Proper Foundation Maintenance – Tips From An Engineer

The Dallas Fort Worth area, known as the “Texas Blackland Prairies,” stretches about 300 miles from the Red River in North Texas and down to San Antonio in the South. The land in the Blackland Prairie region is comprised of clay soils with high shrink-swell properties. Clay soils are extremely vulnerable to seasonal moisture fluctuations and tend to shrink in the summer months and expand during the winter. Even so, there are still a few things that you can do to maintain your home’s foundation. Keep reading for tips from a Texas Licensed Professional Engineer on how to preserve your foundation.

When your house was built and the yard and landscaping installed, the natural effects of climate and precipitation on the soils around your home were modified. Over the long-term, the soils will tend to be wetter or have greater volume under the center of the house and will seasonally dry out and shrink near the edges. When these moisture variations occur, the underlying clays experience shrink-swell cycles, and the foundation will attempt to conform to the shape of the supporting soils. This can result in movements of the foundation, which, in turn, stress the walls of the structure above it, i.e., your house. After repeated cycling, stress cracks will eventually appear in the walls and grade beams. Once the cracks appear, they may become progressively worse at an accelerated rate if the shrink-swell cycles are allowed to continue.

Your builder recognized the activity of the soils in this area and designed and constructed your house foundation to accommodate the soil movements as much as possible. While it is virtually impossible to eliminate all movements, controlling the soil moisture content and keeping any
moisture variations relatively constant throughout the years can minimize them. The soil volumes will then remain relatively constant and any related movements will be reduced.

FOUNDATION MAINTENANCE TIPS

Tip #1 – Water Your Foundation

As a homeowner, you can control these moisture variations by implementing a program of proper foundation watering. The purpose of such a program is to maintain a high, uniform moisture level in the foundation soils by restoring the moisture lost to seepage, evaporation, and plant transpiration. This watering can be accomplished by either a properly designed lawn sprinkler system or by a separate foundation watering system using soaker hoses or drip irrigation tubes. In either case, artificial precipitation should be applied evenly to the soils near the foundation year-round. Obviously, the watering can be postponed if the natural precipitation is sufficient. The water should be applied slowly to allow absorption and prevent runoff. To verify the adequacy of the watering program, surface soils should be routinely checked for shrinkage, cracking, and/or pulling away from the foundation. If either condition develops, or if landscaping shows moisture stress such as wilting or leaf drop, the
frequency and amount of watering should be increased. Root growth of trees and shrubs should also be directed away from the foundation by adequate watering and fertilization of the yard away from the house. It should also be noted that sprinkler systems alone seldom supply the needed moisture to the soils around our home’s foundation in times of extended dry conditions. However, this can usually be best accomplished with SMART irrigation. You may contact North Texas’ pioneering company in this technology, Lee Engineering for design guidance and operation for optimal performance specific to your home. At a minimum, a soaker hose should be utilized around the foundation of your home to supplement dry weather
conditions until a more precise system customized for your home can be implemented.

Tip #2 –Perform Routine Visual Inspections

Make it a habit to inspect the interior and exterior of your home for signs of foundation damage. In Texas, foundation settling is very common, but it’s important to act quickly when you see signs of foundation problems. Inspect your home for the following signs of foundation settling:
◼️ Interior cracks in the sheetrock
◼️ Exterior cracks in brick and mortar
◼️ Cracks in concrete patios, porches, and sidewalks
◼️ Frieze board separation
◼️ Uneven flooring
◼️ Jammed doors and window frames
If you notice any of these common signs of foundation settling, you should have your foundation looked at right away to prevent further damage.

Tip #3 – Never Allow Water to Pool Near Your Foundation

While it is important to maintain moisture in the soils around and beneath the foundation of your home as discussed above, it is equally important that positive drainage away from your home be maintained at all times. Ponding water near the foundation can cause ‘heaving’ (upward movement of the foundation), settlement of the foundation due to over-saturation of the clay soil, or erosion of soil embedment around the foundation. Sloping the soils away from the home and preventing water from ponding near the foundation is needed to prevent ‘heaving’ of the soils. We recommend that a full gutter system with gutter extensions be maintained to discharge a minimum of 5 feet from the foundation (not in landscaped flower beds or any other location that will trap water near the foundation). In some cases, a drainage system may be necessary to move water far enough away from the home. If ponding is noticed near the foundation during the rainy season, consult with a licensed engineer to determine the correct drainage repair so as to not adversely affect the foundation of your home. 

Foundation drainage guidelines:
• Never allow water to accumulate near your foundation
• Make sure your home has a full gutter system with extensions
• Gutter extensions should discharge away from your foundation (min 5 feet)
• Install drainage solutions when necessary

Tip #4 – Trees

Trees or numerous shrubs growing too close to a foundation can dramatically affect the moisture content of the soils within the zone of influence beneath the structure. Root systems extract large quantities of water from underlying soils and result in large volumetric changes in the soils shrinkage and swelling). As trees absorb water from the soil, the foundation of the home will settle in unsupported areas. Tree or shrub influence may be remediated by manipulating watering patterns, complete removal or installing root barriers. The expansion and contraction of clay soil due to excessive moisture fluctuations and poor drainage are the biggest threat to your home’s foundation. Many homeowners miss the early warning signs of foundation damage.

With these tips, you can do your part to protect your home from foundation problems and preserve your home equity for years to come. With over 20 years of experience providing structural engineering services throughout Dallas – Fort Worth Texas, Thomas Engineering Consultants understands the unique challenges that local expansive soils and weather extremes create. Our services include home inspections, foundation inspections, and structural engineer evaluations. We can help you protect your investment and ensure that your property does not fall victim to these forces.
For more information, visit tecdfw.com.

Foundation Cracks – What You Need to Know

Common Types of Foundation Cracks

Finding a crack in your home’s foundation can be scary. But, contrary to what many people think, not all cracks are the same.  The location, depth and direction can tell you a lot about the severity of foundation cracks.

Here is a brief overview of the most common foundation cracks found by homeowners in the greater Fort Worth area.

Vertical Cracks

This is the most common and usually the least serious type of crack.  They include true vertical cracks and cracks that run slightly diagonally (less than about 30 degrees from straight up and down). In most cases, they are caused by normal settling and are not an indication of structural issues.  Vertical cracks are usually easy and inexpensive to seal.  In most cases, this can be accomplished by injecting an epoxy or urethane sealer into the crack.

Diagonal Cracks

Cracks that run diagonally, between 30 to 70 degrees are also fairly common.  Diagonal cracks often appear as hairline fissures at one end and widen as they near the opposite end. In most cases, diagonal cracks are the result of differential settling of the structure which occurs when the soil the foundation sits on expands and contracts due to changes in moisture and temperature.

Repairing diagonal cracks can be more costly than repairing superficial vertical cracks because you must address their cause to prevent them from reappearing.  In some cases, the solution can be as simple as installing rain gutters or grading the ground around the affected area to keep water from pooling around the affected section of the foundation.

Horizontal Cracks

Cracks that run horizontally are typically the most serious type of cracks. Horizontal cracks are sometimes found in poured concrete foundations, but concrete block and brick foundations are more susceptible to this type of crack.  These are usually the most serious type of crack as they often indicate significant damage to the home’s structural integrity.  They can be caused by a number of factors including hydrostatic pressure that can cause sub-grade walls to bow and eventually fail.  The good news is that these types of cracks are typically found in homes with basements, which are fairly uncommon here in the Fort Worth area.

If you’re seeing diagonal or horizontal cracks in your home’s walls, it’s a good idea to have them inspected by a reliable foundation contractor.  Here at Atlas Foundation Company, we’ve been providing reliable, affordable foundation repairs to homeowners throughout the greater Fort Worth area since for 60 years and we stand behind our work with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.  Call us today at 817-478-1181 to schedule a no-cost estimate.

A French Drain Can Reduce Property Drainage Issues

Pour a cup of café au lait, take a bite of a croissant, and enjoy a little lesson about how French drains can divert water problems on your property. Actually, you don’t need to be fluent in French to learn about French drains; they were created right here in the USA. The French drain was invented by Henry Flagg French in the 1800s for use on farms in Concord, Massachusetts, and are still used today.

What is a French Drain?

A French drain consists of gravel, landscaping fabric, sand and a perforated pipe. Simply, the pipe is buried in a trench in the ground surrounded by gravel and landscaping fabric to keep dirt and weeds out. Soil would get into the perforations and clog the holes, keeping water from flowing into the drain. The pipe is placed on a gentle grade, allowing water that enters the pipe in to flow away from your foundation to a designated safe exit away from your house and neighbors.

How Does a French Drain Help?

Too much standing water near your foundation can cause problems. Extra water causes the soil around your foundation to expand and contract unpredictably. This places stress on your foundation. Installing a French drain to keep excess water away from your house will help prevent foundation issues including heaving and settling. We don’t have a lot of basements in the DFW area, but French drains are also used to prevent water from getting into basements. You also might find a French drain helpful for water management if you have or are planning to build a retaining wall.

When installed correctly by the qualified professionals at Atlas Foundation Company in Fort Worth, French drains can last a long time. There no moving parts, so they seldom break nor need repairs. Our experts will identify if a shallow French drain is sufficient, or if one buried much deeper into the ground is required to fix your water problem. We will also map out the best route for the water to drain so that neither your house—nor your neighbors’ houses—are affected by the water flow. We will not affect any other existing pipes and structures. Some weekend warriors may opt to try building a French drain on their own. If you only need a shallow drain, and you aren’t worried about hitting a gas pipe, you can give it a try.  But for safety and security, it’s a wise idea to trust your French drain project with a qualified foundation repair company, contractor, or plumber.

Costs for a French drain will depend on how long the drain is, how deep in the ground the drain needs to be, and if there are any obstacles in the proposed path of the drain. The deeper the trench, the more expensive installation will be. Also, costs will increase if any additional landscaping is required once the drain is complete.

Local Experts to Help with Water Drainage

You can trust Atlas Foundation Company with your water drainage and foundation issues. Experts in the field, the friendly staff will find the best solution to maintain your home’s foundation. If you have excess water near your home and think a French drain may benefit your foundation, contact us at 817-478-1181 to schedule a no-cost estimate. Atlas Foundation Company has been serving the Greater Fort Worth Area since 1958.

6 Ways to Prevent Foundation Problems

While a strong family bond gives a home and those living inside a strong support foundation, it is also important to take care of the physical foundation of your home. Foundation settlement and cracking can cause structural damage to your home. Repairs can run several thousands of dollars. However, being proactive can help keep foundation issues from occurring, or at least keep damage to a minimum. Here are some tips to prevent foundation problems.

Water Management to Prevent Foundation Problems

It is important to keep the soil around your foundation moist. If the soil gets too dry, it can shrink and cause your foundation to become unstable and crack. Water the perimeter of your foundation using a soaker hose, or specially designed irrigation/sprinkle system, especially during the drier months. However, it is important to keep excess amounts of water from sitting around your foundation. This causes the opposite problem; with too much moisture the ground expands and puts pressure on the foundation. Don’t water too much, and don’t allow extra water to pool near your foundation in order to prevent foundation problems. Maintaining a consistent moisture level around your foundation consistent will prevent excessive shrinking and expanding.

Drainage

As mentioned above, too much water near your foundation can cause foundation problems. Prevent foundation problems by ensuring that water drains away from your house. Installing gutters, French drains, and other drain spouts can help prevent foundation problems.

Grading to Prevent Foundation Problems

The ground surrounding your foundation should be graded away from your home. That way, water does not build up right against your foundation and drains away.

Plant Wisely

Trees and shrubs planted too closely to your foundation can affect the moisture levels. The plants may fight the foundation for any present water. Also, by keeping strong roots away from the foundation, you will help prevent foundation problems from happening. As a general rule of a green thumb, don’t plant trees and large shrubs within two feet of your foundation.

Know Your Foundation

Be observant. If you see any small, visible cracks, get them fixed before they get bigger and cause bigger foundation problems. Also, if a small crack returns after being repaired, it may be a sign of a larger issue.

Fix Plumbing Issues Promptly to Prevent Foundation Problems

Many plumbing systems are placed directly under foundations. If you notice any plumbing issues, have them fixed quickly before they grow into larger problems. For added security, you can have your plumbing and sprinkler systems inspected by a reputable company such as Atlas Foundation every two years for leaks.

Every Home Needs a Strong Foundation

A little prevention now will help save you from costly foundation problems later. If you suspect you have foundation problems like cracks or movement, you can trust Atlas Foundation Company for expert repairs and advice. In business for over 50 years, Atlas Foundation is a top provider of foundation repair in the Greater Fort Worth area. Our friendly and knowledgeable crews will provide the high-quality repairs you need. Contact us at 817-478-1181 to schedule a no-cost estimate.

Foundation Cracks: How Serious Is It?

Have you noticed foundation cracks in your home? Are you concerned that your foundation will need expensive, time-consuming repairs? Not necessarily! This article will explain when cracks in the foundation of your home are of little concern, and when it is time to call in the professionals to protect the structure of your biggest investment.

Why Find Foundation Cracks?

• Weather changes and temperature extremes
• Poor engineering with too little reinforcement or structure for the weight of the house (This would include if you added a second story to your home)
• Soil not compacted properly
• Drainage issues and plumbing leaks
• Soil type: Clay soils are infamous for causing foundation cracks
• House settlement
• Tree roots causing soil changes

As a responsible homeowner, it is important to periodically examine your foundation for cracks and other warning signs of foundation problems. However, not all cracks indicate the need to get foundation repairs. If you are unsure of what to look for, here are some tips and which cracks are more serious than normal “wear and tear”. You can also call a qualified professional like the experts at Atlas Foundation Repair to inspect your home for cracks in the foundation and other telltale signs of issues.

Vertical Foundation Cracks

These are the least severe. Vertical cracks in the foundation will go straight up and down, or at a < 30 degree angle. They are the most common type of crack you will find. They are usually caused by the foundation settling, and may be visible in new construction, especially in the first couple of years. Vertical cracks in your walls and foundation are the easiest and least expensive to fix.

Diagonal Foundation Cracks

These travel at a 30-70 degree angle. Diagonal cracks can be hairline thin, or be wider at one end. They are caused by the uneven settling of a home, when one side of the foundation settles a little lower than the other. Diagonal cracks in the foundation may be pricier to fix, and the cause of the differential settling needs to be diagnosed and addressed.

Horizontal Foundation Cracks

These are the most concerning and can indicate severe damage to your home’s foundation and structure. There are numerous possible causes, including soil pressure and an excess of moisture. If you see horizontal cracks in the foundation, it is important to call Atlas Foundation Repair to repair the damage and prevent additional damage from happening.

Other Warning Signs of Foundation Problems:

• Is your chimney leaning away from the house?
• Are any of the main walls leaning?
• Are there cracks in the walls and ceilings?
• Are the floors not level or creaking?
• Are there cracks in the garage or slab?
• Are there loose tiles?
• Are doors and windows sticking or not closing correctly?
• Are there gaps and cracks near the doors and windows?
• Are there cracks in your home’s exterior? In the stucco or bricks?
• Does the roof look wonky and uneven?

The appropriate fix for foundation cracks will depend on which of the above indicators you observe. Floor issues may dictate a different set of fixes than wall cracks. Unless you are a DIY foundation expert, it is best to trust a professional foundation repair company, such as Atlas Foundation Repair, to plan and execute the best and most affordable repairs for your home.

Maintenance

You may not be able to prevent foundation cracks from ever happening, but some prevention and maintenance will go a long way.

• Check for leaks in and around your home
• Keep temperatures in your home consistent
• Keep soil below the top of your slab
• Keep trees a good distance away from your foundation
• Provide adequate drainage away from the house
• Maintain moisture levels around your foundation

Do Not Ignore Foundation Cracks

Finding cracks in the foundation of your home can be scary, but is not a reason to panic. Many cracks are from normal settling of our new or aging houses. However, it is important not to ignore any cracks and inspect your home regularly for the warning signs of foundation problems and potential repair needs. Then, call a foundation expert to evaluate and execute the required repairs.

If you find foundation cracks in your home, Atlas Foundation Repair can help. Serving the Fort Worth and the surrounding areas for over 50 years, customers can trust Atlas Foundation Repair to oversee their entire project from start to finish. Contact us at 817-478-1181 to schedule a no-cost estimate.

Foundation Repair Emergency

How to Avoid a Foundation Repair Emergency

Remain Calm. Don’t panic.

There is nothing scarier than looking up and seeing a crack that wasn’t there before. Then you start to look around and realize there are other problems as well. First, instinct may be to panic and jump to the worst-case scenario. However, you do have time to slow down and take a deep breath. It is important to have the foundations checked as soon as possible but you don’t have to worry about your house falling down around you. Don’t allow the fear of a Foundation Repair Emergency cause you to make a decision you may regret down the road.

Schedule Your Foundation Repairs

Once you receive an estimate you will want to schedule the repairs in a timely manner. Everyone is guilty of a little procrastination sometimes. We wait until the last minute to clean the house before guests arrive, finish a work or school assignment on the day before it’s due, or not get the car inspected until the last day of the month. We might even procrastinate on a home repair that we are apprehensive about, thinking it will be really expensive and a large inconvenience. However, there is one major home repair that you don’t want to put off for a long time—repairing your foundation. Waiting a long time to fix your foundation may cause more problems and bigger problems later on. By fixing your foundation early on you can avoid cracks and damage that will make you fear you are experiencing a foundation repair emergency. It’s not a rush but this is one time when you need to be proactive and call a reputable foundation repair expert like Atlas Foundation Company in Fort Worth at the first signs of concern.

Protect Your Investment

Waiting to fix your foundation can lead to multiple types of damage. Having it repaired in a timely manner will take away your fear of a foundation repair emergency. Cracks may increase and spread, and the entire structural integrity of your home can be compromised and cause unsafe conditions. If you suspect you have foundation issues, continue reading for more reasons why foundation repairs should be at the top of your priority list. Then contact the foundation experts at Atlas Foundation Company for a free estimate.

The Longer You Wait, the More Problems Will Grow

What begins as a small problem can multiply and grow into a huge problem, with more expense, more damage, and longer repairs. A weakened structure can cause a domino effect throughout an entire house. Not only will the foundation repairs get more extensive, but there may be more follow up repairs needed to fix any interior damage. Also, by calling Atlas Foundation Repair at the first signs of problems, you have more flexibility and grace time if they are booked out with other clients and can’t get to your repair immediately. If you wait too long to call, scheduling delays due to the high demand of reputable foundation repair companies will be frustrating and increase the chance of continuing damage due to a foundation repair emergency.

Water, Water Everywhere

Foundation problems are often linked to water problems. If you wait too long after the first signs of foundation issues, you run the risk of the shifting foundation leading to broken pipes and plumbing problems. Water and sewer leaks can wreak havoc underneath a foundation. Plumbing leaks can also be very costly to repair.

Tougher Resale

It’s not rocket science to know that a home with current foundation problems will not be as desirable as a home with a foundation repaired and warrantied by a trusted foundation repair company like Atlas Foundation. Also, potential buyers may struggle to procure a home loan for a house with a damaged foundation. Mortgage companies will want to see proof of repair.

Higher Utility Costs

Your air conditioner will need to work harder to keep your home cool in the summer if you have a lot of air leakage due to structural cracks and separations. Conversely, cold air seeping into your home in the winter will have you spending more money to heat it.

Avoid a Foundation Repair Emergency

Preventative maintenance and early intervention are the keys to keeping your foundation in tip top condition and avoiding a foundation repair emergency, which can be more extensive and expensive. Atlas Foundation Company offers free estimates and expert inspections. If you need repairs, you can expect a dedicated on-site foreman overseeing your project from start to finish. Each foundation repair is backed by a transferable lifetime warranty. Don’t wait for more problems! Contact us at 817-478-1181 today.

Concrete Leveling: Top 6 Homeowner Questions Answered

Top 6 Homeowner Questions Answered About Concrete Leveling

One of our customers*, a married couple in Fort Worth, noticed that their driveway had become uneven over the years. Their children loved to play and ride bicycles on it, and their elderly parents often came to visit relaxing in lawn chairs on the driveway while watching the kids. The couple was concerned about the safety of their family, and wanted to level out the pavement without a lot of hassle and expense. After a friend told them about concrete leveling, they found Atlas Foundation on the Internet and learned all about it. This customer felt it was the perfect solution to protecting their loved ones from tripping and falling, and also improving the curb appeal and value of their home.

Since this customer’s situation is like so many others in the area, we thought we’d share their questions. Here’s what the couple asked the experts at Atlas Foundation about Concrete Leveling for their home:

1. What can be leveled?

For residences, concrete leveling can work on uneven driveways, pool decks, porches and patios, sidewalks, interior flooring and more! Commercially, concrete leveling can also be used for factory and warehouse floors. There are very few situations in which concrete leveling is not recommended. Just keep in mind that if a concrete area is cracked into multiple small pieces, it may be too difficult to repair with leveling.

2. How does concrete leveling work?

At Atlas Foundation, we utilize the most modern techniques and technologies. 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.

3. What are the benefits of Polyurethane Foam vs. Mudjacking?

Mudjacking is an older technology that uses mud to fill the gaps underneath the concrete to lift the slab. It requires larger holes to be drilled into the slab, and adds weight to the area, which can increase settlement later on.

Polyurethane foam is the newest concrete leveling solution and has the following advantages:

• Fast expansion and cure times
• Lightweight means less stress on your subgrade
• Can be used in both wet and dry conditions
• Small injection holes
• Good for the environment: Atlas Foundation uses foam made from over 40% recycled materials and does not contain toxic chemicals

Atlas Foundation only uses polyurethane foam that is made in the USA.

4. How long does a concrete leveling project take?

Most concrete leveling projects can be completed in less than a day—sometimes in just a couple of hours! And with concrete leveling using polyurethane foam, your leveled area is ready for immediate use.

5. What does concrete leveling cost?

The cost of concrete leveling takes the size and current condition of the project into consideration. Generally, you can expect concrete leveling to run less than half of the cost of concrete slab replacement. Not only are you saving money, but you are saving old concrete from going into landfills, too.

Call Atlas Foundation at 817-478-1181 for a free quote

6. Why should I consider concrete leveling for my home?

Concrete Leveling with Polyurethane Foam is fast and cost-effective. Further, it is lightweight and water-resistant, so you will be able to enjoy your lifted concrete for many years to come.

End Results: Call for Quote!

Our customer was pleased with the customer service, friendliness, and expertise of Atlas Foundation. They felt relieved that they no longer need to worry about their family tripping and falling on that formerly hazardous driveway. Concrete leveling with Atlas Foundation was the best choice for this couple! They were so happy, they recommended us to another family member, and Atlas Foundation was scheduled for concrete leveling his patio the next week.

If you want to learn more about concrete leveling for your home, contact us at 817-478-1181 to schedule a no-cost estimate. We will be happy to answer all of your questions and give you a free quote.

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*Names removed to protect customer’s identity.

Can Clay Soil Damage the Foundation of Your Home?

Is Clay Soil Damaging the Foundation of Your Dallas-Fort Worth Home?

When it comes to soil, there are three basic types: sandy soil, clay soil and loamy soil. Here are the characteristics of each:

• Sandy soils – light with large, loose particles that drain easily
• Clay – heavy with tightly packed particles that expand with and absorb water
• Loamy – particles of all sizes with good drainage and moisture retention

Types of Soils in Dallas-Fort Worth

In North Texas, the most common soil type is clay. There are multiple varieties of clay soil, and many are represented in North Texas land. In the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex there are generally three areas with different types of soil. Dallas, Collin and Ellis Counties, and the eastern parts of Denton, Tarrant and Johnson counties, fall in the Blackland Prairie, which features clay soils ranging from dark black to brown to orange to grey. Central areas of Denton, Tarrant and Johnson counties are located in an area called the Eastern Cross Timbers, comprised of mostly sandy loam soil. The Western areas of Denton, Tarrant and Johnson counties are in the Grand Prairie, with a mix of clays, limestones and silty loams contributing to the soil composition.

Unfortunately, the clay soils anchoring a lot of the Metroplex are infamous for causing foundation problems. The tightly packed particles are dense and tough to work with. They are highly absorbent and expand when wet. This is called smectite clay because it contains minerals called silicates, including aluminum, silicone and oxygen. The more water in the environment, the more the soil will grow and expand, causing pressure and movement against the foundation. Conversely, when conditions are dry, the clay soil particles contract, crack and become hard. The foundation rises and falls, sinks and settles. Plus, since the clay soil is not all the same exact composition throughout, expansion and shrinkage occurs at varying rates, so the movement is uneven. This adds to the foundation damage.

Call Atlas Foundation at 817-478-1181 to schedule a free estimate.

Even with the similarities attributed to clay soils, there are still differences from location to location. For example, central Dallas County has an underpinning of Austin chalk, which is more resistant to weathering. Eastern Dallas County sits on Ozan Marl, which shrinks and swells differently than other clay soils. It is helpful to be familiar with your home’s soil type and adapt your preventative maintenance to its unique characteristics.

Clay Soil Can Spoil Your Foundation

A trained soil engineer will be able to test the plasticity of a sample of soil, that is, how much the soil will expand. The higher the plasticity index, the more the soil will expand. Soil with a very high amount of clay and, therefore, a high plasticity index, can expand up to 75%! Which also means they can lose 75% of their volume in shrinkage after the water eventually drains. That can cause a lot of foundation damage! Foundation damage is one of the largest reasons for financial loss to property owners, due to the costs of repairs.

However, it is important to note that not all foundation cracks caused by clay soil are serious. The foundation experts at Atlas Foundation will be able to walk you through a foundation inspection. Our honest and friendly professionals will any damage make the best, most cost effective recommendations for your home. Sometimes all that is needed is modifying your drainage system to prevent further movement and damage.

Prevent Foundation Damage from Clay Soils

Your home is your largest investment, and if you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, you can take steps to help prevent foundation damage from the clay soils of the region.

• Make sure that water is draining away from your home
• When conditions are dry, ensure that your foundation is properly watered
• Keep your gutters clean
• Regularly inspect your foundation for signs of damage

If you think clay soil in the Fort Worth area is damaging your foundation, Atlas Foundation Company can help! For more than 50 years, the pros at Atlas Foundation Company have been satisfying customers with their knowledge, honesty and quality repair work. Contact us at 817-478-1181 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate.

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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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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.