Cracks on the white wall blocks. The destruction of the wall. Background texture

Is It Safe to Live in a House With Foundation Problems?

If you live in a home with foundation issues or you’re considering buying one, you may be wondering what to do next. The bottom line is that it’s usually quite safe to live in a home with foundation problems. It usually all boils down to identifying whether your home is experiencing a common, fixable foundation issue, or if it is a more rare case of severe foundation damage that could put your family in harm’s way.

Your Home’s Foundation Is Very Important

There’s no doubt about it: your home’s foundation is very important for several different reasons:

  • It holds up your home’s entire structure, preventing it from sinking into the ground.
  • If it’s insulated, it can help protect your home from extreme temperature changes.
  • It helps keep water and moisture out of your basement

Very Few Homes With Foundation Issues Are in Immediate Danger

Out of all of the homes that have foundation repair issues, very few of them actually have issues severe enough to warrant an immediate evacuation of the premises. Some repair companies will go out of their way to scare the wits out of potential clients when it comes to foundation repair, but we work differently.

At Align Foundation Repair, we recognize that most people are able to continue living in their homes while a full assessment is done. The reason that most people in our area are in no immediate danger when it comes to foundation issues is due to local conditions: Texas soil and Texas weather!

The clay soil and weather that affect most of Central Texas are the key reasons that area homes’ foundations can become damaged. Clay soil expands when it’s wet, and it shrinks when it’s dry. When the soil is extremely wet, it can cause portions of your home’s foundation to rise. When the soil is extremely dry, it can cause your home to sink lower than the level it was originally set at. Weather in the Dallas-Fort Worth area changes at the drop of a hat, making it more likely for these types of foundation issues to show up.

Reasons You’ll Eventually Want to Take Care of Foundation Issues

While the likelihood of your home collapsing in on itself due to foundation issues is pretty small, there are reasons that you’ll eventually want to get it repaired.

  • Banks are often reluctant to provide financing to potential homebuyers if there are foundation issues with the homes they’re planning on purchasing, limiting your pool of available buyers if you want to sell.
  • The cosmetic and functional issues that come from foundation issues, including uneven floors, growing cracks in the wall, doors and windows that are jammed or can’t close properly, and mold and moisture issues, will only get worse over time, leading to more expensive foundation repair

If you live in our broad Richardson foundation repair service area, contact Align Foundation Repair with any questions about the type of foundation damage you’re seeing in your home. We’d love to help, and offer free inspections and price quotes, as well as warranty-backed repair work.

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.

Downspout drainage pipe dripping of rain water

How Does Drainage Affect Your Home Foundation in Richardson, TX?

Good drainage allows rainwater to flow away from your home, preventing erosion and other problems. Poor drainage keeps it trapped against your foundation, where it can cause serious and expensive damage.

If you’re worried that the soil around your home isn’t draining properly, we invite you to get in touch with Align Foundation Repair. Quick action can stop the situation from getting worse. We will provide a prompt, professional, and FREE inspection, identify any problems and offer cost-efficient solutions along with a price quote. Reach out about our affordable foundation repair services today!

Improve your drainage with Align Foundation Repair today.
Contact Align Foundation Repair at 214-463-2974 or online for a free estimate.

How Poor Drainage Can Make Richardson Foundation Repair Necessary

Moisture is one of your home’s worst enemies. That’s why homebuilders work hard to ensure proper drainage around every house they complete.

This includes adding a mild slant, or grade, to the surrounding land. It causes rain to wash away from your foundation and into a sewer, pond, or other collection point. The construction company may also install French drains or other preventative measures.

But a number of factors can cause poor drainage and lead to foundation damage. Examples include:

  • Erosion due to flowing rainwater.
  • Changes to your landscaping – placing trees, plants, and shrubs around your home can enhance its beauty. But it can alter the slope around your house as well.
  • Expansion and contraction – wet soil becomes water-logged and is unable to absorb more rain. Dry soil can leave a gap between your foundation and the surrounding land, weakening your home’s supports.
Don’t settle for poor drainage.
Contact Align Foundation Repair at 214-463-2974 or online for a free estimate.

Can You Prevent the Need for Foundation Repair in Richardson?

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your foundation right now, such as these:

  • Make sure your gutters and drains are in good shape – keep them free of leaves and other foreign matter and check them for clogs and damage several times a year.
  • Consult with a professional landscaper before planting – he or she may recommend placing trees or shrubs a minimum distance from your foundation to prevent potential problems.
  • Keep an eye on your foundation during rain storms – to see if water flows away from it or pools around the perimeter.

What to Do When You Need Foundation Repair in Richardson Texas

Sometimes foundation damage is too advanced for preventative measures alone. When that happens, it’s time to call us. Here’s how we can help:

  • By performing a free, comprehensive inspection of your foundation – we’ll let you know right away if it’s in trouble and, if so, what we can do to correct the problem.
  • By giving your home the support it needs – this is usually done by inserting concrete and steel pilings deep in the bedrock beneath your home and connecting them to your foundation. Not only will this arrest the problem, often it can actually reverse it.
  • By addressing the root cause – we can refer you to skilled landscapers who will restore the proper grade to your yard. We may also suggest other solutions, such as French drains.

Our crews cover a wide Richardson foundation repair service area, including Dallas-Fort Worth. Our company is a highly respected member of the local business community and we’re happy to provide references from past clients. Contact our office today to put your drainage problems in the past.