Your home’s foundation is the bedrock of its structural integrity. A solid foundation ensures your house stands tall and strong for generations. However, many homeowners and contractors often overlook a vital aspect of foundation maintenance: the crawl space. Neglected crawl spaces can lead to moisture-related issues, pest infestations, and mold growth, all of which can compromise the foundation’s longevity.

Below, we’ll explore how crawl space encapsulation can extend the lifespan of your foundation by protecting it from a variety of threats.

Understanding Crawl Space Encapsulation

Crawl space encapsulation is a comprehensive solution designed to seal and protect your crawl space from external elements. It involves the installation of a vapor barrier, insulation, proper sealing, and ventilation adjustments to create a controlled environment beneath your home.

Here’s how crawl space encapsulation can benefit your foundation:

1. Moisture Control

Crawl space encapsulation effectively prevents moisture from seeping into your crawl space, maintaining a dry and stable environment under your home.

Moisture in the crawl space can result from various sources, such as groundwater, rainwater infiltration, or high humidity levels. This excess moisture can lead to several problems, including:

  • Wood Rot: Excessive moisture can cause wooden support beams and joists to rot over time, compromising their structural integrity.
  • Foundation Settlement: Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to soil erosion and foundation settlement, causing your home to sink or become uneven.
  • Mold Growth: Moist conditions create an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can not only damage the wood but also pose health risks to occupants.

2. Pest Prevention

Unsealed crawl spaces are an open invitation to pests like termites, rodents, and insects. These unwanted visitors can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation by chewing through structural elements, insulation, and electrical wiring. Crawl space encapsulation acts as a protective barrier, denying access to pests and safeguarding your foundation against potential damage.

3. Mold Mitigation

Crawl space encapsulation creates a dry and inhospitable environment for mold growth. By controlling humidity and preventing moisture accumulation, it significantly reduces the risk of mold infestations.

Mold growth in your crawl space can have far-reaching consequences for your home’s health and structural integrity. Mold spores can infiltrate your living spaces, leading to respiratory issues and other health concerns. Additionally, mold can feed on organic materials in the crawl space, causing wood decay and weakening the foundation.

4. Temperature Regulation

Properly insulated and encapsulated crawl spaces can help regulate the temperature within your home. This means reduced energy consumption for heating and cooling, resulting in lower utility bills and a more comfortable indoor environment.

5. Enhanced Air Quality

Crawl space encapsulation also has a positive impact on the indoor air quality of your home. By preventing the growth of mold and reducing the entry of pollutants and allergens from the crawl space, you’ll enjoy cleaner and healthier air.

Looking to Sub-contract Crawl Space Encapsulation?

If you are a homeowner or a contractor looking to subcontract crawl space encapsulation work, it’s essential to partner with experienced professionals who understand the nuances of this specialized service. Crawl space encapsulation requires attention to detail, knowledge of local building codes, and access to high-quality materials. Working with knowledgeable subcontractors can ensure that your project will fully benefit from the advantages of crawl space encapsulation. Reach out to our foundation repair experts today to get started!

/ By Chase Gohl / Foundation and Landscaping/ 0 Comments

These 6 Landscaping Practices Hurt Your Foundation

Lush and vibrant plants, shrubs, flowers, and trees around your home dramatically enhance curb appeal. However, some landscaping practices can hurt your foundation, impacting its structural integrity and leading to costly repairs.

Our skilled team at Align Foundation Repair offers a variety of foundation repair services to address foundation defects. We also provide homeowners with some smart landscaping tips to help stop problems in the first place. Accordingly, we recommend avoiding the following to keep your foundation intact.

1: Planting Too Close to the Home

The roots of trees and plants will grow and expand beneath the ground. When plants are too close to a home’s foundation, these roots soak up much needed moisture and cause settling. That’s why homeowners must situate new plantings away from the foundation. For instance, new trees should be as many feet away from the home as their height upon reaching full maturity.

2: Overwatering Plants

Plants need water to thrive, but too much can negatively affect their growth and your foundation. Drainage problems on your property exacerbate these issues, as the soil will absorb excess water and heave against the concrete foundation. Along with using the correct amount of water on your landscape, you must address drainage issues to repair puddling and pooling.

3: Improper Gutter Maintenance

Your rain gutters can also cause an excess of moisture within the soil. If they become clogged, water will likely flow out of the basin and collect in the soil surrounding the foundation. Along with regularly removing leaves and other debris from them, trimming trees around your home can stop the gutters from clogging and ensure they properly divert water from the property.

4: Problems with Grading

Improperly graded soil can bring water back toward your foundation instead of sending it away from the property. Grading issues can quickly lead to foundation damage, but creating a downward slope can prevent it. While it depends on the layout of your property, grading issues can often be remedied by adding more soil or reducing the soil that already surrounds your home.

5: Not Leaving Enough Foundation Exposed

It’s recommended that homeowners leave at least six inches of foundation exposed, meaning this area should not be covered by soil or plants because the concrete is constantly exposed to moisture. Over time, this moisture will wear down the concrete and possibly allow water to flow into your home if sizable cracks and defects develop in the foundation.

6: Choosing the Wrong Trees

In addition to planting new trees a safe distance from your home, you should also avoid some specimens known for having invasive roots. This includes trees like willows, magnolias, and maples, which can have a destructive effect on properties due to their accelerated growth rates. When choosing new trees, avoid those with aggressive root systems to keep your home intact.

Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free consultation

If you’ve already experienced issues, now is the time to contact us. By scheduling a free foundation consultation, you’ll know exactly what steps to take to keep your home surrounded by plants and trees while maintaining the integrity of your home.

/ By Chase Gohl / Foundation Repair Process/ 0 Comments

How Disruptive is the Foundation Repair Process?

A damaged foundation is a major issue for homeowners. Neglecting repairs to your foundation today can be very costly in the near future. For this reason, it’s essential to repair it at the first signs of damage. However, like many homeowners, you may be hesitant. Buried underneath your home—and bearing its entire weight—the foundation isn’t a simple cosmetic feature. Repairing it can be a significant undertaking, but how disruptive is it? In this guide, our experts at Align Foundation answer your questions.

Can You Live in Your House During Foundation Repair?

Is it possible to live in a house during foundation repair? In most cases, yes, you can. However, it depends on the type of foundation, the extent of the damage, and the process required to repair it. In the sections below, we cover a few of these factors and how they relate to the overall disruption of your home.

Lifting a Home for Major Foundation Repairs

To address the most serious and widespread issues, your home may need to be lifted so your entire foundation is accessible. This is an instance where you will likely be unable to live there—especially since your contractor may recommend additional repairs during this time. See the following examples:

Revealing Past Contractor Shortcuts Through Major Foundation Repairs

The unfortunate reality is that some contractors take shortcuts. When your home is lifted and placed back, you may find other issues appearing as a direct result of past contractors:

  • If your contractor used self-leveling floor mixtures, you’ll experience uneven floors after your foundation is repaired.
  • If your contractor has repatched or repainted drywall, you’ll notice patched areas crack again after your foundation is repaired.
  • If your contractor has shaved down any doors, you’ll see gaps reappear after your foundation is repaired.
  • If your contractor has reworked any fixtures, such as windows and doors, to appear straight, you’ll find that they are once again crooked after your foundation is repaired.
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Common Foundation Repairs: Exterior Disruptions to Expect

Whether your foundation repair uses pressed piers or steel piers —you’ll find that most work can be completed from outside.

These piers are typically installed at intervals of 8 feet via 2-foot by 2-foot holes. At a minimum (and often at maximum, depending on the extent of the damage), you can expect one of these holes to be dug around your property. This may lead to some landscaping disruption, as well as the potential removal of a section of your sprinkler or gas line–though this is less common.

Common Foundation Repairs: Interior Disruptions to Expect

Some holes may need to be created on the interior resulting in the need for replacing flooring.

Book Your Free Consultation with Align Foundation

Our goal is simple—provide the highest quality products, unsurpassed workmanship, an industry-leading warranty, and the customer service to back it up. Interested in learning more from us?

Book your free foundation consultation with our team today!