Crawl Space Encapsulation in Dallas-Fort Worth TX

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.

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!

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.

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.
Need repairs? Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate!

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!

Signs Of Foundation Problems

Signs of Foundation Problems

Damage to your home’s foundation is a big problem—but it’s not always an easy one to spot. Even if part of your foundation is exposed, it’s next to impossible to assess it firsthand and find damages without a professional. Thankfully, there are several signs you can look for that may indicate foundation issues on your property. In this guide, our experts at Align Foundation Repair cover a few of the big ones.

Read on to learn more about the common signs of foundation problems, and book your free estimate with our team today!

Windows and Doors That Are Suddenly Difficult to Open and Shut

In its ideal, undamaged state, your home’s foundation is level: totally flat. With foundation damage, that changes—and over time, that change will be reflected in a wide range of things throughout your home. Some of those things you even use every day—like your windows and doors.

Has a door that once swung open with ease started to drag? What about an easy-to-lift window that now sticks? These issues may be related to something smaller—like wood or paint expansion—but they may very well indicate a foundation problem. If your foundation has begun to move, your home’s walls and floors will soon follow suit, impeding the movement of doors and windows and making them difficult to open.

Seeing signs of trouble in your foundation? Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

Cracks in Brick or Masonry Walls

Speaking of your home’s walls: they’re another great place to spot foundation issues. If you have a crack in your home’s brick or masonry walls, you may have damage to your foundation. Brick and masonry are much sturdier than drywall or paint—so if they crack, it’s likely a big deal. If they crack over windows and doorways—areas much more susceptible to vertical movement—it’s yet another indicator of foundation issues, such as:

  • Foundation settlement. Over time, soil movement or improper soil compaction can lead to the foundation settling unevenly. As the foundation shifts, it exerts pressure on the surrounding masonry walls, causing them to crack.
  • Foundation movement. If the foundation expands or contracts due to changes in moisture content, temperature fluctuations, or soil conditions, it can create stress on the walls. As a result, cracks may form as the masonry tries to accommodate these movements.
  • Foundation water damage. Poor drainage can cause water to accumulate around the foundation, leading to soil erosion or excessive hydrostatic pressure. This can weaken the foundation and exert pressure on the walls, causing them to crack.

Something to keep in mind: these three primary foundation issues cause more than just cracks in your walls. They’re to blame for the difficult-to-open doors and windows mentioned above, as well as virtually every item on the rest of the list below.

Warped or Bowed Ceilings

In most homes, the ceilings are parallel with the floors—which are, in turn, parallel to the home’s foundation. In other words, they’re totally flat. When they’re not (and they’re supposed to be) the culprit may be your foundation.

Warped or bowed ceilings are a sign that part of your foundation has started to settle, crack, or move in some other manner. When it moves, it’s only a matter of time before everything on top (i.e., your ceiling) moves, too.

Sloped or Separating Floors

Between the ceiling and the foundation is yet another part of your home that can reveal foundation damage: your floor. Think about a sidewalk that bends, pops up, or cracks altogether due to wet terrain, tree roots, or erosion. The same principle applies to your floor and your foundation. When the foundation moves, the floor is sure to follow.

Take a close look at your floor and inspect it for signs of abnormalities. Is it starting to slope? This is a sign that your foundation is no longer level. (If you’re unsure as to whether you floor is sloping, use the same level you’d use to hang a picture frame—or simply place a ball near the middle of the floor and see where it rolls.)

If you have wood floors, take a close look at the joints. Are they starting to separate? If you have tile floors, feel around with your hands and feet. Are certain tiles starting to pop? Both are signs of foundation movement, slowly moving your floor like the earth cracks a sidewalk.

Gaps or Cracks in the Seam Between Walls and Ceiling

Have you ever tried to build a table, chair, or other piece of furniture where one part meets another at a 90-degree angle? If they’re not totally aligned, a gap shows. This is exactly what happens to walls and ceilings when a foundation settles or moves improperly.

An uneven foundation will cause walls to move to very slightly different heights—or worse, move laterally—creating a gap or crack between them and the ceiling under which they once sat flush.

Standing Water Inside the House or Near the House

Standing water in the house is never a good sign—and it sometimes, it can be a sign of foundation damage. Other times, it can be a sign of foundation problems to come. Here’s why.

The land around your home’s foundation should have a grade that slopes down and away from your foundation at a 3 to 5-degree angle. This allows any water that’s accumulated near your home to flow away from it, where it won’t damage the foundation. If you notice standing water near your house—or worse, inside it in ground-level areas like basements and crawl spaces—it may be a sign that your land is improperly graded.

Unfortunately, it can also be sign that your foundation has cracked due to hydrostatic pressure or some other form of erosion—and together with improper grading, it’s now leaking that water into your home or the area around it.

A Chimney That Leans in One Direction

Chimney looking a little crooked? It may be falling apart on its own. Or, it may be leaning because the rest of your house is leaning—all due to a foundation that’s cracked, moved, or improperly settled. If you’re unsure of the cause, head inside to see in you can spot some of the other signs on this list.

Buckling, Ruptures or Hairline Cracks in the Foundation

If your foundation is partially exposed—and it should be, to reduce moisture and improve visibility—give it a quick inspection to see if you notice any buckling, ruptures, or hairline cracks. (These may be horizontal, zig-zagging, or vertical.) All of these signs can be indicators of foundation damage. In some cases, the damage can be superficial and fixed relatively easily—but in other cases, the buckling, rupturing, and cracking you see is an indicator of a bigger underlying problem with your foundation.

Stoops or Front Porches That Appear Sunken

When a foundation settles unevenly or too deeply, the whole on top of it house does the same. To the untrained eye, this widespread settling can be difficult to spot—but there’s one place where it’s easier to see: the front porch, or the stoop.

Take a short walk to the curb and inspect your porch or stoop. Does it appear sunken or bowed? If so, your foundation may be to blame.

Exterior Walls that are Crumbling or Show Signs of Moisture Intrusion

Often a precursor to standing water, crumbling walls are a sign that water is moving its way from the earth under and around your home to the inside. This process takes some time—but if it’s happening on your exterior walls, it may have already happened to your foundation. And as you know from the sections above, a foundation with a water problem is most likely a foundation with a structural problem, too.

Schedule a foundation inspection today! Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

When In Doubt, Get Inspected

Note that it is completely normal for properties to settle over time, and construction materials are designed to accommodate moderate soil shifts. Hairline cracks in your masonry walls or concrete foundation are not always signs of imminent damage, whereas larger horizontal cracks are generally more serious concerns. Improper water drainage is another telltale indicator that a foundation crack has occurred, as this can redirect water to lower areas.

If you are unsure about whether an abnormality in your home is a sign of foundation damage, it’s best to get an expert involved. Here at Align Foundation Repair, our experienced team proudly provides foundation assessments and repairs to property owners across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Foundation repair in Garland, Texas

If you notice signs of foundation problems, you’ll want professional foundation evaluation as soon as possible. For residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, foundation repair is cost-efficient and backed by an industry-leading warranty. Discover why homeowners throughout Texas have come to trust Align Foundation Repair when it comes to superior workmanship, proven foundation repair techniques and the highest quality products. Contact us today for a visit and we’ll be happy to provide a free foundation repair estimate.

Additional Resources on Foundation Repair Signs:

  1. HouseLogic, Identifying House Foundation Problems https://www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/home-maintenance-tips/understanding-foundation-problems/
  2. Realtor.com, Signs of Foundation Problems: Should You Fix Them, or Run? https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/signs-of-foundation-problems/
  3. Today’s Homeowner, Foundation Problems, https://todayshomeowner.com/foundation-problems/

 

6 Financing Options for Foundation Repair Work

When you experience problems with your foundation, timely repair is essential.  That is why our company is proud to offer financing options that suit your family’s needs. Cracks in concrete and bowing walls signal a serious issue, and these problems will only get worse without help from a foundation specialist. However, not every homeowner has room in their budget for this service because repair costs can significantly impact your finances. On the other hand, putting it off will only increase the price. That’s why homeowners should research financing options to facilitate immediate foundation repair.

 

Home Equity Loan/Line of Credit

 

Home equity loans and lines of credit entail taking out a second mortgage. Loans are provided in one large amount, while lines of credit can be accessed as needed (just like a credit card). This option is good for making substantial repairs to the home, as costs for home repair and maintenance are tax deductible.

 

Personal Loan

 

Taking out a personal loan at your bank provides quick access to funds while ensuring a reasonable interest rate. Most banks offer affordable rates when clients have an established relationship. However, if you can’t secure a loan through your bank, look for a private lender. Just make sure that you’re choosy when it comes to finding the best interest rate.

 

Credit Card

 

Using a credit card to cover repairs ensures that work is completed quickly. However, you’ll need a card with a high limit to cover costs. You also want to be proactive about making payments beyond the minimum. Paying off a credit card quickly will minimize interest payments and keep your credit score in good standing.

 

Emergency Savings

 

You may be hesitant to use funds from an emergency saving account to cover the cost of drainage system repair, but consider that these issues constitute a true emergency. Poor drainage around the home puts pressure on the foundation by saturating the soil. In addition to water damage, drainage issues can also affect the safety and stability of your home.

 

Federal Loans

 

Depending on your income, you may be eligible for a federal loan. For instance, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides specific homeowners with funds to make essential repairs. With the Section 504 Home Repair Program, homeowners with yearly earnings equal to less than 50% of the median income in the area may qualify for assistance. You can also look into the Title 1 Property Improvement Loan Insurance Program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In this case, HUD will insure your lender against losses related to loans for home repair.

 

Homeowners’ Insurance

 

All home insurance policies list covered perils, which are events that can trigger an insurance payout. For example, your insurer may cover repair costs if foundation damage is caused by a burst pipe that led to basement flooding. The subsequent repair issues may be eligible for insurance funds. Check your policy for more information however, insurance rarely covers foundation repair.

 

We Can Help You Secure the Right Type of Financing

 

Here at Align Foundation Repair, we understand that financial roadblocks can get in the way of essential home maintenance and repair. That’s why our team works with customers to find the best financing solutions for their needs. We also provide free consultations to make the process even more affordable. Contact us today for more information.

 

 

Odors in Encapsulated Crawl Spaces

A properly encapsulated crawl space is a critical line of defense for protecting your home from moisture-related issues. By adding a sealed vapor barrier to the surfaces of your crawlspace, you can prevent water vapor from seeping into your home and mold or mildew from growing in your home’s foundation.

However, over the years, some homeowners will notice a strange smell or odor coming from their home’s crawl space. These smells are often an early warning sign that something is wrong with the integrity of your crawl space.

What Causes Crawl Space Odors?

There are several reasons your encapsulated crawl space can start to smell. The most common is that water vapor has gotten through the encapsulation seal. If it smells odd or musty in your house after it rains, it may be because the encapsulation in your home’s crawl space has failed and allowed water to gather under the foundation and become stagnant, or the smell from minerals in the soil has penetrated through.

These minerals are activated by rain water, giving off a distinctly musty odor that can sneak into your crawl space, and spread through the rest of your home.

Another source of foul smells coming from your crawl space can be wildlife. Rodents in particular love using crawl spaces as places to live in, as they are cool, dark, hard to find, and out of the way of most natural predators.

The smell of vermin and their droppings can be a source of foul odors coming from the crawl space, and can lead to other issues. Rats love to chew and burrow, after all, and this can lead to damage to the encapsulation material, causing other smells to infiltrate your home as well.

How to Prevent Crawl Space Odors

To prevent odors from building in your crawl space and spreading to the rest of your, you’ll want a durable crawl space encapsulation installed, ideally a vapor barrier that is both resilient and has low permeability to prevent water vapor from accumulating in your crawl space.

A sump pump or underground drainage system is also useful for removing standing water from the crawl space before it can become a breeding ground for mold or insects.

Lastly, a dehumidifier will prevent any excess moisture that does manage to get into your home’s foundation from accumulating and causing you issues.

At Align Foundation Repair, we offer a wide range of foundation and crawl space repair services, combining the highest-quality products with a reputation for unsurpassed customer service.

We are dedicated to serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area with superior workmanship and an industry-leading warranty, giving you peace of mind when you choose us for your next project. Give us a call today, or click here for a free estimate to get started!

Landscaping and Foundation Repair

7 Tips for Landscaping Next to House Foundation

Come spring, homeowners’ attention naturally turns to landscaping. While plants and trees can improve the appearance, value, and appeal of your home, if done properly with some foresight, proper landscaping around the foundation of a house can actually protect your investment.

The pros at Align Foundation Repair recommend that before you head to the nursery or home improvement store, you should consider the following tips first. This will ensure that your design will not lead to unwanted foundation damage, which could lead to costly repair.

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 foundation:

    1. Plant trees away from the foundation. The root systems of trees can be as large as the branch systems above the ground and can grow under your foundation, causing damage and bringing unwanted moisture seeking roots.
    2. Make sure you leave some of the foundation exposed. It may be unsightly, but it’s important to leave a few inches visible so you can inspect it regularly and make sure that it’s not buried in moisture.
    3. Watch out for drains or outlets. 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.
    4. Improve your gutter system. Use gutter extensions to push water at least five feet away from your foundation. Underground downspouts can be installed to carry water further out. Gutters should be cleared of dirt and leaves; clogged gutters lead to excess water, overflow, and pooling water. Also, check for any holes, gap, or leaks while cleaning your gutters.
    5. Mulch your flower beds. Mulch retains moisture and will be beneficial to your plants and your foundation in the summer months by preventing the soil around your property from becoming too dry. Exceedingly dry soil can harm your foundation by causing movement.
    6. Make sure flower beds slope away from your foundation. It is critical to check the grade on your Dallas, Fort Worth property and landscaping to make sure water can’t pool around your house. We recommend having a 9-10” drop for the first ten feet around your home to keep moisture from accumulating under your foundation (a slope about 3-5% away from your foundation). Without a proper slope, your foundation can experience erosion.
    7. Water evenly in non-landscape areas. 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 so it’s best to water your property uniformly. The expansive clay soil in the Dallas-Fort Worth area affects landscaping and you should protect your foundation from issues like increases in moisture or too little water. Use deep-rooted plants; shallow-rooted plants could erode over a short period of time.
If your landscaping is damaging your foundation, contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

Talk to the 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.

 

Drilled Pier for Home Foundation

Drilled Pier vs. Pile: Which Is Right For Your Foundation Repair?

For folks outside the construction industry, drilled piers and piles are more or less interchangeable terms. After all, they’re both processes for strengthening a foundation, but we will discuss some differences between a pier foundation vs. pile foundation. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between a drilled pier vs. pile. While the two are similar in that they both resist or transfer heavy vertical and horizontal loads, they operate behind different mechanisms.

What Are Foundation Piles?

Piles are structural columns made from either steel or concrete. They’re used for underpinning foundations and transferring the weight of the load to deeper soil layers or bedrock. Piles get their load-bearing capacity by end-bearing the soil and from the friction generated between the surrounding soil and pile’s side surface.

The depth at which piles are driven is very important and determines their success rate. Piles are pushed into the soil until they reach “refusal.” This means they are pushed into the ground until they reach the point where they begin lifting the structure they’re supporting.

What is a drilled pier foundation?

With a drilled pier, a hole is drilled into the ground. A steel cage is inserted into the hole and concrete is poured over. The pier may reach the soil bedrock or even exceed it. It may also not reach the deeper bedrock at all. An evaluation determines the depth of the hole and diameter. In any case, piers are designed to support between 120% to 150% of the structure’s weight.

Drilled Pier vs Pile: Comparison at a Glance

Now let’s take a look at driven piers and piles when compared side to side for a better understanding of how they differ.

  • Piles consist of vertical pillars made from concrete or steel. Piers are similar in size and shape.
  • Piles are often used when the soil lacks firm strata, such as bedrock.
  • Piles are usually meant for supporting greater loads, such as highway bridges. Learn more about when to use concrete piles. Piers are meant for smaller applications, such as sheds and small living units.

We Install Piers and Piles

There is no need to figure out on your own whether your home requires piles or a pier to stabilize your foundation. Contact us at Align Foundation Repair, and we will send a crew member out for a free audit to make an assessment and determine which foundation reinforcement is best for your needs in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.

French Drain System

French Drains: PVC vs Corrugated Pipes

More homeowners in the North Texas region are investing in French drain installation to protect their foundation from the effects of ponding water. While an effective solution, not all French drains are created equal, many homeowners find themselves asking about French Drains: corrugated vs pvc. Depending on the material and craftsmanship, some drains are prone to backups and accelerated wear. This is why pipe quality matters.

While landscapers use “non-rigid corrugated NDS pipes,” we use drainage grade PVC pipe because it is more durable and longer-lasting, especially when buried under heavy materials like soil. The corrugated pipe is cheaper but not nearly as strong. The choice is clear when considering pvc vs corrugated pipe for a french drain.  At your free drainage evaluation, a technician from Align Foundation Repair can demonstrate how easily the corrugated pipe bends under pressure when compared with PVC pipe.

PVC and Corrugated Pipes at a Glance

French, channel, and surface drains typically consist of one of two materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or corrugated pipes. Know which material is being used when having a drain installed on your property. We will state unequivocally right now that PVC is the far more durable material. We highly recommend it comparing corrugated or pvc for french drains. Our stance is based on years of industry expertise. We have seen how these two materials hold up under prolonged exposure to the ever-shifting North Texas weather.

The Downside of Corrugated Pipes

Many contractors still use corrugated pipes. The material is cheaper, so homeowners save money in the initial installation. The issue with corrugated pipes is that it’s made of plastic. This is beneficial in one sense because the softer material makes it easier for producing joints, bends, and crests.

The problem is that these pipes are notoriously difficult to clean if a backup occurs. You cannot simply use an auger or plumbing snake to clear the debris because the rotating brush can easily tear through the thin plastic pipe.

PVC Pipes Provide Long-Lasting Durability

A PVC drainage pipe solves the main issue associated with corrugated pipes. PVC is a rigid structure made from synthetic plastic polymer. It will not rupture if exposed to a commercial-strength roto-rooter-type snake. This makes regular maintenance far simpler and more importantly, doable.

Furthermore, the pipe’s smooth interior surface reduces fluid friction and resistance to flow. This offsets sludge and slime build-up and reduces encrustation and tuberculation.

Contractors also prefer to work with a PVC French drain pipe. Despite its tough surface, it can easily be cut with a conventional handsaw. It’s also easier to set the pipes at the proper slope and keep it in place.

We Install High-Quality French Drains

The weather and soil conditions in the Northern Texas region make water too much of a risk factor for residential foundations. This is why French drains are an integral element for foundation longevity. While corrugated pipes have their place in some applications, PVC is the sound solution for a French pipe installation. At Align Foundation Repair, this is our go-to material for underground drainage systems.

Give us a call today for French drain PVC pipe repair and other services.