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

What Are the Common Foundation Repair Tasks?

Residential foundations are designed to last for decades. But any number of threats can cause them to suffer early failure, endangering not only the home but also its occupants. When that happens, it’s important to complete the necessary foundation repair tasks as soon as possible.

The exact type of repair will depend on the condition of the foundation and the cause of the problem. Here at Align Foundation Repair, we specialize in a variety of solutions. Align Foundation Repair tasks include:

  • Installing concrete/steel pilings.
  • Installing drilled piers.
  • Installing spread footings.
  • Installing state-of-the-art drainage systems.

Let’s take a closer look at these options and see how they can help you to solve your foundation problems.

Installing Concrete/Steel Pilings

In North Texas, when a foundation goes bad, it’s usually caused by expansion and contraction of the soil supporting the home.

One way to correct this type of damage is by installing piers into the bedrock beneath the residence and joining it to the home’s foundation using concrete or steel pilings. This lends the strength of the earth itself to the residence, making it literally “rock-solid.”

Installing Drilled Piers

Sometimes steel or concrete pilings are not the best way to correct a particular foundation problem. In those cases, we may recommend drilled piers instead.

Drilled piers are heavy-duty steel supports encased in concrete and sunk into the ground beneath the residence. When attached to the foundation, they provide much the same strength as pilings. This is a good option for small or lightweight homes.

Installing spread footings

Here in North Texas, many homes are supported by concrete block piers. This type of foundation is highly affordable and provides a crawl space for storage. But it’s also vulnerable to erosion caused by wind and rain.

One way to fix a damaged pier foundation is by installing spread footings. These are reinforced concrete piers that “spread out” in all directions, giving the home added strength while maintaining the advantages of a crawlspace.

Installing drainage solutions

Poor drainage is the leading cause of most foundation damage here in Texas. That’s why our foundation repair services include the following options:

  • Grading and contouring the property – to direct rainwater away from the home and its foundation.
  • Installing surface or sub-surface drains – to siphon rainwater into a stream, sewer system, or other collection point.
  • Cleaning or replacing gutters – to prevent rainwater from pooling around the home’s perimeter and damaging the foundation.
  • French Drains

A Company You Can Trust

At Align Foundation Repair, we invest in continuous training for our technicians so they’re always up-to-date on the latest advances in foundation repair. We’re known and respected across Texas and we’re happy to provide references from past clients. You can trust us to do the job right the first time.

Our Garland foundation repair service area covers all of the communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Our work is backed by an industry-leading warranty and we provide free estimates. Get in touch with us today to learn more.

Home foundation repair inspection contractor
/ By Chase Gohl / Foundation Repair Process/ / 0 Comments

5 Tips for Choosing a Foundation Repair Company

Five things you should consider when choosing a foundation repair company are:

  1. The company’s years in business
  2. Customer testimonials
  3. Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating
  4. Knowledge of local climate and geology
  5. The warranty the company offers on its work

Let’s see why these factors are so important.

Experience Matters

Quality foundation repair requires years of hands-on work with all kinds of homes and all types of foundations.

Here at Align Foundation Repair, we have decades of experience providing foundation repair services to homeowners in Plano and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth area. In fact, our co-founders Josh and Jason Spector grew up working side-by-side with their father in the trade. Together with the other members of our team, they have the skills and know-how to put your foundation back on a solid footing.

Personal Recommendations Trump Paid Advertising

Good foundation repair companies have a history of prompt, courteous communications, fair estimates, timely service calls, and lasting results. To see what people are saying about Align Foundation Repair, just check our Google reviews. Our customers are our best salespeople.

Why BBB Accreditation Matters

BBB accreditation is considered the gold standard for customer service and ethical practices. Attaining a favorable rating with the bureau takes many years of consistent excellence in all facets of doing business. Make sure that whatever company you choose is in good standing with the BBB.

Texas is Unique – and So Are Its Foundation Problems

Texas is a huge, highly diverse state with four distinct geological regions, each of which poses particular risks to residential foundations.

A good DFW foundation repair company will understand this fact and take it into consideration when recommending a particular course of action. The more the contractor knows about Texas and its unique conditions, the better able it will be to address your concerns.

Good Repairs Stand the Test of Time

A properly restored foundation should stay free of trouble for decades. That’s why Align Foundation Repair offers a transferable lifetime warranty on its work. You can rest easy knowing that we’re on the job.

We hope these tips help you to find the right contractor for your needs. If you live in our Plano foundation repair service area, which includes the entire Dallas-Fort Worth region, get in touch with our office today to discuss your repair needs and receive your free estimate. We provide free inspections and honest assessments of your foundation problems so you’ll have the facts to make an informed decision.

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3 Foundation Repair Facts Every Homeowner Should Know

Is your home’s foundation giving you problems? Knowing some basic facts about the repair process can help you to understand what went wrong and how to make it right. Here are three foundation repair facts you need to know.

Fact Number One: It Starts With the Soil

Every type of soil poses a particular set of risks to a home’s foundation. For example, soil that’s wet and sandy is prone to erosion, while soil that’s dry and tightly packed can shift and contract.

Even soil that’s lush and fertile can threaten your home, especially if it supports the growth of aggressive root systems that cause holes and cracks in your foundation.

That’s why here at Align Foundation Repair, we begin every job by carefully analyzing the soil around the home’s perimeter. Determining what caused the problem in the first place helps us to arrive at the best possible solution. This leads us to our second important fact.

Fact Number Two: There’s No “One Best Way” to Fix a Home’s Foundation

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to foundation repair. Depending on the specific factors contributing to your home’s foundation issues, our technicians may recommend any of the following repair techniques:

  • Concrete pressed piers – This approach uses a series of reinforced concrete cylinders buried underneath the home to level and support the foundation. It’s effective, affordable, and highly resistant to water damage.
  • Steel pilings – This method uses ultra-strong, corrosion-resistant steel inserts to bear the weight of the home. It’s a good option for situations in which the underlying soil is weak or prone to erosion.

Most of our foundation repair company services are backed by our exclusive warranty, so you can have peace of mind and full confidence in the results.

Fact Number Three: Proper Drainage Is Essential for a Strong Foundation

In many cases, a sinking foundation is caused not by structural failure but by poor drainage. That’s why we offer drainage system installation alongside our other services.

Depending on your needs, we may recommend one or more of the following solutions:

  • Installing gutter downspout extensions – to carry rainwater away from your foundation.
  • Grading and contouring your land – to ensure proper water flow towards a central collection point, such as a pond, stream, or city sewer system.
  • Installing surface drains – to eliminate swampy conditions and other problems caused by standing water.

Now that you know some basic facts about foundation repair services, we invite you to give us a call to schedule your free inspection and quote. Our Dallas foundation repair service area list is extensive, and we serve the entire DFW region.

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

Watch Out for These 3 Common Myths About Foundation Repair

Correcting problems with your foundation can enhance your property values while giving you peace of mind about your home’s safety and stability. Unfortunately, homeowners sometimes fall prey to rumors, myths, and falsehoods when it comes to this important topic.

Three of the most common misconceptions are that foundation work is either easy, unnecessary, or overpriced. Let’s examine these claims to separate fact from fiction.

Myth #1: Foundation Repair Is a Job for DIYers

Do-it-yourselfers deserve a lot of respect for their energy, initiative, and accomplishments. But some projects are simply too specialized, or too dangerous, for amateurs to tackle. This includes foundation repair.

To see why, consider that the average house has hundreds of separate unique components (lumber, pipes, etc.) held together by more than 12,000 nails. All in all, a modern home can weigh over 80 tons.

Working on a structure with that much complexity and weight should be left to experienced professionals.

So, think twice before you follow the advice of a well-intentioned friend or a stranger on the Internet. When it comes to foundation repair services, leave the work to those with the right training, manpower, and equipment to do the job safely.

Myth #2: Foundation Repair Is Unnecessary

It’s true that homeowners can sometimes get away with tiny cracks in their foundation, as long as they keep an eye on the problem over the years.

But, once those gaps start to expand, it’s time to get in touch with a professional. The same is true of other warning signs like unlevel floors, sticking doors, or warped window frames. By acting right away, you’ll avoid dangerous (and costly) damage to your home later.

Myth #3: Foundation Repair Is Overpriced

If you’re like the average Texan, your home is the biggest investment you’ll ever make. Serious foundation problems can undermine that investment by slashing your property’s value – it’s estimated that foundation issues can reduce the value of your home by 10-15% or more.

One thing that’s true of home foundation repair is that the more you put off rectifying the problem, the more the repair work will cost. Addressing foundation issues early can keep the cost down, and once your repairs are done by a reputable contractor like Align Foundation Repair and backed by a transferable lifetime warranty, your foundation will be good for decades, and you can sell your house with confidence if you choose to put it on the market.

When you consider these benefits, the cost of foundation work becomes quite reasonable. That’s especially true when you work with Align Foundation Repair, where we offer competitive pricing and convenient financing terms.

Taking chances with your home or your family’s safety is never a good idea. Check out our wide range of DFW foundation repair service locations and contact us today for your free estimate on foundation repair in the Plano area. You’ll soon have the facts you need to make an informed decision.

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

7 Questions You Should Ask Your Foundation Repair Company

Here at Align Foundation Repair, we know that your choice of foundation repair contractor matters – for the value of your home and for your peace of mind. If you’re a homeowner, realtor, developer, or investor, here are seven questions you should ask any foundation repair company before entrusting it with your hard-earned money.

Our family-run business provides affordable foundation repair company services backed by an industry-leading warranty. Get in touch with Align Foundation Repair today to schedule a free inspection and estimate, or to have any of your questions answered.

Question One: Is Your Business Insured?

A legitimate DFW foundation repair company will always carry plenty of coverage. Avoid any contractor that answers “no” to this question. Otherwise, you may find yourself on the hook if your home suffers negligent damage.

Question Two: How Long Have You Been in Business?

When your family home is at stake, it always pays to work with an established company. Align Foundation Repair was founded way back in 2010, and we’ve been in continuous operation ever since. We’re widely known and respected throughout Texas.

Question Three: Are You Members of the Better Business Bureau?

BBB membership is an important gauge of a company’s credibility. Align Foundation Repair has been an accredited member of the BBB since 2011. We hold an A+ rating with the agency. You can view our Better Business Bureau profile on their website.

Question Four: What Kind of Soil Does My Property Have?

The type of soil around your home will affect how your contractor will go about repairing your foundation. You should avoid any company that fails to consider this important factor.

Question Five: How Long Will the Project Take to Complete?

In most cases, Align Foundation Repair can finish the job in about three days or less. Once the work is done, the results will last for decades to come.

Question Six: What Will My Home Look like Once the Project Is Complete?

In some cases, foundation repair does require uprooting and relocating plants and shrubs along the perimeter of your home. A reputable contractor will advise you on the impact to your landscape prior to starting.

Question Seven: Will You Test My Plumbing After the Job Is Done?

After the work is finished, your contractor should give you the option of getting a test through a third-party plumber. However, you may also choose to use your own plumber for the testing.

Once you consider these seven questions, we think you’ll agree that Align Foundation Repair is the right contractor to entrust with this important project. We have a wide range of DFW foundation repair company service areas and offer lifetime warranties on our work and exceptional customer service. Get in touch with us today for your free estimate.

/ By Chase Gohl / Foundation Maintenance/ 0 Comments

Avoid These 4 Common Home Foundation Mistakes

As a busy homeowner, keeping tabs on the state of your foundation may not always rank highest on your list of priorities. When it comes to the structural integrity of your home, however, knowing which common oversights to avoid can help protect you from big – and expensive – problems down the road. Based on our decades of experience as a top-rated contractor for foundation repair services in the Plano area, Align Foundation Repair presents four of the most common home foundation mistakes that can put your house at risk.

Mistake #1: Failing to properly water your landscaping

What does landscaping have to do with your foundation?

Quite a bit, actually, especially if you have trees or shrubs growing close to your home. That’s because plants get their water by drawing it out of the nearby soil, making it drier in the process.

Yet your foundation relies on a balance of moisture to remain stable and strong. Dirt that’s bone-dry provides less of this essential support.

Fortunately, there’s a solution to this problem. Simply water your outdoor plants and shrubs on a regular basis. This will help them to stay healthy and beautiful while protecting your foundation as well.

Mistake #2: Renovating your home without checking the foundation first

The average American household spends almost $8000 a year on home improvements of one kind or another. This is great for the economy, of course. But certain types of residential projects can damage your foundation. This is especially true with renovations that add more weight to your home.

That’s why it’s a good idea to have a local foundation repair services company check things out before you start a major home improvement project. Otherwise, the renovation may end up costing you a lot more than you bargained for.

Mistake #3: Leaving erosion problems uncorrected

Gutters and grading are two of the most essential, yet most overlooked, ways to protect your foundation here in North Texas.

This goes back to the point we mentioned earlier about the soil around your home. The less of it there is, the more stress is put on your foundation. And nothing erodes soil faster than swiftly flowing water.

Stagnant water left after a downpour can weaken your foundation as well. For these reasons, we urge all homeowners to keep their property graded and have their gutters cleaned at least twice a year. The money you invest will more than pay for itself in the years to come.

Mistake #4: Ignoring existing foundation problems

When home foundations are in trouble, there are usually many indicators. Some of the most common things to look for are cracks along your home’s perimeter, doors that are hard to open or close, and floors that sag or buckle. If you notice any of these problems, call a qualified DFW foundation repair contractor right away.

Get peace of mind about your home’s foundation

Here at Align Foundation Repair, we help homeowners all across the Dallas-Fort Worth area by providing quality service at a price they can afford. We offer references, and our work is guaranteed. Check our DFW foundation repair locations and call us today for your free, no-obligation quote.

foundation repair waterproofing
/ By Chase Gohl / Foundation Maintenance/ / 0 Comments

How Long Does Foundation Repair Last?

How long can you expect foundation repair to last? The answer to this question depends on many factors, including the type of foundation and the nature of the damage.

The most important factor is whether or not the repair is performed by a qualified foundation repair services company. DIY efforts can quickly fail, while work performed by a qualified professional contractor is designed to go the distance. For peace of mind regarding your investment, choose a repair company that offers a meaningful warranty. At Align Foundation Repair, we provide our customers with an industry-leading Lifetime Transferrable Warranty to back up our work. We give you a:

  • Lifetime Transferable Warranty on concrete and steel piling
  • Limited Lifetime Transferable Warranty on drilled pier construction
  • 5-Year Limited Warranty on spread footing

Our warranties provide repairs, adjustments, and/or replacements at no cost whatsoever to the homeowner and can be transferred to future property owners at little to no cost.

The Two Types of Home Foundations in North Texas

Most home foundations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area fall into one of two types:

  1. Pier + Beam: This design uses a series of horizontal braces, or piers, to support the residence. The home’s perimeter is surrounded by either poured concrete walls or mortared concrete blocks.
  2. Poured slab foundation: The key benefit of this design is its simplicity. The construction company digs a square or rectangular hole in the ground, fills it with concrete, and reinforces it with rebar or post-tension cables. The home sits directly on top.

Both types of foundations are good choices for the hot, dry climate here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. On the other hand, each also has its share of weaknesses. Correcting these problems may require a service call from a foundation repair company.

4 Things That Can Go Wrong with a Pier + Beam Foundation

Common problems with pier foundations include:

  1. Settling: Hastily prepared foundation piers can sink into the ground, throwing the home off level or warping its frame.
  2. Moisture damage: Caused by poor ventilation, rainwater pooling in the crawlspace, or both.
  3. Shifting soil: Any foundation is only as strong as the ground that supports it. Here in Texas, we’re subject to prolonged droughts and torrential rainstorms, both of which can weaken the earth beneath the piers and cause them to collapse.
  4. Structural fatigue: A pier foundation takes a lot of pounding during its lifetime.

One way to repair a pier and beam foundation is to replace the original supports with new, properly installed piers set on modern, wide-profile footings. This method prevents further damage to the home and keeps it safe and level over the long term. Also, replacing damaged wood members can provide long lasting stability.

4 Things That Can Go Wrong with a Poured Slab Foundation

A poured slab foundation may sound like the perfect choice due to its simplicity and inherent strength. But there are four things that can go wrong with this design:

  1. Water damage: Slab foundations sit at ground level, making them vulnerable to flooding and stagnant water.
  2. Cracks and fractures: Sometimes slab foundations are completed in haste using either substandard concrete or inadequate curing times. This can cause stress fractures.
  3. Shifting soil: As with pier foundations, a poured concrete slab is vulnerable to moving earth.
  4. Age: Poured slab foundations have been in wide use across North Texas since the end of World War II more than 75 years ago. Time will eventually cause many of the older ones to fail.

We use a variety of methods to repair a poured slab foundation. One approach is to inject a polyurethane foam into the underlying soil, which raises the slab and levels it out. This solution is considered permanent, since the foam is extremely strong and impervious to rot or decay.

Why DIY Foundation Repair Usually Fails

Lots of home improvement projects are well within the reach of a skilled DIYer. When it comes to foundation repair, however, it’s best to call a Garland, Texas foundation repair company. One reason for this is the fact that modern homes can weigh as much as 160,000 pounds, not including the foundation. Adjusting a building of this size requires industrial-grade materials and a thorough knowledge of structural engineering. Otherwise, you may be faced with burst pipes, electrical fires, or irreparable frame damage.

If you live in Garland or anywhere else in our wide range of DFW foundation repair service locations, call us today for your free inspection and estimate.

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

4 Things to Remember When Fixing a Foundation

Whether you are attempting some minor DIY fixes for the foundation of your home or business (please make sure you have the proper tools and experience!) or are having foundation repair work professionally done, safety and preparation always come first. With that in mind, here are four important things to keep in mind when fixing a foundation. Remember, a foundation repair company serving the Garland area and other communities in Dallas-Fort Worth is always your best bet for fixing serious foundational problems.

Make sure the foundation actually needs repair

Homeowners may think their foundation is in trouble when, in reality, it’s still quite solid.

This usually occurs when someone notices hairline cracks around the home’s perimeter. In many cases, this is due to nothing more than normal foundation settling.

Use the right equipment for the job

Though there is lots of really useful home repair information on the internet, some of the ideas you’ll find online are dubious, if not downright dangerous.

This includes, for example, articles and videos that recommend using a standard automotive bottle jack for raising a building’s foundation. Not only can this put your home at risk, it may also put you in the hospital.

The only safe way to raise a home or large building off the ground is with industrial-capacity hydraulic jacks. If you don’t have access to this kind of equipment, or lots of experience using it, then it’s best to call a qualified foundation repair company in your area.

Don’t forget the landscaping

Trees, shrubs, and flowers add immeasurably to a home’s appeal. But they’re more fragile than you may think. That’s why a professional foundation repair service will typically take the time to remove landscaping features and replant them later.

While you’re going about this task, keep in mind that you may also need to disassemble man-made structures such as decks, porches, and patios.

If in doubt, call the professionals

When it comes to the stability and structural safety of your home or business, there is too much at stake for unnecessary risks. If you have any doubts at all about the safety of your home’s foundation, you have nothing whatsoever to lose by calling in a foundation repair professional to perform a no-cost inspection of your property.

If you live in any of our DFW foundation repair service areas, please call Align Foundation Repair to schedule your free inspection and quote.

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

Five Things You Should Know About Foundation Repair

For homeowners in need of foundation repair advice from trusted experts in the field, Align Foundation Repair has prepared answers to five of the most common questions about this important topic. We hope this information helps you to make an informed decision about your own foundation repair needs.

How can I know when my home needs foundation repair?

Here are five warning signs to look for:

  1. Cracks or gaps in the foundation itself.
  2. Interior doors scraping the floor or being hard to close.
  3. A leaning chimney.
  4. Windows sticking or cracking.
  5. Floors that are no longer level.

Contact a local foundation repair company right away if you notice any of these problems. The sooner you act, the sooner your home will be back to its old self.

What does the foundation repair process involve?

The first step is to verify that a problem actually exists. This calls for a thorough inspection performed by a structural engineer or reputable contractor.

Assuming the foundation is in trouble, most repair techniques use either concrete piers or steel pilings to achieve a long term solution.

This process typically takes no more than a day or two. When it’s all over, you can go about your life as normal, knowing that the problem has been corrected.

How much does foundation repair cost?

Only after evaluating the state of your foundation can a qualified expert at Align Foundation Repair give you an estimate for repair costs. But here are three things to keep in mind:

  1. Our foundation repair services will cost much less than leaving the problem unaddressed: Over time, the damage to your home will grow steadily worse, eventually requiring extensive – and expensive – work throughout your residence.
  2. Financing is available: Through a variety of sources, including home equity loans and credit cards.
  3. Our quotes are always free: There’s absolutely no cost or obligation to find out what’s wrong with your foundation. At the very least, you’ll know exactly what’s going on and what needs to be done.

Should I make any special preparations prior to the repair work?

Before foundation repair work on the home begins, we recommend that our clients take a few simple, basic steps:

  • Remove books and other items from your shelves: You can replace these items as soon as the repair work is over.
  • Take down any pictures or artwork from your walls: Otherwise, they may fall to the floor and suffer damage.
  • Cover your furnishings with blankets or tarps: As a precautionary measure, since sometimes the foundation repair process may stir up a small amount of dust inside the home.

Repairing a bad foundation occasionally requires work inside the residence itself. In such cases we may ask you to temporarily move items such as throw rugs or other objects. This will allow our technicians to complete their tasks without damaging your belongings.

How do I find a foundation repair company I can trust?

How do you find the right foundation repair company serving the Plano area or other communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth region? Here are some key things to look for:

  • A strong track record: For example, our company has been providing quality foundation repair services for over 10 years, a fact that speaks for itself.
  • An ironclad commitment to customer satisfaction: We happily provide references from past and current clients. Their feedback will tell you right away if we’re worthy of your business.
  • A contractor that services your community: We have a wide range of DFW foundation repair service areas across North Texas.

Don’t let foundation problems rob you of your comfort and peace of mind. Call Align Foundation Repair today to schedule your free quote.

bags of money on a balance scale opposite a cardboard representation of a house
/ By Chase Gohl / Home Repair Financing/ / 0 Comments

Will a Bank Finance a House With Foundation Problems?

So you’ve found the perfect fixer-upper house, one which will serve you well either for investment purposes or as a new residence.

There’s only one problem, though: it needs home foundation repair.

Will a bank finance the repair work? Believe it or not, you have financing options that are worth considering. Federal-backed loans can help to turn your distressed home into a residential gem.

Three ways that Uncle Sam can help

The government knows that real estate is a vital part of the American economy. That’s why it’s happy to encourage and support home repair and investment.

The three primary options offered by Uncle Sam are:

  • A Freddie Mac CHOICE Renovation Mortgage: This program is especially aimed at real estate investors. It’s a good option if you’re interested in “flipping” the home. It does require reasonably good credit.
  • A Fannie Mae Home Style Renovation Mortgage: This program’s primary advantage is the flexibility it offers. You can use any qualified contractor you choose, including Align Foundation Repair. You can also use the funds to pay for other related expenses, such as inspection fees and title costs.
  • An FHA 203(k) Loan: This program is designed for homeowners with challenged credit who need help repairing or improving their residence. While it’s easier to qualify for these loans, they do come with higher interest rates than other programs. Still, they offer a far better option than letting your home’s foundation problems grow worse over time.

How to access these programs

Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and FHA loans are provided in partnership with private lenders.

Before applying, you should gather as much information as you can about your personal finances and the home that needs financing for foundation repair. The better organized you are, the quicker and easier the approval process will go.

Align Foundation Repair’s financing option

Another option worth considering is our financing program. It’s specially designed to help residents in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as well as North Texas in general. It offers payments as low as $125 a month and no prepayment penalties. Our customer service experts can give you all the details.

The first step in repairing a bad foundation is to know how much the job will cost. That’s why we invite you to contact us for your free, no-obligation quote.

Having this information on hand will help you to make a fully informed decision. So contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.