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

Can You Live in a House During Foundation Repair?

Many homeowners want to know if they can remain inside their homes throughout the duration of their foundation repair. The answer is “yes.” You can stay inside your home during a foundation repair; no need to check your family into a hotel or stay with relatives. When you learn what the foundation repair process entails, you’ll see why vacating your home is unnecessary.

The Repair Process & How it Impacts Your Home Routines

Typically, most home foundations can be corrected and leveled back into position by installing piers. This also stabilizes the concrete slab and prevents future movement caused by shifting soil.

Contrary to belief, the process does not tear up your entire yard and leave piles of dirt all over the landscape. The process typically can be completed in a single day, though it could take longer depending on the severity of the damage. Disruption to your at-home routines during repairs is minimal.

Once pier installation is complete, the holes are back-filled, and we use any excess soil left over to correct any drainage issues that may arise. If that’s not necessary, then we just haul away the debris. We leave none of the mess behind, so no need to hire a separate disposal crew.

214-463-2974
Align Foundation Repair can fix your foundation with minimal disruption. Contact us for a free estimate.

Leaving the Home During Foundation Repairs

While it’s perfectly acceptable to remain inside your home, some homeowners nevertheless choose to vacate while repairs are in progress. Regardless of whether you choose to stay or leave, we recommend giving your neighbors a courtesy notice that there may be some noise and vibrations from industrial machinery.

If you typically work from home, it may be worth considering whether or not the loud noises will negatively impact your focus.  If loud noises would negatively impact you, then that is a reason to consider leaving for the day to work elsewhere.

If for whatever reason, we feel it is unadvisable for you to stay in your home, we will let you know before beginning repairs.

We Repair Your Foundation Without Home Disruption

Call Align Foundation Repair if you suspect foundation damage. A technician will need to assess the concrete slab and soil conditions to determine the appropriate action to take. In most scenarios, it’s perfectly acceptable to stay in your home while repair is underway. Our Garland foundation service area covers the city and surrounding regions.

/ By adminrm / Foundation Maintenance/ • • / 0 Comments

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.

Downspout drainage pipe dripping of rain water
/ By adminrm / Seasonal Foundation Tips/ • • / 0 Comments

3 Tips to Prevent Foundation Damage During Wet, Rainy Months

The spring season is typically known for rainy weather, which can pose a threat to the stability of your home’s foundation. Moisture from wet weather can infiltrate through cracks and crevices in the concrete, damaging the foundation and creating conditions for instability over time. Thankfully, there are a number of time-tested preventative measures to keep your home’s foundation protected against water damage, including drainage systems and gutter cleaning.

If you have noticed signs of foundation damage to your home, we invite you to contact Align Foundation Repair today for a free professional inspection. Our foundation repair services experts will comprehensively evaluate your foundation and give you a complete picture of the current state of your home’s underlying structure – all at no-cost to you. We offer free estimates in our Dallas-Fort Worth and Richardson foundation repair service area.

Here are three helpful tips to keep your home’s foundation safe from harm during the rainy season.

3 Ways to Prevent Heavy Rain Damage to Your Foundation

Installing a Good Drainage System

Installing a good drainage system is a key step toward protecting your foundation from rain damage.

  • Ensure that the soil around your home is graded away from the house’s foundation. This will help prevent moisture from collecting under the house.
  • Install a French drain system around the perimeter of your house. This will relieve runoff and allow water levels in your yard not to exceed capacity during heavy rains.

Call us today for foundation repair Richardson TX homeowners know will get done right the first time. Get your complimentary foundation inspection in the Richardson area. We offer top-tier repair or replacement work with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.

Ensure the Gutters are Working Properly

Clean gutters are vital in making sure your foundation drains properly.

  • Clear the gutters of leaves and debris regularly.
  • Make sure to flush the downspouts.
  • Clear your gutters before winter to prevent ice dams.

Avoid Ponding Water

  • Manage puddles by redirecting water through a grate drain.
  • Buy extra-long downpipes if needed to release water at a greater distance from your home’s foundation.

Premium Richardson Foundation Repair Services

Searching for the best foundation repair contractors Richardson TX has to offer? Align Foundation Repair fits the bill, with a long track record of reliable work and total customer satisfaction, backed up by industry-leading guarantees. Get in touch today to ask about our affordable premium services and to schedule your free Richardson foundation inspection and repair estimate!

Cleaning gutters during the summer time.
/ By adminrm / Seasonal Foundation Tips/ • • • / 0 Comments

Spring Home Improvement Checks That Will Benefit Your Foundation

Spring is the perfect season for home improvement projects. The days are longer, the temperatures are warming up, and it’s a great time to get outdoors and tackle those much-needed chores around the house. This checklist will help keep your property in tip-top shape while also benefitting your foundation.

Spring Home Improvement Projects to Preserve Your Foundation

If you notice exterior cracks, foundation settling, or doors that won’t open or close properly during your Spring overhaul, call Align Foundation Repair for all of your Richardson foundation repair needs. Our professional contractors can determine what measures are necessary – if any – and recommend foundation repair services that will work within your budget.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters and downspouts play a vital role in keeping water damage and leaks at bay. For this reason, a thorough gutter examination and cleaning should be performed every spring. Remove fallen leaves, branches, and debris to ensure that water is draining away from your home’s foundation. Pooling water near the foundation can lead to extensive damage over time, causing the home to sink and settle.

Test the Irrigation System

Sprinklers have a definite lifespan, so it’s worth checking each unit to ensure it’s working properly when spring rolls around. Look for cracked or broken heads, and also directional sprays. Run each irrigation zone separately, and walk the garden to look for problems. Adjust sprinklers that are spraying the side of the house or patio, as this can create moisture problems in the foundation, and also waste water.

Check Exterior Walls

Number three on your spring home improvement checklist is inspecting exterior walls. Look for mildew, pest damage, and cracks. Cracks found in walls over windows and doorways could indicate that the house is settling more dramatically than normal. While it’s not cause for panic, it’s best to address problems promptly before they get any worse, and more expensive to fix.

Look for Foundation Cracks

While it’s perfectly normal for foundations to settle and develop tiny fissures in the early years following construction, larger gaps and cracks can be cause for concern. Foundation damage can be caused by poor drainage, as well as weather and soil conditions. If you suspect warning signs of structural damage, always get a professional opinion.

Expert Foundation Repair Richardson TX

These tips can help prepare your home for the coming season, and potentially ward off problems that could undermine the integrity of your foundation. If you’re looking for foundation repair contractors Richardson TX property owners rely on, you’ve come to the right place.

Schedule a free estimate today anywhere in our Richardson foundation repair service area. Align Foundation Repair is dedicated to providing our customers the highest quality service, and our work is backed by an industry-leading warranty.

/ By adminrm / Seasonal Foundation Tips/ • • • / 0 Comments

Heavy Spring Rain and How It Affects Your Foundation

Spring downpours can wreak havoc on your outdoor plans, but did you know that heavy rain can even cause damage to your foundation? While moderate showers pose little cause for concern, extended periods of intense rainfall can be problematic in terms of structural integrity.

Foundation problems are more likely if your home has improper drainage, or was built on expansive soil. For over two decades, Align Foundation Repair has helped home and business owners in Richardson, Texas, and the surrounding region resolve issues brought on by springtime precipitation.

When it comes to your home’s foundation, you can’t be too cautious or prepared. Understand the effects of heavy rainfall, and call us for all of your Richardson foundation repair needs.

Extended rainfall and poor drainage

Water should always have ways to channel away from your foundation. As part of your annual spring cleaning, make sure your downspouts and gutters are clear of debris and directing water away from your slab or pier and beam foundation. Areas of standing water near the foundation should be addressed promptly to avoid more expensive and labor-intensive repairs later on.

Expansive soil and heavy showers

As rainwater seeps into the ground, soil naturally expands. The area’s clay-laden soil drains very slowly, and that can also spell trouble for foundations. When the soil is completely saturated for days on end, this puts immense pressure on the foundation, which can crack or heave.

Watch out for small foundation cracks

Tiny, hairline cracks in poured concrete foundations are common. But if you notice cracks larger than an eighth of an inch after substantial rains, this could be indicative of a larger problem. Foundation cracks can signal that the soil is expanding and putting pressure underneath the foundation, and may eventually provide entry points for groundwater leakage.

Signs of a sinking foundation

Although rare in homes with good drainage, periods of heavy rain can cause drastic foundation settlement. Be alert for possible signs that your foundation is sinking:

  • Musty odors, dampness in basement walls
  • Bowed walls
  • Fissures in and around doors and windows
  • Cracks in concrete floor
  • Doors that stick
  • Leaning chimney
  • Major cracks in bricks and masonry

Whether you need to identify potential foundation problems in a single-family home or a commercial building this spring, Align Foundation Repair has the skillset and experience to get the job done right. Our team provides foundation repair services that are effective, reasonably priced, and backed by guarantee.

Foundation Repair Richardson TX homeowners trust

Being prepared is half the battle when bad weather sets in. If you’re noticing some signs of foundational damage, time is of the essence. Our professionals can address the underlying problems and help keep your property safe.

Choose foundation repair contractors Richardson TX homeowners know they can depend on. Give us a call to schedule an inspection anywhere in our Richardson foundation repair service area. Schedule your free inspection and estimate today!

/ By adminrm / Seasonal Foundation Tips/ • / 0 Comments

Can You Repair Your Foundation During the Wet Spring Season?

Yes, it is possible to perform many types of foundation repair during the wet spring season. While in some cases heavy downpours or serious storms might cause slight delays in foundation repair work as the contractors wait out the bad weather, for the most part, the experienced pros at Align Foundation Repair can use a variety of techniques – such as temporary enclosures and plastic sheeting to keep the site dry, as well as the use of special waterproof materials – to keep things on schedule and make sure your repairs are done in an effective and timely manner, no matter what Mother Nature throws at us.

In fact, having your foundation inspected in the spring can save you from costly repairs down the road. Identifying and fixing problems now can protect your home from further water damage caused by rain and unstable wet soil. This is especially true if the problems are located in your crawlspace or along your foundation’s interior walls.

Here at Align Foundation Repair, we have more than 20 years of experience with Richardson foundation repair. We use the latest tools and techniques to diagnose the problem and apply the correct solution.

Our rates are fair, our work is guaranteed, and we work in all types of weather. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free inspection from one of our experts.

The Link Between Wet Weather and Foundation Problems

Your foundation is under year-round assault from all types of weather, like sweltering summer days and frigid winter nights. But heavy rains pose a special threat to its structural integrity. Here’s why:

  • Soil expands as it becomes saturated, applying enormous compressive force against your foundation – this is similar in principle to what will happen if you squeeze an egg between your fingers. It will crack and crumble.
  • Rainwater may find its way into your crawlspace, where it can weaken the cement that holds your foundation together – it can also lead to other issues, as we’ll discuss in a bit.
  • Rainwater can even wash away the soil upon which your foundation rests – this can create a wide range of problems, from unlevel floors to dangerous sinkholes.

Not All Foundation Problems Are Obvious From the Outside

It’s important to check the outside of your foundation for cracks and other problems. Sometimes it’s also necessary to crawl under the home and inspect the interior as well.

However, a contaminated crawlspace can be a dangerous, germ-filled environment. That’s why it’s best to let an expert in foundation repair tackle this job. Our technicians use the proper equipment and safeguards to protect their health and well-being – and yours.

Here’s what they may find during their inspection:

  • Interior cracks and stress lines that are invisible from the outside – spring is a great time to check for these problems, before the long summer months cause them to expand and get worse.
  • Mold and mildew – which can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
  • Rats, insects, and other vermin – these pests can destroy insulation, chew away at electrical wires, and plant their feces in your HVAC system. Eventually they may find their way into the home itself, posing a direct threat to you and your loved ones.

The only way to correct these problems is with professional foundation repair services. Putting off this essential service will only cause more problems down the road.

Foundation Repair Contractors Richardson TX

For foundation repair Richardson TX locals can count on, choose Align Foundation Repair. We have been a respected part of the local business community for more than two decades. 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 clients.

If you live within our broad Richardson foundation repair service area,

contact us today to schedule your free inspection and estimate. You’ll soon have all the facts you need about the state of your foundation to decide on next steps.

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.

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.