How to Use a Soaker Hose to Water Your Foundation

Using a soaker hose around your foundation is a smart way to safeguard it from the fierce heat of a Texas summer. Without this protection, your foundation can suffer extensive damage that spreads throughout your entire home.

To get the most benefit from your soaker hose, it’s a good idea to follow the tips we’ll outline below. If you’re concerned about the stability of your home’s foundation, please reach out to learn more about our warranty-backed Richardson-area foundation repair services and to schedule a free inspection.

Why dry soil is dangerous for your foundation

Dry soil is one of the worst threats that your home’s foundation can face. Here’s why:

  • When soil dries out, it shrinks away from your home: this will cause the foundation to expand outward, creating micro-fractures that get worse over time.
  • Dry soil will break apart and wash away the moment a good rain comes along: this will create gullies around your foundation that further weaken its support.
  • This combination of expansion and erosion will eventually move the foundation itself out of place: if that happens, then you’re looking at a big repair bill or even worse.

Soaker hose to the rescue

Luckily, there’s an easy way to help prevent these problems. Just use a soaker hose and follow these directions:

  • Make sure the hose is approximately 20 inches away from the foundation – placing it closer may over-saturate the soil and promote erosion. Putting it further away will keep the water from reaching the dirt next to your home.
  • Use the hose 3 to 5 times a week for about 15 to 20 minutes each time – you may need to adjust this schedule if the summer is unusually hot or dry. An automatic timer can really come in handy here.
  • Check the soil’s moisture level from time to time – you want to make sure that it’s moist but not muddy. If you notice pools forming on the soil’s surface, then try cutting back on the water pressure a bit.
  • Avoid connecting multiple soaker hoses, especially if the total length exceeds 50 feet – this can cause the water pressure to drop, robbing the soil of the moisture it needs. It’s better to install additional spigots around your home’s perimeter. That way, you can attach separate soaker hoses as needed.

Call for foundation repair Richardson TX locals depend on

Even the best-maintained home may eventually need foundation repair. That’s why you should give us a call if you notice problems like sticking windows, cracked drywall, or floors that are no longer level.

Our Richardson foundation repair service area includes all of the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Contact us today to schedule a visit from one of our technicians for a no-cost inspection and price quote. Remember, we lead the pack when it comes to foundation repair in Richardson, Texas.

Springtime Foundation Maintenance Tips

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

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

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

Check Your Gutters

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

Visual Inspection of Concrete Around the House

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

Look for Plumbing Leaks

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

Examine Your Roof

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

Improve Soil Structure Around the Home

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

Foundation Repair Richardson TX

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

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

Home inspector checking if home needs foundation repair

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.

Home foundation repair inspection contractor

3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Foundation Inspection

Checking your foundation may not necessarily be the first thing you think about when maintaining your home, but it’s an essential item on the checklist if you want to maintain your home’s integrity and avoid severe, costly damage.

Scheduling regular foundation inspections or reaching out to a professional at the first sign of damage for foundation repair services can help you identify and correct issues early before they become much larger problems for your home.

If you haven’t scheduled an appointment with foundation repair contractors in Richardson, TX yet, here are three reasons why you should:

#1 – Keep your family safe

An unstable foundation can be harmful to anyone living in the home. If the soil underneath your foundation has shifted or settled, then your home is no longer sitting on a secure and firm base. This can compromise the structural integrity of your home, which can impact your family’s safety. A foundation inspection can identify the extent of the issues and determine the best approach for fixing any problems. We specialize in Richardson foundation repair. We can identify what needs to be fixed so you and your family can continue to feel safe and secure in your home.

#2 – Preventing further damage

Being proactive and looking for any cracks or damage that may result from foundation issues can help prevent further damage. Small cracks can signify a minor problem with your foundation, or they could be the beginning of a more significant issue. At Align Foundation Repair, we can help resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Being proactive and detecting problems early can help to save you money in the long run by preventing more extensive damage that can occur if left untreated.

#3 – To help you make a sound investment

When buying a home, it’s vital to organize a foundation inspection as part of your due diligence. This can help identify if the house has any foundation issues that could end up costing you thousands. An inspection will enable you to determine the extent of any problems and whether it’s worthwhile to proceed with the purchase. As part of the inspection, we can detail the costs associated with foundation repair in Richardson, TX, so you can determine if you want to move ahead with the sale or amend your offer

When to arrange an inspection

An inspection is a good idea if you notice any of the following signs of foundation damage to your property.

  • Large cracks on your wall (usually about ⅛ inch or more)
  • Unevenness, sloping, or other changes to your floor
  • Doors or windows getting stuck or not closing properly
  • Neighboring homes are experiencing foundation problems

You should also consider scheduling an inspection if:

  • You haven’t yet had your foundation checked by a professional
  • You’re buying or selling your home

Who to contact for foundation repair, Richardson, TX

Align Foundation Repair is a family-owned business that proudly provides Richardson foundation repair services. In addition to the Richardson foundation repair service area, we also service the entire Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Give yourself the gift of peace of mind and contact our team today to schedule your free inspection and quote.

Home foundation repair inspection contractor

How Often Should I Have an Inspection Performed on My Home Foundation?

You should have your foundation inspected whenever you notice problems such as gaps, unlevel floors, or doors that no longer fit their frame. Ignoring these warning signs will put your home at serious risk of instability and damage over time.

Signs That Your Home Needs a Foundation Inspection

Over time even the best-built foundations can begin to fail. When they do, it’s common to see warning signs like these:

  • Cracks or gaps in the foundation wall – while tiny vertical cracks may be nothing to worry about, horizontal or diagonal gaps are serious cause for concern.
  • Spaces between walls and the ceiling or floor – this is often a sign that the foundation is sinking or starting to come apart.
  • Doors or windows that are hard to open or close – especially if they no longer fit easily into the surrounding frame. Cracked window panes are another potential sign of foundation damage.
  • A musty or moldy odor – a failing foundation can allow water to enter the crawl space beneath your home, creating unpleasant smells and promoting the spread of disease-causing germs.
  • Floors that are no longer level – sometimes this issue is a result of normal settling. Other times, however, a damaged foundation is at fault.

Schedule a professional foundation inspection right away if you notice any of these problems. The consequences of ignoring them are too great to risk.

Foundation Inspection Dallas

Here’s what you can expect when you contact our office:

  • A convenient appointment set by one of our customer service experts – we know that homeowners are busy people with lots of demands on their time. We’re happy to work around your schedule.
  • A thorough inspection of your home’s foundation – our experts know how to spot serious problems that require immediate attention.
  • A free, no-obligation estimate – at the end of our visit, you’ll know exactly what’s going on with your foundation, giving you the facts you need to make an informed decision.

Here are some of the ways we repair damaged foundations:

  • By installing steel supports in the bedrock beneath the home – we connect these components to the foundation itself, greatly increasing its strength and putting the home back on a level footing.
  • By repairing and/or replacing the existing piers in your crawlspace – pier and beam foundations are a common form of construction here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Over time the piers can begin to bow or collapse, requiring attention from a skilled DFW foundation repair company.
  • By correcting the cause of the problem itself – for example, foundation damage is often caused by rainwater flowing into the crawlspace. If this is the situation with your home, then we may install a sump pump or French drain system to prevent the trouble from recurring.

DFW Foundation Repair Company

The sooner you act, the sooner your foundation worries will be in the past. At Align Foundation Repair, we lead the Dallas-Fort Worth area when it comes to foundation repair services.

Contact us today to schedule your free inspection.

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

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.

How to Inspect Your Foundation During COVID-19

Even if many Americans are staying home due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they can still remain proactive and perform a DFW home foundation checkup. This is actually easier than it sounds. Below, we explain how it’s done.

1. Inspect the Home Exterior

Perform a 360-degree walkaround of your house. Look closely for cracks in the concrete. Make a note of any cracks greater than a fourth of an inch. Also, examine the brick veneer for cracks and separations.

2. Inspect the Home Interior

Foundation damage doesn’t just affect the home exterior; damage will be visible in the interior as well. Perform a close visual inspection of the walls and ceiling, especially at the intersections where they come together. Are there cracks, bulges, or separation at these intersections? Do the same for the intersections where the floor and walls meet. If the damage is severe in this area, you will notice the floor is not perfectly level. You will feel slightly uneven or off-balance when you stand completely straight even if the sloping is relatively minor.

Seeing signs of trouble in your foundation? Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

3. Examine the Windows and Doors

Fully open and shut every window and door; this includes glass sliding doors and closet doors. Do any of them have trouble completely closing or opening? Do the windows or doors partially jam or require more muscle than normal to get it to move? If these problems are present and everything appears fine with the hinges and latches, then the problem may stem from the frame shifting due to movements in the foundation.

4. Examine the Pipes

One may think a leaky pipe is a separate and unrelated issue; this could very well be. However, a burst pipe may also be due to foundation movement. A plumber can examine the source and determine whether a leak is an isolated problem or tied to a bigger problem (i.e., a shifting foundation).

Don’t let leaky pipes go. Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

Now Is a Time for a Professional Inspection

The state has designated foundation services as an essential business. As such, Align Foundation Repair remains open while strict quarantine measures are in place. If a self-foundation inspection in the DFW area yields problems, then the next step is to give us a call. Your health is our priority, and we strictly enforce all safety measures during a residential inspection. This includes disinfecting all equipment and keeping a respectable distance from our customers. While we may not be able to greet you with a handshake, we will certainly welcome you with a smile!

Do New Construction Homes Need Foundation Maintenance?

One of the perks of moving into a newly constructed home is that everything is, well, brand new. Often, this entails little to no maintenance on components like the windows, doors, cabinetry, built-in appliances, etc. Can the same be said of the foundation, which is also new? Despite the concrete slab being recently poured in and cured, it still requires maintenance. Find out why you shouldn’t ignore a foundation inspection even in a recently-built property.

Why New Foundations Still Require Maintenance

As the owner of a new home, you may think foundation maintenance is something you don’t have to worry about for another 20 years. Unfortunately, this mindset is only inviting trouble down the line. The North Texas region is especially notable for having heavy clay-based soil. Anyone in the agriculture industry can tell you that this soil type is notorious for absorbing moisture and subsequently drying out. This leads to an endless cycle of soil shrinkage and expansion. As the soil shifts, so does the foundation that rests above the soil. This can cause even relatively new foundations to begin cracking or coming apart. This is precisely why new construction home foundation maintenance is required even in the first year of residence.

Align Foundation Repair can provide all the maintenance you need. Contact us today.

How to Maintain a Foundation

Be proactive with these measures starting from the time you move into the home:

  • Periodically walk around the house (both inside and outside) and visually check for cracks along the walls, floors, and ceiling. When outside, look for signs of the soil pulling away from the home.
  • In the summer or when there is a drought, use a soaker hose to water the soil that borders the home.
  • Monitor the drainage system. Though likely also brand new, it can still become clogged after a heavy rain spell. The same goes for the gutter and downspout.
  • Refrain from planting shrubs or deep-root plants too close to the home. The roots can extend below the foundation and disrupt the soil. The same goes for trees. If planting a sapling, keep it a minimum 20-feet away from the house.

Keep in mind that some level of settling is going to occur; that’s natural and no cause for alarm. However, homeowners should take an active role to keep the settling to a minimum, especially given the region’s expansive soil.

Contact Align Foundation Repair to address your settling foundation before it becomes a problem.

Don’t Forget the Professional Inspection

The above measures are a great way to keep tabs on the state of your foundation, but they are no substitute for a visual assessment from a trained technician. Make sure that one of your new home foundation maintenance tasks is getting a yearly inspection from a professional. Our Dallas County foundation service area covers the city and surrounding regions. Give Align Foundation Repair a call today.

How Can I Maintain My Foundation?

Homeowners can take proactive steps to help maintain the stability of their home foundation:

  • Monitor splits in the walls and ceilings
  • Inspect home exterior for cracks
  • Check crawlspaces for moisture, mildew, and rot
  • Schedule routine inspections for plumbing leaks and sprinkler leaks
  • Keep soil around the home from becoming too dry or wet

Follow these foundation maintenance tips to offset preventable damage.

Inspect, Inspect, and Inspect Some More

The foundation is out of sight, so you cannot perform a direct visual inspection. However, other signs alert you to possible damage. This includes cracks and splits in the walls and ceilings. When the foundation is compromised, the concrete slabs begin shifting, which in turn causes the walls and ceilings to do the same and come apart.

Perform a visual inspection by walking around the home exterior to spot for cracks. If you have a crawlspace, inspect the area for excessive moisture, mildew, and rotting wood. If any of these signs are present, call Align Foundation Repair right away.

If your foundation is showing signs of damage, contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

Schedule Routine Plumbing Inspections

It may not occur to homeowners to think about the connection between the foundation and plumbing. The foundation, though, is at risk if there is a plumbing leak. If an underground pipe bursts, the leaking water can damage the concrete.

Aside from a plumbing checkup, also check for leaks in the sprinkler system and even the septic system if the home is not connected to a municipal sewer line.

Regulate Outdoor Moisture Levels

Most areas in the North Texas region contain heavy sand and loam-based soil. These sediments are prone to water retention. When soil consistently fluctuates between high and low moisture content, it expands and contracts, causing the foundation to shift.

A key for proper foundation maintenance is to keep the perimeter of your home from becoming too wet or dry. Water the soil around the foundation during the warmer months using an automatic lawn sprinkler or soaker hose. In conjunction, you can also install rock beds about two feet away from the foundation to allow moisture to penetrate the soil and prevent it from drying out.

Moisture levels out of hand? Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

We Maintain Texas Home Foundations

While there are many effective preventative measures that homeowners can take to protect their foundation, a professional evaluation is required to know the true state of your home’s foundation. For exemplary North Texas foundation repair and maintenance service, give Align Foundation Repair a call today.