Foundation Repair Process

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.

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.

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.

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.

Repairing a damaged home foundation in the Dallas-Fort Worth area requires a little prep work ahead of time. But the benefits you’ll enjoy will make the effort more than worthwhile.

Read on for time-tested foundation repair preparations that will effectively prevent any damage to your home or possessions while work is carried out.

Preparing your home for foundation repair

Steps to prepare your home for foundation repair include:

• Moving objects away from the perimeter of your home: Such as trash cans, ladders, lawn equipment, outdoor ornaments, potted plants, etc.
• Removing fragile items from indoor shelves, walls, and tables: Including picture frames, statuettes, and vases.
• Covering furniture with blankets, drop cloths, or tarps: Otherwise, the repair process may cause a small amount of airborne dust to settle on your furnishings.
• Securing book or knickknack shelves to the surrounding wall: To prevent them from possibly falling over.

Circumstances that might merit special attention

In some cases, the foundation repair process may require a bit more prep work. Examples include:

• When interior underpinnings are needed: In such cases, it might be a good idea to remove rugs or carpeting from the affected rooms.
• When the property contains a hot tub or large deck: It may be necessary to cover or reinforce these items prior to beginning foundation work.
• When plumbing or electric lines run through a concrete slab foundation: We may need to temporarily disconnect or reconfigure these connections.

We’ll perform a thorough inspection of your home to determine if any of these added steps are needed.

Crossing other items off your to-do list

A visit from our foundation repair services technicians is a perfect opportunity to accomplish some of your other home improvement goals, including:

• Redoing your landscaping: Been wanting to give your outdoor flowers or shrubs a dazzling new look? This might be the chance you’ve been waiting for.
• Grading your property: Ensuring a gentle grade away from your home will protect your newly repaired foundation from future damage.
• Renovating a shed or other outbuilding: Thinking of transforming your storage shed into a home office or studio? A visit from our foundation repair company may be the ideal time to turn this dream into a reality.

Call for Dallas-Fort Worth foundation repair

A home foundation is only as good as the ground that supports it. Shifting soil or changes in weather can damage the concrete slab or set of piers that your house rests upon.

When your residence is at risk from a settling foundation, it’s good to know that the North Texas technicians at Align Foundation Repair are here to help. As a top-rated foundation repair company serving Plano and the entire DFW region, we’ll diagnose the cause of the problem and apply the correct solutions.

Homeowners in our Dallas-Fort Worth foundation repair service areas are invited to get in touch with us today to schedule your free consultation and quote.

Some, all or none of these preparations may be needed. Contact Align for specific details for your home.

Repairing a foundation doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process, but it generally will take more than a single day to finish. For a quick answer, foundation repair usually takes about two to three days. However, due to a number of factors and variables, it may be shorter or longer in duration. After an initial evaluation, an inspector can give you an accurate timeline.

Degree of Damage

How badly is the foundation damaged, sinking, or sloping? If the damage is limited to a small crack or settlement of a few inches, then the foundation repair process can be completed in as little as a day.

We recommend that homeowners be pro-active and schedule an inspection if you notice signs of movement. An evaluation can spot early signs of troubles before they evolve and require costlier and more time-consuming repairs.

When Do Projects Take Longer?

Multiple factors can prolong a project. The scope (amount of piers needed) is the main determining factor to length of repair.

Another scenario is a home with heavy foliage. The dense landscape may present obstacles and require a special workaround to ensure disturbance to the area is minimal.

Additional Factors

Other unexpected complications can arise. If it suddenly rains, for instance, that can delay repairs until the weather clears. There have also been instances where we detect signs of a plumbing leak, which was a major contributor to the damage. In this scenario, the plumbing may have to be addressed before we can proceed further.

The same goes if a tree is present. The roots can grow beneath the foundation and may even be a cause of the damage. The roots may force technicians to work around it. If that’s not possible, then root removal may be required, which is a separate process and can add to the timeframe.

These factors can come into play and prolong the foundation repair timeline. However, more often than not, repairs go according to schedule and within the evaluator’s initial estimated duration. We do advise homeowners, though, to prepare for an additional day or two just in case an unexpected scenario comes up.

We Repair Foundations in North Texas

We will make every effort to complete the job in as short a time possible and keep home disruption to a minimum. However, we will absolutely be sure we do the job right. If you reside in the Dallas Fort Worth area, call Align Foundation Repair to schedule an evaluation. Remember, the sooner a problem is detected the better the chance of restoring your foundation quickly and with few if any complications. We can advise you as to the expected foundation repair length when we provide a free evaluation of your home. Call today to schedule an appoint with one of our qualified foundation experts.