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.

[gravityform id=”1″ title=”true” description=”false”]

Is North Texas Heat Causing Foundation Damage on Your Home?

There is an old saying, “Nothing is certain but death and taxes.” But if you live in Texas, you can also be certain that  it will be hot more days of the year than it will be cold. Really, really hot. Temperatures in the 90s and 100s keep us indoors in the cool air-conditioning or relaxing in refreshing pools. However, it’s important to take some time to inspect your home’s foundation. It’s a necessary step to check: is Texas heat causing foundation damage for your largest investment?

North Texas soil is famous for shifting, and that means it can affect your foundation. The heat dries out the soil surrounding your foundation, making it crack, pull away from the slab, and even sink. All of this indicates that Texas heat can cause foundation problems.

Soaker Hoses are the best prevention from heat causing foundation damage

Once you buy a home in Texas, whether you have lived here your entire life, or you moved from another area of the country, it is important to learn how to care for your foundation. The best way prevent heat causing foundation damage is to water the soil around your home’s perimeter, and keep the soil moist. Soaker hoses should be placed around your foundation—but not directly against your foundation—and turned on about 3 times a week for enough time to keep the moisture level constant. During times of severe heat and drought, watering may be required more often. Your water bill may increase, but the money you will save on major foundation repairs will be well worth the effort.

Conversely, in the spring and winter months when there is more rain, it is important to make sure that water is draining away from your foundation, and that there is not too much dampness and standing water around your home. Too much water can cause soil growth and shifting, which affects the foundation, too. It’s not just summer heat causing foundation problems in Texas; weather during other seasons can cause damage too.

Is the North Texas heat causing foundation damage to your home? Call Atlas Foundation Company at 817-478-1181 to find out!

When you walk around the outside and inside of your house, look for any indications of foundation damage including:

• Cracks in the slab, especially if greater than ¼ inch
• Floors are not level
• Wall cracks
• Cracks around door and window frames
• Sticking doors and windows

If you notice any signs of the North Texas heat causing foundation problems, it is time to call a respected, reputable foundation repair company like Atlas Foundation Company serving Fort Worth foundation repair and the surrounding areas. Not only will they inspect your property and concrete slab to evaluate any need for repairs, but they will also make sure that your soaker hoses are set up correctly, and you are watering frequently enough. If you home does require foundation work, you can trust an ethical approach when estimating the cost of repairs by recommending only the work necessary to correct the problem.

In conclusion, death and taxes will happen, and so will high temperatures in North Texas. Soaker hoses around your foundation are the best defense against heat causing foundation damage—but only if you remember to turn the water on!

Call the Best Fort Worth Foundation Repair Company

Is the North Texas heat causing foundation damage to your home? Atlas Foundation Company has been serving the foundation repair needs of homeowners in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas for more than 50 years. As one of the leaders in foundation repairs, our qualified and trustworthy inspectors will evaluate your foundation and recommend the best course of action to keep your home safe, and maintain the value of your property. Call us at 817-478-1181 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate, or visit our website.

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.

The Importance of Drainage for Foundation Maintenance

If you are a home owner in the Greater Fort Worth area, there is a very important word that you must learn: Drainage. Let’s repeat that: DRAINAGE. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of drainage around your home. Foundation problems in our area are not uncommon due to soil expansion and contraction. Too much water collecting near the slab foundations of homes is one of the biggest culprits for soil expansion and pressure on the foundation. This can cause the foundation to shift and crack. What’s the best way to make sure that the amount of water around the foundation remains optimal? You guessed it…Drainage!

Atlas Foundation Understands the Importance of Drainage. Call 817-478-1181.

We’ll explain the importance of drainage a little further. When too much water penetrates the surrounding soil and foundation of your home, it can crack and weaken the concrete. A foundation needs to remain strong in order to support the weight of an entire house. Not only can foundation repairs be costly and disruptive, but the integrity of your home may be compromised until the proper repairs are completed by a reputable foundation repair company like Atlas Foundation. Again, what’s the best way to protect your home against foundation damage? Drainage.

So, now that you understand the importance of drainage, we can review ways to provide the proper drainage for your foundation.

Top 3 Most Common Drainage Systems

1. GRADING. Grading means that the ground surrounding your home is gradually sloped downwards and away from the foundation. Excess water will naturally run down the slope and away from the house.
2. FRENCH DRAINS. On a French Drain, perforated pipe is installed under the soil to collect excess water and seepage near the foundation and carry it away from the house. Other drains, such as surface drains and footing drains, are also options. An experienced foundation expert will be able to recommend the best type of drain for your situation. 
3. GUTTER SYSTEM. Having gutters placed around your roof line, with adequate downspouts directing the water away from your foundation, is a great option for proper drainage. Keep the gutters clear of debris for the most effectiveness.

You can see if your home has proper drainage by walking around the perimeter of our home right after a rain storm. Look for areas where water is collecting. If there is too much water pooling around the foundation, give Atlas Foundation a call at 817-478-1181 for a free, no-obligation quote.

Proper Drainage is the best defense against Foundation Problems

Hopefully, we have adequately conveyed the importance of drainage for the foundation of your home. Protect your family and your largest investment by protecting your foundation from too much water. Proper drainage around your foundation will help maintain your home’s value, and hopefully prevent costly repairs.  What’s the best way to prevent foundation damage? One last time….all together…DRAINAGE!

Contact the Best Fort Worth Foundation Repair Company

Does water collect around your foundation? Do you need better drainage for your home? Atlas Foundation has been providing Fort Worth and the surrounding areas with expert foundation repairs since 1958. We treat every home as if it is our own. Call 817-478-1181 or visit our website to request more information about the services we provide.

What is the Length of a Lifetime Warranty on Foundation Repairs?

How to Read the Small Print

If you are like many homeowners in the Fort Worth area, your foundation will eventually need some kind of foundation repair. Most foundation repair companies offer a lifetime warranty, but what exactly does that mean? What is the lifetime of a foundation? Here’s what you need to know to understand the lifetime warranty on foundation repairs, and how to get the most out of it.

1) A lifetime warranty refers to the foundation repair work, not the entire house.

It is important to differentiate between the foundation repair vs. the foundation. When you have repair work done on your home, the warranty only covers the work that was done, not the entire foundation. For example, if you have 5 piers installed to level the left side of your home, the 5 piers on the left side of your home would be included in the warranty. If 8 years later those same 5 piers shift and need to be adjusted, it would likely fall under the warranty. However, if 6 years later the right side of your home needs additional leveling and 6 more piers, those would not be covered under the warranty but, rather, be considered additional work.

2) Transferrable lifetime warranties.

Many times, the lifetime warranty is transferrable to new owners when you sell your house. It is important to understand the terms and requirements of the transfer. Some companies require the new buyer to inform them of the home purchase within 30 days, other even charge a fee for the transfer. At Atlas Foundation Company, we make keep it clean and simple. Our foundation repair warranty stays with the property for the lifetime of the home. We do not require the new owner to contact us and we don’t charge a fee to transfer the warranty.

Atlas Foundation offers a lifetime warranty on foundation repairs. Call 817-478-1181

3) The Lifetime Warranty is only useful if the foundation repair company is still in business.

If there isn’t a company around to honor the warranty, the warranty isn’t worth the cost of the paper it’s printed on. Many shady companies will change names—some multiple times—so that previous customers can’t find them to make a claim. It is important to have your foundation repairs done by a reputable company that has been in business for a long time. Atlas Foundation Company has been has been serving the foundation needs of homeowners in and around Fort Worth for over 50 years. That’s reliability!

4) Foundation Repairs are not “one and done”.

The soil in the Fort Worth area shifts and changes. Piers and repairs may require adjustments over time. You want a foundation repair company that stands behind their work, but understands that “shift happens”. Make sure you know if the warranty covers only labor, only materials, or both. 

Lifetime Warranties on Foundation Repairs Can Become Null and Void

5) Understand the terms of the lifetime warranty. Are there any requirements for activation?
Will anything void the lifetime warranty on your foundation repair?

Some warranties may require additional inspections or tests in order to be activated. For example, the foundation repair company may want a plumbing test done to check for plumbing damage after the repair is completed.

Some conditions that can void the lifetime warranty of foundation repairs are:

1. Major structural alterations and additions to your home, including swimming pools.
   1. Major plumbing leaks.
   1. Natural disasters such as tornadoes, earthquakes, floods and fires.
   1. Poor maintenance. Your foundation repair company should offer guidance on the best way to maintain your foundation. Not following these directions can void your lifetime warranty.
   1. Non-payment of completed foundation repairs

In conclusion, lifetime warranties on foundation repairs can give you security and peace of mind for your largest investment—your home. However, it is important to understand the fine print of the lifetime warranty and what it actually covers. For the best results, choose a foundation repair company with a long history, strong customer recommendations, and a reliable reputation. 

Contact the Best Fort Worth Foundation Repair Company

Atlas Foundation Company offers a free and transferrable lifetime warranty on every foundation repair. To learn more, go to our website or call us at 817-478-1181 to schedule a no cost, no obligation estimate. With over 50 years of experience, you can trust Atlas to provide you with expert—and warrantied—foundation repairs.

How Your Home Foundation Ages

Why watering your foundation is important

5 Facts You Need to Know About Watering Your Foundation.

1. Sprinkler systems are not enough.

Almost all homes in North Texas show some sign of minor movement also known as settling. This area is notorious for clay soil and it can wreak havoc on your foundation if given the chance. The best way to maintain your foundation and prevent future movement is to properly water your foundation. Many home owners assume a sprinkler system is adequate to water the foundation but we have found in our 60 years of experience that it is not.

2. Maintaining soil moisture content is important.

This simply means making sure the ground around your foundation is not too dry and not too wet. In hot dry months the soil will shrink as water evaporates. In cool wet months the soil expands. This movement puts stress on the slab and can eventually lead to more serious problems. By maintaining the moisture content, you can help control the constant flux of your foundation.

3. Drip irrigation systems work best.

Texas A & M AgriLife recommends you create a dedicated irrigation zone around the house for watering the foundation. If you have an irrigation system, create a dedicated irrigation zone for your foundation. Install a drip irrigation zone about 8 to 18 inches from the foundation.

4. In dry years, you will need to water year-round.

Consistency is the answer and every home is different. The National Foundation Repair Association states that during persistent hot dry weather, it may be necessary to water a foundation daily. Watering should supply enough water to keep the moisture content in the soil under the foundation constant. If the amount of water applied is only enough to keep the surface damp, the watering program will not work.  Cooler temperatures do not always guarantee an increase in rain.

5. Watering is not always enough.

Each home is different and a consistent watering schedule does not guarantee your home will never move. If you begin to notice damage including brick cracks, doors sticking or separation around your doors and window frames you may be in need of
foundation repair. Please contact us at 817-478-1181. With over 73 years of combined experience, one of our owners will personally come out and give you a Free No Obligation Estimate.