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Your home is one of your most significant investments, so you want to do everything you can to protect it. That includes making sure the foundation is in good shape. If you’re considering getting a foundation repair service, you probably want to know the methods we will use to repair your foundation and whether they will be effective.

Types of Foundation Repair Methods

There are several types of foundation repair methods available to homeowners, depending on the severity and cause of the damage. Some common methods include pier and beam, slab jacking, sills and jacking systems, and injection systems.

1. Pier and Beam:

If your home’s foundation is leaning or sagging in any direction, a pier and beam might be a good option for you. Piers (or columns) will be placed along each side of the house where it needs support, and beams that span between them will hold up your house’s frame.

1. Slabjacking:

For serious foundation issues that need more support than just steel or wood beams can provide, there’s slab jacking! Rather than jacking up the whole house, this technique injects grout under the entire concrete floor so that all four sides are supported.

1. Sills and Jacking Systems:

The first step in repairing your foundation using sill and jack systems is lifting the home off its crawlspace. Then, adjustable hydraulic jacks are set beneath the house’s perimeter to gradually raise it off the ground.

After being raised far enough off the ground, new joists and a sill plate will be added beneath it before slowly lowering the building back onto its new footing until it is flush with its original height.

1. Injection Systems:

A typical injection system involves drilling holes through your foundation’s floor at strategic locations, filling those holes with high-pressure grout, and plugging them with steel sleeves.

As with most other forms of foundation repair, this method is best performed by professionals who know what they’re doing.

Signs Your Foundation Needs Repair

One common sign of foundation problems is cracked walls or floors. These cracks can be caused by various factors, including settling, soil expansion and contraction, and poor drainage. If you notice any cracks, it’s important to have them evaluated by a foundation repair specialist to determine the best course of action.

It’s also worth noting that while they may not always seem like an emergency, there are some circumstances when they do require immediate attention. For example, if water is pooling on your property because of a crack in your foundation, then this is an emergency situation that needs to be handled right away.

Professional Foundation Repair in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX Area

At Steady House Foundation Repair, we provide a variety of foundation repair services to homeowners and businesses in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We have years of experience in the field and offer competitive pricing for our residential and commercial customers.

Contact us today to schedule a repair evaluation or get your free estimate.

Homeowners who experience saturated yards or even flooded basement after a rainfall may be wondering how to achieve better drainage on their property. One of the best landscaping drainage options is a French drain. Named after Henry Flagg French, the French drain was originally created for use on farm lands. However, this type of drainage system is just as effective and easy to install on residential properties.

 

How Does it Work?

French drains are essentially trenches that collect rainwater and direct it away from the home. Typically, a perforated pipe will be laid in the trench and covered with gravel. Water seeps through the gravel, into the pipe, and is channeled to a better location such as a nearby street or low spot in the yard. As a result, the building foundation is kept dry and protected from water damage.

When is a French Drain Necessary?

If rainwater seems to collect around the house, or there is no other landscaping drainage system present, then a French drain can be a vital tool for protecting the home’s foundation. When water is not drained away from a building, it can seep into the ground around the foundation and cause long-term damage or even leak into a basement and cause flooding. French drains are an economical way to avoid expensive long-term damage and repairs, by protecting the foundation from water damage. Additionally, they can be helpful in maintaining a healthy yard or garden by preventing plant roots from becoming waterlogged.

Is a French Drain Right for Me?

If you have experienced water pooling up around your home or even flooding after a heavy rain, then installing a French drain would be a fantastic investment to protect your foundation. Or, if you would simply like to create some proactive drainage in your landscaping to prevent future issues, then a French drain can also be an effective and attractive option. To learn more about installing a French drain on your property, contact us today at Steady House Foundation Repair.

The foundation is inarguably the most important part of any building or structure. It is basically what a building or structure stands on and the better and stronger the foundation is, then the longer a particular building or structure can last. Problems with the foundation are, however, bound to arise for any reasons, which is one of any home or building owner’s worst nightmares. While this is so, they don’t need to worry and should feel free to contact us whenever such a scenario arises since we have got them covered. Our professional team is well equipped and ready to solve such problems for home and building owners and managers. Below is a list of foundation repair methods for you to choose from with the help of our team!

Piering

This method of foundation repairs constitutes the use of concrete or metal posts to salvage a foundation that may be having problems. There are different types of piers:

Helical Piers

This foundation repair method is mostly suitable for repairs in the exterior of your foundation as well as the repair of interior slabs as well as the same use in new constructions. This is one of the best methods owing to its versatility as compared to other pier types.

Concrete Piers

As suggested by the name, concrete piers repair method utilizes concrete. It is one of the most permanent ways of repairing a problematic foundation and is also very useful during the preconstruction stage of a building or structure.

Steel Piers

Steel piers basically utilize metal posts or structures in repairing foundations. They are better than the concrete piers in the sense that they consume less space when doing repairs as well as less time when installing them.

Slabjacking

This foundation repair method is commonly used when repairing buildings and structures that are constructed on a concrete slab as opposed to soil or land. Also known as concrete-lifting, the method entails drilling a pattern of holes in the area being repaired, followed by pouring a synthetic lifting solution into the holes with special tools which then lifts the area making it easy to patch the area with concrete. The method is relatively cheap and quick and has an advantage as it can also be used to repair patios and driveways, as well as other areas that utilize concrete slabs in their construction.

Call us today at Steady House Foundation Repair today!

When summer comes, the weather is usually scorching and sunny. As a result, the foundations of your house can become subject to significant changes in temperature and humidity. This can affect the structural integrity of your home and lead to expensive repairs down the line. Summertime heat can cause severe damage to your home’s foundation, including:

Cracks in Your Foundation

Concrete is a porous material that allows moisture to seep through it. It becomes brittle when exposed to the sun for extended periods, and cracks can develop. It can cause significant issues with the structure of your house if left untreated.

Shrinking Soil

In excessive heat, water evaporates from the soil and concrete, which causes shrinkage. When the soil around your foundation shrinks, it creates voids and spaces underneath your home, allowing airflow into the foundation. With increased airflow, more soil dries up, causing cracks on your foundation.

Sinking Foundation

The foundation of a house will always settle until it finds new support. It means that the longer the dryness, the more your foundation settles. The dry soil beneath your house will move, and your home’s foundation will also start moving until a new soil can support it once more. Consequently, your home’s foundation may lean toward a sinking foundation. Your foundation’s corner may therefore settle more than other areas.

Tips to Protect Your Foundation from Summer Damage

Keep it Wet

Watering the foundation is one method homeowners can use to prevent soil contractions and cracks during the summer months. You can water the soil surrounding your foundation for 15 to 20 minutes daily. Keep the hoses 6 to 18 inches far from your foundation. Your water bill may rise, but it’s a better solution than a costly foundation repair.

Repair Cracks in Your Foundation Walls

If you have cracks in your foundation, repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage or water from entering when it rains.

Call Professionals

The foundation issue is not just a summertime problem. Your home’s foundation may also experience cracks and lose its integrity in colder weather. No matter the season or weather, foundational cracks should be inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Steady House Foundation Repair in the DFW area offers you all your foundation needs, including inspections, repairs, and education throughout the process.

Contact us today to enjoy our exceptional services.

A solid and stable foundation is key to the longevity and structural integrity of your building. However, the soil type on which you build your foundation can significantly affect its strength and stability. Different soil types have varying load-bearing capacities and moisture content that impact how a foundation settles and shifts over time.

The soil type available in your area results from the local climate, topography, terrain, and plant life. The three primary soil types in Dallas/ Fort Worth, TX are clay, rocky, and sandy loam. Each type of soil has different engineering properties that can impact the performance of your foundation.

Below is an overview of how each type of soil can impact your foundation:

Clay soil

In northern Texas, there are various kinds of clay soil. These clay types have low permeability, meaning they do not drain well. They also tend to expand with water and shrink in its absence. This tendency, coupled with the extreme heat during summer in Texas, can put intense stress on foundations in the area.

At times during hot, dry summers, the clay soil in the region can shrink to the extent of shifting the position of your home’s foundation. In some neighborhoods, wet clay can push the foundation up or down, causing it to strain and incur damages.

Rock

Rocky soil occurs in various forms such as limestone, bedrock, sandstone, hard chalk, and shale. In the North Texas region, limestone is the most common type of rock. It is an ideal foundation material, characterized by high load-bearing capacity, low compressibility, and good drainage properties.

However, rock soils have their downsides. Trees may not always have enough soil depth to flourish. Houses built on slopes might require bracing for safety and extra support, especially if the soil has high shale content, which may cause sliding.

Sandy Loam

Sandy loam is often a combination of clay, sand, and silt. It is dark and feels dry, crumbly, and soft in your fingers. Unlike rock or clay, loam soils maintain and drain water at a proportional rate. It is the ideal soil for supporting building foundations and flourishing tree gardens.

The only concern of foundations erected on loamy soils is the occasional erosion. However, you can prevent this by planting vegetation to hold it in place.

Address Your Foundation Concerns

Early detection of foundation repairs can save you money and aggravation. If your foundation has an issue, do not wait until it goes out of hand, our expert team is ready to help you.

At Steady House Foundation Repair, we specialize in the slab, pier, and beam foundation repair in the Dallas/ Fort Worth, TX area. We can help you with your simple foundation repairs up to the most complex. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a consultation.

Summer in Texas can be described in one word: brutal.

Summertime in Texas, even in the Northern parts, can range in the triple-digits (100+ degrees) for at least three to four months out of the year, and sometimes longer. The hot, dry weather can wreak havoc on your foundation, and it can be a long term cause of more problems when it comes to the structure of your home.

The following are some effects of this hot, dry Texas summer weather on your home’s foundation:

Causes Cracks in Foundations:

The constant heat can cause the moisture that’s in your foundation to evaporate through the course of the hottest and driest months of the year. Your foundation and the beams supporting your home may respond by developing cracks. Your house can slowly start to sink over time if the issue is not addressed appropriately. Each time your house resettles, it can sink lower and lower unit you have a noticeable problem.

Causes Soil to Shrink:

The constant dry weather and lack of moisture can cause the soil around your foundation to shrink, which leaves more of your foundation exposed to airflow. The more airflow that can get to your foundation, the more chances there are that your foundation will crack throughout the year’s hottest months. Some types of soil are more likely to shrink faster than others, but all soils can shrink in some manner.

How Do I Protect My Home From Summer Weather?

If you are looking to protect your foundation during the hottest summer months in Texas, you will have to take some steps to ensure that your foundation remains in good shape throughout the entire dry season. The following are some tips to help ensure that you are protecting the foundation of your home against cracks, sinking, and other disrepair:

• purchase a sprinkler system to help ensure that there is proper moisture in the soil surrounding your home
• be sure to water your lawn for short durations of time – 10 – 15 minutes is recommended for a start
• separate waterings by many hours to adequately ensure that the ground has proper time to soak up the water that’s provided to it
• doing this helps you avoid overwatering your lawn as it can cause leaks in your foundation

Following these tips can help keep your home’s foundation protected throughout Texas’s driest and hottest summer months. A small increase in your water bill can save you a lot of costs in repairs of the foundation of your home in the future.

Call Steady House Foundation Repair to Check Your Foundation:

If you have you feel that your home’s foundation may need additional care, please feel free to call us at Steady House Foundation Repair. We are here to help you organize the maintenance on your foundation and help you schedule your first appointment. Contact Us today at Steady House Foundation Repair in order to get your first appointment scheduled. We will provide you with a full continuum of services that will meet the needs of your home and your specific type of foundation.

In the late 40s and 50s, pier and beam foundations were the standard choice for home construction in central Texas. However, with the growth of the suburbs in the 60s and 70s, slab foundations became the norm. Although not as common today, pier and beam foundations remain in use in some parts of Texas.

Read on to learn what pier and beam foundations are and how they work.

What is a pier and beam foundation?

A pier and beam foundation is a type of foundation that consists of concrete piers that support beams. The beams, in turn, support the weight of the house.

How does a pier and beam foundation work

The piers that make up a pier and beam foundation are made of concrete and placed at intervals around the house perimeter and the interior if needed. The masons then place the beams, which support the weight of the house, on top of the piers. The space between the ground and the bottom of the beams, called crawl space, is typically left open.

Benefits of pier and beam foundations

• Stability on soil: Pier and beam foundations are not as susceptible to soil movement as slab foundations. This stability occurs because the weight of the house is supported by the piers, not by the soil itself.
• Drainage: Pier and beam foundations also allow better drainage than slab foundations. The space left under the house allows water to drain away from the foundation.
• Easier to repair: If there is a problem with a pier or beam, it is usually easier to mend than a slab foundation. The crawl space left behind allows access to the faulty piers and beams underneath the house.

Vulnerabilities of pier and beam foundations

• Foundation Settlement: If a pier settles, it can cause the beam it is supporting to shift and crack. However, the good news is that the settling rate of pier and beam foundations is slower than slab foundations.
• Moisture: Because of the open crawl space, moisture can enter the home through the foundation, leading to mold and mildew problems.
• Critters and insects: Open crawl spaces also provide easy access for pests and insects.

 

At Steady House Foundation Repair, we provide foundation repair services for pier and beam and slab foundations in  Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas area. We help out from straightforward foundation level up to the most complex. Our teams are also more than happy to answer any of your questions along the way. Contact us today for a free consultation.

From Hurricanes and tornadoes to floods and droughts, the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area is known for its fair share of natural disasters. In particular, prolonged droughts are widespread throughout Texas. Persistent dryness and drought conditions can cause severe damage to your home’s foundation. Remember, drought reduces the moisture levels in the soil, which causes your foundation to shrink. Please read on to find out how drought will affect your foundation in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area.

HOW DROUGHT AFFECTS YOUR FOUNDATION

A long-term lack of water causes the soil in your foundation to shrink. As the soil shrinks, it creates air spaces between your home’s foundation and the ground below it. The foundation starts cracking as it starts settling against the new gaps.

In particular, the type of soil in your yard will determine the extent of damage that the drought condition will cause to your soil. For instance, foundations sitting on clay-heavy ground are most likely to suffer the adverse effects of drought than those sitting on sandy soils. Remember, Texas has much more clay soil than sandy soil. This explains why the foundations in Texas are prone to drought damage.

SIGNS THAT YOUR FOUNDATION IS BEING AFFECTED BY DROUGHT

Here are warning signals that drought has caused damage to your home’s foundation:

• Your floors are uneven
• Your windows and doors are difficult to close and open.
• Bowed walls
• Cracked floors- Cracks stretching wall-to-wall should indicate that drought adversely affects your foundation.
• Your ceilings and floors have lost contact with the walls.
• Torn wallpapers
• Your chimneys and porches have started leaning away from  the house.
• Diagonal cracks stretching from the windows to the ceiling
• Moldings have separated from the top and walls

 

Does your foundation indicate any of these warning signals? Please contact us for immediate help. We specialize in slab, pier, and beam foundation repairs in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. At Steady House Foundation Repairs, we pledge to help you out with just a superficial foundation level up to the most complex. Our teams are always willing to answer any of your questions along the way.

A soaker hose is the most efficient of the foundation irrigation techniques.

Most local governments are in favor of it since it offers just the right amount of moisture without overwatering the whole region. The distance between the system and the foundation should be twelve and eighteen inches. Let us look at some of the most important advantages of using soaker hoses to protect your foundation now.

Using a soaker hose is a great way to save water. Compared to other techniques of moisturizing your foundation, this one uses a fraction of the water. Using this strategy, you will be able to ensure that your foundation receives enough water.

Another benefit of utilizing a soaker hose is its ease of use. Many homeowners do not have the time to properly water their foundations because of their hectic lifestyles. It takes a lot of time to keep track of the water flow in a garden hose.

To get the desired outcomes, all you have to do is switch on the soaker hose at the base of your house for a certain amount of time. Observing how the water flows or adjusting the hose is not required.

The use of a soaker hose prevents soil erosion around the foundation. A high-quality soaker hose creates little soil disturbance and does not wash away soil, so your property will have a solid base.

How Often Should You Use a Soaker Hose?

Watering your lawn and foundation every week should earn you one to two inches of rain. We recommend that the foundation get two to three inches of rain every week for the whole season during the summer months. This includes precipitation, so it is crucial to keep that in mind. An exterior window water meter may be used to measure this. Only you can determine whether your foundation and yard are getting enough water.

Contact Steady House Foundation Repair at 214-886-6857 if you have any questions about watering or maintaining your foundation. We can help you discover or avoid foundation concerns to safeguard your home and belongings.

Having a pier and beam foundation is a great thing because this type of foundation is built to withstand a lot of shifting, settling, and other types of ground movement. However, just as with other types of foundations, you may run into issues from time to time. Because of this, it is very important that you have a professional inspect your foundation and perform repairs when necessary. Here are two reasons to have pier and beam foundation repair.

Your Wood May Be Deteriorating 

One great reason to have pier and beam foundation repair is if you are having issues with the wood part of your foundation. Since this type of foundation is made mostly out of wood, it is very important that you have it inspected from time to time. If the wood has started to rot, due to being in moisture for too long, this can compromise the structure of your home. Wood is also quite porous, which can make it more prone to rotting.

You Can Fix Small Issues Before They Become Big Ones

Another reason to hire a professional to come and perform pier and beam foundation repair is to ensure that any small issues are fixed before they turn into larger issues. Regular inspections of your foundation can help to make this possible because a professional has a highly trained eye and unique skillet that allows them to give your foundation the best inspection possible. The repairs that they find are also generally very cost-effective to fix and are much easier to repair than if you left things unchecked and allowed them to get worse.

To learn more great reasons to have a pier and beam foundation repaired, or to hire a professional to inspect your foundation and perform the repair today, visit us at Steady House Foundation Repair.