/ 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!

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!

Tree root and green grass
/ By adminrm / Foundation and Landscaping/ • • • / 0 Comments

Tips to Help Prevent Root-Related Foundation Damage

Tree and shrub roots can spread throughout your foundation, weakening its structure and causing it to fail. Roots can also drain the soil of needed moisture, causing the earth itself to move your foundation out of place. These problems can reveal themselves as unlevel floors, doors or windows that stick, or an unpleasant musty odor throughout your home.

There are several ways to help protect your foundation from root-related problems. But sometimes the harm has already occurred. If this sounds like your situation, then we urge you to get in touch with us here at Align Foundation Repair and schedule a free inspection from our knowledgeable and experienced professional contractors. Acting sooner rather than later is important, as foundation damage will worsen over time and if left unchecked can be more expensive to repair down the road.

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Root Damage to Your Home

There are a number of time-tested ways to prevent tree and shrub roots from damaging your foundation. These include:

  • Choosing your trees and shrubs with care – in general, it’s better to choose slow-growing plants with minimal water needs. Your local landscaper can provide useful information.
  • Allowing adequate space between your foundation and your trees or shrubs – for example, hardwood trees should be planted at least 20 feet from your home. Again, your local landscaper or garden center provide advice on specific plants.
  • Installing a root barrier – this is a flexible shield constructed from polyethylene (HDPE) that encircles the perimeter of a tree or shrub. When buried or driven into the ground, it directs roots downward and away from your residence.

How Roots Can Make Foundation Repair in Richardson TX Necessary

Here are three ways that tree and shrub roots can pose a threat to your home’s foundation:

  1. By drying out the earth around your home – trees and shrubs use a lot of water. For example, a mature oak tree can require 50 gallons of water a day or more to stay healthy. By drawing this moisture from the soil around your house, they can cause the foundation to expand and eventually crack.
  2. By shifting the soil – tree and shrub roots can also change the distribution of dirt around your home, causing your foundation to either heave upward or sink deeper into the ground.
  3. By digging into the foundation itself – you can think of tree and shrub roots as subterranean spear points that are constantly probing your foundation for weaknesses. Eventually, they will find their way into existing cracks or create new ones altogether, spreading weakness throughout the entire structure.

Foundation Repair Contractors Richardson Texas

If your home is experiencing structural problems, here’s how our foundation repair contractors in Richardson, TX, can help:

  • By getting to the “root” of the problem – we’ll use our decades of training and experience to find out exactly what’s going on with your foundation.
  • By providing a no-obligation quote for your consideration – so you’ll have the facts you need to decide if you want to proceed with repair work.
  • By helping you to explore financing options – we’ll do everything possible to make your Richardson foundation repair affordable.
  • By backing our work with our ironclad guarantee – giving you the peace of mind you need to relax and focus on other priorities.

For foundation repair Richardson TX homeowners can depend on, choose the experienced professionals at Align Foundation Repair. Getting in touch with us now will help you to avoid expensive and stressful problems later. If you live in our Richardson foundation repair service area, give us a call or reach out to us online today.

Crack in a cinder block building foundation
/ By adminrm / Richardson Foundation Tips/ • • / 0 Comments

When a Foundation Crack Means You Have Foundation Repair Emergency in Richardson, TX

As a homeowner, noticing cracks and other signs of structural problems around your home can be unnerving—and finding the right solution can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Even if you’re a DIY pro, it’s important to contact a professional with the tools and expertise necessary to identify and repair foundation damage around your home. Here’s how to spot the problem early and take action so you can avoid costly structural damage down the road.

What Causes Foundation Damage in Texas?

Texas homes are particularly vulnerable to foundation cracks thanks to the area’s unique soil structure and weather patterns. In our Richardson foundation repair service area, factors that can contribute to foundation damage include loose soil, insufficient drainage, poor construction, earthquakes, and weather changes.

Unfortunately, many of these factors are uncontrollable, and it’s important to inspect your home regularly for foundation damage.

Warning Signs of Foundation Issues

Apart from visible cracks around your home, there are other physical symptoms of foundation damage to look out for. A little unevenness from settling is normal, but if you have any questions about your home’s foundation, don’t hesitate to schedule a home inspection.

Some common signs of a crumbling foundation include:

  • Misaligned doors and windows
  • Bowing walls
  • Sloping floors
  • Cracks in ceramic tile, brickwork, or drywall

When It’s Time to Invest in Foundation Repair

Even if you have preventive measures in place, such as sump pumps and clean gutters, foundation cracks can still lead to a foundation crisis.

The severity of the foundation damage will depend on the location, size, and the number of cracks. Not all homes will exhibit the same signs of settling, and regular foundation inspections are essential to protect your home from structural damage.

No matter how small your foundation cracks are, it’s essential to have them inspected by a trained professional, since some emergency situations may not be so obvious to identify at first glance. If left unchecked, foundation cracks can create additional issues, from roof leaks to framing problems, leading to a costly repair process.

Professional Richardson Foundation Repair Services

Align Foundation Repair is known and respected throughout the Dallas and Fort Worth area for our unrivaled expertise, affordability, and commitment to quality customer service. We’re here to repair your home and do it right. To learn more about our foundation repair services and to get a free estimate, contact us today.

Cracks on the white wall blocks. The destruction of the wall. Background texture
/ By adminrm / Foundation Repair Process/ • • / 0 Comments

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.

Cracked concrete building wall at the outside corner that effected with earthquake and collapsed ground
/ By adminrm / Richardson Foundation Tips/ • / 0 Comments

4 Misconceptions About Slab Foundation Repair in Richardson TX

Knowing some of the common misconceptions about slab foundation repair in Texas can help you make an informed decision when it comes to addressing signs of structural damage in your home. Four popular myths about foundation repair include:

  1. Cracks are the most common warning sign of a damaged foundation.
  2. Foundation damage is primarily a cosmetic issue.
  3. Foundation repair is one of those jobs that you can put off until later.

Concerned by possible foundation damage to your home? Call the friendly, experienced pros at Align Foundation Repair to schedule a comprehensive, no-cost on-site inspection and price estimate. We’ll give you all the facts you need to decide on how best to deal with signs of structural instability in your home.

Misconception #1: Cracks Are the Only Way to Know That Your Foundation Is Damaged

Cracks are actually only one of the warning signs that your foundation is in trouble. In the beginning, you’re more likely to notice problems like doors or windows sticking in their frames or a floor that’s no longer level.

It’s easy to mistake these issues for signs that your house is going through the normal settling process. For this reason, we recommend getting in touch with us if you notice anything unusual going on with your home.

Misconception #2: Foundation Damage Is Mostly a Cosmetic Issue

All of us take great pride in the way our home looks. So we’re quick to address cosmetic problems.

But foundation damage affects far more than your home’s appearance. It impacts every aspect of its construction, including the frame that supports all the other components. In some cases, it can even threaten the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones.

Trying to disguise the damage with paint or other surface remedies does nothing to address the underlying problem. This leads us to the fourth misconception on our list.

Misconception #3: It’s Okay to Put Off Foundation Repair Until Later On

Though we’re all looking for ways to save on our home budgets, some issues require immediate attention. Foundation repair is one of them. That’s because your home’s foundation is critical to its structural integrity. The more you put off addressing your home’s foundation problems, the worse the damage will get – and the more expensive it will be to fix in the long run. In other words, addressing foundation issues in the early stages can save you big bucks down the line.

At Align Foundation Repair, we work hard to make our foundation repair services affordable for our customers, including offering special financing options.

Foundation Repair Contractors Richardson Texas

Not sure how well your home’s foundation is doing? It costs you nothing to find out for sure since we provide free inspections throughout our Richardson foundation repair service area. Contact us today to schedule a visit from our friendly professionals.