/ By Chase Gohl / Home Values/ • / 0 Comments

How Foundation Problems Can Impact Buying or Selling a Home

Are you putting your property in the Dallas-Ft Worth area up for sale? Perhaps you’re a homebuyer and searching for property in the region. In Texas, there is usually a quick closing period of 30 days. A lot has to be squeezed into that short window of time to ensure a smooth closing. This includes inspections of the house’s plumbing, electrical system, and foundation. Foundation problems in DFW are quite commonplace, and existing issues need to be resolved before the closing period.

Foundation Problems for the Seller

Begin with a DIY inspection for signs of damage. Examine your home for the following:

  • Cracks in the walls, ceilings, and house exterior
  • Opening and shutting problems with any of the doors or windows
  • Uneven flooring
  • Soil pulling away from the foundation

If any of the above is present, then you will need to schedule a professional foundation evaluation. If problems are present and require remediation, you can arrange for repairs before selling the home or put the property on the market as is. If you opt for the latter, you will need to make note of the foundation problems in a disclosure form. Keep in mind, you will likely also have to sell at a lower price. If foundation problems are only discovered during the closing process, the buyer may back out, or you will have to enter into last-minute fixing negotiations to decide you will pay to restore the foundation.

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Contact Align Foundation Repair and schedule your evaluation today.

Your real estate agent can consult you on this manner and advise whether it’s more cost-effective to repair the foundation on your own dime or sell the property as is.

Foundation Problems for the Buyer

As the buyer, insist on seeing documents verifying the foundation was inspected by a qualified technician. If no inspection has been done, see if you can agree to an inspection with the seller, perhaps agreeing to split the cost. Align Foundation Repair provides a free and zero-obligation foundation repair estimate.

There is a prevailing belief that buyers should avoid homes with existing foundation issues. However, this is not necessarily the case. Due to an existing problem, you might be able to negotiate a lower price and use some of the saved money to cover the cost of the foundation repair.

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Contact Align Foundation Repair to get repairs on your new home.

Even if existing issues are present, you can still consider the property if it otherwise ticks all the boxes. You may also agree to buy the home at the seller’s asking price on the stipulation that the latter agrees to pay for the foundation repair before the closing date.

Additionally, some buyers will agree to fix the foundation because they already plan to do significant reconstruction or remodeling on the house.

We Work with Sellers, Buyers, and Realtors

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or real estate agent, call Align Foundation Repair for a no-cost home foundation inspection or for DFW foundation repair services.

/ By Chase Gohl / Foundation and Landscaping/ • • / 0 Comments

Tips to Prevent Soil Erosion Around Your Foundation

Even the sturdiest home foundation can be compromised by less-than-optimal soil conditions, which is why soil erosion prevention is so important for homes in North Texas, where rainstorms are very powerful and can erode soil easily. Learn the key steps to home foundation erosion control.

What Causes Soil Erosion?

First, it helps to understand the primary causes behind soil erosion specific to Dallas and surrounding areas. While multiple factors are at work, running water is the leading cause. Even minor flooding can transport the topsoil from one location to another. Similarly, the impact of falling rainwater can cause topsoil to disperse.

Soil erosion creates gaps in the soil, in turn causing the foundation to shift and eventually crack or even split apart completely. In the home, this can create warped or sloped floors and buckling walls.

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Seeing evidence of erosion or foundation damage? Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

Now, let’s examine the steps vital for offsetting soil erosion.

Maintain the Gutter System

Remember, water is the leading cause of soil erosion. Keeping puddling water away from the home is of utmost priority. To prevent water accumulation along the home perimeter, be sure to regularly inspect the gutters. Be sure the downspout is pointed at least five feet away from the house. Also, gutters that are sagging or pulling away from the walls require professional attention. Finally, climb up a ladder and remove physical debris from the gutters at least twice a year.

Install a Ground-Level Drainage System

French drains are one of the most common, though other types include channel and surface drains. A technician will recommend the optimal drainage solution based on the layout of your property. A ground-level drain collects water in a basin and transports it to a more removed location.

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Contact Align Foundation Repair for a recommendation for the best drainage system for you.

Strategic Landscaping

Be mindful of your landscaping, which needs to be about function just as much as visual curb appeal. Keep these pointers in mind:

  • Refrain from planting shrubs or deep-root plants too close to the home. The roots can intrude and disrupt the soil.
  • Consider turfgrass like annual rye, which quickly germinates and helps stabilize the soil. Regardless of the grass type, consider using straw and a seed germination blanket to protect the topsoil.

Examine the Slope

You won’t be able to determine the slope angle with a visual inspection alone. A technician will need to determine your property’s current sloping, if there is any. Ideally, the ground should slope away from the home at a 3% to 5% angle for the first 10 feet.

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Need your slope professionally examined? Contact Align Foundation Repair for a free estimate.

We Provide Anti-Soil Erosion Measures

If you notice water puddling around your home, then some degree of soil erosion is likely taking place. Contact Align Foundation Repair for home foundation repair services. A technician will evaluate the foundation’s condition and recommend prevention measures. Our Dallas home foundation service providers will recommend a tailored solution specific to your home type.

/ By Chase Gohl / Seasonal Foundation Tips/ • / 0 Comments

Why Soil Pulls Away From a Foundation During Summer

The foundation is built on top of the soil. If the soil shifts, the foundation is going to move around. The movement, while subtle and gradual, is enough to cause eventual fractures and splits in the concrete slab. During the summer months, soil pulling away from the foundation is commonplace, especially in the Dallas and Ft Worth region. Why does this happen, and what can homeowners do about it?

What Causes Soil to Pull Away?

Soil pulls away for different reasons. The Dallas region is known for its hot summers. The heat plays a major role. The heat rays cause moisture in the soil to quickly evaporate. When the soil is dry and warm, it contracts and shifts, often moving away from the foundation. This leaves significant gaps between the foundation’s slab and the dirt that borders the home. This leads the foundation to shift, sink, or slope at an uneven angle and eventually crack apart.

Soil pulling away is especially common in Plano and surrounding cities that have heavy clay-based soil that is prone to drying out. Plano home foundation service providers keep these points in mind during residential inspections where soil conditions must also be examined.

Is Soil Pulling Away in Your Home?

Make a habit of performing a visual inspection around the border of your home. Do you see physical gaps and spaces in the dirt? Does the soil appear cracked along these areas? These are signs of soil contracting and pulling away.

What Do You Do?

Since soil pulls away when it dries, prevent it from drying out by watering it. Run a soaker hose around the home for about 20-minutes. Position the hose about 12 to 18-inches from the perimeter of the house. Be sure not to oversaturate the soil; the soil should be moderately moist. If a puddle is beginning to form, then you overdid it.

Run the soaker hose during summer when the weather forecast suggests a hot and dry week ahead.

Call Align Foundation Repair for a Foundation Inspection

While you can see signs of soil pulling away, you may not be able to tell whether foundation damage has occurred as a result. Soil separating from the house over many summers can cause significant damage that warrants a professional inspection. Contact Align Foundation Repair for foundation repair service solutions. We will provide a free estimate and quote.

/ By Chase Gohl / Foundation Maintenance/ / 0 Comments

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.

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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.

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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.

/ By Chase Gohl / Home Repair Financing/ / 0 Comments

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Foundation Repair?

Will your home insurance cover the cost of a foundation repair? We can’t give a simple “yes” or “no” answer because it depends on the specific policy and what it covers. More often, though, the answer is a “no.” Even if it does, it may only cover specific types of damage. Let’s explore this topic in further detail.

What Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover?

When it comes to homeowner’s insurance covering foundation repair, it comes down to the specific policy. As a general rule, most home insurance policies in the North Texas region do not include foundation repair insurance.

Nevertheless, we do suggest that homeowners extensively review their insurance to be certain what is and isn’t covered. A damaged foundation often accompanies other problems in the house, such as cracks and separations in the walls and ceiling. You will want to know whether your insurance covers this type of damage.

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

My Insurance Does Cover Foundation Repairs

Perhaps your policy does include foundation repair. Don’t assume that this means any foundation damage scenario will be covered. As with the rest of the home, the plan may only kick in if the damage meets certain criteria. Examine your policy or ask an agent the following:

  • Does the policy cover cracks in the slab concrete?
  • What foundation repair methods are covered under the policy? Common repair methods include concrete leveling, concrete piling, drilled pier, and spread footing. Know which of these are and aren’t covered.
  • What type of damage has to occur for the policy to go into effect?

It’s especially important that you have a clear answer to the third question. Policies that cover foundation repairs will only do so under specific conditions. Policies typically do not cover damage from acts of nature, such as an earthquake or flood, though you may be able to add those additional coverages with an increase in premiums.

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

We should also point out that homeowner’s insurance doesn’t typically cover damages caused by soil erosion and expansion. This is really important to keep in mind because the North Texas region is notoriously known for heavy sand and loam-based soil that is susceptible to expansion and compaction. When we dispatch a technician to evaluate a residential foundation, we often discover that the damage stems partially or fully from the soil conditions.

We Provide Affordable Foundation Repair

To summarize, most homeowner’s insurance does not cover foundation damage. If your policy does, the damage must meet very specific conditions for the insurance to kick in. This is why we highly suggest homeowners call Align Foundation Repair to schedule routine foundation evaluations. This will prevent a costly foundation repair down the line that your insurance more than likely does not cover. For homeowners insurance foundation repair services in Dallas-Fort Worth, call us today for a free estimate.

Digging for Drainage Repair
/ By Chase Gohl / Foundation Repair Process/ • / 0 Comments

What Foundation Repair Methods Does Align Foundation Repair Use?

No single repair method applies to all foundation situations. At Align Foundation Repair, we only utilize tried and proven procedures effective for dealing with the type of foundation damage that is commonplace in the North Texas region. This includes:

Let’s examine each of these more in-depth and learn when each is needed.

Want to learn more?
Contact Align Foundation Repair at 214-463-2974 or online for a free estimate.

Concrete and Steel Piling

Concrete piling is the most common method used for North Texas residences. The pile is hydraulically driven in place and may be reinforced with steel bars. The piling helps transfer and distribute the weight of the house.

Steel piling is typically reserved for commercial facilities with load requirements that far exceed that of a traditional residential structure. Nevertheless, steel piling can and has been used in a residential capacity. An inspector may also recommend steel piling in lieu of concrete if dealing with less-than-optimal ground/soil conditions.

Drilled Pier

Drilled piers are another one of our mainstay foundation repair solutions. There are fundamental differences between piling and piers. With a pier, a shaft is drilled deep into the soil. Concrete is poured around the shaft. As it cures, it becomes a solid pier that holds the foundation firmly in place. Piers are intended for smaller residential units and don’t possess the weight capacity of piles. Piers are also installed at a shallower depth.

Learn how drilled piers can help your foundation.
Contact Align Foundation Repair at 214-463-2974 or online for a free estimate.

Pier and Beam Repair

In lieu of a conventional slab foundation, some homes consist of a wooden beam that rests on a cement block or pier that lays several feet below the soil. Homes with a crawl space typically have this type of foundation. Align Foundation Repair can perform repairs if either the beam or cement block/pier incurs damage. We employ a method known as spread footing. This is a poured concrete pad installed below the block/pier to provide additional balance and support.

Drainage Systems

This is more of a prevention measure rather than a direct foundation repair method. Puddling water is one of the primary causes of a foundation settling. The water accumulation is the result of an inadequate drainage system. Align Foundation Repair installs new drainage systems or repairs existing ones. We work with French and surface drains, gutter systems, and soil grading for effective irrigation and water flow that direct water away from the home.

Prevent pooling water and get your drainage systems repaired.
Contact Align Foundation Repair at 214-463-2974 or online for a free estimate.

We Provide Foundation Solutions for Texas Residences

There are many effective North Texas structure foundation solutions, but no one-size-fits-all approach. Only an in-person evaluation from a qualified technician can determine the optimal repair approach for your foundation type and incurred damage. Contact Align Foundation Repair today if you spot early warning signs of potential foundation issues.

/ By Chase Gohl / Home Repair Financing/ • / 0 Comments

Will Align Foundation Repair Provide a Foundation Repair Warranty with Services?

A warranty isn’t just insurance; it’s a peace of mind. Align Foundation Repair provides an industry-leading, transferable lifetime warranty because we believe in our workmanship and back it up with a guarantee that ensures you are covered if a foundation issue reoccurs. If any problems occur with the piers we have installed to stabilize your home’s foundation, we will fix the issue at no charge for the life of the home. Our comprehensive lifetime warranty distinguishes us from the other contractors in the North Texas region. Learn more about our home foundation repair warranty and what it covers.

Our Lifetime Warranty at a Glance

Most of our foundation repair and installation services come with a lifetime warranty. If anything goes wrong between the initial service and the rest of the time you live in the home, we will perform prompt repairs at no additional cost to you. There will be no extra expenses related to either the labor or parts.

What exactly does the warranty include? It protects you against the failure of repaired piers installed.

Our lifetime warranty applies to foundation repairs requiring use of piling or piers. For pier and beam repairs (spread footing), the warranty duration is five years. The warranty excludes future unrelated damage, such as that caused by acts of nature.

All warranties from Align Foundation Repair are included with the original service contract. The warranty is not an upsell that we include at an additional fee.

What Factors Void the Warranty?

The warranty does not cover damage caused by:

  • Natural disasters
  • Additions to the property such as swimming pool, trees, etc.
  • Gardening that contributes to soil erosion
  • Natural soil erosion
  • Major home renovations

Excessive moisture is a common cause of foundation problems here in North Texas. Our technician will explain how you can minimize moisture accumulation during a foundation assessment. Failure to follow the recommended course of action can void the warranty should water-related damage occur. Please follow our expert’s advice regarding foundation maintenance, which may include foundation watering, drainage system repair/drainage installation, etc.

Our Warranty Is Transferable

Should you decide to move out of your home, the warranty can be transferred to the next homeowner. This is an appealing selling point for homeowners and their real estate agent. The transfer process is simple and is free of charge if made within 45 days of the property title transfer. After 45 days, there may be a one-time transfer fee.

We Stand Behind Our Workmanship

Our North Texas foundation repair warranty ensures you never pay twice for services that should be done to your satisfaction the first time. We assess residential foundations throughout the North Texas region. The soil conditions of the area often lead to a very specific type of damage that we are well-versed in diagnosing and treating. Give Align Foundation Repair a call if you spot signs hinting at a foundation irregularity. We provide a free estimate if repairs are warranted.

/ By Chase Gohl / Home Repair Financing/ • • / 0 Comments

How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost?

Questions about home foundation repair costs in North Texas? In some ways, it is like asking how much a car costs. So many factors are in play regarding the extent of the damage, the cause of the damage, and the methods needed to repair the foundation. The best we can do is give you a ballpark range, which can be as low as $500 or upwards of $10,000. Most repairs fall somewhere in between. Let’s examine some of the variables that affect the cost.

Pier Count

One repair method includes concrete or steel pier installation that repositions the foundation. The number of piers needed depends on how much of the slab is imported. Most foundation repair services go by the guidelines set forth by the Foundation Performance Association (FPA) for determining the number of piers needed. Pier installation costs around $300 to $800 per pier. For most residential repairs, concrete piers suffice. Concrete is cheaper than steel and usually falls within the lower end of the price range.

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Get steel or concrete pier installation from Align Foundation Repair today.

Some companies may ignore the FPA guidelines and save money by placing fewer piers set further apart. While this may reduce cost in the short-term, in the long-term it can lead to the foundation gradually settling.

Additional Variables

Factors aren’t just limited to the method required. The foundation size matters as well. Bigger homes have a larger foundation encompassing a greater area that needs to be treated. In addition, foundation damage may also damage the floor, walls, and ceiling in the process. These areas must be restored as well.

Homes that sit above a crawl space may also incur additional costs. As a safety precaution, contractors may need to replace the existing wooden beams to ensure a secure operation. Also, if the crawl space is too small for a crew to work out of, additional space may need to be created, which adds to the overall labor and cost.

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Keep your additional costs down by contacting Align Foundation Repair today.

Contact Align Foundation Repair

We suggest calling Align Foundation Repair the minute you notice irregularities in the floor, walls, or ceiling, all of which may point to a compromised foundation. We provide a free foundation repair cost estimate for services requiring concrete lifting or pier installation. Routine inspections will prevent repairs that run in the higher end of the average price range.

/ By Chase Gohl / Foundation Maintenance/ / 0 Comments

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.

214-463-2974
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.

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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.

/ By Chase Gohl / DFW Foundation Tips/ / 0 Comments

Should I Water My Foundation?

Should you regularly water your foundation the way you water plants? Homeowners may wonder if this is an effective strategy for keeping your foundation stable or just a myth. In reality, watering your foundation on a regular basis can have a positive effect, and may contribute to saving you thousands of dollars in foundation repairs down the road.

Why Soil Needs Watering

Though we mention watering the foundation, you are actually watering the soil. Why is this necessary? Think of the soil as a giant sponge; it swells as it absorbs water and shrinks as it dries. The degree of swelling and shrinkage differs depending on the soil type. The North Texas region has a strong concentration of clay, which are highly porous, making the swelling and shrinking very pronounced.

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Align Foundation Repair can counteract the damage caused by DFW soil. Contact us today for a free estimate.

The soil tends to expand at its peak during winter and spring when high humidity and rain is commonplace. The soil dries and shrinks down during the hot summers and subsequent fall. The soil is essentially in a never-ending cycle of expanding and contracting.

What does this mean for your foundation? Since the foundation rests on the soil and beneath it, it will move and shift as the soil undergoes its cycles of moisture absorption and drying out. Over time, this causes the foundation to split and crack; the same can also occur in the walls, floors, and ceilings.

Furthermore, the expansion and contraction may not occur evenly among the soil, causing the foundation to move in multiple directions or excessively slope to one side.

How Watering Prevents Foundation Damage

Watering the soil prevents it from becoming excessively dry, thus avoiding the extreme end of soil contraction. This keeps the contrast between the soil swelling and contracting minimal, thus reducing the chance of foundational shifts. As long as you water the soil evenly, it will help prevent uneven swelling and contracting.

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Are erratic soil conditions damaging your foundation? Contact Align Foundation repair to correct the damage today.

How to Water the Foundation

There are several ways you can water the foundation. One way is to plant leafy shrubs or other plants with non-invasive roots along the home perimeter and keep them watered year-long. Avoid large trees and shrubs, as their roots can consume excessive quantities of water from the soil.

Another approach is to invest in a soaker hose. Turn it on once a day or set it on an automatic timer. If you don’t have a soaker hose or do not wish to plant additional shrubs or greens, then go for the simple manual approach of lightly hosing the soil daily. This is especially beneficial during the dry seasons. Water from the perimeter of the house to about three to four feet out. Be sure to water every part of the perimeter that comes into contact with the soil.

A sprinkler is also a great option for watering the foundation around your home. Ideally, you want to place the sprinkler such that the water lands on the soil that is 10-15 inches away from the foundation, rather than on the foundation itself. If you have a timer, set it to water the area for 15-20 minutes.

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Align Foundation Repair can advise you on the best ways to water your foundation. Contact us today for help.

Don’t Forget to Schedule Routine Inspections

Doing foundation watering is one form of damage prevention but should not be your only one. Regular inspections from our Dallas-Fort Worth foundation repair service are highly recommended. Give us a call today and schedule your home foundation inspection.