
Frequently Asked Questions
Foundation repair in DFW can feel overwhelming. So, we’ve answered all the questions you might have.
Most cities now require permits for foundation repair. This process includes an initial engineer’s report that is submitted to the city along with the permit application. Once the repairs have been completed, the engineer will provide a final engineers letter that is turned into the city and in some instances the city will do a final inspection to close out the permit. We handle this process from start to finish for you. The price is included in the estimate and you will be made aware of it up front. Feel free to call our office to see what your particular city requires.
Yes. Trees and shrubs in North Texas compete heavily for moisture and can dry out the soil near your foundation, causing settlement. Proper watering and strategic landscaping can help you reduce root-related foundation movement.
Everything in our office is filed by the property address in order to keep things simple. When a home is sold we can send the new owners a copy of the warranty with their information on it. We do not require the new homeowner to call into the office and we have no hidden transfer fees. The warranty stays with the address of the property for the lifetime of the house.
Most cities throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex require permits for foundation repair, especially when installing piers. Atlas handles the entire permit process and ensures all work meets or exceeds local building codes. We simplify the paperwork so homeowners can focus on getting their foundation stabilized.
No. Nearly all foundation repairs in DFW homes are completed while the homeowner remains on-site. You may notice some noise or vibration during the lifting process, but the work is safe and contained to the exterior.
Yes — Atlas offers a Lifetime Free Adjustment Warranty on pilings we install. This warranty is fully transferable to future homeowners, adding long-term value and peace of mind for buyers and sellers in the Fort Worth and Dallas market.
Watering the foundation is highly recommended year round. It helps keep moisture in the soil and can greatly minimize foundation problems. We ask all of our customers to start a watering program once their foundation has been repaired to achieve the best possible results. It can be used as a preventative measure also.
The best foundation maintenance includes consistent soil moisture, proper drainage, functioning gutters, and grading that slopes away from your home. Avoid overwatering and watch for soil pulling away from the slab during droughts. Regular inspections help catch problems early, especially in the shifting soils of DFW.
We perform a full elevation survey, evaluate structural movement, and determine which areas of the slab need support. Piers are placed at strategic load-bearing points to re-level and stabilize the foundation. Our goal is to correct the problem with precision—never more or less than what’s truly needed.
We lift your concrete using quality, USA made polyurethane foam. First, small holes—about the size of a nickel—are drilled through the slab. The foam is then injected into the holes. The foam expands, filling voids in the soil and lifting the concrete. Additional foam is expertly injected as needed, to create an even and level surface. Finally, the holes are patched, giving your slab a smooth surface.
Most residential foundation repairs in the Dallas–Fort Worth area are completed in one to three days, depending on the number of piers and property access. Concrete pressed pilings and steel piers can be installed efficiently with minimal disruption. Atlas focuses on fast, precise work that ensures long-term structural stability.
Pricing depends on the number of piers required, soil conditions, and how much settlement has occurred. Some homes need minor adjustments, while others require more extensive stabilization. Atlas provides clear, upfront pricing after a thorough evaluation so there are no surprises.
Homeowners insurance rarely covers foundation settlement caused by soil movement, which is common in Texas. However, damage resulting from sudden and accidental plumbing leaks may be covered depending on your policy. We can help you determine whether your situation might qualify.
Sprinklers help your lawn, but they usually don’t supply the deep, consistent moisture needed to stabilize Texas clay soils. Foundation watering requires slow, controlled hydration along the perimeter—typically with soaker hoses placed 12–18 inches from the slab. Proper moisture management helps reduce soil contraction and foundation settlement, especially during DFW drought conditions.
Sprinklers are not as effective as soaker hoses. The soaker hose allows for water to slowly penetrate deep down into the ground while the sprinklers will strictly reach a shallow depth. Even if you are using sprinklers, we still recommend soaker hoses.
Our lifetime warranty covers the pilings that we have installed for the lifetime of the home. If you previously had pilings installed along the back of the home but are now seeing problems in the front, it may require new work. We aren’t able to correct problems in an area where we do not have pilings. You can read more about our lifetime warranty here.
Minor cracks in the slab/ceramic tile and the corners of the foundation are a normal in this area and should be expected. They do not mean that you have a foundation problem.
We are currently offering a 6 or 12 True Same as Cash option and a 5 year or 7 year 6.99% Reduced Interest Loan. These loans are provided through Enerbank. The process is simple and done over the phone. We also accept cash, check or credit card. All payment are due upon completion of repairs.
Common signs of foundation problems in DFW homes include interior drywall cracks larger than hairline size, cracks in exterior brick mortar, sloping or uneven floors, and doors or windows that suddenly stick or won’t latch. You may also see gaps forming between walls and ceilings or soil pulling away from the foundation. These symptoms usually indicate soil movement and should be evaluated by a professional foundation repair company.
The main problems you should be concerned with are interior drywall cracks that are larger than hairline size, exterior cracks in the mortar and bricks, separation around door and window frames and doors that stick or don’t latch properly.
Cracks in brick or mortar are often a sign of foundation movement caused by shifting clay soils common in North Texas. Hairline cracks may be cosmetic, but wider or stair-stepped cracks usually indicate structural stress. An inspection can confirm whether your home is experiencing settlement or foundation heave.
Our inspections include measuring floor elevations, checking interior and exterior cracks, evaluating doors and windows, and examining the perimeter of the home. We show homeowners exactly what we find and explain whether foundation repair is necessary. Our approach is educational—not sales-driven.
Delaying repairs can lead to worsening structural settlement, larger cracks, uneven floors, and even plumbing problems beneath the slab. Early intervention keeps repair costs lower and protects your home’s value. The longer you wait, the more extensive—and expensive—the damage can become.
We take great care to return your yard to its original state. We will do our best to work around your existing plants and shrubs. If we are unable to work around them, we will dig them up, place them on plywood and continue to take of them throughout the process. Once your repairs are completed we will replant them and haul off any excess dirt. Our goal is to leave your yard looking like we were never there. For extra peace of mind check out our reviews and look at our before and after photos!
Concrete pilings are a proven, cost-effective foundation repair method widely used across DFW and installed by pressing concrete cylinders into the soil. Steel pilings are stronger and can reach deeper, more stable layers—ideal for areas with significant soil movement. Atlas recommends the best option based on your home’s soil conditions and elevation changes.
When a foundation settles unevenly, the frame of your home shifts out of square—causing doors and windows to stick, drag, or misalign. While humidity can cause temporary swelling, persistent sticking is a common early warning sign of foundation problems in DFW homes. It’s best to have it evaluated before the issue spreads.
North Texas sits on highly expansive clay soil that shrinks dramatically during hot, dry summers and swells again after rainfall. When the soil contracts, voids form beneath your slab foundation, allowing parts of the home to settle unevenly. This seasonal soil movement is one of the biggest causes of cracks, sticking doors, and other foundation issues in the Dallas–Fort Worth region.
We live in an area that is notorious for movement in the soil. In the summer months as it becomes hot, everything begins to dry up. As the moisture is pulled out of the soil it shrinks, causing the house to move. In the winter, as it rains, the moisture is put back in the soil causing the foundation to move back.
Most salespeople are paid by the job so they will push repairs that are not necessary or needed. Our owners have worked out in the field so they understand the repair process from start to finish. They only recommended necessary repairs. Many times they can make recommendations such as increased watering or building dirt up around the slab to correct minor problems.
Atlas crews work carefully to minimize any disturbance to your yard or flower beds. Some digging is necessary where piers are installed, but we restore the area after the repair is complete. Most homeowners find their landscaping looks normal again within a few weeks.
In most cases, yes. Once your foundation is lifted and stabilized, many interior issues—such as cracks, gaps, and sticking doors—improve or fully resolve. Cosmetic repairs may still be needed, but ongoing movement should stop once the foundation is properly supported.
