Posts By: Logun Liening

Do not remodel your home until you have done this

Posted by & filed under Maintenance.

Do not remodel your home until you have done this!

 

 

Have you been eyeing a new look for your home, or starting to talk about home improvements? There is something you should do before you even start to think about remodeling.

You should always have your home’s foundation checked before you do any home improvements. The number one problem we get called out on is cosmetic damage as a result of foundation movement. The homeowner either just remodeled or patched the cracks and they came back. 

While some of the stress seen in homes could be just seasonal movement, it most likely is due to the foundation moving and in need of repair. If you fix cracks or remodel you are just putting a bandaid over the wound, and not fixing the main problem. This will result in the same signs you thought you had repaired coming back, but this time in the newly remodeled area. 

 

So before you go and spend all of your money making repairs and doing home improvements, let’s talk about a few things you should know, and watch for. 

The type of cracks matter. There are two major differences between seasonal movement cracks and foundation movement cracks. Seasonal movement cracks typically occur in the seams where two sheets of drywall meet. They are straight line cracks, and are usually very small. 

Cracks caused by foundation movement are typically jagged cracks that come off doors or windows in angles. These cracks look as if the drywall is ripping. A simple trick to think of is the direction the crack is pointing, is the area of the house that is settling or in need of foundation repair. 

 

Another common item frequently updated in a home is the flooring. Flooring is either attached to the foundation or free floating. Free floating floors like laminate or vinyl planks typically have less problems when the foundation is moving. 

However flooring such as tile or hardwood floors that are attached to the concrete foundation can see significant damage when the foundation is moving or when the foundation is repaired. 

When we inspect homes for foundation problems, we see tile cracks or in some cases where the floor is buckling due to it  being compressed. When asked if the flooring is new, the most common answer is yes. 

We cannot stress it enough that if you plan on doing any home improvements or remodeling, that you call a foundation company you can trust like Stratum Foundation repair first. We come out and inspect the foundation for movement. If we think there are no repairs needed and the foundation is within normal tolerances, then you have a green light to renovate. 

 

If the foundation inspection shows signs of foundation movement you want to take care of that before you even start to do any improvements to the home. The foundation of the home affects everything in your house. 

Once the foundation is repaired with piers and lifted back to normal height, we recommend waiting 90 days. After the 90 days you can move forward with the improvements and feel comfortable that your investment is going to be safe. 

Even if your foundation is in good shape, you should still water the foundation, maintain proper drainage and install root barriers to help with any seasonal movement you may still see. Take a look at our other blog on home maintenance to ensure you do everything you can to protect your home.

 

Maintenance January 27, 2022

Do not remodel your home until you have done this

Written By: Logun Liening
Foundation Repair, Maintenance March 17, 2021

Is it Safe to Live in a House with Foundation Problems?

Written By: Logun Liening
Foundation Repair, Maintenance March 23, 2020

Soaker Hose Use in Dallas, Fort Woth, Plano, and Surrounding Areas

Written By: Logun Liening

Below average rainfall for January, and what it means for your Home’s Foundation

Posted by & filed under Foundation Repair Estimate, Videos.

Do not remodel your home until you have done this!

 

 

Have you been eyeing a new look for your home, or starting to talk about home improvements? There is something you should do before you even start to think about remodeling.

You should always have your home’s foundation checked before you do any home improvements. The number one problem we get called out on is cosmetic damage as a result of foundation movement. The homeowner either just remodeled or patched the cracks and they came back. 

While some of the stress seen in homes could be just seasonal movement, it most likely is due to the foundation moving and in need of repair. If you fix cracks or remodel you are just putting a bandaid over the wound, and not fixing the main problem. This will result in the same signs you thought you had repaired coming back, but this time in the newly remodeled area. 

 

So before you go and spend all of your money making repairs and doing home improvements, let’s talk about a few things you should know, and watch for. 

The type of cracks matter. There are two major differences between seasonal movement cracks and foundation movement cracks. Seasonal movement cracks typically occur in the seams where two sheets of drywall meet. They are straight line cracks, and are usually very small. 

Cracks caused by foundation movement are typically jagged cracks that come off doors or windows in angles. These cracks look as if the drywall is ripping. A simple trick to think of is the direction the crack is pointing, is the area of the house that is settling or in need of foundation repair. 

 

Another common item frequently updated in a home is the flooring. Flooring is either attached to the foundation or free floating. Free floating floors like laminate or vinyl planks typically have less problems when the foundation is moving. 

However flooring such as tile or hardwood floors that are attached to the concrete foundation can see significant damage when the foundation is moving or when the foundation is repaired. 

When we inspect homes for foundation problems, we see tile cracks or in some cases where the floor is buckling due to it  being compressed. When asked if the flooring is new, the most common answer is yes. 

We cannot stress it enough that if you plan on doing any home improvements or remodeling, that you call a foundation company you can trust like Stratum Foundation repair first. We come out and inspect the foundation for movement. If we think there are no repairs needed and the foundation is within normal tolerances, then you have a green light to renovate. 

 

If the foundation inspection shows signs of foundation movement you want to take care of that before you even start to do any improvements to the home. The foundation of the home affects everything in your house. 

Once the foundation is repaired with piers and lifted back to normal height, we recommend waiting 90 days. After the 90 days you can move forward with the improvements and feel comfortable that your investment is going to be safe. 

Even if your foundation is in good shape, you should still water the foundation, maintain proper drainage and install root barriers to help with any seasonal movement you may still see. Take a look at our other blog on home maintenance to ensure you do everything you can to protect your home.

 

Foundation Repair Estimate, Videos January 05, 2022

Below average rainfall for January, and what it means for your Home’s Foundation

Written By: Logun Liening
Foundation Repair Estimate, Videos December 15, 2021

What Can You Expect During a Foundation Repair Estimate?

Written By: Logun Liening

What Can You Expect During a Foundation Repair Estimate?

Posted by & filed under Foundation Repair Estimate, Videos.

Do not remodel your home until you have done this!

 

 

Have you been eyeing a new look for your home, or starting to talk about home improvements? There is something you should do before you even start to think about remodeling.

You should always have your home’s foundation checked before you do any home improvements. The number one problem we get called out on is cosmetic damage as a result of foundation movement. The homeowner either just remodeled or patched the cracks and they came back. 

While some of the stress seen in homes could be just seasonal movement, it most likely is due to the foundation moving and in need of repair. If you fix cracks or remodel you are just putting a bandaid over the wound, and not fixing the main problem. This will result in the same signs you thought you had repaired coming back, but this time in the newly remodeled area. 

 

So before you go and spend all of your money making repairs and doing home improvements, let’s talk about a few things you should know, and watch for. 

The type of cracks matter. There are two major differences between seasonal movement cracks and foundation movement cracks. Seasonal movement cracks typically occur in the seams where two sheets of drywall meet. They are straight line cracks, and are usually very small. 

Cracks caused by foundation movement are typically jagged cracks that come off doors or windows in angles. These cracks look as if the drywall is ripping. A simple trick to think of is the direction the crack is pointing, is the area of the house that is settling or in need of foundation repair. 

 

Another common item frequently updated in a home is the flooring. Flooring is either attached to the foundation or free floating. Free floating floors like laminate or vinyl planks typically have less problems when the foundation is moving. 

However flooring such as tile or hardwood floors that are attached to the concrete foundation can see significant damage when the foundation is moving or when the foundation is repaired. 

When we inspect homes for foundation problems, we see tile cracks or in some cases where the floor is buckling due to it  being compressed. When asked if the flooring is new, the most common answer is yes. 

We cannot stress it enough that if you plan on doing any home improvements or remodeling, that you call a foundation company you can trust like Stratum Foundation repair first. We come out and inspect the foundation for movement. If we think there are no repairs needed and the foundation is within normal tolerances, then you have a green light to renovate. 

 

If the foundation inspection shows signs of foundation movement you want to take care of that before you even start to do any improvements to the home. The foundation of the home affects everything in your house. 

Once the foundation is repaired with piers and lifted back to normal height, we recommend waiting 90 days. After the 90 days you can move forward with the improvements and feel comfortable that your investment is going to be safe. 

Even if your foundation is in good shape, you should still water the foundation, maintain proper drainage and install root barriers to help with any seasonal movement you may still see. Take a look at our other blog on home maintenance to ensure you do everything you can to protect your home.

 

Foundation Repair Estimate, Videos January 05, 2022

Below average rainfall for January, and what it means for your Home’s Foundation

Written By: Logun Liening
Foundation Repair Estimate, Videos December 15, 2021

What Can You Expect During a Foundation Repair Estimate?

Written By: Logun Liening

Average Cost of Foundation Repair

Posted by & filed under Foundation Repair Cost.

Calculating the Average Cost of Foundation Repair

Homeowners have many questions when they begin considering foundation repair. 

The most frequently asked questions are “how much does foundation repair cost?”, and “How do I know if it’s just ugly cracks or an actual foundation problem requiring repair?”

When told that the price varies based on many different factors, the next question asked is, “What is the average cost of foundation repair”?

This always depends on the extent of the foundation problems. However, the average cost of a foundation repair job performed by Stratum Foundation Repair is $5,284.92.

That means we have repaired many homes for less than that amount, while some homes cost more to repair. Note, this average refers to the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. 

Our objective with this blog post is to help DFW homeowners understand how our pricing is calculated. It is also to give you a good idea of what to look for when receiving bids from foundation repair companies.

Getting a structural report

One factor to consider when calculating the average cost of foundation repair is the cost of a structural report from a licensed engineer.

You may have already detected warning signs, like minor cracks in your outside brick veneer or your slab foundation.

To see whether these or other issues might be signs of something more serious, it’s important to seek out a foundation expert.

A formally completed engineer’s report is also required by most cities in the Dallas area for all foundation repair. Two engineering reports are needed, one before a foundation repair is performed and one after the work is completed.

Before repairs begin, It’s important to have that professional assessment to truly understand any foundation damage.

You should expect these reports to run anywhere from $300 to $800 for both reports. Typically, the initial report is more expensive than the final report.

After the initial report, both the homeowner and the engineer will be able to see if you have a foundation issue. Perhaps, more urgently, you’ll also know whether you have a risk of a foundation failure.

Occasionally the Engineer may recommend less urgent work, like foundation crack repair.

Testing the plumbing after the foundation repairs

The next factor in the average cost of foundation repair is a plumbing test. When you repair a slab, there is always a risk that movement may cause damage to the pipes that run through your foundation. Leaks could exist prior to repairs and indeed leaks typically happen when the original settlement occurs. This is a primary reason not to wait to repair even smaller foundation problems. 

It is highly recommended that you have a licensed plumber come out to your home to perform a plumbing leak test after the foundation work has been completed. An undetected leak could undermine your foundation repairs and potentially void your lifetime warranty.

The cost of a hydrostatic plumbing leak test can range from $100 to $300.

Determining which system to use

Many different pier systems are being sold in the foundation repair industry. You may need a standard concrete foundation pier, helical piers, steel piers, or a hybrid system. These piers may be needed on the interior of the house, the exterior, or both. 

The main difference between the various systems is the depth achieved by the pier and how that depth is obtained. Typically, the deeper the pier, the better the result. Included in this consideration is information about the foundation soil, the floodplain, and any hydrostatic pressure that may be causing undesirable eroding.

Our pier systems range from $235 to $650 per pier, depending on the materials we use.

How many piers do I need?

This is the biggest unknown and should be determined by a professional. With foundation repair, it’s not the severity of the problem that determines the price, it’s the amount of the area being affected.

When stabilizing a house, we determine which portion of the foundation is settling and then place piers every 6-8 feet under the failing section. Every house has different amounts of damage and different beam placements. 

In most cases piers utilizing concrete pilings are installed to support the beams of the foundation. Installing piers under the beams to help stabilize them is the primary purpose of foundation repair. For larger structures, steel pilings may be used as well.

The sample areas we used for our analysis are the Dallas area, including most major suburbs in the Metroplex from Plano to McKinney to Lewisville, and everything in between. The average home needs 12-14 piers installed.

Other cost factors in repairing your foundation

Depending on obstacles encountered while working, additional charges might be necessary. The most common additions include concrete/deck/paver breakouts and replacement or sometimes concrete leveling to correct your concrete slab foundation.

If you have a pier and beam foundation a structural engineer will access your crawl space to detect any issues with the wood supports under the home amongst other things such as adequate drainage and ventilation. If you have a concrete slab there is no crawl space, as the slab sits directly on the supporting soils. 

Factors range from minor cracks to more serious structural defects and are sometimes soil-based, causing foundation settlement or a sinking foundation. After gathering more information, we’ll know how and whether to approach concrete leveling.

We’ll document any irregularities we see in the foundation or the interior walls and will follow up on these with the homeowner. Analysis of these factors along with floor elevations help us come to a consensus on the appropriate repair method.

If the home has a basement the analysis will also include a close look at your basement wall, where leaking or uneven floors may reveal further issues.

Occasionally, root barriers may be recommended to protect your foundation from nearby trees.

Also, drainage work around the house may be recommended. There are other items to consider that are site-specific and can be discussed with your foundation repair estimator.

Understanding some of the above elements about the process while also knowing what homeowners typically pay should help you in deciding whether to move forward with a particular foundation repair company.

You should only use the information in this article as an informational guide to help you choose the correct company. Only a foundation repair expert can determine the scope of work needed to perform the repairs on your home. Determining whether the foundation needs minor maintenance or has a major structural problem that needs to be fixed should only be determined by an experienced professional. 

A foundation repair contractor should work within the scope of a credible foundation inspection provided by a qualified engineer. Any scope of work that is proposed to make serious changes to your home’s foundation should be authorized by a licensed structural Engineer. You should also ask about a lifetime warranty and ensure that it’s transferable to future homeowners. A transferable warranty provides peace of mind to any future homeowner when the house is sold.

We hope that this gives you an idea of what to expect when it comes to pricing out foundation repair.

If you would like to have an experienced representative from Stratum Foundation Repair come to do a free estimate, please call our office at 214-683-2956 or fill out the form HERE to receive a call from us.

Foundation Repair Cost November 29, 2021

Average Cost of Foundation Repair

Written By: Logun Liening

One day foundation repair in Mesquite, TX

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

A concerned homeowner reached out to Stratum Foundation Repair after doing extensive research on the best foundation company in the area. The home was experiencing drywall and brick cracks, as well as doors sticking in the front rooms. After our certified foundation repair specialist inspected the home and developed a repair plan, the homeowner knew he could trust Stratum. Stratum contracted out a third party structural Engineer to evaluate the home. Here is the repair report the Engineer gave us.

Stratum Foundation Repair installed the 14 concrete pressed piers as in Engineer instructed. These piers are installed using the weight of the house and pushed to refusal. Pushing to refusal is a key element when repairing a foundation. If piers are not pressed to refusal then the foundation may settle and the lift might not work. The 14 piers solved the problems the homeowner was experiencing and protected the repaired foundation with a lifetime warranty. Once the piers are installed Stratum repairs any mortar cracks in the work area as well as caulks any open joints in windows, or expansion joints. We strive to leave the yard in the same or better condition then when we started.

  • Before
  • During
  • After

Is it Safe to Live in a House with Foundation Problems?

Posted by & filed under Foundation Repair, Maintenance.

Dangers of an Un-Fixed Foundation

Is it Safe to Live in a House with Foundation Problems?

Do you live in a home with a foundation problem, or considering the purchase of a house with existing foundation damage? Let’s talk about how safe it is to live in a house with foundation problems. More specifically, how you can spot common foundation problems versus a more severe foundation issue that raises safety concerns.

It All Begins with a Home’s Foundation Inspection

The home buying process brings people face to face with questions about foundation damage they often lack experience in properly evaluating. For starters, it’s not uncommon to find a cracked foundation wall in DFW. This doesn’t mean your new home has a foundation failure or structural damage to run away from.

Common Foundation Problems are Not Safety Concerns

Slab foundations sit on expansive soil in our region. This clay soil base constantly moves based upon the amount of water present. Foundation settlement is a normal thing. With it often comes a vertical crack at the expansion joints, which tend to be where the garage meets your home, and about midway down the sides.

If you see a hairline crack like these described, no more than 1/16 of an inch wide, don’t panic. These are not a sign of foundation trouble. Instead, the expansion joints are doing their job and preventing actual damage.

Signs of Serious Foundation Failure Indicating Safety Issues

Some cracks go beyond normal, and you can look for these signs. The first sign is foundation crack width. If the cracks are wide enough to measure beyond 1/16″, this indicates foundation movement that may be outside of normal range. Additionally, moisture entering the home becomes another concern.

Furthermore, if you see a diagonal crack it’s important to further inspect the property to know what you’re getting into.

Major Problems to Address to Safely Live in the Property

Structural Integrity: Do you see bowed walls or visibly see areas of a sinking foundation due to access to a crawl space? These are indications that a structural engineer get involved to determine the extent of the foundation problem, but more importantly, to determine if the house is safe to live in.

Uneven Floor: A shifting foundation slab can mean uneven floors. This can make it difficult to close doors, but also cause larger cracks where the drywall meets the floor and ceiling. If you are in a two story home, uneven floors below will only result in issues above. Again, have a structural engineer take a look at the house.

Water Damage: This becomes a concern not only due to water’s ability to damage wood and other materials that aren’t intended to come in contact with it, but also mold. Whenever cracks and spaces allow for water to enter the property, mold becomes a safety concern. Additionally, a resulting slab leak from a shifting slab may cause additional collateral damage to your home that you will wish to avoid.

Can You Safely Live in House With Foundation Problems?

If you currently reside in a home with the common foundation problems we discussed, it is likely safe to live there. However, most homeowners will find peace of mind by having a local foundation repair contractor inspect the property. This not only helps answer concerns about safety, but also the potential foundation repair cost.

Just know that calling a foundation contractor might not always result in an unbiased view, however. Their incentive is in found in the foundation repair cost itself. This is why we at Stratum enlist a 3rd party structural engineer if we believe the home’s issues go beyond the routine and common problems that can be dismissed.

Place the Safety of the Homeowner First

Do you already live in the home?

A sinking foundation that has been left untreated can ultimately cause tile and flooring to cave in or allow nasty bugs like termites to invade your home. Termites live in the ground, and can travel up through the walls once or twice a day. By leaving cracks in the foundation of your home, you are allowing for a termite highway to exist in the walls of your home. This can obviously cause even more structural damage in a completely new way, raising safety concerns for the homeowner.

Over time, these cracks, gaps, and fractures can become safety hazards for you and your family. Left ignored, a poorly constructed or damaged foundation can split wood, crack tile and create an environment that isn’t suitable for children or adults.

If the problem has persisted over a longer period of time, you might end up dealing with extreme cases of bowed walls or flooring, or large gaps in the floor of your home that can create expensive problems and further unsafe living conditions. The bottom line is that we don’t advise living in a house with foundation problems without first having them inspected.

Are you considering the home for purchase?

The most obvious threat of an unfixed foundation before you purchase is the cost that is associated with foundation repair which may be unknown to you.

There is no small cost when it comes to the actual foundation repair process if the problem has been allowed to persist for a long period of time. It’s likely that helical piers will be required beneath the slab foundation, and this can be a labor intensive process.

An unfixed foundation might start as a small crack in the wall, but it can soon spread around the house and begin to damage aesthetic portions of the home. This includes windows, doorways, crown molding, fixtures, walls and more. As these begin to be difficult to close, the potential expense rises with each foundation pier needs to be set.

Concerned About the Safety or Dangers of an Unfixed Foundation?

At stratum, we routinely help the homeowner avoid “worst case scenario.” We do this by providing an initial FREE inspection to identify and classify the foundation issues at hand. As mentioned, many of these are common and not a threat to safety or expensive repair costs.

We will also diagnose any serious problems that are of safety concern. As a foundation repair company, we will help recommend the best plan for your concrete slab, soil problems related to drainage, and settlement issues.

Foundation Problems Can Be Fixed!

It is incredibly important to contact a foundation repair contractor in a location near you AS SOON as you see a crack, hairline fracture or gap in the floor or walls of your home. An expert will be able to logically assess the damage and give you a better idea of a plan of action that is needed to create a safe, functional home once again.

Give us a call for a free inspection today: 214-683-2956

About Stratum Foundation Repair

Stratum Foundation Repair is a family owned company run by Ryan Hise . With several locations serving DFW , they can also be reached at their Plano location.

Foundation Repair, Maintenance March 17, 2021

Is it Safe to Live in a House with Foundation Problems?

Written By: Logun Liening
Foundation Repair, Maintenance March 23, 2020

Soaker Hose Use in Dallas, Fort Woth, Plano, and Surrounding Areas

Written By: Logun Liening
Foundation Repair, Maintenance March 23, 2020

Getting Your House Ready For Spring

Written By: Logun Liening

New Slab Pour

Posted by & filed under Videos.

The video below shows a new concrete post-tension slab being poured.  The red cables are the post-tension cables and are used for strengthening the slab.  The deep trenches you see will become the interior grade beams of the house once they are filled with concrete.  These beams are what foundation repair companies hope to locate during the installation of interior piers.  Please note how the trenches aren’t exactly straight.  This can make location very difficult down the road.

New Slab Pour Video

Foundation Repair Estimate, Videos January 05, 2022

Below average rainfall for January, and what it means for your Home’s Foundation

Written By: Logun Liening
Foundation Repair Estimate, Videos December 15, 2021

What Can You Expect During a Foundation Repair Estimate?

Written By: Logun Liening
Videos March 23, 2020

New Slab Pour

Written By: Logun Liening

Pier Installation

Posted by & filed under Videos.

In the below video you will see a complete single hole pier installation. The type of pier installed is an St2. This is a concrete pressed piling utilizing a steel starter cone and steel rod inserts. These piers are substantially better than a simple pressed piling system.

Pier Installation Video

Foundation Repair Estimate, Videos January 05, 2022

Below average rainfall for January, and what it means for your Home’s Foundation

Written By: Logun Liening
Foundation Repair Estimate, Videos December 15, 2021

What Can You Expect During a Foundation Repair Estimate?

Written By: Logun Liening
Videos March 23, 2020

New Slab Pour

Written By: Logun Liening

Soaker Hose Use in Dallas, Fort Woth, Plano, and Surrounding Areas

Posted by & filed under Foundation Repair, Maintenance.

Another day in Dallas-Fort Worth…….another day of 100 degree heat……another day with no rain. As this Summer of 2011 turns into ground hog day I am often asked what a homeowner should be doing in regards to maintaining their homes foundation. The answer: Water the foundation. If you are from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex then the idea of watering your foundation might not seem so strange. Want to see a dumbfounded look on someones face? Find someone new to the area and tell them they should “water their foundation”. They will definitely look at you like your crazy!

The #1 thing a homeowner can do to avoid foundation repairs is make use of soaker hoses. There are only a few set in stone rules regarding soaker hoses:

Notes

1- Do not connect multiple soaker hoses together(nothing over 50 ft). This will cause a loss of water pressure towards the end of the line thus leading to uneven watering.

2- Place the hose 12-18 inches from the foundation. DO NOT place the hose against the foundation – this will lead to the water collecting at the bottom of the foundation beam and destabilizing the foundation. It can also lead to deterioration of the concrete.. The idea is to swell the dirt back into the house. This can be accomplished by placing the hose the proper distance from the house.

The most obvious question at this point: How often should I run the soaker hose. This is trial and error and highly dependent on the weather. The goal is to keep the soil surrounding the foundation damp. Not muddy, damp. Also, make sure the water is not ponding. The soaker hose should be dispensing water at a slow enough rate that the soil can absorb the water in its entirety. If the water is ponding then reduce the frequency and or pressure with which you are watering. A quick test: Go outside and try to place your fingers between your foundation and the soil. Is there a space? If so then you aren’t watering enough. There should never be a space between the soil and the foundation.

The bottom line: Soaker hose use prevents foundation problems and may prevent you from needing foundation repairs. It may also correct existing foundation problems.

Soaker hoses are recommended for all of the Dallas – Fort Worth metroplex including Plano, Allen, McKinney, and Frisco.

Foundation Repair, Maintenance March 17, 2021

Is it Safe to Live in a House with Foundation Problems?

Written By: Logun Liening
Foundation Repair, Maintenance March 23, 2020

Soaker Hose Use in Dallas, Fort Woth, Plano, and Surrounding Areas

Written By: Logun Liening
Foundation Repair, Maintenance March 23, 2020

Getting Your House Ready For Spring

Written By: Logun Liening

Getting Your House Ready For Spring

Posted by & filed under Foundation Repair, Maintenance.

Winter is over and flowers are blooming, with a new year and beautiful weather around the corner homeowners are in the initial stages of planning for their yearly spring cleaning. Before you start throwing your sweaters and jackets to the backs of closets, perhaps you should first consider preparing your house for the rainy and following dry seasons. For most people, spring chores include resurrecting their lawns and gardens. If done in addition to the aforementioned task you can cut down on the time and money invested towards your maintenance of your foundation.  With proper foundation maintenance you can stave off another brutal Texas summer and save yourself thousands of dollars in repairs.

Simple Tips to Get Your House Ready for Spring: Maintenance

Proper Drainage

During the rainiest season of the year for most of the country, it is especially important to focus your attention to your drainage. Poor drainage around your home’s foundation can leave a few minor and major problems with your property. For beginners you probably have noticed that poor drainage can be an eye sore for you and your neighbors. Not only that, but it can also become a safety concern. Standing water can become a breeding zone for mosquitos and mold. Taking care of a few things in relation to drainage will help protect you, your lawn, and help maintain the stabilization of your foundation.

First thing you will want to check is your home’s first defense against drainage, your gutters. Check to make sure all of your gutter’s pathways are free of debris. It might also be wise to consider gutter guards, a fairly easy DIY project that can dramatically cut down the frequency you will need to service your gutters. While inspecting your gutters, if you come across a section of your house that does not have gutters installed, check the soil near the slab. If it is dried and cracked away from slab, revealing below the skirt of the foundation, you should seriously consider installing gutters above this location. Check to make sure that all downspouts are connected and extend away from the building. Check that all concrete surfaces are not slanting towards the building so that no water can be directed under your foundation. Still have water pooling up, and standing beyond 48 hours? Look into french drain installation to move that water out to your curb. A small investment in your drainage now can pay dividends later in relation to your foundation.

Proper Watering

Now after reading the drainage section you might be thinking to yourself, “I thought water was good for my foundation.” This is both true and false. In this situation I refer you to a classic childhood fairy tale “Goldilocks and The Three Bears.” What we are looking for is the perfect amount of consistent water saturation around the entirety of the building. In order to achieve this, we must subtract and limit any unaccounted for watering. Once we have a blank state, we can begin a watering regiment that is best suited for both your landscaping and foundation.

The best method for watering your foundation is to install a soaker hose around the perimeter of your building. This is another fairly easy DIY project that your home and yard can benefit from greatly. Along with the hoses, you can also pick up some timers and splits for your outdoor water spigots. These will allow you to create a set and forget watering routine. Also keep in mind the part about consistency. For instance, your front might require more watering than the back and sides of your building, due to more landscaping. Also you sides might require less watering than your back, due to your neighbors sprinkler system reaching the side of your house. Try to notate any such factors when setting your timer and be ready to tweak it the first week or so. You don’t want to water so much that you have standing water and you don’t want to water so little that it’s being evaporated before it saturates the soil.

Proper Landscaping

Trees and large bushes are one of the leading factors that cause the structural integrity of your foundation to weaken. When it comes to landscaping, the most important factors are location and volume. We typically recommend keeping any bushes or trees that are higher than 4 feet tall more than 10 to 15 feet away from the foundation. Use bushes close to the house that require little water and maintenance. Trees are typically the biggest offenders when it comes to foundation problems. Trees, more specifically the roots of trees, can reach out towards and under the building and leach large amounts of water from the surrounding soil. It is important to keep the tree and bushes properly trimmed. If you suspect that a tree’s roots are close to the foundation of your building, you might consider having a root barrier installed in between the tree in question and your building.

Adding these hints, tips, and tricks to your honey-do list will definitely increase the lifetime of your foundation throughout the spring and the upcoming summer.

Stratum Foundation Repair provides residential and commercial foundation repair & root barriers to the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. We have an “A+” rating on the Better Business Bureau with zero complaints. We strive ourselves on our customer service and would never let it get to point that you would even think of complaining. With over 13 years of experience we are committed to providing the absolute best service all the way around. For additional information about our company, products and services check out our website at www.StratumFoundationRepair.com or call us today for a FREE estimate at (214) 683-2956.

Foundation Repair, Maintenance March 17, 2021

Is it Safe to Live in a House with Foundation Problems?

Written By: Logun Liening
Foundation Repair, Maintenance March 23, 2020

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