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Your house is only as strong as its foundation as well as the footings below. However, your foundation is not immune to damage. Over the years, a range of issues such as changes in moisture content, poor soil, soil erosion, and freeze-thaw cycles can affect the structural integrity of your foundation. An unstable or compromised foundation puts your entire house at risk. That’s why being able to tell that your foundation has a problem is of vital importance. It will allow you to plan for the necessary repairs to avoid risky outcomes such as the house collapsing. Here are some of the major signs that your foundation needs repair work.

Visible Cracks

Cracks are some of the most common warning signs that your foundation needs repair. The platforms on which foundations are placed are known as footings. Over time, issues such as insufficient support may cause the footings to break. When this happens, you will have a settlement, which is simply a gradual sinking or slanting of part or whole of your foundation. The effects of this movement will be evident as cracks in both your interior and exterior walls. These cracks may also appear on your basement floor or concrete slab. However, keep in mind that concrete heaving and shrinkage may also be the cause for this and may not necessarily mean your foundation needs repair. Nevertheless, if the cracks are accompanied by those on your interior and exterior walls, be alarmed and act as soon as possible.

Uneven Floors

If you notice that a section of your floors seems uneven, use a level, tape measure, or even laser lines to confirm. If they are indeed uneven, chances are your foundation is the culprit. However, before you get too worried, understand that uneven floors can also be a result of sagging joists or beams. Nevertheless, whatever the cause is, it’s worth addressing the issue the soonest possible to avoid riskier outcomes and costlier repairs.

Doors and Windows Sticking Out

If your doors and windows aren’t opening and shutting correctly as usual and instead they are sticking out, your foundation may need attention. This may only happen to a part of your windows and doors. Therefore, before you dismiss the problem as poor installation, check the interior and exterior walls around those doors and windows for cracks. It will be confirmation that you probably have a settlement and that your foundation needs repair work.

If you need a foundation inspection, call us today!

If you are having issues with the foundation of your home, it is an excellent idea to contact a professional for the help that you need. To solve this issue, you will likely need foundation leveling. This is a complex process that must be executed correctly, which is something a professional can do. Here are three great reasons to hire a professional for foundation leveling.

They Provide A Free Quote

One awesome reason to hire a professional for foundation leveling is because they will first give you a free quote. This process involves them coming to your home and doing a full inspection of your foundation. This allows them to find out exactly what is wrong with your foundation, so they can give you an accurate quote on how much it costs to fix it. They will give you a detailed breakdown of the cost as well, so you understand everything very clearly. This lets you know right up front if you can afford their services.

They’re Experts 

When you hire a professional to perform your foundation leveling, you know that they will do a great job because they are experts. They have spent a great deal of time fixing a variety of foundation issues, and they know exactly what to do to permanently solve your foundation issues. This helps you to trust them completely.

They Guarantee Results

Hiring a professional to level your foundation ensures that you get the results that you want. They not only go above and beyond to fix your foundation problems, but all of their work is guaranteed. Any issues that may arise will be taken care of, even if it is a while down the road.

To learn more reasons to hire a professional for foundation leveling, or to hire a professional today, visit us at Steady House Foundation Repair.

Pier and beam foundation issues require immediate repairs to avoid further damage, primarily foundation movements and sagging. Besides, foundation problems have become an increasing trend, with professional foundation repairs ensuring the issue is addressed correctly. Although structures are different, pier and beam foundations accompany unique difficulties for homeowners.

That said, here are four common pier and beam foundation repair issues you should know.

Rotting Substructure

Typically, homes with beams include wooden substructures prone to rotting and damage caused by rodents, insects, and water. And with pier and beam foundations having crawl spaces underneath, they usually experience significant moisture buildup that accelerates rotting. Once you notice signs of rotting on your wooden foundation, it is crucial to call an expert to fix the problem right away and avoid costly repairs.

Improperly Spaced Piers

Whether concrete or steel foundation piers, it is important to ensure they are spaced appropriately. Piers require a spacing of about six inches to handle the structure’s weight, with adequate piers ensuring greater support and reduced foundation problems. If beams and piers are adequately positioned and used as required, your structure will be stable and experience limited issues. However, it is essential to seek prompt foundation repairs to prevent foundation issues like sagging if you have fewer or badly spaced beams and piers on your foundation.

Soil Movements

Pier and beam foundations became a popular choice for most homes and structures back in the 1960s, and have remained a common choice for many homeowners to date. Despite their popularity, steel and concrete foundation piers can shift over time, caused by water and soil conditions. This has shifted into a common issue for homeowners, caused mainly by soil movements.

Water Damage

Pier and beam foundations are usually not in contact with the ground. But due to water and moisture buildup underneath, it can cause deterioration. Having drain systems that direct water away from the foundation helps mitigate the issue. But once water gets into these piers and beams, it can damage your foundation, requiring repairs to fix the problem.

If you have a pier or beam foundation problem, we here at Steady House Foundation Repair can help you. Contact us to learn more or speak to our experts today!

The foundation is a crucial part of any building whose condition determines the quality and safety of the house. It is, therefore, important to know what happens to this significant part of your house or office during a hot summer and what you are supposed to do to maintain and keep it in an uncompromised state.

The weather is quite enjoyable during summer. It is during this time when we like to go out and enjoy the warmth after spending time indoors in winter. However, the welcoming warmth of summer can be detrimental to the foundation of your house, office or commercial building.

Please read on to know more about how a hot summer affects your foundation.

• Excessive Moisture Evaporation

The weather during the summer is hot and dry, meaning there is a high rate of water evaporation from concrete or slab, especially for new foundations. Excess evaporation causes concrete to crack, rendering it unstable. Water is also likely to infiltrate the cracks, damaging the foundation further.

• Soil Erosion, Resulting in Foundation Settlement

There is often rain in summer due to the high levels of evaporation. When heavy rains fall on the loose and dry soil it washes it away, creating more or deeper cracks and voids in your slab or concrete. The foundation settles even more as it becomes more unstable. Conversely, heavy rains cause water to accumulate in the cracks. When this happens, the foundation undergoes eventual cracking and heaving.

• Soil Shrinkage Causing Cracks

During warm and dry summers, the soil shrinks and causes damage to your pier, slab, concrete or beam foundation becomes imminent. Dry soil starts to spread or forming spaces and voids, leaving your foundation vulnerable or without support. It starts to sink or move the result of which are cracks on your walls, leaks and sticking windows and doors.

You can avoid these issues by watering your foundation and the adjacent soil using a soaker hose pipe to help keep them at a bearable moisture level. This will prevent damage to your foundation and save you money for repairing or replacing it altogether.

We Are Glad To Help

The summer, despite its welcoming warmth, can be dangerous to your foundation, yet you might know what to do. Don’t worry. Steady House Foundation Repair is here for all your foundation services, including inspection and repair in the DFW area. Please contact us today for a free consultation or to enjoy our services.

Sometimes, minor problems in your home are an indicator that you are dealing with structural issues. Keeping a close watch for any potential signs of trouble is essential in staying proactive and taking care of these problems before they become more serious overtime. Reaching out to a local contractor is a good idea to further inspect your home to determine the best action and avoid further damage.

Here are a few of the most common types of structural problems within a home.

A Door That No Longer Closes

A door that doesn’t close or sticks isn’t only frustrating, but it’s also a sign that the structure of your home has shifted. The shifting can occur due to saturated clay soil expanding and putting additional pressure on your foundation, or it may happen due to normal settling. Getting a contractor to inspect your home and pinpoint the exact problem is critical in taking care of this problem before it gets worse.

Peeling or Blistering Paint

Another sign of structural damage is if you notice your paint beginning to peel or blister. While it’s possible these problems are the result of a poor paint job, it can also be a sign of water damage. Always investigating the area of the damaged paint is essential to avoid additional problems. You will need to contact a plumber if you notice any signs of moisture.

Sloping Floor

A level floor that eventually develops a slant isn’t always easy to identify unless there’s a noticeable difference. Sometimes a floor can begin to slope due to a broken or rotted joist. You may need to replace the structural members supporting your floor to fix this problem. A structural engineer can find the source of the problem and advise you on the best way to repair this problem.

Whether you plan to buy a new home or you want to know the state of your current house, it is imperative to do a foundation evaluation for various reasons. Below is everything you need to know about foundation inspection.

What is Foundation Inspection?
A foundation inspection is a process where a licensed contractor checks the current state of your home’s foundation. The inspector will examine the basement, slab, and crawl space to identify possible foundation issues such as cracks, slants, and bowed walls.

What Does Foundation Inspection Involve? 
During the assessment of your foundation, the professional checks the floors and walls to identify possible damage. This helps you ensure that your foundation gets immediate repairs to avoid sinking and cracking further.

The inspector walks around your property and examines your exterior and the slab foundation or beam foundation, depending on your home’s structure.  He/she will take measurements to determine the foundation level. Some areas of the foundation could be lower than others.

After the inspection, the contractor will show you the outcome and advise you on the next step. It is worth noting that not all foundation issues need repairs. However, ensure you understand the state of your house foundation to make informed decisions.

What is the Cost of Foundation Inspection? 
Some contractors do not charge for foundation inspections, while others charge fees ranging from $150 to $500. The actual charges depend on the foundation size, type, and foundation damage.

It’d be best to contact your contractor and find out their policy on foundation assessment. If you’re lucky, you can get a free foundation inspection. However, if you’re purchasing the home, you can request the seller pay since that is the responsibility of the current homeowner.

Hire an Experienced and Licensed Contractor 
If you want the best outcome from a foundation inspection, it’d be best to work with a professional who understands the nitty-gritty of a foundation. Contact us today for a free quote.

The foundation is an essential component of your property that needs to be in good condition to hold the home firm. However, things often change during summer. Your foundation becomes vulnerable, and this can lead to severe problems. Here are the effects of the hot weather on your foundation.

Cracked Concrete 
New concrete or slab in your foundation can easily experience water evaporation in the hot season. The water evaporates from the concrete, making it dry and cracked. The foundation becomes unstable, and the cracks can quickly let in water, causing more damage.

Soil Shrinkage 
The soil in your foundation will begin to dry as the weather becomes hotter. It will continue to shrink and move, leading to damage to your foundation. The soil will continue to shrink further and stop supporting the foundation. This leads to many other issues such as cracks, leaks, and sticky doors and windows that will be difficult to open or close.

Soil Erosion 
As the soil in your foundation continues to dry and crack, it will eventually attract soil erosion when the rains come. The water penetrates the cracks and spaces, draining off the loose and dry soil. This can weaken the foundation further and can even push the concrete further, causing more cracks.

Sinking Foundation
Hot weather can also cause your foundation to sink. As the temperatures rise, the foundation cracks further, and the slabs begin to sink. The foundation will continue to move until it gets soil to settle on. If this continues, the foundation and house will start to tilt in a weaker direction as they sink and fall.

Seek Professional Help 
A sinking and cracked foundation can be risky for your property and household. Call out a professional to deal with all your foundation issues before it is too late. This can save you time and money in the long run.

We spend some quality time at home. It is where most of us build lifetime memories and interact with our friends and family. It should, therefore, be safe all the time by ensuring that every part of the house from the roof to the foundation is in the best condition.  The foundation is the “root” of the house, whose state determines the overall quality of the house. It is advisable to inspect your foundation regularly or routinely to ensure that you are comfortable and safe at all times. But how do you do this?  Steady House Foundation Repair offers the best foundation inspection services for both homes and business premises within the Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW) area. We carry out our work diligently, treating your home or office with the professionalism it deserves.

Please read on to learn more about foundation inspection and how you can reach us for an appointment.

What Takes Place During a Foundation Inspection Session?

Our team of highly-qualified inspectors evaluates to identify any structural issues your foundation has or might be at the risk of having. It is upon these findings that we proceed to devise an action plan to protect you and your home from further damage or apparent risks.

A foundation inspector will:

• Visually check your home inside and out to identify any issues with the foundation
• Specifically, look for anomalies such as drainage issues, leakages within the plumbing, wall cracks and fractures, and soil deformities. For instance, a heaving or uneven floor is an indication of plumbing leakages, thus issues with your foundation.
• Conduct a slab foundation inspection to identify any cracks in the foundation of your home or business unit.
• Carry out leveling using a state-of-the-art Zip Level. A foundation that is not level indicates some underlying issues that might compromise your home’s safety and comfort.

When or Why Do You Need Foundation Inspection services?

Foundation inspections precede repairs. It is necessary when you start noticing some of the following issues with your house:

• Uneven or saggy floors
• Heaving floor or general floor movement
• Shrinking foundation
• Cracks in the slab, floor, and walls
• Foundation upheaval
• Gaps between doors and window frames
• Bent or tilted in-house structures like chimneys,
• Fractured bricks.

Foundation Inspections Don’t Take Long

A typical foundation inspection session will take between 45 minutes to one hour. We might need you at home if your home is occupied. But if the home is empty, you do not have to be physically present during the exercise.

You do not have to worry about the cost of carrying out an inspection since most of these services are free. It is after the inspection that we make recommendations on the best way to repair your foundation. Our foundation repair services are affordable as we try to work with your budget.

Work With the Professionals

Do you need quality foundation inspection and repair services in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area? Our team of experts at Steady House Foundation Repair is there to ensure that your foundation, thus house, is in the best condition. Please contact us today to enjoy our services.

Your home is precious; it should be your safe haven where you feel relaxed and comfortable after a long day or night at work. When it comes to your home, you want to work with the best and dependable company for all your leveling and foundation repair needs, regardless of their size or volume, to ensure comfort and safety while working within your budget.  At Steady House Foundation Repair, we do leveling and foundation repairs with the utmost professionalism to provide quality services for both homes and business premises within Dallas/ Fort Worth (DFW)  Read on to find out more about house leveling services and how you can reach us.

House Leveling; an Art and a Science

Skills and techniques are critical when leveling a house. These can only be acquired with the right expertise and years of experience, which our team at Steady House Foundation Repair guarantees.

A house leveler is keen on every detail during the exercise; where the house needs to be raised first, the areas that should be raised together, and those that have been raised wrongly to avoid putting the occupants in any danger.

Why Do You Need it?

House leveling or raising is necessary during foundation repairs for several reasons, including:

• Adverse weather conditions, compromising your foundation
• Poor soil type causing bowing or bounding of your house
• Cracks from plumbing leakages
• Poor or improper compaction during initial construction, throwing your house off level, and
• Upheaval from vegetation growth through the foundation.

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of raising or leveling your house depends on the condition of your foundation or how damaged it is, its type (slab, beam, or piers), the number of piers used, structure type, soil type, and the weather condition in DFW.

It is advisable to hire a contractor who will inspect your property to help provide accurate figures on how much you will need for your house leveling project. Our company also provides some funding (Hearth and GreenSky) to help with your foundation repair and leveling project. You can learn more about these financing options here.

House Leveling Is Not Time-Consuming.

You wouldn’t want to spend much time away from your home. A typical project takes approximately 2-3 days to a week depending on how damaged the foundation is, the type used, soil type, weather conditions, and the type of your building.

Work With the Professionals

Do you need quality and affordable house leveling and foundation repair services in the Dallas/ Fort Worth, TX area? Our team of experts at Steady House Foundation Repair guarantees getting your house and foundation back to its best condition. Please contact us today for the best leveling and foundation repair services.

Foundation issues occur when moisture in the soil below your house causes the foundation to rise or settle. Both rising or lowering foundations will cause cracks throughout your home, uneven floors, and other signs that your home is slowly wrenching apart from the ground up. If your foundation is taking damage, this means repairs and property improvements will be necessary very soon.

To help homeowners know when to prepare for foundation repairs, let’s spotlight the top six signs that you may have ongoing foundation issues.

Cracks in the Walls or Floor

Look for cracks anywhere in the house – especially the walls, ceiling, and floors. These are signs that rooms are no longer even and the building materials crack when they are pulled in two different directions – half higher or lower than the other. Cracks indoors or outdoors in your home structure is most commonly a foundation shifting issue.

Uneven Doorways and Doors that Swing Open

When doorways are torqued with a shifting foundation, they become uneven and doors no longer hang right. If your doors don’t latch closed anymore or swing open, this could be a sign. If measured with a right-angle tool, you may find your doorways are no longer level at all.

High or Low Floor Sections

Look for spaces where your floor is pushed up or has settled down, creating an uneven flooring surface. Most often, the floors drop near the center of a house but rise around the outer walls like the garage.

Cracks in Basement or Foundation Brickwork

Basement and foundation brickwork (or concrete) are the most likely to show early cracks as the foundation shifts. Damp basements with cracks in the walls are often caused by foundation issues. Stairstep cracks are especially conspicuous. Also look for cracks around your outdoor foundation line.

Gaps Around Window and Door Frames

Window and doorframes need the house to be flat and remain at right angles. When the house shifts and torques with foundation movement, the frames themselves can gap around the moving walls. If you see gaps around window frames or doorframes, your foundation is likely to blame.

Damp Crawlspace and Foundation Flowerbeds

Watch out for unwanted or unexpected dampness. Because moisture is what causes soil to swell or sink, moisture often comes up around areas where the foundation is damaged. Watch for foundation-line flowerbeds that are too damp (and don’t overwater) and for unwanted dampness around cracks and seams in the basement.

Does your house have potential or obvious foundation issues? We can help! Contact us today to consult on your foundation concerns and the best methods to repair and prevent further damage.