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.

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.

Protect Your Foundation from Hot, Dry Summer Weather

The summer of 2022 promises to be a scorcher here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  Knowing how to protect your foundation from hot, dry weather ahead can help you avoid costly foundation repairs.  Here are some simple things every homeowner in the DFW area should keep in mind as we move into the dog days of summer.

How Extreme Heat and Drought Affect Your Foundation

The soil in the DFW area is referred to as “expansive” because of the high amount of clay it contains.  Expansive soil acts like a sponge that expands when exposed to water and shrinks as it dries out.  As we move into the hot, dry summer months, moisture from the spring rains evaporates from the soil around your home’s foundation, causing it to shift.

How to Protect Your Foundation

A regular watering program is the best way to protect your home’s foundation from being damaged by drought.  According to the National Foundation Repair Association, “By keeping the moisture content of the soil under the house foundation constant, foundation movement can often be stopped. This has been written to assist the homeowner in performing a simple foundation repair preventive maintenance program.”

How to Water Your Foundation

The best way to water your foundation is by using a soaker hose, not a sprinkler.  Place the soaker hose one foot away from the foundation, not directly against it.  If the soil around your foundation is extremely dry and cracked, placing the soaker hose directly next to the foundation can cause water to travel through the cracks and accumulate beneath the grade beam which supports your exterior walls. This can cause the soil to become unstable and the foundation to sink into the ground.

How Often to Water Your Foundation

The summer months are the hottest and driest of the year here in the DFW area, so you should plan to water your foundation daily to ensure it remains consistently moist to a depth of a few inches.  If the watering program only dampens the surface of the soil, it won’t work, and you could be looking at repairs.

If watering to protect your foundation sounds expensive and inconvenient, consider the alternative!

Do You Already Have Foundation Problems?

If your home already has foundation problems, the hot summer months can cause them to worsen.  Call Atlas Foundation at 817-478-1181 to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate.  You’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re working with a BBB A+ rated foundation repair company that’s been serving Fort Worth and the surrounding communities since 1958.

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.