Foundation Repair Tips
/ By Chase Gohl / DFW Foundation Tips/ 0 Comments

Do Your Homework: Know a Home’s Foundation Before Buying

The Big D is home to beautiful multi-million dollar mansions, quaint little bungalows, and everything in between. Just as styles of homes in Dallas vary widely, so can their foundations. It’s critical to distinguish between different types of home foundations so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next house.

If you’re looking to buy a new home in Dallas, or you’ve ever just been super interested in home construction in the area, here’s a quick guide to understanding the various home foundation types found throughout Texas.

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Contact Align Foundation Repair to understand the foundation of the home you’re buying.

Poured Concrete Slab Foundations

Simple and cost-effective, this is a top choice of many builders because it’s quick. This method became popular as a result of the housing boom in America post-World War II and builders sought an efficient means to accommodate the demand.  Poured concrete slab foundations are still commonly used today because of their overall versatility.

The process goes like this: before pouring the cement, topsoil is removed, and if well-drained conditions are not present, a layer of gravel is added to the lot. Also, to create a durable, lasting foundation, builders will reinforce the area with steel bars (also called “rebar’) and a welded wire mesh. Despite their best efforts, over time, slabs can buckle, shift, and crack, due to the ground conditions, extreme weather, or geological events.

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Repair your cracking foundation today. Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

Finally, before pouring the cement, electrical and plumbing systems are installed and encased in the concrete. If you’re planning on doing any renovations, this can create a problem, so when buying a home make sure the foundation type matches your future plans.

Pier and Beam Foundations

Before the 1960s, most homes possessed another type of foundation, pier and beam foundations (also called “post and beam foundations”). In this case, a home’s treated floor is raised about a foot-and-a-half off the ground, resting on a several concrete “piers” or blocks connected with pressure-treated wooden beams and wooden joists, creating a subfloor for the dwelling.

Similar to a poured concrete foundation, plumbing and electrical systems are underneath the home. However, due to the crawl space that results from this type of construction, if one of these systems should require attention, they are much more accessible to plumbers and electricians.

Deterioration is one of the most prevalent problems with pier and beam construction. Wood decomposition occurs over time, even with pressure-treated lumber. Replacements can be costly. The threat of vermin infestation is ever-present: termites, insects, rodents, and small animals frequently make their nests in crawl spaces. While rare in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, freezing temperatures can affect exposed pipes, causing them to burst, leading to flooding.

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Contact Align Foundation Repair today to keep vermin out of your foundations.

Frame Foundations

This very old technique is very rarely used today. The foundation consists of framed lumber that is supported by many different types of piers at varying intervals. Most frame homes were built during times when building codes did not exist. Hence, homes right next to each other could be built in very different ways, with different underlying structures. You will find these homes mostly in historic areas and areas built before 1940.

Dallas Foundation Repair Experts

Whichever type of foundation supports your new home, problems can arise and must be addressed immediately to protect your investment. For a comprehensive, no-cost foundation evaluation, contact Align Foundation Repair and ensure your peace of mind. We specialize in pier and beam foundation repair, as well as all other foundation repair services in Dallas-Fort Worth.

 

Cracked Ceiling Repair
/ By Chase Gohl / Signs of Foundation Issues/ • / 0 Comments

Ceiling Cracks Offer Important Clues about Your Foundation

Ceiling cracks plague many homes in Plano, Texas, and the surrounding Dallas area. At best, they look unsightly. But at worst, they could flag an issue with your home’s foundation. So what’s really causing those cracks in your ceiling? And perhaps most importantly, what should you do about them?

Types of Ceiling Cracks

It’s important to educate yourself about the different types of cracks and their causes to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Knowing the difference between the types of ceiling cracks can save your home. First, it’s important to realize that all homes will move over time. This movement results from several factors, which we discuss later in this blog. However, cracks usually occur as the byproduct of one of two things:  natural aging or structural damage. Here are some of the most common cracks and what they can reveal.

“Spider Web” Cracks

These cracks have a center point and then spread out in different directions. The good news: these cracks are a regular part of settling and can occur in ceilings, walls, even floors. However, when it comes to spider web cracks, size matters. If the cracks are small, there isn’t much to get anxious about. On the other hand, if they are more than 1/16 inch wide, there could be a more significant structural problem.

Matching Vertical Cracks

Those cracks which run across the length of a ceiling and then continue down a wall along the same line point to structural damage, likely connected to a weak wall stud or something that was knocked loose in the settling of the home over time. Once again, size is relevant here.

Cracks along the Edges

Cracks along the edges of walls are usually the result of normal settling. You don’t have to be hyper-vigilant about these, but as a precaution, it’s a smart idea to mark where they start and finish so that you can monitor any growth. It’s those cracks that run across the entire length of the ceiling that can signal trouble. In these extreme cases, one or more foundation adjustment services may be necessary to avoid further damage and dangerous instability.

Causes of Ceiling Cracks

What causes cracks in ceilings? Now that you’re informed about the primary kinds of ceiling cracks, let’s take a look at some of the causes and how they impact your ceilings.

Moisture

One of the most common reasons is massive moisture damage from above the ceiling. Depending on which floor of your home you’re talking about, this could mean moisture has seeped into the floor above the ceiling. If it’s the upper level of your home, this may point to damage to the roof. Other sources may include plumbing leaks from the floor above. Significant changes in temperature can lead to cracks. As the air warms, building materials in your home will expand because they are exposed to excess moisture. Conversely, as the temperature drops, they will contract. Switching between hot and cold can put stress on the ceiling materials and joints, and lead to cracking.

Too Much Weight

A cracked ceiling either has another floor or attic space directly above it. So it’s entirely possible that the area above the ceiling is carrying too much weight. Prime examples are upper-level bathrooms; they need specific ceiling supports to bear the heavy weight of fixtures. Shortcuts taken during construction could lead to sagging or cracking.

Inferior Foundation

What do cracks in the ceiling mean for the future of your home’s foundation? A substandard foundation can cause a variety of structural problems, including damage to the ceiling. Remember this: the integrity of the foundation affects every component of your house. The minutest movement or settling in the foundation can alter load-bearing beams and cause small or large cracks.

Contact Align Foundation Today

Cracks in the ceiling aren’t just ugly to look at. They might also mean your home’s foundation is at risk. When in doubt, contact the foundation repair experts at Align Foundation Repair. We know when a crack is a minor aesthetic problem and when it could be something more serious! If you would like a free professional evaluation and estimate of your foundation in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, contact us today and ensure a solid foundation for the future of your home.

 

Foundation Crack repair
/ By Chase Gohl / DFW Foundation Tips/ / 0 Comments

How Different Soil Types Might Affect Your Dallas Home’s Foundation

No matter how solidly your home’s foundation is built, the soil variations in the Dallas area may have a lasting impact on the health of your home’s foundation. When the soil is filled with too much sand or clay, foundation issues have a habit of cropping up. Compromised soil affects the foundation, in turn affecting the home. If you suspect soil foundation trouble in your home, contact our Dallas-Fort Worth foundation repair experts for a free evaluation and estimate. See below to learn about Texas soil types and how they may affect the future stability of your home.

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Learn more about what your soil means for your foundation and contact Align Foundation Repair today.

Dallas: The Blackland Prairie

The Dallas region is part of Texas’s Blackland Prairie. Most of this region has relatively deep soil, which means the bedrock is far below the soil. In the western part of the Blackland Prairie, a chalk bedrock helps to support foundations. Throughout the rest of the region, that deep soil doesn’t provide any extra sturdiness to the foundations of Dallas homes. The soil in many areas of Dallas County slopes, which affects how the water runs through it and whether water will collect near your foundation.

Clay

In the Blackland Prairie, you’ll find different kinds of clay that mostly compose the soil. Clay has the ability to hold much water, which is why its consistency changes so drastically when it’s wet versus when it’s dry. Unfortunately, clay expands when it’s wet and shrinks when it’s dry, which makes it an unstable soil for home foundations.

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Suspect your home is anchored in clay? Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

When clay starts to crack on the surface, that means it’s extremely dry and is no longer supporting your foundation. In the worst case situation, your foundation will start to shift as it seeks out the support it lacks from the clay. Because Dallas summers are dry and hot, summer is the season during which you have to worry about the clay soil damaging your foundation the most.

Loam

Some parts of Dallas County have soil with more loam in it, which is great news for your foundation. Loam is a mixture of sand, clay, and silt, and these three combine to create a stable soil that doesn’t experience much expansion or shrinkage due to water levels. As long as you don’t end up with a layer of clay on top of your loam soil, it will support your foundation beautifully. Keep in mind, though, that in the Dallas area, most loam soil mixes with clay, which reduces some of its sturdiest properties.

Sand

In a few Dallas County areas, you’ll find sandy soil, though even in these areas it’s still mixed with some clay. When sand is packed tightly, it creates a sturdy foundation that drains water away from your house quite well. Unfortunately, too much water can disturb even tightly packed sand, washing away key foundation support from beneath your home and causing foundation issues.

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Protect your foundation from soil loss. Contact Align Foundation Repair today for a free estimate.

Be on the Lookout for Cracks

Due to the soil conditions of the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, we advise homeowners to periodically inspect their home interior and exterior for any signs of cracking. A crack does not necessarily indicate the origin of the problem, as the weakest point in the soil may not be directly underneath the crack. This is why it’s essential to bring in a foundation repair expert to pinpoint the specific problem areas.

Aside from direct repair, potential remedies may include a customized drainage solution to prevent future runoff water from collecting near the foundation.

Schedule a Free Estimate in Dallas-Fort Worth

Some foundation issues show up through visible cracks in your foundations. Other times, the changes are subtler. Pay attention to whether your interior doors are sticking or refusing to latch. Look for cracks in the walls, and pay attention to how well your windows are opening.

With so much clay in your soil, you have to keep an eye out for foundation issues in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, so you can call a professional before the problem gets out of hand.

Even the sturdiest foundation is heavily dependent on the soil it rests on. Our foundation repair services are diverse in order to address specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about how soil and foundations affect each other, or for a free inspection and estimate.

 

Concrete Crack Repair
/ By Chase Gohl / Home Values/ 0 Comments

Buying a House? Check the Foundation First

The foundation of a home is something you probably don’t think a lot about until there are problems with it. However, a home’s foundation is an especially important thing to inspect before you make such a large purchase. Skipping a foundation inspection could mean you’ll deal with costly and inconvenient repairs down the line.

Although it’s not possible to safeguard against trouble in every circumstance, there are several things you can do to give the foundation a thorough evaluation before forking over your hard-earned cash. Want the opinion of an experienced professionals? Homebuyers and real estate brokers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area rely on Align Foundation Repair to uncover hidden foundation problems in homes for sale.

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Contact Align Foundation Repair for a home foundation evaluation.

Checking for Cracks

Walk around the perimeter of any house you’re thinking of buying, and closely inspect the foundation wall. Although you can’t diagnose foundation problems from cracks alone, they could warn that the conditions are ripe for more severe structural problems.

If the foundation has concrete walls, hairline cracks usually aren’t serious. However, if they are larger, it’s possible that the builders didn’t use metal reinforcement bars when laying the foundation.

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Get experienced foundation inspection today. Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

If you notice any of the following foundation issues, call Align Foundation Repair to inspect the structural integrity of the home:

  • Cracks in the middle of the foundation
  • Vertical cracks that are wider at the top than the bottom
  • Cracks that are wider than a quarter inch
  • Drywall, window, and other problems

Inspecting the windows and doors

Don’t purchase a home before inspecting how every element functions. Open and close all of the windows and doors, and see whether any of them stick or otherwise fail to fit in the frames well. Doors and windows that don’t close properly might just be a flaw in installation, or they could indicate foundation damage.

Additionally, look for cracks in the interior walls near doors and windows. In most cases, these will be normal, hairline shrinkage cracks. Cracks that are wide, and those that look like they are growing, should be checked out before making a purchase.

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Don’t leave cracks in a home to grow. Contact Align Foundation Repair before you start to buy.

Weighing the Risks

As should now be clear, certain kinds of foundation problems are riskier than others. When deciding whether the benefits are worth the risks, always get an estimate to find out how much it would cost to repair the present problems. Have a Dallas-Fort Worth foundation repair professional assess the issues that you see.

Align Foundation Repair, LLC is built on a sturdy foundation of core values, including our unbeatable commitment to quality workmanship and our friendly customer service. Contact us before you purchase a home in the DFW area that might have foundation problems to request a free estimate. Happy house hunting!

 

Cracked Concrete Align Foundation Repair; Image via Flickr by Napolean_70
/ By Chase Gohl / Seasonal Foundation Tips/ 0 Comments

How Do Droughts Affect My Foundation?

Droughts have an obvious effect on the surface of your yard. Your lawn can turn brown, and your outdoor gardens can look starved for moisture. But what might be happening underground? Find out how droughts can affect your home’s foundation.

Drought Causing Foundation Problems

How does dry climate impact the physical structure of the home? During a drought, the soil becomes compact. This is especially true with clay-based soils.

As the soil compacts, it decreases in mass, causing the foundation to settle into the newly empty space. While foundation settling is natural, a drought causes this to occur at an accelerated rate. Even worse, the settling may not be evenly dispersed, leading to structural issues. If soil compaction is severe, this can result in a noticeable slope on one side of the structure.

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If you’ve recently experienced a drought, contact Align Foundation Repair to get your foundation fixed.

Ramifications of Drought-Induced Damage

Uneven settling causes the foundation to shift. Slopes in the foundation can also cause visible cracks in the walls and siding. If you intend on selling your home, foundation repair may be required if an inspection verifies damage.

Signs of Foundation damage

It was as recently as 2011 that Texas experienced its worst-ever drought. If another drought hits the Dallas-Fort Worth area, homeowners should be on the lookout for these signs of damage:

  • Visible cracks in the wall, siding, crown molding, or plaster
  • Doors and windows may no longer shut properly
  • Cracks or noticeable separation in any existing brickwork. Cracks may appear right on the bricks or along the mortar joints.
  • A noticeable slope in the first level of the home
  • Water in the crawl space or around the home perimeter

Since home sinking and settling occurs gradually, you should take notes, photograph the foundation, and document specific signs.

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Contact Align Foundation Repair and get your foundation inspected professionally.

Cracks in the drywall upstairs and gaps in the trim are also signs of problems. If you discover your home is sinking or settling unevenly, you may find windows and doors difficult to open, because the frames are no longer square.

If you think your home is settling unevenly, use the marble test. Place a marble in the middle of a floor and watch how quickly it rolls away. If it moves rapidly toward a wall, call Align for a professional evaluation.

Prevent Soil Shrinkage

You can prevent drought-induced soil shrinkage by watering the ground around your foundation. First, dig down into the soil about six inches, at a distance of 6-12 inches from your foundation. If you feel the soil is completely dry, allow water from a soaker hose to moisten the soil. While you don’t want to flood the earth, a gentle soaking will prevent the supporting earth from shrinking away from your home’s foundation.

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Contact Align Foundation Repair today to repair damage from shrinking soil.

Drought Damage in Dallas? Call on Align Foundation Repair

Since 2000, up to 70% of U.S. lands have experienced abnormally dry conditions, according to the EPA. Furthermore, according to the Texas Water Resources Institute, the state experienced its driest period ever recorded in September 2011.

The consequences of a drought extend way beyond brown grass and poor crop yield. Extremely dry weather also leads to home foundation issues.

When rain becomes scarce and your area shows signs of drought stress, watch for problems with your home’s foundation. By staying vigilant, you can avoid major foundation cracks due to drought. Contact us, your Dallas foundation repair experts at Align Foundation Repair If you’re not sure how bad the damage is, for a free inspection and estimate. We are a family-owned and operated drainage solution and foundation repair company serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We always put the customer first and stand behind our work with a Lifetime Warranty!

 

Align Foundation Repair
/ By Chase Gohl / Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

Welcome to Our Blog!

Here at Align Foundation Repair, we believe that being well informed is incredibly important to make it out of this dog eat dog world. That is why we are making this blog to keep people informed of what different foundation problems need for their repair, as well as other useful foundation information. We may also inform people of local DFW events that they may want to check out. Just keep your eyes peeled for the newest blogs coming out of Align Foundation Repair. You won’t want to miss them.