Signs Of Foundation Problems
/ By Chase Gohl / Signs of Foundation Issues/ 0 Comments

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.

214-463-2974
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.

214-463-2974
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/

 

/ By adminrm / Home Repair Financing/ 0 Comments

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.

 

 

/ By adminrm / Crawl Space Issues/ 0 Comments

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!

Drilled Pier for Home Foundation
/ By Chase Gohl / Drilled Pier Repair/ / 0 Comments

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
/ By Chase Gohl / Drainage Issues/ / 0 Comments

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.

/ By Chase Gohl / Foundation Repair Process/ • / 0 Comments

Can You Live in a House During Foundation Repair?

Many homeowners want to know if they can remain inside their homes throughout the duration of their foundation repair. The answer is “yes.” You can stay inside your home during a foundation repair; no need to check your family into a hotel or stay with relatives. When you learn what the foundation repair process entails, you’ll see why vacating your home is unnecessary.

The Repair Process & How it Impacts Your Home Routines

Typically, most home foundations can be corrected and leveled back into position by installing piers. This also stabilizes the concrete slab and prevents future movement caused by shifting soil.

Contrary to belief, the process does not tear up your entire yard and leave piles of dirt all over the landscape. The process typically can be completed in a single day, though it could take longer depending on the severity of the damage. Disruption to your at-home routines during repairs is minimal.

Once pier installation is complete, the holes are back-filled, and we use any excess soil left over to correct any drainage issues that may arise. If that’s not necessary, then we just haul away the debris. We leave none of the mess behind, so no need to hire a separate disposal crew.

214-463-2974
Align Foundation Repair can fix your foundation with minimal disruption. Contact us for a free estimate.

Leaving the Home During Foundation Repairs

While it’s perfectly acceptable to remain inside your home, some homeowners nevertheless choose to vacate while repairs are in progress. Regardless of whether you choose to stay or leave, we recommend giving your neighbors a courtesy notice that there may be some noise and vibrations from industrial machinery.

If you typically work from home, it may be worth considering whether or not the loud noises will negatively impact your focus.  If loud noises would negatively impact you, then that is a reason to consider leaving for the day to work elsewhere.

If for whatever reason, we feel it is unadvisable for you to stay in your home, we will let you know before beginning repairs.

We Repair Your Foundation Without Home Disruption

Call Align Foundation Repair if you suspect foundation damage. A technician will need to assess the concrete slab and soil conditions to determine the appropriate action to take. In most scenarios, it’s perfectly acceptable to stay in your home while repair is underway. Our Garland foundation service area covers the city and surrounding regions.

Foundation Repair Company
/ By Chase Gohl / Signs of Foundation Issues/ 0 Comments

Do Cracks in Drywall Mean My Foundation Needs Fixing?

The signs of foundation problems are subtle at first. They begin with small cracks in drywall, which many homeowners try to patch before calling a Dallas, TX foundation repair specialist. Waiting too long leads to limited options for repair and much higher costs.

If you notice a crack in the wall that wasn’t there before, take a good look at how it’s positioned, how big it is, and whether it seems to be expanding. Even if it looks minor, calling an expert for a free estimate lets you know for sure, without costing you anything.

When drywall cracks, foundation problems could be the cause

Houses naturally shift and settle, causing cracks to appear. When the soil fails to support the weight of your home, the foundation may settle unevenly. It is more common for houses to shift in dramatic ways when they’re built upon loose clay soil, as in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Homes that are experiencing significant settling have gaps affecting window function, walls that are not of equal height, and large, widespread cracking. Foundation damage cracks in drywall will only worsen with time if not addressed, putting the structural integrity of your home in jeopardy.

214-463-2974
If your house is showing any of these issues, contact Align Foundation Repair today.

Do cracks in drywall mean foundation problems every time?

Before you panic, realize that narrow drywall cracks don’t necessarily indicate foundation problems. Without calling a professional, you won’t know for sure, but your own observations can be helpful. Here’s what to look for:

  • Is the drywall crack big? If the crack is wider than 1/8th of an inch, that’s cause for concern.
  • Is the drywall crack horizontal or angled? Minor house shifting causes vertical cracks. A shifting foundation can be powerful enough to cause horizontal or diagonal cracks that are harder to fill and putty over.
  • Is the drywall crack widening? Call us right away if a crack is wide enough to fit a dime inside or if one end of the crack is noticeably wider than the other.
  • Are the cracks near windows and doors? When the cracks you notice in your drywall and sheetrock are near the windows and doors, that’s another cause for concern. Shifting foundations cause window frames and door frames to change shape, cracking the walls nearby. Try opening and closing the windows and doors. When the windows stick in their frames, or when the doors don’t close all the way, that’s another indicator of foundation damage.
  • Do you see stair-stepping? Brick veneers with cracks that appear in a stair-step formation are cause for concern. Vertical cracks along a straight mortar joint could indicate seasonal movement, which is less concerning. A professional opinion would be helpful in either case.

Any one of these problems could indicate that you have foundation damage and need to call a professional to have your foundation examined.

214-463-2974
Have a professional fix your cracks today. Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

What causes cracks in dry wall besides damaged foundation?

One of the first questions people ask foundation experts is: “What causes cracks in drywall?” Obviously, homeowners want to know how the situation occurred and what they can do to prevent further damage. There are many causes of foundation wall cracks – each with their own unique solution. We are equipped to assist with drywall cracks caused by:

    • Seasonal changes: As the seasons change, the wood in your walls and foundation (pier and beam) expands and contracts, which also causes minor drywall cracks. Expansive soils contract when dry, and expand when moist, potentially putting thousands of pounds of pressure on your walls. Some walls will buckle, fall, or end up beyond repair if not corrected.
    • Post-construction shrinkage: Wood frames may dry and shrink within the first year, producing vertical and horizontal cracking on walls. Occasionally we see this when the builder has used a poor or rushed finishing technique. One repair is usually enough to fix the problem permanently.
    • Curing Concrete: Concrete walls often develop small cracks during the curing process. These fissures are perfectly normal and no cause for alarm unless they begin to elongate, widen, or are greater than 1/16th of an inch.
214-463-2974
We fix these problems and more. Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

How to address drywall cracks that keep coming back

Foundation repair is the best solution for drywall cracks that keep coming back. We offer many different solutions for drywall cracks and damaged foundations, depending on your unique situation. Pier and beam solutions are designed to prop your home up further away from shifting soils. A drainage solution moves excess moisture away from your home and foundation.

Call Align Foundation Repair, a family-run Dallas-Fort Worth company

Though vertical cracks in your drywall are less concerning, don’t assume that any cracks in your walls are safe. Not all cracks in your drywall or sheetrock indicate foundation damage, but calling a Fort Worth, TX foundation repair expert for a free assessment is the best way to ensure your foundation is healthy. We offer many affordable solutions, as well as zero-interest loan programs to help you protect your home sooner rather than later.

 

/ By Lee Abernethy / Home Values/ 0 Comments

How Foundation Repair Benefits Your Home’s Longevity

Foundation repair increases a home’s longevity by boosting the structural stability and preventing damage to other areas of the home, including floors, ceilings, walls, and roofs.

Foundations support all other areas of the home, from the roof to the flooring system. As a result, problems affecting the foundation can have numerous effects, as well as decrease the lifespan of the property you work so hard to maintain. Accordingly, time is of the essence to use the right foundation repair services to enhance stability and prevent future issues from occurring.

Problems That Can Impact Home Foundations

Moisture exposure is one of the most common issues affecting foundations. While concrete foundations are highly durable, they’re not completely impervious to water damage. As concrete absorbs water, it can become cracked and weakened over time.

Water damage often results from negative drainage around the home, which means that water is flowing toward the property instead of away from it.

Soil movement is another serious issue that can affect foundations. Soil naturally contracts and expands along with changes in weather and humidity, which can lead to pressure on the foundation when soil becomes too dense with moisture. Soil erosion can have an equally damaging effect, as it causes holes to form under the foundation, which will diminish overall support.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Foundation and Home

Many causes of foundation damage may be out of your control, which can greatly impact the longevity of your property. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to remedy these issues effectively:

  • Concrete Underpinning – Concrete footings help distribute the weight of a structure evenly to prevent sinking and sagging. With concrete underpinning repair, additional concrete is poured underneath the existing footings to boost the durability of the foundation and prevent future problems from occurring.
  • Piers – Soil issues are often remedied by piers, which can help stabilize foundations. Depending on the unique issues affecting your foundation, the repair specialist may recommend steel push piers, drilled piers, or concrete pressed pilings, each of which utilizes a distinct design to address specific problems.
  • Crawlspace Encapsulation – Crawlspaces, which are unfinished areas that sit between the home and the earth below, can fall victim to moisture issues. Crawlspace encapsulation often entails placement of a vapor barrier to stop water damage from impacting the home. Teams can also use devices like dehumidifiers and sump pumps to decrease moisture levels.

These foundation repair processes not only prevent new issues from occurring but also help identify and resolve existing ones. They can also extend the lifespan of your home to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Learn More About Your Foundation Repair Options Today

If you’re not sure which type of foundation repair service is right for your property, contact Align Foundation Repair to get started on a free estimate. We provide comprehensive foundation assessments throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area to help homeowners choose the best possible repair solution for their needs.

/ By Lee Abernethy / Signs of Foundation Issues/ 0 Comments

How to Spot Foundation Issues in an Older Home (And What to Do About It)

When it comes to residential real estate, a home is generally classified as old if it was built more than 50 years ago. For these homeowners, it’s essential to know the warning signs of some of the most common foundation problems. Monitoring and taking action if you spot any issues can save you thousands of dollars before the problem causes any significant damage.

Why do older houses have issues with their foundation?

Although it can depend on where you live and the construction quality of your home, it’s likely that older houses can develop foundation problems at some point.

For example, homes built before 1940 don’t have as stable foundations as the modern concrete slabs we use today. But it’s not always about the quality of the construction. Erosion can be another culprit that causes the soil underneath your foundation to move over time. Tree roots can also pose a significant threat to your home’s foundations.

In Texas, particularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, extreme weather conditions can include extreme temperatures, droughts, tornadoes, and flash floods, which can all impact your home’s foundation. For example, ground swells can occur due to temperature and moisture. In addition, porous soil can expand and contract. A foundation can also sink into the ground if the soil is highly absorbent, affecting a home’s structural integrity.

Unfortunately, these issues aren’t easy to detect as a homeowner, but there are signs you can watch for to indicate potential problems.

What are the warning signs of foundation issues?

Being aware of any warning signs can help you avoid extensive and potentially hazardous damage. Here are the most common warning signs:

– Doors and windows sticking: If you’ve noticed your doors or windows often get stuck, it may signify a foundation shift in your home.

– Uneven floors: Uneven floors can point to a more significant foundation issue. If you notice any unevenness or bowing to your floors, it’s always good to check with a professional like Align Foundation Repair to rule out any foundational issues.

– Wall cracks: If you’ve noticed any cracks in your drywall, it can signify that your foundation is slowly shifting. Fissures can typically occur along the seams of your walls, where the drywall meets. If your home has large exterior cracks, it’s typically an issue with its foundation.

– Slab leak: Slab leaking refers to a pipe leak within or underneath your home’s foundation. It typically develops in your home’s incoming water line or the outgoing sewer line. While a few things can lead to a slab leak, it can result from a foundation that’s shifted or settled due to age. This can put stress on the pipes and make them more vulnerable to breakage.

– Cracked foundation: While small hairline cracks may not seem like a significant issue, it’s essential to get your foundation checked to be sure.

What to do if you notice issues?

If you love DIY projects, it can be tempting to consider solving any foundation repair issues yourself. But when it comes to the structural integrity of your home, it’s essential to get professional advice to keep your home safe.

While various solutions are available to address foundation issues, many can require specific machinery or engineering systems. Using Align Foundation Repair means we’ll come and assess your home and quickly identify whether it’s a foundation issue or something else causing your problems.

Foundation Repair – DFW

If you’re looking for foundation repair service, our local and experienced team at Align Foundation Repair can help. We provide free estimates and foundation checks in the DFW Metroplex area. Contact us to find out more, so you can get peace of mind about your home’s structural integrity.

/ By Lee Abernethy / Foundation Repair Process/ 0 Comments

Why Foundation Repair is NOT a DIY Job

Do-it-Yourself home improvements can be incredibly gratifying. Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or remodeling a bathroom, there are lots of DIY projects that can draw on your skills and save money in the process. But when it comes to fixing foundation problems or identifying sources of potential damage, online videos and your own elbow grease are not the solution. Diagnosing a foundation problem requires in-depth experience and knowledge, which is why it’s important to leave this complicated task to the professionals.

For quality foundation repair services, you need to work with a reputable company that has the proper equipment and know-how to implement a permanent fix. Sure, there are dozens of tutorial videos online that show homeowners how to spot foundation issues and fix them on a shoe-string budget. The problem is that these DIY fixes are usually temporary and may even create additional damage to an already compromised foundation.

Professional Foundation Repair Is Worth It

You’ve invested a lot of money in your home, and foundation problems are not something to be taken lightly. Serious foundation damage can affect property value and the safety of occupants. No matter how minor the foundation issue might appear, the safest and most permanent repairs are those performed by a licensed professional. Our technicians know how to spot and diagnose issues while taking into account the following factors:

  • The age of your home
  • The soil condition and characteristics
  • The foundation type
  • The duration of the foundation problem
  • The local climate

At Align Foundation Repair, we have the expertise to properly diagnose underlying issues and the equipment to get the job done right. Plus, all of our foundation repair work is covered by an industry-leading and trusted warranty.

Specialized Equipment and Experienced Contractors

Poor drainage, shifting soil, and plumbing leaks can undermine the structural integrity of your home’s foundation. Some foundation problems can even call for excavation, and the installation of steel piers, and concrete pilings to remedy the situation. Our experienced contractors and installers have been serving the Dallas Fort Worth area for over a decade, providing high-quality products and unmatched workmanship for a variety of foundation repair issues.

Foundation Repair – DFW

Don’t risk the safety and integrity of your property by trying a DIY foundation repair. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a professional repair job. If you notice large cracks, settling, sloping floors or upheaval, call Align Foundation Repair and schedule a complimentary inspection and free estimate. We are proud to offer affordable services and financing options to our valued customers.