/ By adminrm / Drainage Issues/ • / 0 Comments

How Expansive Clay Soil Affects Your Foundation

It may not be the first thing you think about as a homeowner, but understanding the type of soil your home is built on can help you protect it from foundation damage. If your house is built on soil notorious for causing foundation issues, such as expansive clay soil, you can be proactive in addressing potential issues before they cause additional, costlier problems.

What is expansive soil?

Expansive clay soil contains high contents of absorbent clay, meaning it swells when wet. This swelling results in pressure that can be enough to crack your foundation walls and floor slabs, resulting in foundation movement that can cause damage to the stability of your home.

Clay soil can expand up to 10 percent in size if it experiences prolonged exposure to moisture.

In addition to the swelling, expansive soil can also shrink when it dries out. This constant change can lead to ongoing issues for your home, putting additional stress on your concrete foundation.

What to look out for with soil expansion and shrinkage

The most common signs that can indicate expansive clay soil is causing issues with your property include:

  • Signs of cracking in your concrete foundation
  • Doors or windows that are sticking
  • Cracking in your plaster wall
  • Cracks affecting your driveway or garage
  • Cracking or separating on brick veneer surfaces of your home

How can you help to reduce the damage to your home?

Expansive soils cause the greatest damage when significant or repeated moisture content changes occur. Therefore, maintaining a constant moisture level can be one of the best ways to help reduce damage to your foundation. You can do this by watering the soil regularly. Keeping the moisture levels consistent helps ensure the ground doesn’t become extremely wet or extremely dry, helping to reduce any impact it has on the foundation.

It’s also a good idea to seek advice from foundation repair experts who can advise whether there are other strategies to consider for your home, such as a new water drainage system. If you already have a drainage system, it can be worth checking to make sure it’s working properly, as well as contacting Align Foundation Repair about installing a new drainage system if you’re experiencing issues. If you’re building a new property, it can be worth investigating the options for creating a sloping site to help with water runoff if you experience a lot of rain where you live.

At Align Foundation Repair, we offer a free inspection to understand your property and make the best recommendations for your home’s foundation.

Want to find out more?

Depending on the weather in your area, you may experience minimal problems with expansive clay, or it could end up causing you a lot of headaches. Taking good care of your home’s structure by watching for signs of foundation issues and seeking advice from professionals at Align Foundation Repair can help you catch and repair problems early on.

Our expert team can spot foundation problems and recommend the right solutions for your home. Get in touch with us today to schedule your free estimate.

Drainage System Process
/ By adminrm / Drainage Issues/ 0 Comments

How Poor Drainage Causes Foundation Problems

Water is one of the greatest detriments to a foundation. Even the most sturdy and modern foundation system will fall far short of its lifespan if it’s exposed to an onslaught of pooling water. This is why homes have gutters and downspouts. Many homeowners don’t believe a seemingly benign puddle can cause foundational damage. This post is intended to convince them otherwise.

The Implications of Poor Drainage Around a House

How exactly does water damage a foundation? Water that is allowed to remain in a single place for prolonged periods produces the ideal growing conditions for mold and fungus. This is especially the case after a storm, which leads to a pooling of gray and even black water. The damage can also extend to the basement. This leads to interior wood rot and increased risk of indoor flooding. In turn, this can damage other components, such as the electrical wiring.

Another problem is that the water can seep into the soil. This can lead to some parts of the soil expanding that shifts the foundation, leading to cracks. The amount of water absorption by the soil depends on the geographic location. Some parts of the Dallas, TX, region have clay soils. This makes a properly functioning drainage system all the more important.

How to Improve Drainage

First, inspect your gutter system. Get on a ladder and clean out any debris. You should do this after every storm. While up there, check the unit for damage. If the gutter is sagging or detaching from the house, then it needs repairs or a replacement. Also, check the downspout. As a general rule, the point where the water exits should at least be three-feet away from the house’s base. We can’t overstate the importance of this. Every inch of rain that hits the roof causes as much as 600 gallons of water runoff that exits the downspout. You don’t want that amount of water resting near the foundation.

Sprinklers are another primary source of pooling water. Invest in a sprinkler and irrigation system that automatically adjusts settings. Nowadays, there are smart sprinkler devices that enable users to turn the system on and off via mobile device.

We Improve Residential Drainage

Our foundation repair services include drainage system repair. Poor drainage near the foundation can result in cost-prohibitive damage. Prevent this altogether by calling Align Foundation Repair.

/ By adminrm / Foundation Maintenance/ 0 Comments

Springtime Foundation Maintenance Tips

Spring is the season for Richardson homeowners to organize, clean, de-clutter, and address any repairs that need attention. It may also include a foundation inspection and maintenance to ward off potential problems that could prove costly later on.

Checking gutters, fixing roofing damage, and other simple chores can help ensure proper drainage and identify potential issues early in the game. If you notice any worrisome signs during your spring maintenance, a professional home inspection can determine if you need Richardson foundation repair.

Here are some simple tips to ensure your home’s foundation is protected.

Check Your Gutters

Gutters clogged with leaves and debris are a big problem during heavy rains. Thoroughly clean them to ensure they are draining well and also look for minor leaks in the process. Also, make sure that your downspouts direct water away from the foundation, as excess moisture can lead to gradual damage.

Visual Inspection of Concrete Around the House

Walk around the entire exterior of your home, looking for concrete settlement or movement around patios, walkways, garage, and the driveway.  Cracks in the foundation can have many different sources and are not always cause for concern. A professional inspection can determine if the cracks are minor or potential signs of water damage that could require foundation repair services.

Look for Plumbing Leaks

Springtime maintenance also includes evaluating the home for possible plumbing leaks. It is a good idea to have a plumber do a leak test every 12-24 months.

Examine Your Roof

Texas winters can be extreme, so it’s essential to examine your roof for damaged shingles. It’s also an excellent opportunity to inspect the flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys to ensure no water is leaking in. Replace buckled or cracked shingles promptly. Also, take the time to remove mold and organic debris off the roof surface.

Improve Soil Structure Around the Home

Heavy spring and summer rains can lead to flooding and standing water near the house. The land should be properly graded with well-draining organic compost to improve soil structure around the foundation. If you decide to plant shrubs or ground cover near the home, choose drought-tolerant plants that require little irrigation.

Foundation Repair Richardson TX

If you have encountered a problem during spring maintenance, call Align Foundation Repair for a prompt, free estimate. Our Richardson TX foundation repair service is backed by a Transferable Lifetime Warranty.

We are a family-owned and operated business and trusted foundation repair experts in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Call today for your free foundation repair estimate.

Downspout drainage pipe dripping of rain water
/ By adminrm / Seasonal Foundation Tips/ • • / 0 Comments

3 Tips to Prevent Foundation Damage During Wet, Rainy Months

The spring season is typically known for rainy weather, which can pose a threat to the stability of your home’s foundation. Moisture from wet weather can infiltrate through cracks and crevices in the concrete, damaging the foundation and creating conditions for instability over time. Thankfully, there are a number of time-tested preventative measures to keep your home’s foundation protected against water damage, including drainage systems and gutter cleaning.

If you have noticed signs of foundation damage to your home, we invite you to contact Align Foundation Repair today for a free professional inspection. Our foundation repair services experts will comprehensively evaluate your foundation and give you a complete picture of the current state of your home’s underlying structure – all at no-cost to you. We offer free estimates in our Dallas-Fort Worth and Richardson foundation repair service area.

Here are three helpful tips to keep your home’s foundation safe from harm during the rainy season.

3 Ways to Prevent Heavy Rain Damage to Your Foundation

Installing a Good Drainage System

Installing a good drainage system is a key step toward protecting your foundation from rain damage.

  • Ensure that the soil around your home is graded away from the house’s foundation. This will help prevent moisture from collecting under the house.
  • Install a French drain system around the perimeter of your house. This will relieve runoff and allow water levels in your yard not to exceed capacity during heavy rains.

Call us today for foundation repair Richardson TX homeowners know will get done right the first time. Get your complimentary foundation inspection in the Richardson area. We offer top-tier repair or replacement work with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Ensure the Gutters are Working Properly

Clean gutters are vital in making sure your foundation drains properly.

  • Clear the gutters of leaves and debris regularly.
  • Make sure to flush the downspouts.
  • Clear your gutters before winter to prevent ice dams.

Avoid Ponding Water

  • Manage puddles by redirecting water through a grate drain.
  • Buy extra-long downpipes if needed to release water at a greater distance from your home’s foundation.

Premium Richardson Foundation Repair Services

Searching for the best foundation repair contractors Richardson TX has to offer? Align Foundation Repair fits the bill, with a long track record of reliable work and total customer satisfaction, backed up by industry-leading guarantees. Get in touch today to ask about our affordable premium services and to schedule your free Richardson foundation inspection and repair estimate!

Cleaning gutters during the summer time.
/ By adminrm / Seasonal Foundation Tips/ • • • / 0 Comments

Spring Home Improvement Checks That Will Benefit Your Foundation

Spring is the perfect season for home improvement projects. The days are longer, the temperatures are warming up, and it’s a great time to get outdoors and tackle those much-needed chores around the house. This checklist will help keep your property in tip-top shape while also benefitting your foundation.

Spring Home Improvement Projects to Preserve Your Foundation

If you notice exterior cracks, foundation settling, or doors that won’t open or close properly during your Spring overhaul, call Align Foundation Repair for all of your Richardson foundation repair needs. Our professional contractors can determine what measures are necessary – if any – and recommend foundation repair services that will work within your budget.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters and downspouts play a vital role in keeping water damage and leaks at bay. For this reason, a thorough gutter examination and cleaning should be performed every spring. Remove fallen leaves, branches, and debris to ensure that water is draining away from your home’s foundation. Pooling water near the foundation can lead to extensive damage over time, causing the home to sink and settle.

Test the Irrigation System

Sprinklers have a definite lifespan, so it’s worth checking each unit to ensure it’s working properly when spring rolls around. Look for cracked or broken heads, and also directional sprays. Run each irrigation zone separately, and walk the garden to look for problems. Adjust sprinklers that are spraying the side of the house or patio, as this can create moisture problems in the foundation, and also waste water.

Check Exterior Walls

Number three on your spring home improvement checklist is inspecting exterior walls. Look for mildew, pest damage, and cracks. Cracks found in walls over windows and doorways could indicate that the house is settling more dramatically than normal. While it’s not cause for panic, it’s best to address problems promptly before they get any worse, and more expensive to fix.

Look for Foundation Cracks

While it’s perfectly normal for foundations to settle and develop tiny fissures in the early years following construction, larger gaps and cracks can be cause for concern. Foundation damage can be caused by poor drainage, as well as weather and soil conditions. If you suspect warning signs of structural damage, always get a professional opinion.

Expert Foundation Repair Richardson TX

These tips can help prepare your home for the coming season, and potentially ward off problems that could undermine the integrity of your foundation. If you’re looking for foundation repair contractors Richardson TX property owners rely on, you’ve come to the right place.

Schedule a free estimate today anywhere in our Richardson foundation repair service area. Align Foundation Repair is dedicated to providing our customers the highest quality service, and our work is backed by an industry-leading warranty.

/ By adminrm / Seasonal Foundation Tips/ • • • / 0 Comments

Heavy Spring Rain and How It Affects Your Foundation

Spring downpours can wreak havoc on your outdoor plans, but did you know that heavy rain can even cause damage to your foundation? While moderate showers pose little cause for concern, extended periods of intense rainfall can be problematic in terms of structural integrity.

Foundation problems are more likely if your home has improper drainage, or was built on expansive soil. For over two decades, Align Foundation Repair has helped home and business owners in Richardson, Texas, and the surrounding region resolve issues brought on by springtime precipitation.

When it comes to your home’s foundation, you can’t be too cautious or prepared. Understand the effects of heavy rainfall, and call us for all of your Richardson foundation repair needs.

Extended rainfall and poor drainage

Water should always have ways to channel away from your foundation. As part of your annual spring cleaning, make sure your downspouts and gutters are clear of debris and directing water away from your slab or pier and beam foundation. Areas of standing water near the foundation should be addressed promptly to avoid more expensive and labor-intensive repairs later on.

Expansive soil and heavy showers

As rainwater seeps into the ground, soil naturally expands. The area’s clay-laden soil drains very slowly, and that can also spell trouble for foundations. When the soil is completely saturated for days on end, this puts immense pressure on the foundation, which can crack or heave.

Watch out for small foundation cracks

Tiny, hairline cracks in poured concrete foundations are common. But if you notice cracks larger than an eighth of an inch after substantial rains, this could be indicative of a larger problem. Foundation cracks can signal that the soil is expanding and putting pressure underneath the foundation, and may eventually provide entry points for groundwater leakage.

Signs of a sinking foundation

Although rare in homes with good drainage, periods of heavy rain can cause drastic foundation settlement. Be alert for possible signs that your foundation is sinking:

  • Musty odors, dampness in basement walls
  • Bowed walls
  • Fissures in and around doors and windows
  • Cracks in concrete floor
  • Doors that stick
  • Leaning chimney
  • Major cracks in bricks and masonry

Whether you need to identify potential foundation problems in a single-family home or a commercial building this spring, Align Foundation Repair has the skillset and experience to get the job done right. Our team provides foundation repair services that are effective, reasonably priced, and backed by guarantee.

Foundation Repair Richardson TX homeowners trust

Being prepared is half the battle when bad weather sets in. If you’re noticing some signs of foundational damage, time is of the essence. Our professionals can address the underlying problems and help keep your property safe.

Choose foundation repair contractors Richardson TX homeowners know they can depend on. Give us a call to schedule an inspection anywhere in our Richardson foundation repair service area. Schedule your free inspection and estimate today!

/ By adminrm / Seasonal Foundation Tips/ • / 0 Comments

Can You Repair Your Foundation During the Wet Spring Season?

Yes, it is possible to perform many types of foundation repair during the wet spring season. While in some cases heavy downpours or serious storms might cause slight delays in foundation repair work as the contractors wait out the bad weather, for the most part, the experienced pros at Align Foundation Repair can use a variety of techniques – such as temporary enclosures and plastic sheeting to keep the site dry, as well as the use of special waterproof materials – to keep things on schedule and make sure your repairs are done in an effective and timely manner, no matter what Mother Nature throws at us.

In fact, having your foundation inspected in the spring can save you from costly repairs down the road. Identifying and fixing problems now can protect your home from further water damage caused by rain and unstable wet soil. This is especially true if the problems are located in your crawlspace or along your foundation’s interior walls.

Here at Align Foundation Repair, we have more than 20 years of experience with Richardson foundation repair. We use the latest tools and techniques to diagnose the problem and apply the correct solution.

Our rates are fair, our work is guaranteed, and we work in all types of weather. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free inspection from one of our experts.

The Link Between Wet Weather and Foundation Problems

Your foundation is under year-round assault from all types of weather, like sweltering summer days and frigid winter nights. But heavy rains pose a special threat to its structural integrity. Here’s why:

  • Soil expands as it becomes saturated, applying enormous compressive force against your foundation – this is similar in principle to what will happen if you squeeze an egg between your fingers. It will crack and crumble.
  • Rainwater may find its way into your crawlspace, where it can weaken the cement that holds your foundation together – it can also lead to other issues, as we’ll discuss in a bit.
  • Rainwater can even wash away the soil upon which your foundation rests – this can create a wide range of problems, from unlevel floors to dangerous sinkholes.

Not All Foundation Problems Are Obvious From the Outside

It’s important to check the outside of your foundation for cracks and other problems. Sometimes it’s also necessary to crawl under the home and inspect the interior as well.

However, a contaminated crawlspace can be a dangerous, germ-filled environment. That’s why it’s best to let an expert in foundation repair tackle this job. Our technicians use the proper equipment and safeguards to protect their health and well-being – and yours.

Here’s what they may find during their inspection:

  • Interior cracks and stress lines that are invisible from the outside – spring is a great time to check for these problems, before the long summer months cause them to expand and get worse.
  • Mold and mildew – which can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
  • Rats, insects, and other vermin – these pests can destroy insulation, chew away at electrical wires, and plant their feces in your HVAC system. Eventually they may find their way into the home itself, posing a direct threat to you and your loved ones.

The only way to correct these problems is with professional foundation repair services. Putting off this essential service will only cause more problems down the road.

Foundation Repair Contractors Richardson TX

For foundation repair Richardson TX locals can count on, choose Align Foundation Repair. We have been a respected part of the local business community for more than two decades. We’re members of the Better Business Bureau and hold an A+ rating with the agency. Plus, we’re always happy to provide references from past clients.

If you live within our broad Richardson foundation repair service area,

contact us today to schedule your free inspection and estimate. You’ll soon have all the facts you need about the state of your foundation to decide on next steps.

Basement or crawl space with upper floor insulation and wooden support beams. An area of limited height under the floor of a house with concrete wall and floor.
/ By adminrm / Crawl Space Issues/ / 0 Comments

3 Crawl Space Encapsulation Benefits You May Not Know About

Encapsulating your home’s crawl space can provide major benefits, including:

  1. Promoting better health for you and your loved ones.
  2. Protecting your home from standing water and related problems like mold and insects.
  3. Providing a clean, dry storage location for seasonal items.

Let’s take a before-and-after look at how encapsulation can transform your crawl space from icky to amazing.

What Happens to Crawl Spaces When They’re NOT Encapsulated

Most homes here in Texas have a crawl space rather than a basement. This makes a lot of sense, given our climate and building codes.

But crawl spaces are vulnerable to multiple threats when they’re left unencapsulated. Examples include:

  • Moisture damage – caused by the torrential storms that hit the Dallas-Fort Worth area from time to time. Rain water collects in the space beneath your home, damaging the wiring and insulation.
  • Rat and insect infestation – These vermin thrive in the dark, dank environment of an unencapsulated crawl space. From there they can spread into your home itself.
  • Mold and mildew – which can impact your quality of life in many ways, from a persistent musty smell to triggering allergies and asthma.
  • High repair bills – the damage caused by a non-encapsulated crawl space can grow worse over time, eventually putting a severe strain on your budget.

The good news is that Align Foundation Repair’s crawl space encapsulation service can stop these problems in their tracks. Let’s see how it works.

How Encapsulation Can Transform Your Crawl Space

Now let’s see what a properly encapsulated crawl space is like:

  • It’s clean and dry – you’ll never have to worry about your crawl space turning into a swamp after it’s encapsulated. Our technicians use a waterproof membrane that keeps water outside where it belongs.
  • It’s safe and sanitary – crawl space protection eliminates problems like standing water, damaged wiring, and missing or waterlogged insulation. It also forms a continuous barrier against insects and other unwelcome visitors.
  • It’s attractive and practical – an encapsulated crawl space is a great place to store sports equipment, holiday decorations, and other seasonal items.

Want to Know More? Get in Touch with Us Today

Here at Align Foundation Repair, we cover a wide range of DFW crawl space encapsulation service areas. Our work is guaranteed and we’re happy to provide references. Contact us today to learn more about crawl space encapsulation and our other Dallas-Fort Worth foundation repair services. You’ll soon be on your way to a better, healthier home.

man with water hose watering the grass
/ By adminrm / Seasonal Foundation Tips/ • • / 0 Comments

Should I Water My Foundation in Texas During Winter?

Yes, you should water the soil around your Texas home year-round to avoid foundational issues that can lead to cracked walls, doors that stick, uneven floors, and structural hazards. During the cooler, dryer months of winter, the soil around your Texas home can dry out and shrink, causing the foundation to settle or tip and leading to costly damages to your home.

Richardson foundation repair work can be avoided by keeping the soil moist throughout the entire year and scheduling regular inspections.

How winter weather can affect your foundation

Foundation problems during colder months aren’t caused by a poor-quality foundation but relate to the soil that the foundation sits on. Texas soil is predominantly made up of clay, including black gumbo and caliche, which typically react to changes in water. Changes in the amount of moisture in the air can lead to soil cracking. If your soil cracks, it can lead to uneven settling of your foundation.

How to protect your foundation this winter

Keeping the moisture level of your soil consistent around the year can help prevent shifting and settling. Here are two steps to keeping your soil moist in the winter:

  1. Use a soaker hose or an in-ground sprinkler system and set it up approximately 18 inches from the foundation of your home.
  2. Use less water than you would during summer. The summer heat can cause more evaporation, so even though winter droughts in Texas can cause more drying, the cooler weather allows the soil to soak up and keep more of the water it receives.

Top tips for watering the soil around your foundation

  • Avoid over-watering. Using too much water can make the ground too soft. If the ground starts to become squishy, stop watering.
  • Don’t place the soaker hose in direct contact with the foundation as it can lead to water pooling, turning your firm soil into mud. This can affect the soil’s ability to support your home’s foundation.
  • Avoid connecting more than one soaker hose, which can lead to uneven watering.
  • Ensure watering won’t drain towards your house by filling any low-lying places that may collect water near your home.
  • If the amount of water your neighbor is using affects the soil on your property, ask them to stop.

How often should you water your soil?

How often you need to water can depend on how dry it is during winter. If we don’t get much rain during January or February, it’s essential to water the soil of your foundation at least two to three times throughout the month, for approximately 20 minutes at a time. Keep an eye on your sprinkler or soaker hose, and ensure you don’t overwater the soil. You’re aiming to keep a consistent moisture level in the soil around your foundation, so if it’s a really dry winter, you may need to water more frequently.

How do I check if my foundation is damaged?

We recommend that you check the exterior of your home during winter to look for cracks or issues that may affect your foundation—however, foundation damage isn’t always as apparent. Scheduling an inspection with Richardson foundation repair experts could help you identify potential issues early, before they turn into larger problems, saving you time, money, and headaches in the future.

Foundation repair Richardson TX contractors

If you need foundation repair services in Richardson, TX, contact Align Foundation Repair. Our family-run business prides itself on customer service and offers free repair estimates to help you plan your home maintenance needs. In addition to our Richardson foundation repair service area, we also service the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area. Contact our foundation repair contractors in Richardson, TX today to schedule a free inspection for your home.

Home inspector checking if home needs foundation repair
/ By adminrm / Foundation Maintenance/ 0 Comments

Regular Foundation Checks are an Essential Part of Home Maintenance

Checking your foundation might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about home maintenance and repairs. However, your home’s foundation is the structural support of your house, so ensuring it’s in good condition is vital to keep you and your family safe.

At Align Foundation Repair, we understand the typical issues that impact foundations in the Richardson area, including what to look for and how to get them fixed.

Detecting problems early can save you money

Like most home maintenance issues, identifying problems with your foundation early on can save you money. If these issues are left unchecked, they will only get worse. The bigger the issue, the more it’s going to cost you.

While it’s normal for some movement to occur, we recommend monitoring your home for any changes, such as cracks in your walls. Some cracks are nothing to worry about, but getting your foundation checked by a professional offers you peace of mind.

Further, establishing a routine for regular checks will ensure your foundation remains in good condition, which can also help increase your home’s value if you’re looking to sell it.

Protection against structural damage due to a natural disaster

Having a well-maintained foundation can help to keep your family safe should a crisis occur. In Richardson, TX, the risk of tornado damage is much higher than the Texas average—and even higher than the national average. Without foundational integrity, the impact of a tornado can be much more severe. Protecting your home against structural damage should a natural disaster occur–is especially important for those living in Richardson.

When to seek help

It’s essential to contact a professional if you notice any of the following in your home:

  • Sloping or uneven floors in your home
  • Cracks in any exterior or interior bricks
  • Cracks or bowing in your home’s walls
  • Wall rotation
  • Cracked or displaced moldings around windows or doors
  • Cracking in the flooring of your home
  • Issues opening or closing your doors or windows
  • Cracking in the home’s foundation
  • Separation of doors, windows, or your home’s garage doors
  • Any spaces or gaps between your walls and the ceiling or floor
  • Walls that appear to be separating from the house

Why it’s essential to use a professional

Some home maintenance jobs are suitable to attempt as a DIY job. However, when you’re dealing with your home’s foundation, it’s important to get experienced professionals you can trust to ensure the structural integrity of your family home.

Most foundation repair projects require specific tools and machinery, most of which aren’t available at the hardware store. Some foundation repairs may even require engineered systems and specialized products to guarantee a long-term solution to your issues. We recommend booking a regular foundation inspection as part of your home maintenance plan.

Foundation Repair Richardson, TX

If you are looking for a high-quality Richardson, TX foundation repair service, our local and specialized team at Align Foundation Repair can help. We provide reliable inspections and free estimates. We’ve been offering foundation repair services in the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area for years. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how we can help.