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Water Foundation Damage: Its Causes and How to Spot, Prevent, and Repair It

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Is your foundation suffering from water damage? Water is a common culprit when it comes to foundation damage, especially in climates where heavy rain and flooding is common. Here are some tips on how to spot and repair water foundation damage.

Water Foundation Damage: Its Causes and How to Spot, Prevent, and Repair It

How Water Damages Your Foundation

There are a few ways water can cause damage to your foundation:

  • It can cause wooden parts of your structure to rot.
  • It can cause the soil under your foundation to erode or shift over time. This causes a lack of support for your foundation, which leads to shifting and cracking.
  • Moisture can cause the soil around your foundation to expand. This puts pressure on your foundation, leading to cracking.

Warnings Signs of Water Damage

Here are some common signs of foundation damage caused by flooding or moisture:

  • Cracks appearing in the walls and floors of your basement.
  • Walls bending or sagging, either inward or outward.
  • A musty odor that doesn’t seem to leave your basement.
  • The appearance or the odor of mold or mildew.
  • Discoloration of your walls, wallpaper that is peeling off, or a carpeted floor that becomes moist and spongy.

How to Prevent Water Damage

Some climates and areas are more prone to water damage. However, you can decrease the likelihood of it occurring in several ways:

  • Maintain your gutter regularly so that it properly drains water away from your home.
  • Employ drainage methods to keep rainwater away from your foundation.
  • Maintain your pipes to prevent them from bursting and flooding your home.

What To Do If There Is Water Damage

If you suspect that your foundation may be damaged as a result of flooding, contact us right away. Our professionals will inspect your foundation to check for any damage. Excess moisture will be removed, and the foundation will be strengthened and repaired.

Is Your Foundation Sinking? How to Spot a Sinking Foundation

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One type of foundation damage homeowners might face is a sinking foundation. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to spot. Here are some useful tips to answer your question: Is your foundation sinking?

Is Your Foundation Sinking? How to Spot a Sinking Foundation

What Causes a Sinking Foundation?

A foundation can start sinking if it was laid improperly by the contractor. It can also occur if it was laid on soil that is not stable. Soil will level and change over time, and it must be stable enough to uphold the foundation for an extended period of time.

How Can You Spot a Sinking Foundation? 5 Signs to Look For

Here are some warning signs that may indicate a sinking foundation:

  1. Uneven floor: This is a more extreme example, but if the foundation is sinking deep enough, your floor may become visibly uneven.
  2. Cracking walls: If the walls near your foundation are developing cracks, especially if these cracks are appearing long after the house was built and are continuously worsening, then they may be caused by the pressure put on the walls from a sinking and uneven foundation.
  3. Sagging walls: The walls may bend outward or inward.
  4. Stuck doors or windows: If your doors and windows get jammed, it might be because the floor is uneven, even if you can’t see it.
  5. Puddles: Puddles near the base of the foundation.

The Importance of Dealing With the Problem Quickly

Not dealing with a sinking foundation right away will cause many problems later on. The foundation will continue to sink and lead to structural damage to the entire home.

How to Deal With a Sinking Foundation

There are several methods of dealing with a sinking foundation. These methods, employed by professionals, are designed to strengthen the soil and provide additional support to the foundation.

If you suspect that your foundation may be sinking, call a professional to conduct an inspection right away. Contact us for more information.

Tips on Choosing a Foundation Contractor in Your Area

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If you believe that you have foundation damage in your home, then it is important that you have this damage fixed by a foundation repair specialist as soon as possible. The fact is that your home’s foundation is one of its most vital structures as it supports your home and keeps your family safe. If you ignore this problem the damage will only get worse, resulting in more costly repairs down-the-road. However, this does not mean that you should rush and choose the first contractor you come across. Choosing the wrong contractor could make your problem worse than it already is, making it important that you take your time and choose a quality repair specialist. Here are a few tips to help ensure that you pick the right foundation repair specialist to work on your home.

Tips on Choosing a Foundation Contractor in Your Area

Do Your Research

The most important thing for you to do when looking for a foundation contractor is to take your time and do your research. Do a search of foundation specialists in your area, and look to see if they have any reviews, complaints, or testimonials regarding their work. However, even in the internet age word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find quality contractors. Consider asking friends, family, and neighbors if they know any specialists they would recommend. Getting a recommendation from someone you trust is often the best way to find a quality foundation repair company.

Check For Licensing and Insurance

Due to the fact that foundation repair is an intensive process, it is important that you choose a qualified repair technician who is properly licensed and insured. When you begin talking to/meeting with contractors you should ask to see their proof of licensing and insurance. You do not want to let someone who is unqualified, and uninsured, work on your home, as they may leave you with more costly damage than you started with.

Do They Guarantee Their Work?

It is also critical for you to ask whether a contractor offers any kind of warranty or guarantee of their work. If a contractor offers a comprehensive warranty, this is often a sign that they have faith in their work and are willing to make corrections if repairs are not completed right the first time. You do not want to work with contractors who do not offer any kind of warranty, as this often indicates the low quality of their work.

Contact us for more advice on what you should look for when searching for a quality foundation repair specialist.

Managing the Liability of Uneven Concrete

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Concrete cracks often occur due to expansion or contraction of soils beneath the slab. Due to the rigidity and brittle nature of concrete, when soils below washout or contract overtime, they can cause a void and the concrete will crack and settle, causing a transition on the surface above. Such transitions not only tend to worsen over time due to more moisture traveling through the crack, but can become a serious trip hazard for pedestrians, leaving the property owner with a liability risk for injury. Time was when there was little recourse when this occurred beyond a costly demolition and replacement job that often included removing soils below and replacing them with compact-able materials. When is comes to  managing the liability of uneven concrete these are a few things to consider.

Managing the Liability of Uneven Concrete

Now, thanks to Steady House Foundation Repair, property owners in the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth areas have much more cost effective options available to them. Instead of replacing large areas of concrete, the professionals at Steady House can simply raise the sunken slab of concrete. This process can be done quickly, economically, and does not require losing the use of the are for days or weeks during construction.

Following a detailed inspection of the problem, we can apply a technique known as concrete raising, whereby our technicians drill several small holes in the sunken area of concrete. Under high pressure, we then pump stabilizing expansive materials into the holes, raising the slab, until the transition disappears. Once it is gone, we patch the holes and fill the crack, leaving a smooth, level surface that water will no longer penetrate.

The entire process can take as little as a few hours during a low traffic time, leaving your home or business traffic largely undisturbed. Whether it is a trip hazard in the concrete outside, or cracking, leaking foundations or slabs inside your property, we use the latest materials and techniques to fix the problem and protect your family, your guests, and your assets. Have questions or concerns about your Dallas-Fort Worth area property? Contact Steady House Foundation Repair now to schedule a free consultation and get an estimate.

3 Reasons to Hire a Professional to Handle Your Foundation Repair

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3 Reasons to Hire a Professional to Handle Your Foundation Repair

A solid foundation is of utmost importance for any structure, whether it’s a one-story ranch home or a 14-floor skyscraper. No house or building, regardless of how seemingly impregnable, will survive for very long if the foundation is in bad condition. And no matter how small the job might seem, it’s well worth it to call in a professional to handle the workload. In this post, we’ll look at three reasons why you should hire a contractor to take care of foundation repair.

  1. Professional Contractors Know What They’re Doing: A contractor that is experienced in repairing foundations obviously knows what they are doing. If you decide to go this home improvement project alone, particularly if you have no experience with repairing foundations, you run the serious risk of putting both the residents of your house and the house itself in danger. With a professional doing the job, they’ll be able to go through the repair process seamlessly without jeopardizing the health and safety of the inhabitants of the home.
  2. You Could Save a Lot of Money in The Long Run: If you take on a foundation repair project on your own and don’t know what you’re doing, there’s a good chance you’ll end up spending far more money than you need to. With a professional contractor, they’ll get the job done right the first time, thus preventing you from spending money on any other extra repairs or unforeseen costs. They’ll also know what supplies to use to save you money and help you stay within your budget.
  3. They’ll Leave You With a Finished Product That Lasts For Years: A seasoned foundation repair contractor knows how to build something structurally sound. They will repair your foundation in a way that leaves it in sturdy condition for many years to come. If you try to do this repair yourself, you may not have the resources and knowledge needed create a foundation that will stay in excellent shape for the long-term.

Looking for a contractor? Contact us today!

Foundation Repair: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Foundation Damage

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If you have seen cracks in your home’s slab foundation, or you have begun to notice hills and valleys in your home’s floors, then you may be worried that your home might have foundation damage. Your first instinct after coming to this realization may be to ignore the problem due to the potentiality of needing costly repairs; however, this is a mistake. Here are just a few of the reasons why it is critical that you have your foundation repaired as soon as possible if you believe you have foundation damage.

Foundation Repair: Why You Shouldn't Ignore Foundation Damage

The Damage Will Only Get Worse

While it may be tempting to ignore the problem, or put off the repairs for a while to save money, the fact is that the damage is only going to get worse the longer you wait. Once your foundation is damaged, the damage will quickly become bigger and more expensive the longer it goes unrepaired. While it is never fun to have to spend money on home repairs, by having your home’s foundation repaired as soon as you suspect damage, you will actually be saving yourself money in the long-run by preventing more extensive repairs, particularly if you are able to catch the problem early.

It Can Cause Additional Damage

Not only will damage to your foundation get worse over time, but foundation damage that is left unrepaired can also cause extensive structural damage throughout your home. From cracking and bowing walls, to misaligned doors and windows, a whole host of problems can be caused by not repairing a damaged foundation. In fact, if the damage goes unaddressed long enough, the very structural integrity of your home can become compromised.

As you can see, it is critical to have your foundation professionally inspected and repaired if you suspect foundation damage. Contact us to learn about the signs you can look out for indicating that your home may be in need of foundation repair.

3 Keys To Selecting the Best Foundation Contractors

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Not all foundation contractors are created equal. When evaluating prospective foundation contractors, there are three qualities to seek to ensure the long-term stability of your building. They are accessibility, a comprehensive quotation, and timely project completion. Below is a look at each of these qualities and why they are vital to the success of your project.

3 Keys To Selecting the Best Foundation Contractors

1) Contractor Accessibility

Accessibility and responsiveness are vital to your project’s successful completion. You can assess a contractor’s accessibility by reading online reviews and contacting references to inquire about the contractor’s level of responsiveness. Here are some signs of an accessible foundation contractor:

  • You receive your initial quotation promptly
  • Your contractor arrives early or on time to meet with you
  • You are able to easily reach the contractor by phone or email
  • Your phone calls, texts, and email inquiries receive a swift response

2) A Comprehensive Quotation

The quotation you receive to repair or raise your foundation is a roadmap for your project’s completion. As you evaluate potential foundation contractors, make sure that you receive a comprehensive quotation that includes the following key pieces of information:

  • The total cost of your project, including materials, labor, and any taxes
  • A proposed timeframe for completion
  • Any special tools or equipment required for the project’s completion
  • A date and the signature of the contractor who provided the quote

3) Adherence to a Proposed Schedule

Foundation contractors should have a proven track record of completing projects on time or ahead of schedule. If unexpected delays should happen to arise, the contractor should contact you right away. As you compare foundation contractors, be sure to check the contractor’s references to confirm their adherence to project deadlines.

Finalizing Your Decision

In addition to exhibiting the qualities above, the foundation contractor you select should exhibit professionalism and industry experience. Whether your project is large or small, the foundation experts at Steady House Foundation Repair have the tools and resources to surpass your expectations. Please contact us to learn why we are the most trusted foundation contractor in Texas. We look forward to hearing from you!

What To Expect From Your House Foundation Inspection

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If you are concerned about your home’s foundation, you may need a house foundation inspection. What are some common causes of foundation problems? According to the Texas Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, many parts of Texas have clay soils. This type of soil is affected by changes in moisture content and will shrink and swell, causing the foundation to move. Other factors that affect your foundation include design practices, the deterioration of building materials, slope instability, or landscaping practices.

What To Expect From Your House Foundation Inspection

The inspection process typically begins by meeting with a foundation company representative. This meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions and express your concerns about the foundation. The contractor will then evaluate the exterior of your home. This includes checking your foundation elevations. The measurements of your foundation elevations will help the contractor determine whether the foundation is out of level. The contractor will also be looking for foundation cracks, damaged walls, doors or windows that are out of alignment, and any other signs of sinking or cracking.

If your home was built using piers and beams, the contractor will inspect the crawl space under your home. The contractor will examine your piers, beams and joists to see if they are wet or rotted. He will also be looking for signs that the crawl space is damp or musty. If so, you may have a foundation drainage problem, or a plumbing issue that needs attention.

The foundation inspection contractor will also check for damage inside of your home. He or she will be looking for cracks in ceilings, walls and floors. The contractor will also take measurements to determine if your foundation is out of level and to what degree. Once the inspection has been completed, the inspection contractor will discuss the findings with you and make recommendations about what, if any, foundation repairs are needed.

If you are concerned or have questions about your house’s foundation, contact us. We are here to help.

Common Causes of Pier and Beam Foundation Damage

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A pier and beam foundation is a type of foundation in which piers are placed deep within the soil, and beams are laid across the piers to carry the weight of a house. The piers for these foundations can be made out of either concrete or wood, and they have been a popular type of residential foundation for many years due to their strength, stability, and due to the fact that raised foundations make it easy to add additional plumbing and electrical underneath a home down the road. However, even though pier and beam foundations are a sturdy foundation option, over time foundation damage can occur. If you have discovered foundation damage in your home and you have a pier and beam foundation, you may be wondering what caused this damage; here are a few of the most common causes of pier and beam foundation damage.

Common Causes of Pier and Beam Foundation Damage

Insufficient Drainage

One of the most common culprits of damage to pier and beam foundations is improper drainage. If you do not have sufficient drainage under your home, rainwater and other moisture can accumulate there. This can not only cause water damage to your piers, but it can also cause the soil underneath your home to shift which can further destabilize your foundation. If you have ever noticed standing water in the crawl space underneath your home, you should consider having drainage added to prevent future damage. Overall, moisture is deadly to foundations, and you should consider having your foundation inspected if your crawl space floods, or if you notice excessive moisture underneath your home.

Insect Damage

Another common cause of damage to pier and beam foundations is insects. Termites, carpenter ants, and other pests can take root in your crawl space and cause damage to your piers and beams, causing critical damage that can threaten the structural integrity of your home. This makes it imperative that you regularly inspect your crawl space for signs of pests, and that you call an exterminator and a foundation inspector if you notice carpenter ants or termites in and around your home.

It is important that when you have a damaged pier and beam foundation repaired that you know what the cause of the damage was, as this will allow you to address the cause of the problem. If you do not address the cause of the foundation damage, you will be likely to encounter foundation damage again in the near future. Contact us to learn more about pier and beam foundations including how you will know when your foundation is in need of repair.

House Leveling: The Top Signs That Your Home May Need to be Leveled

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While most home’s foundations will settle over time, additional factors such as soil erosion and tree roots can compound these problems and cause severe foundation damage. When this damage becomes significant enough it can cause cracking in your home’s walls and ceiling, and it can begin to negatively impact the structure of your home. When this happens, it is important to hire a qualified house leveling contractor to level your house. Yet, how will you know when your home’s foundation needs to be leveled? Here are a few of the signs you can look out for in your home indicating that your home may need to be leveled.

House Leveling: The Top Signs That Your Home May Need to be Leveled

Sticking Windows and Doors

In addition to cracks in your walls, another common sign of foundation problems that you can look out for is sticking windows and doors. If you are suddenly having problems opening the windows and doors in your home, this could be a sign that your foundation is uneven and that your home is no longer level, which is making it difficult to use your windows and doors. Thusly, if you are having issues with sticking windows and doors in your home, you should consider contacting a foundation specialist.

Your Chimney is Unstable

Another common sign of foundation problems is chimney damage. If your chimney shares a foundation with the rest of your home, then damage to your home’s foundation could result in an unstable chimney. If your chimney is leaning or has severe cracking, this is likely a sign of foundation damage.

Uneven Flooring

If you suspect foundation damage in your home, you should also check to see if your floors are uneven. If your floors were once even but suddenly seem to slant, or there are hills in your flooring, you likely have foundation damage. If you are unsure whether or not your floors are level you can purchase a cheap level from your hardware store, or you could even place a marble on your floor and see if it rolls dramatically as if it is on a hill.

Contact us to learn more about how you can tell if you have foundation damage in your home as well as to schedule a foundation inspection.