Commercial Concrete Laying

First impressions count, especially in business. That’s why your business needs to maintain the outside of your premise, you want your new customers to build a first positive judgement.

Parking lots

A smooth journey to the business location can make all the difference to your customers, that includes getting their car parked with ease.

Using concrete levelling, you can even out your parking lot, eliminating the risk of your customers and clients damaging their cars on your premises.

Pathways

Uneven pathways can be a trip hazard for your clients as they walk to and from your businesses.

If an accident were to happen on your property to a customer your business may be a liability, so it is in your best interest to keep the premises up to a high standard.

Better yet, don’t leave it too late for your concrete to become a hazard to both your staff and customers keep up your maintenance and beat the Texas weather that typically causes damage to the foundations.

Our team at Atlas Foundation are experts in concrete levelling and concrete lifting and can transform your commercial premises.

Get in touch with us here for more information.

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Can foundation problems devalue my home?

When you are looking to sell your home, you want it to get a high valuation and make money back from the sale. However, our homes can be devalued by the condition of our foundations.

Both the indoors and outdoors of our homes can go through a lot of wear and tear that can slowly build up and cause damage to the foundations of the house. In turn, this can devalue your home up typically up to 15% dependant on the damage type!

Common foundation issues that affect the value of the home can include sagging ceilings, uneven ground and cracks the brick exterior.

Selling a house with foundation problems can also turn away potential buyers.

First impressions matter more than even when viewing a house for the first time and if your prospective buyers see your home with sagging ceilings, cracks in the walls and doors that don’t shut properly, it can turn them away immediately.

The state of the housing market also needs to be taken into consideration. If you are selling at a peak time in housing sales, your valuation will much likely decrease further and you will have to lower the asking price of your home.

If you would like a fast, high-value sale, we would suggest working with a foundation contractor on these issues before putting your house on the market to ensure you get a true valuation.

If you are looking from an estimated cost of the work you need completing, please get in touch with our skilled foundation repairs team today!

Why winter is a great time for foundation repair work

Homeowners can experience many problems during the time they live at a property. One of these problems is the appearance of cracks in the interior and on the exterior of the home. When this happens, the homeowner must decide when the best time of year to get these problems fixed would be. Luckily for our homeowners, there is never a bad time to take the initiative and fix your foundation.

As we settle into our cooler months in Fort Worth, we want to remind you that Winter is still a great time to complete your foundation repairs.

No Ground Movements

During the winter months in Texas, we have lower temperatures and rainfall which tends to lessen the amount of foundation movement.

During the cooler winter months, the ground remains relatively still, making it an ideal time to complete work.

Great stability

We can expect great stability from foundation repairs during the winter months.  Due to the reduced heat and rain, the ground is softer, allowing pillings to be pushed to maximum depth.

Ready for peak business

For many seasonal businesses, winter can be a quieter time with fewer customers coming in and out of the premises, making it the perfect time to undertake work and repair any concrete faults. This can reduce disruption and hazards during your busiest months.

If you notice uneven concrete or cracked foundations, there really is no best time of year to resolve these issues, get a contractor on-site as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to your property. Our team of highly trained concrete contractors are on hand all year round to help homeowners and commercial businesses with their foundation repair needs.

To receive a free quote, please fill in the below form and one of our team will be back in touch.

The Importance of a Watering Program

Growing up in Texas, you’ll be no stranger to the concept of watering your grass. In a state where constant changes in climate occur, it’s crucial that you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature might throw at you.

Whether you’ve owned your home for years or have bought a more recently constructed home, looking after your foundation is imperative. A watering program is one way to do this, especially when we experience dry weather patterns in the summer months.

What happens to my properties foundation?

Texas is known for its expansive clay soil which is beneath many of our homes. During the drier times of the year, the soil will begin to shrink. Clay soil absorbs moisture during wet seasons and expands, then shrinks as the soil dries out causing movement beneath the slab.

Foundation repairs are expensive and can cause a lot of damage. By maintaining a consistent soil moisture level, you can help prevent them.

Read on as we look at what decisions you can make to maintain a well-kept property.

What are my options?

Despite what most people may think, a sprinkler system is not enough to protect your home. Sprinkler systems do not allow water to penetrate deep enough in the soil to protect your slab! Our team of experts with decades of experience on the job, recommend that installing a drip irrigation system around your slab that can then be set to a timer to make sure the slab is watered consistently.

“The best thing you can do to protect your foundation is to water it.”

Alternatively, soaker hoses place around the entire perimeter at around 12 inches out from the foundations is something that you should be looking at.

When should I be watering?

While all properties in Texas are different and the land surface can vary, there are some guidelines that you can consider. When we start to welcome the drier months, stick with watering around three times a week for 2-3 hours each time. If it is drought season, and you are noticing changes in your property structure, water every other day for 3-4 hours as this will require urgent attention and an immediate response.

When the colder months arrive, we’d recommend watering around two times a week for a minimum of 2-3 hours. That’s if it hasn’t already rained that week!

If you need any additional support or have any further queries on what a water program might look like for your property, contact our team of knowledgeable experts today!

How Hybrid Piling Words

When it comes to carrying out foundation repairs on your property, hybrid pilings are a key element to consider. If you’re not already familiar with the process, they combine the strength and depth of a steel piling with the cost efficiency and sustainability of concrete piling – so you really do get the best of both worlds.

With decades of experience in the industry, our team of experts have figured out how to generate the best results when it comes to getting the job done. We’ve found that by starting out with steel pilings, you can maximize the depth appropriately which later reduces any risks of needing any repairs in the coming years.

You can have confidence knowing that the process of implementing hybrid pilings is very similar to other types of pilings you may have already heard of.

What is the process?

1. Hand dig two-feet square holes

After identifying each piling location, we hand dig a hole which is roughly two feet square. This is often a straight-forward task, and if there are any obstacles such as plants, these will be relocated to a different area.

• Installation of the pilings

Following step one, installing the pilings is the next job to do. The first five feet of piling will use a 2 7/8” steel piling pipe. This will then transition to a 6” by 12” concrete cylinder and then be topped with a concrete jacking platform.

• Start to level

Once installed, the leveling process must take place. Any excess mortar or caulking will be removed to ensure that the property’s bricks can return to their normal positions. It’s important to remember that the lifting process is slow, steady and controlled to maximize results.

• Additional yet crucial TLC

Once you have followed the above steps, the holes are then filled again. Mortar joints are repaired, windows and doors are caulked, and concrete is replaced. Naturally, if any plants were removed at the beginning of the process, they will be replanted. Lastly, all areas are washed and swept.

Why are these types of pilings needed?

The pilings which we use, as well as the concrete cylinders, are the perfect way to support your property foundations. The steel piling pipe can be driven deeper into the ground than concrete can which is beneficial when carrying out this type of project to ensure the best support is given to the structure.

As the leading providers of hybrid piling, understand the varied soil types across Texas and know the challenges that these can sometimes create. Make sure you make the appropriate decisions when it comes to future-proofing your property and contact us if you require any additional information!

Your Summer Foundations Checklist

In the summer months, homeowners can experience several problems when it comes to their foundations. Living in Texas, this does not come as a surprise.  Summers are hot and dry.  With this weather comes the risk for your foundation.

As foundation repairs contractors, we have outlined some of the key areas that you should be paying close attention to throughout the summer.

Detect any cracks on the building

Cracks are often the first visible signs of damage caused by foundation movement. We’d recommend checking both the interior and exterior of your home for any cracks that are larger than hairline and opening up. Inside, make sure you’re looking at your fireplace bricks, sheet rock, and floorboards. When it comes to looking externally, be sure to check all bricks and around doors and window frames.

Check out your watering systems

The dry weather conditions can cause big issues with your foundations – which means you should always be on top of your game. Make sure that your current watering system is running correctly. When the temperature in Texas gets hot, the soil will dry out and shrink which will cause movements in the foundation. By being proactive and watering your foundation regularly, will help keep the moisture at a consistent level.

Monitoring for plumbing leaks

It is also important to monitor your home for plumbing leaks.   If you notice a rise in your water bill or water coming out from under the slab you need to have a hydrostatic test performed immediately and repairs made.  Plumbing leaks left unchecked can and will wreak havoc on your home’s foundation.

Doors that stick

Doors are something that you use every day. This makes them easy to monitor for any changes. Doors that stick when opening, locks that are hard to use and doors that swing open or closed by themselves are a good sign that you have foundation movement and problems.  When experience this problem it is always good to have your foundation checked.

If you require any further advice on how to make your property safe for summer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team. With decades of industry experience, we’ll be able to help you efficiently and affordably.

Top Considerations For Commercial Office Spaces

As people start returning to work, you might be looking for a new office space. While homeworking has never been more popular, there’s still something rather special about working in an active environment surrounded by your colleagues. It’s no secret that people are eager to get their lives back to some sort of normality!

Whether you’re upgrading your space, or even downsizing as you take a hybrid approach to your new working structure, there is a lot that must be considered. In this blog post, our team of foundation repair contractors uncover what you need to think about when it comes to property foundations when finding a new workspace. This advice will help you to save both time, money, and resource in the future.

Let’s set the scene

During COVID-19, office spaces were almost abandoned as the working from home routine took off. Many buildings did not receive the daily love that they were previously used to. From staff regularly using elevators to utilizing facilities such as meeting rooms and even communal kitchen spaces.

Because of the lack of use, combined with reduced maintenance as workers across the country were asked to isolate, some unforeseen problems could have presented themselves during this period. If you’re looking for a new space, and find out later that there are some issues, you could find yourself in a lot of trouble.

If an issue is discovered once you have moved into the premises, you will need to bring these up with the building owners to get fixed. Depending on the problem, this could cause some disruption to your daily operations. As a result, you need to carefully consider and inspect the building that you are moving into to ensure that it is in tip-top condition.

What to look out for

As mentioned, there are countless issues that could have occurred over the past year. Below we have listed some of the most common that you should look out for when viewing potential spaces:

• Cracks ­– wallcracks can be a tell-tale sign of foundation problems in any property. This means that the soil beneath the property has shifted and caused movement. If this is found in a commercial premises, it will need to be fixed straight away. This could cause some disruption for your workers until the problem is resolved.
  
  
• Unlevelled Car Park & Pathways – not all problems reside to the interior. If your building car park is bumpy, this does not give a good impression to your clients. Do not risk your reputation using a space that can do more harm than good.

• Sticking Doors – are you noticing that doors are sticking when heading into meeting rooms? Or are swinging back and forth without any assistance? This could also be down to foundation movement.

All of the above can cause some level of disruption for your business. As you look for your next commercial property, keep potential foundation problems in mind. Whether you’re buying or renting this property, make sure you ask questions.

If you’re a building owner, check out our guides…

If you’re the owner of a commercial property and are noticing foundation problems on your land, then look no further. We’ve built up a hub of resources that can help you take appropriate action and protect your building.

• Commercial Concrete Laying
• Foundation Warranties Explained
• Your Summer Foundations Checklist

Alternatively, don’t hesitate to contact our team for further information.

Concrete Pilings vs. Steel Pilings for Foundation Repairs

Concrete Pilings and Steel Pilings for Foundation Repairs: What Is the Difference?

Concrete pilings or steel pilings? If your home needs , it is likely that you have already heard these terms. A trusted foundation repair company like Atlas Foundation Company in Fort Worth will be able to explain the difference and recommend the best material for your individual home’s needs. But it never hurts to have some knowledge going into the inspection. Both concrete and steel are good, solid options for giving strength and structure to your foundation. Here’s what you need to know about concrete pilings vs. steel pilings.

Atlas Foundation Company Installs Concrete Pilings and Steel Pilings. Call us at 817-478-1181.

Both types of pilings, concrete and steel, give your foundation stability and support, preventing and minimizing additional sinking and movement. Vertical pillars of either material are driven into the soil, providing a firm base when the soil cannot support the foundation. The pillars, or pilings, help transfer the weight of the foundation to rock and gravel several feet below the soil. Both concrete and steel are designed to withstand moisture and erosion, but also addressing any drainage issues is an important part to your foundation repair and maintenance. Both materials are installed in similar ways, using a hydraulic jack, and take about the same amount of time.

Concrete Pilings Facts

• Concrete pilings are significantly less expensive than steel. The equipment to install them is also less expensive. This is definitely a factor if you are not staying in your home for a long time.
• Concrete cannot go as deeply into the soil as steel (12-15 feet vs. up to 75 feet), so it’s not the best choice for very heavy structures on very deep soil.
• Concrete can withstand high temperatures and are available in different shapes. They are larger in diameter than steel pilings.

Steel Pier Facts

• Steel pilings can penetrate dense, clay soils and go as deeply as 70+ feet into the soil or until solid bedrock is reached. It is critical that they are inserted until bedrock so that they remain stable and give the necessary support.
• Because steel pilings are so deep, they give stability and structure in areas with a lot of soil movement. They are a long term solution.
• Steel pilings can support more weight and are a must for skyscrapers and taller buildings.
• Steel pilings are considerably more expensive than concrete.
• Steel pilings are thinner than concrete pilings and have less “skin friction”, or drag, while getting inserted into the soil.

Which Pier is the Right Choice for You?

If your home is not too heavy, and your soil is not too deep, concrete pilings can provide the needed foundation support at considerably less cost. In the Fort Worth area serviced by Atlas Foundation Company, concrete pilings are often adequate to stabilize and repair residential foundations, but sometimes the additional strength of steel may be warranted. A trained and experienced structural engineer will examine your foundation issues and soil type, and recommend the appropriate strategy for correcting the problems.

Does your foundation need repair with concrete pilings or steel pilings? Atlas Foundation Company will give a free inspection and estimate, offering the best advice for repairing your foundation. Specializing in residential foundation repair for over 50 years, you can trust Atlas Foundation to expertly install your concrete pilings or steel pilings. Contact us at 817-478-1181 today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate.

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I Think I Have A Plumbing Leak in My Foundation. Now What?

Plumbing Leaks and Slab Leaks and Plumbing Tests, Oh My!

With Halloween approaching, we can enjoy the spooks and scares that come with stories and decorations used to create the holiday atmosphere. Haunted houses, scary movies and creepy costumes add to fun feelings of suspense and fright. However, one thing that can give home owners a big fright that doesn’t include a witch, vampire or ghost costume: suspecting a plumbing leak in slab foundation!

A plumbing leak in your slab foundation—also called a slab leak—can be a scary concept. If left unrepaired, it can cause structural damage to your home, costing thousands of dollars to repair. The best way to prevent damage is to know the signs of a plumbing leak, and get it repaired quickly by a licensed plumber. After the leak is fixed and the area is dry, call an experienced and trusted foundation repair company, such as Atlas Foundation, to have your slab foundation inspected for possible damage caused by the plumbing leak.

If you notice any of these signs, you might have a plumbing leak in your slab foundation:

1. Unusually high water bills without a reasonable explanation for increased water usage
2. Water pooling in areas inside and/or outside of your home
3. Damp carpet spots and/or warping hardwood floors
4. Decreased water pressure from faucets and showers
5. Visible mold or mildew, or a strong mildew scent
6. Hot spots in the floor (could be from a hot water leak)
7. Sounds of water flow or the water heater being on all of the time
8. Cracks in the floor, especially if water is seeping through the cracks

Foundation Damage from a Plumbing Leak? Call Atlas Foundation Company at 817-478-1181!

If determined that you have any of the signs, the next step is to check your water meter. After turning off all of your appliances that use water head outside and look at your water meter. If it is reading that water is being utilized even though you have turned off all of the water usage in your home, it could mean that you have a plumbing leak. Whether it’s in the slab or elsewhere, it is important to bring in professionals to perform a plumbing test, locate the leak, and repair it before further damage occurs. Remember, any additional moisture around your home can lead to foundation issues if not addressed.

Plumbing leaks happen when pipes corrode or burst. This can occur over time due to water pressure, mineral erosion, and house settling, when the pipes are located below the slab. Older homes are more likely to have plumbing leaks.

Plumbing leaks don’t need to be scary. Call Atlas Foundation Company at 817-478-1181 after your leak is repaired by a plumber.

Once you are in the hands of a reliable plumber and a trusted foundation repair company like Atlas Foundation, the plumbing pipes will be repaired and the foundation will be leveled with the best materials for your type of home. This work can be expensive, especially if the foundation needs extensive repairs. Again, the earlier you identify a plumbing leak problem, the less invasive—and less expensive—the repairs will be.

A plumbing leak doesn’t need to be frightening. A good foundation repair company will be able to recommend a licensed plumber to explain the steps needed to fix the plumbing leak. They repair any damage to your foundation after the leak is fixed, thus restoring your home and protecting your investment. Atlas Foundation Company will walk you through the process, and take the fear out of plumbing leaks and foundation repair.

Call the Best Fort Worth Foundation Repair Company

Do you suspect that you have a plumbing leak in your slab foundation? Leaks need to be addressed or they can wreak havoc on the foundation. Do you need a plumber recommendation and foundation repair? Although we don’t repair plumbing leaks, we are happy to recommend a plumber. Once the leak is repaired and the area is dry, call the experts at Atlas Foundation 817-478-1181 or visit our website. We have served the foundation repair needs of North Texas homeowners for over 50 years. If you live in the greater Fort Worth area, you can trust Atlas Foundation for reliable, honest repair work for your home.

Trip Hazards: 6 Reasons to Protect Your Home

Are Trip Hazards on Your Property a Liability Risk? Fix Them with Concrete Leveling

In our blog articles, we strive to educate homeowners on maintaining their concrete slab foundations in order to prevent expensive repairs. However, we also know that the Greater Fort Worth area we serve is notorious for soil movement, causing concrete to shift. Add improper drainage, additional erosion, and any type of plumbing leak, and you have a potential for your foundation to crack, expand and contract, sink and settle. Now let’s talk about trip hazards.

Unfortunately, your home’s foundation is not the only concrete area that can be affected. Walks, driveways, pool decks and patios all share the potential to sink and shift. Not only are uneven and cracked walkways an eyesore, but they can also pose a danger for your family and guests who walk on them. They can also cause damage to your vehicles and equipment. These trip hazards need to be repaired before someone gets hurt.

Is Uneven Concrete Causing Trip Hazards Around Your Home?

The American Disabilities Act (ADA) has laws stating that any level changes in walking areas cannot be greater than ¼ inch. This is to allow those with disabilities, including vision impairment, mobility challenges, or requiring a wheelchair, to safely move over any surface. Uneven concrete, with high and low spots and/or large cracks, are trip hazards for anyone, but are especially challenging for those with disabilities. By not complying with the law, homeowners are liable and can be sued if a pedestrian is hurt on a trip hazard on their property.

Isn’t it better to repair the trip hazard than to risk the financial hardship and stress of legal fees, litigation, higher insurance rates and settlements? There are a few options for leveling trip hazards:

1. Concrete Replacement. Not only is this method old school, but it is expensive, too. Plus, it’s time consuming, messy, and the torn out concrete ends up in a landfill.
2. Mudjacking. Less expensive than replacement, but also a messy process. Further, the weight of the cement grout can still cause sinking, cracking and trip hazard issues later on. And, it’s not water tight
3. Concrete Leveling with Polyurethane Foam. Inexpensive, clean, and environmentally friendly, Atlas Foundation recommends this proven method for repairing uneven concrete.

Repair Trip Hazards with Atlas Foundation’s Concrete Leveling Services. Call 817-478-1181.

Concrete leveling with Atlas Foundation is safe, reliable and affordable. The process begins by drilling small holes into the concrete, polyurethane foam is incrementally injected into the holes, filling in voids, compressing and stabilizing loose soil, and lifting the concrete.

Top 6 Reasons to Level Your Concrete with Polyurethane Foam

1. Costs less than other trip hazard repair methods
2. No shrinkage and water tight
3. Light, so it doesn’t add weight and cause more sinking later on
4. No waste, so it’s environmentally friendly
5. Made in the USA
6. Time saving – most jobs are completed in a couple of hours

Ridding your home of trip hazards is important for keeping your family and guests protected and safe. Injuries from falls will be avoided, you will improve your home’s value, and you won’t be vulnerable to liability and lawsuits. Don’t delay!

Call the Best Fort Worth Foundation Repair Company

Do you have uneven concrete and trip hazards on your property? If you live in the Greater Fort Worth Area, call the experts at Atlas Foundation at 817-478-1181 for a free quote. Or, visit our website to complete a contact form and learn more. Our concrete leveling services will have you compliant with ADA guidelines in no time. With over 50 years of foundation repair experience, you can trust Atlas Foundation to protect your home and family from trip hazards.