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.

What is a French Drain and How Does it Work?

French Drains and How They Work

Water always flows downhill by the easiest route possible. That’s the basic concept behind a French drain. French drains are used by property owners who face drainage issues that may damage their homes, buildings, and property.  Since water flows downward along paths of least resistance, it can collect against walls and foundations.  Over time it can degrade these materials, and even a hairline crack can allow the water to gain entry where it isn’t wanted, destroying property, creating health hazards, and more. Seepage into a crawlspace can cause major damage and rotting wood.

What is a French drain?

Wikipedia defines a French drain as a trench filled with gravel or rock or containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from an area. A French drain can have perforated hollow pipes along the bottom to quickly vent water that seeps down through the upper gravel or rock. French drains are frequently used to improve drainage here in the Fort Worth area because of the soil’s high clay content.

Why is the drain referred to as French?

In reality, there’s nothing really French about them. Although some people say the name comes from the fact the sewers of Paris in the early 1800s were simple open ditches, most attribute the name to a Massachusetts farmer named Henry French. Reportedly, he came up with the idea of using small stone-filled ditches to drain water off his farmland back in the late 1800s.

What problems can a French drain solve?

A French drain is useful in solving drainage problems for any area subject to surface or subsurface saturation including flooding or pooling in your yard or flower beds, damage to an outdoor patio or damage to a low-level foundation area, especially with pier and beam foundations.

I have a slab foundation. Do French drains apply to me?

French drains allow you to maintain a consistent soil moisture content level. This is very important when dealing with a slab foundation.  Water pooling will cause the soil to swell and the foundation to shift.  This can lead to cracks and other problems.  A French drain allows the water to drain away from the housekeeping your slab safe.

If you are experiencing drainage problems or are noticing water pooling around your foundation, please contact our office.  With over 40 years of combined experience, one of our owners will come out and provide you with a free no-hassle estimate to correct your problem.  Visit our website to learn more about our drainage services for homeowners in the greater Fort Worth area.

Springtime Foundation Maintenance Tips

With spring in the air, homeowners in the Dallas / Fort Worth area will soon be getting out to trim any overgrowth, clean gutters, inspect and clean the roof, and repaint their homes. Springtime is also the time to do a little foundation maintenance to fend off potential moisture problems and prevent costly foundation repairs.

Here are some simple things you can do to ensure your home’s foundation is ready for the springtime rains and summer heat that lies ahead:

• Ensure good drainage around the house

Poor drainage around your home’s foundation can lead to problems. Ideally, the ground should slope approximately 6″ downhill away from the foundation over the first 10′ feet.

This article gives step-by-step instructions on how to measure the grade of the ground surrounding your foundation.

• Use splash blocks to direct water away from your home’s foundation

As you inspect and clean the gutters, check to make sure that rainwater is being directed away from the foundation. Placing splash blocks at the point where downspouts meet the ground will keep water from pooling around the foundation.

• Check for any plumbing issues

If you have leaky exterior faucets, they need to be repaired right away. Leaking faucets may not cause water pools right away, but they can keep the soil around the foundation continually wet. This weakens the foundation. Air conditioning drains can cause the same problem. So, make sure that AC drain pipes are installed properly and regularly cleaned to prevent overflow.

• Use organic materials to improve soil structure around the home

Organic materials such as compost can improve both the nutrient content and structure of the soil near your house. This will help with drainage as the soil will be able to absorb and retain more water to the benefit of both your foundation and landscaping.

• Plant ground cover to further improve water retention

During the warmer months, you can keep the soil adjacent to the foundation moist by planting ground cover. Ground cover is cost-efficient compared to other bedding plants because it requires little maintenance and doesn’t have to be replaced every season.

• Choose bedding plants with low water needs

Finally, choose bedding plants that don’t require a lot of water. You’ll save on your water bills while keeping the soil around the foundation moist.

These simple springtime foundation maintenance activities are inexpensive and don’t require a lot of time, and they can save you a lot of aggravation and expense in the long run. If poor drainage is still a problem, you may need to consider having a French drain installed.

If you think you may have a foundation problem, call us at 817-478-1181 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate to repair your home’s foundation.

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