Posts By: Logun Liening

The Top 10 Mistakes In Foundation Repair Maintenance

1. Inconsistent Moisture Control

When using a moisture control system to water around the perimeter of your property, remember to account for anything that could lead to inconsistent moisture levels. Too much or too little moisture can cause the soil around the perimeter of your property to swell or shrink, respectively. When inconsistencies arise, you are more likely to see settlement in that particular area. Take into account concrete surfaces, landscaping, trees, run offs, down spouts and even your neighbors own watering habits.

2. Lack Of Rain Run Off Management

It is essential to allow rain to be directed away from your foundation. Inconsistent pooling near the slab can cause settlement issues in those areas. Use downspout extensions and underground tubing to move that water away from your house.

3. Improper Drainage Slope

It might not be enough to just have a drainage system installed. To ensure that all waste is able to pass through the drainage and no blockage can occur, it would be wise to have the drainage system slope away from your foundation at three inches every 5 feet. French drains around house are important, but you should also ensure the slope is adequate.

4. Directional Sprinkler Systems

When using a conventional sprinkler system, make sure you have heads that are also pointing towards the foundation. You don’t want to over water, but you do want to assure your foundation is getting watered regularly. If using a hose-end sprinkler, make sure you are using one that also drops water directly onto the ground rather than shoot it in the air.

5. Watering While Windy

Even wind can have an adverse effect on foundation settlement. While watering a decent breeze can cause a sprinkler system to not hit its mark. If it is noticeably windy outside, change the timer or delay watering until it dies down.

6. Watering Mid Day

The hotter it gets outside, the faster water can evaporate. If you are watering when the sun is out, there isn’t enough time for the water to soak into the ground to help stabilize the foundation. Try watering when it’s the coolest outside, like at night or in the morning.

7. Landscaping Too Close To The House

Plants require much more water than homeowner think. By placing too many or a certain plant in the wrong place can leave the ground in that area undersaturated. Believe it or not, but a simple oak tree can drink up to 100 gallons of water in a day. Make sure large trees are further from the house than their roots can reach. This will help avoid future foundation problems.

8. Soaker Hose Location

Placing a soaker hose up against the skirt of the slab can cause water to seep under the slab or cause it to evaporate too soon. Try placing your hose 12-18 inches away from the slab and 3 inches below the surface.

9. Believing Rain Is A Solution

Many People believe that rain is a means to an end and forget to keep up with their maintenance programs. However since it is dry most of the year, rain can actually be a catalyst to bigger problems. What expands must then contract back to its normal state. Remember to maintain your moisture levels even after a storm.

10. Ignoring Warning Signs

Don’t assume that any new crack, separation, door or window that doesn’t close is because of “normal settlement.” It is important to have a professional access whether or not these new cracks are going to get bigger. If you wait till they are, you will end up with more expensive repairs.

 

If after addressing these common mistakes you still are seeing movement, contact Stratum Foundation Repair today for an expert technician to come by to give you a FREE estimate to repair your home.

 

Case Study: Foundation Problem or Drainage Issue?

Homeowners almost always assume they need foundation repair when they are seeing symptoms of movement and settlement to their home. A good foundation repair company will work hard to determine the cause of the movement so that they can design the proper solution, which oftentimes doesn’t actually involve any foundation repair. Stratum was recently consulted and contracted to help eliminate excessive movement of home foundations in the DallasFort Worth area. What follows is a case study of how that process unfolded, with special attention given to proper house foundation drainage.

THE PROBLEM | Part 1 of a 4 Part Series

In Corinth, Texas, a single story residential property built in 1993 was suffering from excessive foundation movement. The excessive movement was causing many of the same results we see around the Dallas – Fort Worth area, things like sheet rock cracks, brick cracks, cracks in crown molding, doors and windows out of alignment, etc. A trained eye can tell based on the orientation of various cracks which part of the house is lower. When visually observing the cracks and other symptoms it became apparent to us these issues were not being caused by the typical foundation problems in Texas, which is settlement of the perimeter beam. The cracks and out of aligned doors made it obvious to us that the interior of the home was actually lower than the perimeter of the home. This belief was confirmed when we took floor elevations using a Zip level. Our measurements revealed the perimeter of the home to be 1-3 inches higher than the interior. These measurements are relative to one another and have no true baseline. All we were able to say at this point was that the interior was lower than the perimeter. We could not conclusively say whether the interior was sinking or the perimeter was raising. We would need to investigate further to try and determine the cause of the distress, as well as find the proper solution.

Next we will reveal what our investigation turned up.

THE INVESTIGATION | Part 2 of a 4 Part Series

The typical foundation settlement we see in the Dallas – Fort Worth area is settlement around the perimeter of the home. This is due to the ever changing moisture content around the outside of the home. North Texas weather patterns tend to leave us in a perpetual state of drought. This lack of moisture causes the perimeter of homes to sink, or settle. Under this typical scenario, we are called out to follow our foundation repair process under the exterior beam of the home to prevent any further sinking, and when possible raise the home back to its “as built position.”

It is much rarer that we deal with interior settlement. Moisture content beneath the middle of the home should stay relatively consistent throughout the year as the soil underneath the home is not exposed to the weather. However, we do occasionally come across a house that is lower in the middle relative to the perimeter. The question then becomes, “Is the middle of the home sinking….or is the perimeter raising, or heaving?” There are several things that can cause the interior of the home to sink, but the most frequent thing we see causing this scenario is large trees planted too close to the home. The roots grow beneath the home, thus depleting the otherwise stable moisture content beneath the home. Other factors that cause excess movement under the interior of a home are plumbing leaks. While a plumbing leak will generally result in upwards movement due to excess moisture being released beneath the house there are cases where the leak can cause soil to wash out and erode, which can result in interior settlement.

Much like with interior settlement there are many factors that can cause the perimeter of a home to heave(old piers heaving, improper drainage, etc.). Generally if the perimeter of the foundation is heaving it is because there is too much moisture collecting around the foundation, and this is generally due to improper drainage around house foundation.

Now then, back to the house under investigation…..

To restate: Visual cues, along with Zip Level readings, indicated to us that the interior of the home was lower relative to the perimeter. The question was why, as well as the afore mentioned, “Is the interior sinking, or the perimeter heaving?” Step one was to have a plumber out to verify there were no leaks under the slab. After having a hydrostatic pressure test performed on the sewer line as well as a check performed on the fresh water line we were able to rule out that a plumbing leak was the cause of the movement we were seeing. A visual inspection was able to verify that no trees or other vegetation were deemed to be too close to the home or otherwise detrimental to the performance of the foundation.

Poor Drainage around house foundationHouse Foundation Drainage

What became apparent while observing the conditions around the house was that there was very poor drainage around the house foundation. The home had no grading that would allow the water to run away from the home. Furthermore the house had gutters, but the downspouts simply dumped the water right along the perimeter of the home. There was nowhere for excess moisture to drain after rainfall or yard watering. This problem was easily observed after viewing the house one afternoon following heavy rainfall. Water gathered and pooled alongside the house with nowhere to go. It became obvious that the most likely cause of the foundation problem was upheaval around the perimeter caused by poor drainage. The solution would therefore involve finding a way to rectify the poor drainage around foundation, and eliminate the excess moisture around the home. This is the best way to avoid the future need for Plano foundation repair, or any other city across DFW.

Our next installment will reveal our solution as well as detail the installation process.

THE SOLUTION | Part 3 of a 4 Part Series

At this point we knew that both sides of the home needed proper foundation drainage. While both sides of the home had drainage issues the solution would vary slightly. The North side of the property is being harmed due to runoff from the neighboring yard, causing water to pool and stagnate. On the South side both this lot and the neighbor’s lot are level resulting in less total accumulation, but still problematic due to the flat grading not allowing for runoff. The goal is to take the excess water on both sides of the home and move it to the street. On the North side we opted to install a french drain due to the fact that the north side is seeing the most water. The excess water pooling means that the soil has already soaked up as much as it can. (Special Note: if you use a soaker hose for foundation, make sure your watering schedule is adjusted to excess rainfall.) A french drain will help against the pooling as well as pull the excess moisture out of the soil. On the south side there isn’t as much pooling, so we were able to install an area drain and connect the existing gutter downspouts to the drain system. Utilizing both french drains and area drains would allow both sides of the property to stabilize and maintain a more uniform moisture content.

Drain Definitions: The Two Main Options For Drainage Problems Around the House

What is a french draingA French Drain collects water along the entire area in which it is installed. A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock, or containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from an area. A French drain can have perforated hollow pipes along the bottom to quickly vent water that seeps down through the upper gravel or rock. French drains are primarily used to prevent ground and surface water from penetrating or damaging building foundations.(wikipedia)

 

What is an area drainAn Area Drain is different from a French drain in that it only collects water in selected areas designated by the installation of catch basins. Typically these basins are installed every 10-15 feet apart down the affected area. This type of drain is generally installed when water saturation is limited to specific locations. Solid drainage pipe is used in the installation of area drains to discharge away from the area of saturation.

 

Fixing the Drainage Around House Foundations:

Are you unsure of which type of drainage solution is best to facilitate the drainage around foundation? We can help. Let us take a look at your property situation, and advise you on the best solution that is right for you. Contact Stratum today:  214-683-2956

Installation Process:

Area Drain

Below are images showing an area drain used to fix drainage issues around the house.

What is an area drain

 

 

Remember, an area drain has water grates at set places or “areas” where water tends to pool. You can see identify this is as an area drain in this Dallas area home by spotting the green grate to correct drainage around the house in the problem area.

French Drain

The below images show why french drains outside the house are commonly used in the Dallas area. Water can enter through small holes all along the pipe, providing the most surface area to channel water away from the property. This is one reason why french drain installation in Dallas is on the rise.

What is a french draing

 

 

 

If you are considering french drain installation for proper drainage around your foundation, get in touch for a free estimate. We will also take a look at your overall house foundation drainage to confirm it’s the best option for you.

RESULTS: Proper Drainage Around Foundation |

Part 4 of a 4 Part Series

It has been several months since we have completed the drainage installation. We have experienced near record rainfall since the installation of the drains so we were excited to inspect the drainage to make sure that it was performing as intended. As you can see in the picture the ground is definitely not holding as much water as before. The measurements are also starting to creep down towards normal levels, although it can take many seasons for them to get back to where they need to be.

Before: Poor Drainage around house foundation                  After:

With the long term drought that we have been in over the last several years most people don’t realize the amount of shrinkage in the soil that has taken place over that time. One good week or month of rain can cause that soil to expand rapidly. It is the inconsistency in the moisture levels from the interior to the perimeter that can cause cosmetic and structural damage to the house. We see this routinely all across DFW, causing the need for foundation repair in Dallas, all the way North to Allen, McKinney, and Frisco. We urge everyone to take a look outside the next time it rains and see if you notice any standing water next to the house, or if you notice any small hairline cracks pop up after a good rain. These can be signs of foundation problems, and it might be your house trying to tell you that your drainage isn’t up to par.

If you believe you might have a drainage problem give Stratum a call and we’ll send out an inspector to give you a FREE evaluation!

Call Today: 214-683-2956

Free Foundation Inspections in Plano

Stratum Foundation Repair Dedicated to Restoring Foundations

Press Release January 5, 2016, Plano, TX – Stratum Foundation Repair in Plano TX has announced that their company is now offering free foundation inspections in Plano, Texas. This free service is part of the company’s overall mission to help Texas residents get the proper foundation maintenance and repair services they need.

“The first step the Stratum team takes to fix any foundation problems is to identify the true cause and nature of the problems in the first place,” explains Ryan Hise, the owner of Stratum whose background in real estate has helped clients make sure that their homes are structurally sound and upholding their value. “We offer our foundation inspection services freely so that homeowners can get a truly accurate picture of what the problems are, and the repair solutions are needed.”

Issues with property foundations are commonplace in Plano, Texas because of the soil content and climate of the region. In North Texas, the soil contains a significant amount of clay, and it contracts and expands depending on the temperature and moisture levels. The constant changes result in pressure exerted on the concrete slab of a house or commercial building.

“In Plano, pier and beam foundations are commonplace, and the slab sits directly on top of the soil,” explains Hise. “That means any expansion or contraction of the soil will directly affect the concrete slab foundation.”

A foundation inspection can help find signs that may indicate a problem with the foundation. Such signs can be found on the exterior of the property, while in other cases the signs may also be inside the home.

“Our experts are very experienced and well-trained, and they can find subtle indications that homeowners may miss,” says Hise, who still personally makes some of the home inspections to this day. “We can therefore identify problems so they can be repaired right away.”

Signs that foundation problems exist can include cracked drywall, along with windows and doors that no longer close as easily as before. There may also be some separation in the fascia area trim or brick lines. The free inspection provided by Stratum Foundation Repair in Plano TX involves a close look at the entire lot, and it includes inspection of the trees on the property as well.

“Depending on what we may find during the inspection, the solutions we may propose include putting in barriers for tree roots and correcting any drainage and grading problems,” says Hise. “We fix any current problems, and also recommend measures to avoid any damage to the house in the future.”

About Company

Stratum Foundation Repair, the highly regarded company for Foundation Repair in Plano TX, is owned by Ryan Hise. With several DFW locations, they can be reached at their Plano location.

Stratum Foundation Repair
Stratum is a family owned foundation repair company serving Plano, TX and the surrounding area. We can help you diagnose house settling issues, drainage problems, and fix your foundation problems right the first time.
101 E Park Blvd STE 600
Plano
TX
75074
USA

Follow Stratum Foundation Repair on Social Media
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Spot Signs of Foundation Problems in Plano TX

7 Signs Your Home’s Foundation is Failing

The foundation is one of the most important components of your home. Walls, rooms, insulation, furniture and more are all located on top of foundation, so it is crucial that the foundation of a home is laid correctly. Even the best-laid foundation can be shifted by the elements and disturbed by growing urban landscapes.

What to Look for When Inspecting Your Foundation

Good news for homeowners; the signs that your foundation is failing are usually fairly obvious and can be easily found and inspected by a foundation expert. Want to know if your foundation is failing? Keep reading below.

  1. Uneven floors – Uneven and sloping floors are clear signs that a foundation is failing. Walls can slope away from the floor, producing cracks and gaps between baseboards, tile, hardwood, concrete and carpeting. This can happen after flooding, from a burst pipe or other environmental factors.
  2. Exterior and interior hairline cracks – Clearly visible to the naked eye, hairline cracks on the interior or exterior of a home is another obvious sign that there is trouble below. Cracks can exist in the middle of bricks and mortar, near doors and floors as well as anywhere on the exterior of a home or building.
  3. Cracked molding – Much like hairline cracks that are visible on the exterior and interior of homes, cracked molding can be a sign that the foundation of a home is in trouble. This can be seen through a separation of crown molding, baseboards shifting and cracks running the length of molding to the ceiling.
  4. Cracks in tile- This is a concerning circumstance for homeowners. If the home is occupied cracks in tile can expose the damaged foundation below. Cracks in foundations are also visible from the outside of the home and can run from short to long lengths.
  5. Doors and windows that become stuck- When you find yourself heaving and pushing a door or window open to no avail you might have a problem with the foundation. As the base of the home shifts so do structures like door frames and window sills.
  6. Complete separation- Complete separation of walls, doors, windows and garages can occur in severe foundation disruption. This, in part, is due to the material that is impacted as well as the severity of the failing foundation. Cracks and gaps are obvious and should be treated immediately.
  7. Separation of walls- Walls made of brick, concrete, stucco and other materials are all susceptible to affects caused by foundation failure, including cracks and gaps. This can be seen when walls separate from one another.

The Next Step

When you find a crack it is important that a foundation repair contractor in Plano be called right away as the problem will only get worse as time passes. Yearly environmental conditions such as flooding and drought are two main environmental factors that impact the integrity of your home’s foundation. If you see or sense a problem it is crucial that you call a foundation repair specialist today to get repairs going.

About Company

Stratum Foundation Repair, the highly regarded company for Foundation Repair in Plano TX, is owned by Ryan Hise. With several DFW locations, they can be reached at their Plano location.

Stratum Foundation Repair
Stratum is a family owned foundation repair company serving Plano, TX and the surrounding area. We can help you diagnose house settling issues, drainage problems, and fix your foundation problems right the first time.
101 E Park Blvd STE 600
Plano
TX
75074
USA

Follow Stratum Foundation Repair on Social Media
Google +
YouTube
Facebook
Twitter

A Visual Guide to Understanding Foundation Problems

5 Common Causes of Foundation Problems

We had this amazing infographic designed as a handy reference for property owners in Plano and the Dallas-Fort Worth area highlighting potential areas of concern that can lead to foundation failure.

 

 

Key Takeaways

  1. Most Foundation Problems Begin with Water and Moisture Issues
  2. Property Owners can reduce the chance of foundation problems by ensuring the abutting ground has the proper slope and grade to direct water away from the foundation

About Company

Stratum Foundation Repair, the highly regarded company for Foundation Repair in Plano TX, is owned by Ryan Hise. With several DFW locations, they can be reached at their Plano location.

Stratum Foundation Repair

 

Stratum is a family owned foundation repair company serving Plano, TX and the surrounding area. We can help you diagnose settling issues, house drainage problems, and fix your foundation problems right the first time.
101 E Park Blvd STE 600
Plano
TX
75074
USA

Follow Stratum Foundation Repair on Social Media
Google +
YouTube
Facebook
Twitter

Finding the Right Foundation Repair Company (4/4)

After learning all of the basics of foundation repair, the signs that a home exhibits when foundation repair is necessary and the process of foundation repair, it’s time to examine how to find the right foundation company to ensure the process is done correctly, done well, and that all factors are taken into account to create a plan for the future.

Foundation repair is a big job. It’s the type of job where you want to be certain – and confident – that will be done well.

You also want to ensure that you’re covered should any issues arise in the future, and work with your experts to have a plan in place to prevent further damage to your foundation. It’s important to find a true solution that’s comprised of both fixing the problem and developing a plan for the future – and, should any issues arise, you’re backed by the company’s work.

After interviewing a foundation repair consultant from Stratum Foundation Repair, here’s a list of factors people looking to hire a foundation company should keep in mind.

Here’s what you should look for in a great foundation repair company:

  1. Free Inspection

A great foundation company will work with you, from the very beginning of the process, to help you discover whether or not you have foundation issues. They’ll help you assess the signs and symptoms you’ve noticed in your home to get to the root of the problem – at no cost to you. If foundation repair is, indeed, necessary, they’ll work with you to discover the cause and the solution.

  1. Plan of Action: Present and Future

Foundation experts work with homeowners to determine the cause of any foundation problems and the best methods of repair. However, their job doesn’t end upon repairing the foundation. It’s important that they work to develop a comprehensive foundation repair plan that also takes into account the original problem and prevents it from occurring in the future.

They’ll help you develop a plan of action to stop any avoidable foundation issues moving forward, whether the changes are behavioral, related to landscape design or otherwise. This aspect is so important, even though it’s one that people often neglect to think about.

Most people focus on the repair of the actual foundation, however, if the issue that caused the foundation problems in the first place is never corrected then foundation problems will likely arise again in the future. This is exactly what most homeowners want to avoid, which is why it’s an important factor to take into consideration when consulting with any foundation repair expert.

  1. Warranty

As with any large scale home repair, it’s important to find a company that stands behind its foundation work for years to come. This is important for the homeowner in case issues with the foundation arise resulting from the repair process, but also to ensure the homeowner is not on the hook to pay for further repairs on a foundation that should have been repaired – and maintained – by the hired company in the first place.

For example, let’s assume all work was done correctly in the foundation repair process. However, years down the road, an issue with one of the piers installed arises that needs repair. A homeowner should be covered under the original warranty and not be required or liable to pay for damage they didn’t cause, especially if it’s an issue with the materials originally used within the repair.

It’s likely that once you have had your home’s foundation repaired you won’t have the same significant issues that you had before the repair. Even with perfect maintenance and the finest materials, soil and weather conditions can cause things to happen that require adjustment or maintenance. As with any installation where nature is a factor, additional issues may arise on the basis of friction.

You should look for a company that stands behind the foundation work, and has a good reputation for doing so. The best offer lifetime warranties so you don’t have to worry about foundation repair ever again.

For example, when you purchase a car, you expect that some amount of maintenance is necessary, like oil changes. Similarly, you want any foundation work to be backed up by a reliable company; one that you know will service the foundation, if necessary. Research the company before you hire.

  1. Homeowner Safeguards

Also, reliable companies often work with a third-party engineer that works for the benefit of the home – not with any particular company. It’s a great solution to ensure warranty protection for the lifetime of the materials and the home.

Ask whether the company ensures that all work is permitted through the city – another way to help safeguard you as a homeowner.

You also want to ensure that the company will work with a structural engineer to document all foundation repairs with a certificate of repair upon completion. This can help assure you, the homeowner, or sometimes, the next homeowner, that everything has been done properly.

  1. Warranty Ownership

Not only should you ensure the foundation repair company backs up their foundation work with a warranty, but it’s important to also pay attention to the specifics of the warranty.

Some companies will provide a warranty, however, if the home owner moves and there’s a foundation issue, the new home owner will have to hire another expert. A great foundation company warranty issues the warranty with the home, so change of ownership isn’t a factor.

That means that, upon selling your home, the foundation is guaranteed by the company regardless of who the home owner may be. The warranty stays with the home, not the homeowner, so the foundation is under warranty no matter who is the home’s owner. In selling your home and disclosing any foundation issues, this allows the prospective buyer to feel safe and assured in their home investment.

At the end of the day, a great foundation repair company works with the customer to create a plan that helps to ensure repairs won’t be necessary and that problems occur over the lifetime of the home less often. Basically, you want a company to do it right the first time and stand by their work – it’s easier for the company and the homeowner.

Do you suspect you have foundation problems?

Ready to claim your FREE inspection? Call Stratum today! 214-683-2956

The 6 Steps of the Foundation Repair Process (3/4)

After you understand the basics of your home’s foundation and you’ve learned the signs of foundation issues, you will be able to assess whether or not your home may have a foundation problem. But, once you suspect that your home has foundation issues, it’s time to look into both the foundation process and finding the right foundation expert.

It’s important to understand the foundation process in case you may have in issue. That way, when you consult a foundation expert you will be able to correctly assess the situation, ensure you understand what’s going on with your home and prepare for the changes an expert will implement.

  1. Home Assessment

This consists of a walk-through by a professional foundation consultant. During the home assessment, experts create a visual map of the home. They’ll look to see where the damage exists in order to determine the cause of the issue.

Experts approach this foundation inspection with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Usually, by noting where the cracks or other type of damage has occurred, experts are able to determine the root area.

  1. Dig Into the Numbers

Once they assess the damage to the home, they move on to the next step of the inspection, which allows a more precise assessment of the damage through measurements.

Experts will work to create a diagram of elevation – mapping out inconsistencies within the home, which they will then compare to the visual inspection map that was created within the first step.

Then, they’ll take any roofing problems and humidity changes into account because those factors can cause cracking issues as well.

  1. Determining the Cause

With both the visual map and, now, the actual measurements, the consultant will likely be able to pinpoint the actual cause of the foundation damage, if any. Comparing the discrepancies or overlap in the two mapped diagrams will help them scientifically calculate the roots of the damage.

They’ll also take the aforementioned factors of other damage, like roof damage, along with weather changes, like humid or a dry season, watering changes to determine which factors are contributing to the foundation problems. Weather is a big factor causing foundation problems and thus repairs in the Dallas area.

A foundation expert will ask a lot of questions. It may be helpful to think about some of their questions. While they will likely ask themselves these, it’s helpful if you have any information that may help them pinpoint any contributing factors to the foundation damage.

They’ll ask questions to gather information (from both you and the home), such as:

  • Where is the most damage?
  • Has it rained a lot this season?
  • Has there been a drought?
  • Is there any erosion in corners?
  • Plumbing damage?
  • Where do overlaps exist between the visual damage and measurements?

All of these can determine why a slab or foundation is moving. It must be a comprehensive approach that looks at all potential factors to determine the true cause.

  1. Assess the Damage

If the expert determines there is, in fact, foundation movement, they’ll need to judge how many piers will be needed, based on where your home’s concrete beams are located.

What’s a “pier?” Piers are large cylinders that are driven into the ground that support the foundation. These cylinders, or piers, are installed by digging out near the foundation every six to eight feet, which normally resolves the foundation issue. These are usually placed around the perimeter beams, not the internal beams.

Based on your home’s measurements and the extent of the damage found, experts will be able to determine how many piers will be necessary to level your home’s foundation.

When developing a repair plan, there are two main factors to address: the level of the foundation and stabilization. Not only does the foundation need to be leveled, it needs to stay that way. A great expert will develop a plan that addresses both factors. (See here for details in Allen or Frisco.)

  1. The Foundation Repair Process Implementation

The actual repair process is rather straightforward and doesn’t take as much time as you would think. Experts begin the process by digging holes straight down along the foundation, next to the spots they’ve determined piers should be placed.

Once they have created an accurately sized hole, they begin to install the piers. The piers are installed in sections, starting directly under the slab with different types of locking mechanisms keeping them aligned.

Piers need to be installed one at a time because the goal is to place as much weight as possible on each pier when it’s installed, to disperse the weight between each pier installed.

At that point, experts use a tool called a hydraulic ram, which is basically like a car jack but a lot more intense. This tool is able to expand and push the installed piers. At this point, the process becomes an applied math equation between the weight of the house and the force of friction.

Through the pier’s interlocking mechanisms, there’s a point where the friction is greater than the weight of the house, causing the house to rise, which is when experts must calculate when the home is level.

Then, the hydraulic rams are replaced with a different type of jack that allows more precision. The next step is to level or lift the house where the piers are. By lifting across multiple piers at the same time (just like you’d make level a picture you’re hanging), experts will stick a level into the ground where the piers are to ensure the home is level.

As the foundation gets closer to leveling, you’ll be able to visibly see the signs of repair, such as cracks closing and doors working again. That’s because when everything was originally installed, it was level and it’s returning to that same level.

Given the cooperation of weather, the average job is about 12 piers, which is enough to span across the front of the home (the most common area that needs work) which is about how many piers that can be installed in a day. The average installation job (digging, installing piers, etc., replacing/filling in holes) takes about one day. See this post to get a better idea of the average foundation repair cost in DFW.

  1. Creating a Long-Term Plan to Avoid Future Damage

Remember, leveling the foundation is just the first of a two-step place. The next is stabilizing the foundation in order to ensure this issue doesn’t continue in this area or other parts of the house. Installing the piers do help with this but you want to address why this issue happened in the first place.

Do you need a root barrier because it was cause by the tree? Do you need to install gutters to stop erosion? Are you watering correctly? Does your yard need a french drain installed? These are the types of questions experts will ask to help you create a plan in order to avoid future damage from occurring.

It’s important to remember that, within the foundation repair process, you’ll need to work with the expert to both fix the issue (by leveling the home) and ensure you know the root of the issue to create a plan that corrects whatever caused the issue in the first place.

While the piers will correct the issue for a while simply with installation, issues can arise again if you do not seek out the root of the problem and correct it so it doesn’t occur again down the road. Seek out the right foundation repair company, where experts will work with you to both correct and address the issues.

Learn more about what you can expect from a good foundation repair expert and what you should look for in a foundation repair company within the last part of this series, coming soon.

 

Reading the Signs of Foundation Issues (2/4)

Now that you have a basic knowledge of foundations in Part 1 of this series, and the basic causes of foundation issues, it’s time to learn more about the signs indicating that you may have a problem with your home’s foundation.

When it comes to your foundation, do you know what’s worth noticing? This series discusses foundation issues you should watch out for, explains how to evaluate them and, ultimately, can help you determine if it’s time to take action and begin the foundation repair process. Once you decide it’s time to take action, discover how to find and consult with a foundation repair expert near you

Most people think “foundation issues” when they see a crack in drywall. However, experts explain that there’s more than one type, as cracks may simply be a cosmetic issue, rather than a foundation issue.

Assessing Cosmetic vs. Structural Foundation Damage

Visible drywall cracks, most commonly referred to as hairline cracks, don’t necessarily indicate a serious problem. These may also occur seasonally and are commonly referred to by experts as “seasonal settlement cracks,” which is a cosmetic issue.

However, foundation problems are a structural issue – which means they can really mess up the structure of your home if not taken care of properly. So, one’s a bigger concern over than the other, even though you may think both look bad. Cosmetic issues are a much easier fix and one hairline crack won’t necessarily indicate you have a foundation problem with your home.

Help, I See a Crack! What Kind is it – Cosmetic or Structural?

One helpful tip recommended by a foundation consultant with Stratum Foundation Repair, a Texas-based foundation repair company, is to determine whether a crack is cosmetic or structural. This expert recommends performing a “quarter test” on cracks to help determine whether or not a foundation may need repair.

How to perform the “quarter test” on a crack in your home: when you see a crack, if you can take an edge of a quarter and stick it inside the crack, it’s probably something that needs to be investigated further by an expert. If that crack is opening up, it means things (aka the bones of your home) are pulling apart.

While any noticeable crack is a cosmetic issue in itself, a structural issue stems from things pulling apart. If it comes out too far, parts are no longer connected, which is obviously a bad thing.

If you see a crack that’s smaller or what’s commonly referred to as a hairline crack, then they’re most likely seasonal movement cracks. As long as the crack isn’t widening or separating, there’s not as much cause for concern.

The signs associated with foundation damage usually occur in tandem, with more than one at a time. It’s usually unlikely that a bunch of different signs or cracks don’t have separate causes.

That means it’s not enough to have just one crack to correctly assume it’s a foundation issue. When the foundation moves, it’s causing many pieces of the foundation to move. Experts look to find a concentration of cracks and breaks, along with evaluating other areas of the home for common signs indicating foundation problems.

Basically, foundation consultants typically look anywhere where there’s a joining of two materials because those are weak spots: brick meets window, trim meets window, ceiling meets wall, etc.

6 most common signs of foundation issues include:

  1. Water bill inconsistencies:  If your water bill shoots up suddenly, it may indicate a foundation issue related to a plumbing leak.
  2. Odors: A foul order coming from soil near house is another warning sign of foundation problems.
  3. Cracks: This is the most common issue homeowners notice. Signs of foundation issues in relation to cracks include several cracks popping up on walls, near ceilings above doors and in corners.
  4. Doors and door frames: If you begin to notice that doors are not opening or shutting properly or are not matching to the frame properly as it once did, this is another foundation issue indication.
  5. Separation of freeze boards (the jointed trim near the roofline and on the corners of the home): When you are able to see a separation in this area, it often signifies that the foundation is moving. Experts look for separation higher up, which is easier to spot.
  6. Expansion joints (the lines in between bricks that look like caulking): Expansion joints exist to help combat the issue of moving bricks, since bricks typically don’t allow any sort of movement. But, when there’s an issue, you can see displacement, usually near the top of the wall.

Remember, if at any point there’s a concern that your home may have foundation issues, it’s important to act immediately. While you can live in a house with foundation problems, it’s not recommended you ignore them. If you believe you may have a foundation issue after evaluating your home for these common signs, it’s time to consult a foundation expert.

Companies, like our DFW-based Stratum Foundation Repair, offer free foundation inspections to get to the bottom of the issue. Our foundation repair company will help you resolve whether or not there’s an issue and, if so, what you can do to resolve it.  We’ll also help you assess both the current problem and also create a plan that helps combat any future foundation issues from occurring.

Now that you’re able to better determine whether or not you may have a foundation issue, we’ll next dive into the foundation repair process so you’ll get a better understand of what to expect. Go here to read Part 3 in the series.

Ask The Expert Series 1: Foundation Basics & Problem Causes (1/4)

It’s common for homeowners to notice things they believe to be signs of foundation problems. This series encompasses everything you need to know about your home’s foundation: starting with a basic understanding of what a foundation is below. This is Part 1 of 4 in an ongoing blog series that was developed from an interview with one of our foundation consultants. To listen to the full interview, please find the audio here.

Let’s start with the basics and give you a foundation of knowledge on, well, foundations!

Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t even think about their home’s foundation until a problem arises that needs repair. And, while many of these issues can be repaired, there are also things you can do to prevent them from happening in the first place.

First, let’s look into foundation repair and what causes foundation problems to begin with. Thanks to the help of a foundation repair expert from Stratum Foundation Repair based in Dallas, Texas, here’s all the information you need to understand the basics. This will help you understand the issues that arise and how to best avoid them from happening at all.

Concrete Slab Foundation Basics

The key to understanding your home’s foundation is right underneath it. The earth under your home is what it sits upon, and it’s also what usually impacts the changes – and sometimes, issues – that occur.

Most people don’t give the ground underneath their homes a second thought. But, it’s that very ground, and its contained moisture, that can give you a run for your money in foundation repair.

Understanding the Root of the Problem

For example, consider a home within the Dallas area – one of the highest areas in need of foundation repair. Why? Clay. The earth in this area is most commonly comprised of clay. This especially impacts the movement of a foundation because clay expands. Think of it as a sponge – it contracts when dry, expands when wet. Couple that with dry weather patterns; like a drought, or over-watering and you can easily imagine why this area is ripe with foundation inconsistencies.

You may be thinking, if all of the land is clay, and there’s a drought, wouldn’t logic follow that the clay underneath the foundation simply contracts? This assumption is incorrect, because foundations are impacted by any inconsistencies within the earth and, unfortunately, can happen both naturally and unnaturally (as in, we’re doing things to the soil, like watering in certain areas, that can make it worse).

For example, something as simple as a tree can lead to inconsistencies. If one side of the home with a tree is being watered daily, the clay expands on that side of the home. If the tree isn’t being watered daily, it pulls a great deal of moisture out from the soil (trees can drink up to 100 gallons of water daily), causing it to contract. Meanwhile, the other side of the home, without a tree, gets less water and contracts if the tree is being watered. Or, perhaps, contains more moisture than the side the tree is pulling moisture from.

Common Causes of Foundation Issues

While there are many different causes and cases that cause foundation issues, the most important take away is that when these factors become inconsistent, it can lead to an uneven foundation.

The mere expansion & contraction isn’t necessarily the problem, it’s the inconsistent swelling and contraction under the house.

For example, serious foundation issues often occur when the perimeter of the foundation dries out and the interior doesn’t – most commonly in summer months. This is most likely an issue that leads to the foundation moves first and the structure second. Think: the right side may be swelling while the other is contracting, leading to uneven foundation differences. Since clay moves so much, you want to implement a foundation that moves with it.

While the foundation itself is meant to move and flex, the structure on top of it and plumbing within it is not meant to move – especially inconsistently. Within areas that have clay, most homes are built on a concrete slab, so due to weather, settling, tree roots depleting moisture/droughts, and other variables, people need foundation repair. 

These inconsistencies can cause different types of issues, some of which are more common than others.

4 Warning Signs of Foundation Issues:

  1. Noticeable cracks
  2. Roof/Trim issues
  3. Plumbing damage (often signified by odor)
  4. Structural damage

If at any point there’s a concern that you may have foundation issue in your home, you should never hesitate to call an expert. Many companies offer free foundation inspections allow experts to get to the bottom of it, whether there’s a problem or not. They want to ensure you correct the current problem and create a plan for the avoidance of future issues. This is the case with Stratum, and you can call us to give you a thorough and FREE inspection by calling us today.  214-683-2956

At the end of the day, if you have a foundation issue, it’s nothing to be lax about. Your entire house is shifting, and it won’t correct itself. Experts need to assess the damage and create a plan for both repair and a longer-term plan to avoid further damage; they will also navigate issues, like gas lines, etc.

You also want to ensure that it’s a long-term solution and that it’s done correctly from the beginning, so work with your foundation expert at Stratum to create a plan to both correct the current problem and avoid future issues from arising.

Now that you have the basic knowledge, you’ll be able to better understand how to determine if there’s a potential foundation issue with your home. Read on to discover the warning signs of foundation problems in our second post in the series, along with ways you can start to determine whether or not you may have a foundation issue. Call us today: 214-683-2956

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5 reasons why Foundation Repair should be at the top of your list!

5 Reasons why you should repair your Foundation issues ASAP!

You are noticing signs of foundation issues in your home. Doors don’t close, you have unsightly cracks in your sheetrock, and you are beginning to notice cracks in your bricks. These are all signs that you have a foundation issue, here are 5 reasons why you should repair ASAP!

Separation caused by a shifting foundation

1 Homes move seasonally. They move down during the hotter, drier summer months, and upward during the cooler, wetter months. It is this constant upward and downward movement that eventually leads to broken plumbing pipes. Plumbing repairs can run thousands of dollars. Broken pipes under your foundation often lead to a substantially more expensive foundation repair plan and make the repairs much more difficult to carry out. If it is winter time let Stratum repair your home now to keep it at its elevated state and avoid another sinking this summer. If it is summer it is important to get the house up as soon as possible to release the pressure on the pipes, and of course prevent any future downward movement.

Movement in your foundation eventually leads to broken plumbing pipes

2 Time=More Work. The further you allow your foundation to settle the more secondary repairs you will have to pay for. This includes sheetrock repairs, window and door adjustments, flooring repairs, roof leaks, brick and mortar repair, plumbing repairs, as you can see the list goes on and on. The sooner you repair your home the less expensive these additional problems will be to repair — or they may not even occur at all!

Sheetrock cracks due to foundation movement

3 Time=Money. Foundation repairs will absolutely cost you more in the future than they will today. Ever increasing material and labor costs will always lead to higher repair costs for the consumer.

Concrete cylinders used to secure your foundation

4 Moving Soon? In the event you plan on selling your home in the relatively near future it is ALWAYS better to have these repairs completed prior to listing the home. This way YOU control the choice of contractor, and of course the price you are willing to pay. Once a buyer is in the picture they tend to have leverage in this regard.

Sell your home for more!

5 — You should hold off on all other home improvements until AFTER your foundation has been repaired. Most Families have a list of things they would like to do to their home. Foundation repair needs to be FIRST, as any other repairs done ahead of foundation repair can be compromised when your home is mechanically lifted.

 

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