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.

Brick chimney on house
/ By adminrm / Signs of Foundation Issues/ 0 Comments

Why Is My Chimney Pulling Away From My House?

It’s disconcerting when you realize that the chimney is pulling away from your house. It’s usually an indication that something is seriously wrong, and the issue will need to be dealt with sooner rather than later. A leaning chimney can happen to even the most well-constructed home. If you see that the chimney is pulling away, contact us at Align Foundation Repair in Richardson, TX.

Foundation Issues Can Lead to Chimney Issues

There are several possible reasons why your chimney could be leaning, but one of the most common reasons is an issue related to your home’s foundation.

The part of a foundation that supports the chimney is usually built on an area that extends out from the house. With some builds, this area may or may not even be attached to the main part of the home’s foundation. The spot where these two areas of the foundation meet are weaker–making it more likely to become prone to issues. In addition, chimneys are also extremely heavy, exerting immense weight. Thanks to the weight of the chimney and the vulnerable area of the foundation, the chimney can eventually start to lean.

Foundation Problems That Cause Leaning

The foundation issues mentioned are due to several different scenarios.

  • Erosion can cause water and moisture to get into and below your home’s foundation. Once water gets down there, the support system gets worn away. This causes cracks in it, or it begins to pull away from the house, putting the chimney and other parts of your home in jeopardy.
  • The weather in Texas causes the soil to contract, making it easy for home foundations to shift.
  • The age of your house can also affect the foundation. Even well-constructed older homes can develop weaker foundations over time, raising the likelihood of your chimney becoming displaced.

As a result of the above, the foundation can slowly separate from the rest of the home, causing the chimney to lean. If you don’t take care of the issue in a timely manner, it will only worsen, creating structural issues that become increasingly dangerous and expensive.

Get Help Soon with Align Foundation

We understand how important it is to take care of foundation issues. In addition to being a likely cause of a leaning chimney, foundation issues can also cause other problems, such as cracks in walls and ceilings, doors that won’t properly close, sloping floors, mildew, and insects. At Align Foundation Repair, we’ll help you determine the reason behind your leaning chimney so that we can get it fixed–keeping your home safe and beautiful. Call us today or fill out our contact form if you’re looking for foundation repair in Richardson.

Broken brick on home in need of foundation repair
/ By adminrm / Drainage Issues/ 0 Comments

How Can Water Impact Your Home’s Foundation?

The structural integrity of your home rests on its foundation. When foundational damage occurs, Texas homeowners are on high alert. In many cases, water seepage and excess moisture are the culprits.

What exactly happens when water collects around a home’s foundation? And what are the possible causes? At Align Foundation Repair, we have the answers.

Potential Causes of Water Seepage

  • Blocked gutters and downspouts that cause water to fall against the structure and foundation
  • Improper grading that directs water toward the home
  • Extensive drought followed by flash flooding, a common problem in Texas
  • Plumbing leaks and burst pipes
  • A malfunctioning sump pump
  • Poor drainage
  • Tree roots that are very close to the foundation, pulling in moisture
  • Expanding and contracting soil that erodes, allowing water to infiltrate

How Does Water Impact the Foundation?

When water collects around a foundation, it creates pressure on the structure. This is further exacerbated by expansive clay soil that is common throughout Texas. During heavy rains or prolonged contact with water, the soil swells significantly. When the water evaporates during dry spells, the soil shrinks. This constant movement with the changes of season creates tremendous stress. It can result in hydrostatic plumbing issues and structural damage.

Cracks and horizontal fissures in the foundation are potential signs of water infiltration. You may also notice a musty odor, bubbling paint, and mildew on the walls. If the problem is neglected for long periods of time, you may soon need professional foundation repair services.

If you suspect water seepage or drainage problems near your foundation, it is essential to take proactive measures before minor issues become more extensive and costly to fix. And if you’re looking for Richardson foundation repair specialists, you’ve come to the right place.

Trusted Foundation Repair Richardson TX

If you are concerned that your foundation is being compromised by water seepage, a professional inspection is a smart idea. Align Foundation Repair can identify underlying problems causing excess moisture that the average homeowner is likely to miss.

We offer foundation repair services in the Dallas-Fort-Worth area for both homeowners and commercial properties. Protect your investment and gain peace of mind knowing our high-quality work is backed by an industry-leading warranty.

Not sure if you are in our Richardson TX foundation repair service area? Contact us today to arrange a free inspection and estimate.

Tree roots in cobblestone
/ By adminrm / Foundation and Landscaping/ 0 Comments

Which Trees Cause the Most Damage to Foundations?

Trees make a lovely addition to any landscape, but certain species can pose problems for a home’s foundation, especially when planted too close or without root barriers. As roots encroach on the foundation, a pressure imbalance may eventually cause cracking, settling, and other potential damage.

Here in Texas, property owners should be aware of fast-growing trees with shallow roots that grow laterally, which can cause many foundation problems.

Poplars

Growing up to 100 feet tall, Poplars are beautiful trees that are often favored by gardeners and landscapers. They are highly adaptable to clay soils and require very little in the way of pruning and maintenance. The problem with these trees is that they have very shallow and fast-growing roots that move laterally across the soil. Cottonwood, white poplars, Carolina poplars, and Lombardy poplars can be particularly hazardous to foundations when planted close to existing structures. Planting at least 30-50 feet away from the house can prevent future problems.

Oaks

According to one study on tree root foundation damage, Oak species account for 11 percent of all foundation problems cited by property owners. Live oaks, Shumard red oaks, chestnut oaks, and other species have shallow roots that leach large quantities of nutrients and water from the soil. Root barriers can redirect tree roots away from plumbing lines and foundations, preventing costly damage down the line.

Ash

Tall and graceful, ash trees produce large, domed canopies of delightful shade in hot Texas summers. Unfortunately, they also have sprawling root systems that can span upwards of 30 feet. Their thirsty roots are expansive and can cause shifts in the foundation if left unchecked.

Other Trees That Can Cause Damage

Other fast-growing trees with shallow roots that can prove problematic for foundations include:

  • Norway maples
  • Silver maples
  • Black locusts
  • Honey locusts
  • Sycamore
  • Sweetgum
  • Boxelder
  • Norway spruce
  • Crimean pine

If roots are already invading your foundation and causing problems, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free estimate on our Richardson foundation repair services.

Expert Foundation Repair Richardson TX

Whether you’re worried about tree roots or other foundational problems, it’s important to get a professional opinion on the underlying causes. Wondering if you’re in our Richardson TX foundation repair service area?

Align Foundation Repair serves the entire Dallas-Fort-Worth area, and our workmanship is backed by an industry-leading warranty. Contact us today to arrange a free estimate.

Concrete cover spalling - Steel rebars
/ By adminrm / Signs of Foundation Issues/ • • • / 0 Comments

Is Concrete Spalling a Sign of a Foundation Problem?

Concrete spalling is often caused by a failing foundation. To know for sure, you’ll need an inspection performed by one of our trained technicians at Align Foundation Repair. Contact our office today to schedule your free inspection and estimate.

What Does Concrete Spalling Mean?

“Concrete spalling” refers to loose, flaking, or crumbling concrete on your slab foundation and/or perimeter walls. It’s one of the early signs of foundation problems.

Spalling is fairly easy to spot. Pick a day with nice weather to give your foundation a close check. As you do, keep an eye out for the following warning signs:

  • Cracked masonry (in the case of a brick foundation).
  • Flakes or specks of concrete in the soil surrounding your home.
  • Pieces of concrete that brush away easily when you touch them.
  • A grayish coating that seems to be spreading across your foundation.
  • Exposed rebar (rebar is the metal reinforcing rods inside a concrete foundation; normally, it should not be visible to the naked eye).

Get in touch with us right away if you notice any of these signs of unstable or crumbling foundation elements. We’ll complete a thorough, cost-free inspection to determine the root cause of the problem. If your foundation is in trouble, then the inspection will include a price estimate for your review.

Other Signs of Foundation Issues

Spalling is just one of the early warning signs of a failing foundation. Others include:

  • Windows or doors that are hard to open or close – this problem may be accompanied by cracks in the surrounding frames.
  • Slanting or uneven floors – caused by the foundation beginning to break apart and sink into the earth.
  • Interior corners that are no longer square – to detect this problem, just take a carpenter’s square and see if the walls in your rooms align at a 90-degree angle. If they don’t, then your foundation might be in trouble.

Richardson Foundation Repair Experts You Can Trust

Here at Align Foundation Repair, our technicians receive thorough and ongoing training to detect and diagnose all sorts of foundation problems. We’re highly respected members of the local business community with more than 20 years of experience under our belts.

We’re happy to provide references from others who have used our foundation repair services. Our Richardson foundation repair service area covers a substantial portion of the Lone Star State, including Dallas-Fort Worth.

Give us a call or send a message using our online contact form today. You’ll soon have the facts you need to decide which next step is right for your home.

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
/ By adminrm / Foundation Repair Process/ • / 0 Comments

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
/ By adminrm / Signs of Foundation Issues/ • / 0 Comments

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
/ By adminrm / Signs of Foundation Issues/ • / 0 Comments

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.