Uneven wood flooring in home
/ By adminrm / Signs of Foundation Issues/ • / 0 Comments

Why Uneven Floors Can Be a Sign of Foundation Problems in Richardson TX

A bad foundation is one of the most common causes of uneven floors. If you’ve noticed problems like buckling, sloping, or sinking with your home’s flooring, get in touch with our office today to schedule a free inspection. We’ll let you know if your home has structural problems and which of our affordable foundation repair services might be the right solution.

The Connection Between Foundation Problems and Uneven Floors

Your home’s foundation is like your body’s spine. It supports the entire structure. Just as back problems can lead to health issues, a failing foundation can cause your floors to bend, buckle, or break.

One way to check for uneven flooring is to use a carpenter’s level. You can also look under your crawlspace for warped or damaged floor joists. In some cases, the problem may be so severe that simply walking across the room gives it away.

Why Your Home May Need Foundation Repair Richardson

So what makes a good foundation go bad? Typical causes include:

  • Improperly graded land – which causes rainwater to pool around your foundation instead of washing away into the streets. Damaged or clogged gutters can make this problem even worse.
  • Faulty construction – sometimes the rush to complete a home on time leads to improperly poured footings or uneven piers and beams.
  • Shifting earth – here in South Texas, our clay-like soil expands during rainy periods and contracts during dry spells. This can expose your foundation to extreme compressive forces.
  • Severe weather events – a powerful storm can wash away the dirt that supports your foundation, shifting it out of place.
  • Time and nature – even the best foundation will eventually give way to the constant pressure of the home’s enormous weight.

How Align Foundation Repair Can Help

Repairing or replacing damaged floor components may provide short-term relief. But the problem will almost certainly come back unless you opt for quality foundation repair. That’s where Align Foundation Repair comes into the picture. If you live within our wide-ranging Richardson Texas foundation repair service area, including throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth region, here’s what we can provide:

  • A thorough evaluation and estimate at no cost to you – our skilled technicians will let you know right away if your flooring problems are caused by your foundation.
  • Expert repairs backed by our ironclad guarantee – our highly trained technicians have decades of combined experience as foundation repair professionals. That’s why we back up their work with our exclusive warranties.
  • The peace of mind that comes with using a well-established company – Align Foundation Repair has been a respected member of the South Texas business community for over 20 years. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and are happy to provide references from past customers.

Reach out to us today and put your flooring and foundation problems in the past. Ask us about our special financing options!

foundation repair waterproofing
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How Long Should I Wait to Make Cosmetic Home Repairs After Foundation Repair?

You should put off any cosmetic work on your home until at least six weeks after the foundation is repaired. This will give the frame and other components time to settle back into their proper shape. Otherwise, the projects you undertake may actually do more harm than good.

Let’s look at how fixing your foundation can transform your home both inside and out.

What you can expect from foundation repair

When a residential foundation starts to disintegrate, the consequences can often be seen throughout the home. In fact, you may have already noticed problems like these:

  • Cracks in your drywall
  • Doors or windows that no longer fit their frames
  • Floors that squeak or pop
  • Rooms that are out of level or out of square
  • Unusual odors coming from walls, vents, or the crawlspace

Once a foundation is properly repaired, many of these problems begin to fix themselves. For example, you may notice the cracks in the drywall getting smaller, or the doors or windows working properly again. Even the floors might stop squeaking and start to level out.

Getting better takes time

But don’t expect these benefits to occur overnight. Like a patient recuperating from surgery, a home with a repaired foundation needs a reasonable amount of recovery time. Rushing to do cosmetic work may cause problems like these:

  • Cracks that appear to get worse, not better – especially if you try to cover the gaps in your drywall before they’ve had a chance to close up on their own.
  • Doors and windows that require complete replacement – if you attempt to sand them down, replace their hinges, or change their shape during the first few weeks after foundation repair Richardson.
  • Needless expenses that take a bite out of your budget – such as spatula, wallpaper, and other products you may no longer need after you’ve taken advantage of our foundation repair services.

Foundation repair Richardson TX homeowners know will be done right the first time

Do you live in or near the Dallas-Fort Worth region? If so, then your home is probably within our Richardson foundation repair service area. Contact us today to learn more about our affordable rates and guaranteed results. With our help, you can soon put your foundation problems in the past.

Architecture detail of damaged house corner dilapidated old building facade wall over blue sky background. Private abandoned home fall to ruin. Exterior House
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Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Settling Sounds in Your Richardson Home

The creaks, groans, and pops made by a home are sometimes caused by normal aging as the house settles. Other times, however, they’re an early warning sign that your foundation is in serious trouble. That’s why it’s a good idea to contact Align Foundation Repair if you’ve noticed any unusual sounds inside your residence. We can provide a prompt, free inspection to let you know if there are any serious problems with your foundation and give you a fair price quote if we think any repairs are necessary.

When “Normal” Settling Sounds Are Anything but Normal

Most strange house noises are caused by typical changes in humidity or temperature levels. For example, a drought can cause a cracking sound as the studs dry out and contract. On the other hand, a prolonged downpour can cause your home to creak or groan as it takes on moisture and expands.

Sometimes, however, those odd sounds are your home’s way of telling you that you need foundation repair services. Here’s how this can happen:

  • Your foundation is under constant threat – When it rains, the earth around your home expands and puts harmful pressure on your foundation. When the weather turns dry, the dirt contracts and your foundation loses much-needed support.
  • Your entire home depends upon your foundation – when it starts to fail, the frame itself is subjected to extreme stress.
  • These problems create unusual noises – from squeaking floors to creaking doors and windows. You may even notice loud popping sounds from within the walls themselves.
  • Left uncorrected, these problems will only grow worse – making the inevitable repair bill ever more costly. In some cases, the home itself may become unlivable.

Of course, not every unexplained sound in your home requires Richardson foundation repair. But, given the potential consequences, why not schedule a free inspection just in case? If nothing else, you’ll enjoy added peace of mind.

Why You Should Trust the Job to Us

Diagnosing and repairing a bad foundation requires advanced skills and years of experience. Here at Align Foundation Repair, our North Texas foundation repair experts have decades of combined training and extensive experience using the latest techniques and tools.

Our company has been a respected part of the local community for over 20 years. 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 customers. So you can feel good about entrusting the job to us.

Now is the time to put your worries about those strange noises to rest. Contact our office today to schedule your free inspection.

Deep crack in old brick wall - concept image
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What Causes a Foundation to Settle?

A residential or commercial foundation may settle due to a number of factors, including:

  • Drought
  • Drainage problems
  • Poorly compacted soil
  • Earth tremors
  • Tree or shrub roots
  • Leaking water lines
  • Gravity itself

No matter what caused the problem, our foundation repair services can undo the harm and protect your home or business for many years to come. Get in touch with our office today for a free inspection and price quote for our knowledgeable and experienced foundation repair professionals.

What Causes Foundation Settling

To the untrained eye, a building’s foundation may seem solid and unmovable. In reality, however, the soil surrounding the structure is in a constant state of flux due to causes like these:

  • Dry earth – Prolonged periods without rain can cause the soil to contract, making your foundation expand outwards and eventually crack.
  • Drainage problems – heavy rainfall is another threat to your foundation, especially if water pools around the perimeter and floods the soil. The sheer volume of moisture can squeeze your foundation like an object trapped in a vise.
  • Loose soil – when a home or business is under construction, the contractor is supposed to pack and compress the underlying earth. But sometimes this step is overlooked, causing loose, crumbly soil that allows the foundation to sink into the ground.
  • Tremors – the slightest shift in the earth’s crust can affect your foundation, even if the quake is too mild for you to consciously notice.
  • Tree or shrub roots – spreading roots can harm your foundation in two ways: by drawing out moisture or by shifting the soil. Either problem can cause your foundation to settle and move out of place.
  • Water leaks – sometimes the water that erodes a foundation’s support comes not from the sky but from broken water pipes under your home or business.
  • Time and gravity – did you know that the average American home can weigh over 100 tons? Imagine the constant pressure created by that kind of weight.

Foundation Repair Richardson TX

No matter what caused your foundation to sink, prompt action is essential to keep the problem from getting worse. That’s where Align Foundation Repair comes into the picture. Here’s what we can do:

  • Reverse the process – one way we do this is by burying steel piers deep in the bedrock and anchoring the foundation to them. Another way is to inject expanding grout under the foundation so that it rises and becomes strong and stable.
  • Prevent the problem from coming back – often, this requires nothing more than improving the drainage around your home or business.
  • Back up our work with a fully transferable lifetime warranty – so you can relax and enjoy your fully restored foundation.

Your Foundation Repair Contractors in Richardson Texas

If you live in our Richardson foundation repair service area, please reach out today to schedule your free inspection. We’re members of the Better Business Bureau and hold an A+ rating with the agency, so you can feel good about entrusting the work to us.

Quick action is important to prevent further damage to your home or business. Give our friendly professionals a call, and you’ll soon have a solid, stable structure beneath your feet once more.

Tree root and green grass
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Tips to Help Prevent Root-Related Foundation Damage

Tree and shrub roots can spread throughout your foundation, weakening its structure and causing it to fail. Roots can also drain the soil of needed moisture, causing the earth itself to move your foundation out of place. These problems can reveal themselves as unlevel floors, doors or windows that stick, or an unpleasant musty odor throughout your home.

There are several ways to help protect your foundation from root-related problems. But sometimes the harm has already occurred. If this sounds like your situation, then we urge you to get in touch with us here at Align Foundation Repair and schedule a free inspection from our knowledgeable and experienced professional contractors. Acting sooner rather than later is important, as foundation damage will worsen over time and if left unchecked can be more expensive to repair down the road.

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Root Damage to Your Home

There are a number of time-tested ways to prevent tree and shrub roots from damaging your foundation. These include:

  • Choosing your trees and shrubs with care – in general, it’s better to choose slow-growing plants with minimal water needs. Your local landscaper can provide useful information.
  • Allowing adequate space between your foundation and your trees or shrubs – for example, hardwood trees should be planted at least 20 feet from your home. Again, your local landscaper or garden center provide advice on specific plants.
  • Installing a root barrier – this is a flexible shield constructed from polyethylene (HDPE) that encircles the perimeter of a tree or shrub. When buried or driven into the ground, it directs roots downward and away from your residence.

How Roots Can Make Foundation Repair in Richardson TX Necessary

Here are three ways that tree and shrub roots can pose a threat to your home’s foundation:

  1. By drying out the earth around your home – trees and shrubs use a lot of water. For example, a mature oak tree can require 50 gallons of water a day or more to stay healthy. By drawing this moisture from the soil around your house, they can cause the foundation to expand and eventually crack.
  2. By shifting the soil – tree and shrub roots can also change the distribution of dirt around your home, causing your foundation to either heave upward or sink deeper into the ground.
  3. By digging into the foundation itself – you can think of tree and shrub roots as subterranean spear points that are constantly probing your foundation for weaknesses. Eventually, they will find their way into existing cracks or create new ones altogether, spreading weakness throughout the entire structure.

Foundation Repair Contractors Richardson Texas

If your home is experiencing structural problems, here’s how our foundation repair contractors in Richardson, TX, can help:

  • By getting to the “root” of the problem – we’ll use our decades of training and experience to find out exactly what’s going on with your foundation.
  • By providing a no-obligation quote for your consideration – so you’ll have the facts you need to decide if you want to proceed with repair work.
  • By helping you to explore financing options – we’ll do everything possible to make your Richardson foundation repair affordable.
  • By backing our work with our ironclad guarantee – giving you the peace of mind you need to relax and focus on other priorities.

For foundation repair Richardson TX homeowners can depend on, choose the experienced professionals at Align Foundation Repair. Getting in touch with us now will help you to avoid expensive and stressful problems later. If you live in our Richardson foundation repair service area, give us a call or reach out to us online today.

Crack in a cinder block building foundation
/ By adminrm / Richardson Foundation Tips/ • • / 0 Comments

When a Foundation Crack Means You Have Foundation Repair Emergency in Richardson, TX

As a homeowner, noticing cracks and other signs of structural problems around your home can be unnerving—and finding the right solution can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Even if you’re a DIY pro, it’s important to contact a professional with the tools and expertise necessary to identify and repair foundation damage around your home. Here’s how to spot the problem early and take action so you can avoid costly structural damage down the road.

What Causes Foundation Damage in Texas?

Texas homes are particularly vulnerable to foundation cracks thanks to the area’s unique soil structure and weather patterns. In our Richardson foundation repair service area, factors that can contribute to foundation damage include loose soil, insufficient drainage, poor construction, earthquakes, and weather changes.

Unfortunately, many of these factors are uncontrollable, and it’s important to inspect your home regularly for foundation damage.

Warning Signs of Foundation Issues

Apart from visible cracks around your home, there are other physical symptoms of foundation damage to look out for. A little unevenness from settling is normal, but if you have any questions about your home’s foundation, don’t hesitate to schedule a home inspection.

Some common signs of a crumbling foundation include:

  • Misaligned doors and windows
  • Bowing walls
  • Sloping floors
  • Cracks in ceramic tile, brickwork, or drywall

When It’s Time to Invest in Foundation Repair

Even if you have preventive measures in place, such as sump pumps and clean gutters, foundation cracks can still lead to a foundation crisis.

The severity of the foundation damage will depend on the location, size, and the number of cracks. Not all homes will exhibit the same signs of settling, and regular foundation inspections are essential to protect your home from structural damage.

No matter how small your foundation cracks are, it’s essential to have them inspected by a trained professional, since some emergency situations may not be so obvious to identify at first glance. If left unchecked, foundation cracks can create additional issues, from roof leaks to framing problems, leading to a costly repair process.

Professional Richardson Foundation Repair Services

Align Foundation Repair is known and respected throughout the Dallas and Fort Worth area for our unrivaled expertise, affordability, and commitment to quality customer service. We’re here to repair your home and do it right. To learn more about our foundation repair services and to get a free estimate, contact us today.

Cracks on the white wall blocks. The destruction of the wall. Background texture
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Is It Safe to Live in a House With Foundation Problems?

If you live in a home with foundation issues or you’re considering buying one, you may be wondering what to do next. The bottom line is that it’s usually quite safe to live in a home with foundation problems. It usually all boils down to identifying whether your home is experiencing a common, fixable foundation issue, or if it is a more rare case of severe foundation damage that could put your family in harm’s way.

Your Home’s Foundation Is Very Important

There’s no doubt about it: your home’s foundation is very important for several different reasons:

  • It holds up your home’s entire structure, preventing it from sinking into the ground.
  • If it’s insulated, it can help protect your home from extreme temperature changes.
  • It helps keep water and moisture out of your basement

Very Few Homes With Foundation Issues Are in Immediate Danger

Out of all of the homes that have foundation repair issues, very few of them actually have issues severe enough to warrant an immediate evacuation of the premises. Some repair companies will go out of their way to scare the wits out of potential clients when it comes to foundation repair, but we work differently.

At Align Foundation Repair, we recognize that most people are able to continue living in their homes while a full assessment is done. The reason that most people in our area are in no immediate danger when it comes to foundation issues is due to local conditions: Texas soil and Texas weather!

The clay soil and weather that affect most of Central Texas are the key reasons that area homes’ foundations can become damaged. Clay soil expands when it’s wet, and it shrinks when it’s dry. When the soil is extremely wet, it can cause portions of your home’s foundation to rise. When the soil is extremely dry, it can cause your home to sink lower than the level it was originally set at. Weather in the Dallas-Fort Worth area changes at the drop of a hat, making it more likely for these types of foundation issues to show up.

Reasons You’ll Eventually Want to Take Care of Foundation Issues

While the likelihood of your home collapsing in on itself due to foundation issues is pretty small, there are reasons that you’ll eventually want to get it repaired.

  • Banks are often reluctant to provide financing to potential homebuyers if there are foundation issues with the homes they’re planning on purchasing, limiting your pool of available buyers if you want to sell.
  • The cosmetic and functional issues that come from foundation issues, including uneven floors, growing cracks in the wall, doors and windows that are jammed or can’t close properly, and mold and moisture issues, will only get worse over time, leading to more expensive foundation repair

If you live in our broad Richardson foundation repair service area, contact Align Foundation Repair with any questions about the type of foundation damage you’re seeing in your home. We’d love to help, and offer free inspections and price quotes, as well as warranty-backed repair work.

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

What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawl space encapsulation is the process of cleaning and sealing a crawl space to eliminate unwanted moisture and the problems it can cause, including mold, bacteria, insects, and excessive utility bills. Encapsulating your crawl space can help you to save money, protect your house from serious damage, and promote better health for you and your loved ones.

Five Steps in the Crawl Space Encapsulation Process

The stages of our crawl space encapsulation services may vary from one home to the next. However, most projects include the following five steps:

  1. A general inspection – to gauge the condition of the crawl space and the improvements it needs.
  2. A thorough cleaning, sanitizing, and drying out of the crawl space – to remove standing water, clutter, and anything that might pose a health or safety risk.
  3. Performing any necessary repairs – encapsulating your crawl space can reveal problems such as unsafe wiring, leaking pipes, and torn or water-damaged insulation. These issues will only grow worse if left undetected.
  4. Installing a waterproof membrane – the point of this step is to keep your crawl space clean and dry over the long term. It’s very important that the contractor secure the membrane to the pillars and other components of your crawl space, not simply lay the material on the ground. Once this stage is complete, the space will enjoy wall-to-wall, top-to-bottom protection from mold, moisture, and insects.
  5. Adding protective measures to keep the crawl space clean and sanitary – like a commercial-grade dehumidifier and a hinged utility door for easy access to the space.

Long Term Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation Dallas

Crawl space encapsulation is an investment that pays long-term dividends like these:

  • A fresher and healthier atmosphere inside your home – your HVAC system draws air from under your house to circulate throughout the interior. The better the air quality, the more pleasant your home will be.
  • Less risk of moisture damage to your belongings – another benefit of having clean, dry air.
  • Fewer worries about ants, termites, roaches, and other pests – crawl space encapsulation removes the dark, dank conditions that draw these harmful creatures to your home.
  • Higher resale values – since your home’s floor joists, climate control system, and other critical components will enjoy added protection.

Free estimate

We’d love to tell you more about the benefits of crawl space encapsulation in Dallas and our other DFW foundation repair services. Contact us today for your free consultation and estimate. You’ll soon have all the facts you need to make an informed decision.

Crawl space under the eves of a house showing insulation
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5 Signs of Crawl Space Problems

You may be having problems with your crawl space if you notice any of these common warning signs:

  1. Musty odors
  2. Rising utility bills
  3. Foggy windows.
  4. Creaking floors
  5. Unwelcome visitors (insects and other pests)

If you’re dealing with any of these issues, then please contact a crawl space encapsulation contractor right away. The sooner you act, the sooner you can start making your home a healthier and more enjoyable place.

Crawl space encapsulation refers to the installation of moisture-proof barriers on all surfaces of your crawl space, usually combined with the addition of a powerful dehumidifier. This procedure is a highly effective way to prevent mold, mildew, and other issues by eliminating unwanted moisture.

When Something Just Doesn’t Smell Right

Do you ever notice a musty odor inside your home that never goes away, even after a thorough housecleaning? The problem may be due to standing water in your crawl space. That’s because dark, wet environments create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Crawl space encapsulation solves this problem by creating a continuous moisture barrier from tough waterproof materials. Your nose will notice the difference right away.

Utility Bills That Just Keep Going Up

You depend on your heating and cooling system to maintain a pleasant environment inside your home year-round. But air that flows upward from a contaminated crawl space is, quite often, too hot, too cold, or too humid.

Your HVAC system works extra hard to overcome these problems, so you pay higher utility costs as a result. Align Foundation Repair’s crawl space encapsulation service can go a long way towards helping you tame those monthly bills.

Foggy Windows in All Kinds of Weather

Do your window ever fog up for no obvious reason? The problem might be caused by overly humid air rising up from your crawl space. This same moisture-laden air can saturate everything in your home, creating unpleasant odors and triggering asthma and allergies.

That’s why one of the first things we do as crawl space encapsulation contractors is to remove any standing water from beneath your home. We’ll also replace any water-damaged insulation, helping you to save money on your monthly bills.

Floors That Creak Even When the Home Is New

Moisture rising up from your crawl space can saturate your subflooring, causing it to warp or splinter. This may be why you hear a creaking or cracking sound as you walk around your home. If so, then crawl space encapsulation is just what you need to restore peace and quiet.

Invading Insects and Other Unwelcome Guests

A dark, humid, poorly sealed crawl space is the perfect invitation for all sorts of pests, including fleas, ticks, roaches, and even rats. That’s why crawl space encapsulation creates a bright, waterproof, sealed environment that’s well protected from outside threats.

Do I Need to Encapsulate My Crawl Space?

Moldy odors, unusually high utility bills, fogged windows, warped flooring, invasive insects and pests … If you are experiencing any of these problems in your home, it could be time to encapsulate your crawl space. Crawl space encapsulation addresses the root cause of all these issues by eliminating excess moisture build-up in your home’s crawl space. Seal off moisture for good and start living and breathing freely in your home again!

Call today to schedule a visit to any of our DFW crawl space encapsulation service locations. We’ll perform a thorough inspection of your crawl space and provide a free estimate, so you’ll have the facts you need to make an informed decision. Get in touch with us today to put our foundation repair services to work for you.

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.
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How Long Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Last?

A properly encapsulated crawl space can last 20 years or longer. Crawl space encapsulation is the process of transforming your crawl space into a clean, dry, pleasant storage area that can eliminate problems caused by moisture – such as mold and insects – and add value to your home.

To get the most from your investment, you should choose a contractor with a track record for providing free estimates and excellent customer service.

Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Crawl Space Encapsulation

A number of factors can affect how long home crawl space encapsulation will last. These include:

  • The level of preparation prior to installing the moisture barrier – this includes removing any standing water, leveling the soil, repairing damage to insulation, plumbing, or wiring, eliminating pests, and removing rocks or other sharp objects.
  • The quality of materials used – for example, the materials used for the moisture barrier, also known as the membrane, can vary from one contractor to another. Good crawl space encapsulation services use higher-grade products for better results.
  • The extent of encapsulation – for the job to last, the membrane should completely cover the floor, walls, and pillars. The contractor should use a high-quality commercial adhesive for best results.
  • The integrity of the moisture barrier – a well-encapsulated crawl space will form a strong, continuous barrier against moisture and pests.
  • Whether or not sealants were used on the external walls – sometimes it’s necessary to seal the concrete blocks themselves before installing the moisture barrier. Otherwise, moisture may enter the space behind and underneath the fabric, promoting mold growth and weakening the adhesives used to achieve a bond.
  • The types of humidity controls put in place – these may include a dehumidifier, sump pump, or other devices.
  • The quality of the access door – Most crawl spaces include a small access door for using the area as a storage space. The strength and durability of this door will play a key role in how long crawl space encapsulation lasts.
  • The amount of ongoing maintenance – keeping the crawl space snug and dry requires periodic inspections, usually on an annual or biannual basis. Otherwise, small gaps can allow moisture or other contaminants to enter the space, damaging the homeowner’s personal belongings while promoting mold or mildew growth.

Want to Know More about Crawl Space Protection? Contact Us Today

Here at Align Foundation Repair, we cover a wide range of crawl encapsulation service areas around the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Our rates are fair and our work is guaranteed.

The sooner you act, the sooner your crawl space problems will be in the past. Contact us today to learn more about encapsulation and other home foundation repair services. You’ll soon be on your way to a drier, safer, more pleasant home.