HD's Solid Foundations Blog

Foundation Issues in North Texas

April 20, 2021

Many foundation issues in North Texas are common, especially in the DFW area. Foundation repair is often the only solution to these problems so contact HD Foundations. That’s because foundation movement occurs when climate conditions change. If you see signs of foundation issues, contact HD Foundations. We can address your concerns.

Cities in the metroplex have been known to experience temperature extremes ranging from well over 100 degrees to as low as 18 or 19 degrees. These variations in climate profoundly affect foundations, compromise their integrity and create serious concerns all across this northern area. If you see indications of trouble, act quickly. It’s important to note that when the ground gets extremely cold, it expands. Then, when the weather warms up and the soil gets dry, the ground around a foundations shrinks. That can lead to a host of foundation issues that must be fixed, and need to be worked on right away. It causes ground motion which a primary cause of foundation failure and related concerns. Cracks and gaps are signs of foundation problems that you’ll want to be on the lookout for. If there is any question about the condition of your foundation, be proactive and have it repaired…. Read More »

Foundation Repair Methods Dallas and Fort Worth, TX

March 30, 2021

Among the many good foundation repair methods used in the Dallas and Fort Worth, TX are concrete piers, steel pilings and effective foundation drainage systems. They are all systems of labor that are excellent. As experts who deal with foundation issues, the pros at HD Foundations offer customers several excellent methods of foundation repair, and we’ll tell be happy to tell you all about them. When you need assistance, contact HD.

Excellent methods of foundation repair are steel and concrete piers. Dallas, Fort Worth foundation drainage systems are effective, too.

Good Foundation Repair Methods Include:

Concrete piers

Drilled Concrete Piers
Helical Pilings
Belled Concrete piers
Soil Injection
Drilled Concrete Piers
Soil Injection
Mudjacking

Many things come in to play when using various techniques for fixing foundations. Because of voids between the soil and a foundation, this is addressed when you require repair service. Which system to use is something that can be discussed when a contractor like HD Foundations evaluates your structure. Concrete pier foundation repair is often performed in Dallas and Fort Worth and is a good method to use in North Texas, particularly under those houses that are situated in clay soil. After digging approximately 2-foot holes, they are installed into the earth to a depth of approximately 12 feet in order to fix the foundation, although they can go as deep as 15 feet when doing foundation work. Between 8,000-10,000 pounds of pressure is used to drill the piers into the earth. This method of repair offers excellent foundation solutions and eliminates foundation movement. These pressed piers are often used in this region, including Plano, Arlington and other local cities. You’ll want to inspect them and your soil. It’s hard to go wrong with these supports as they are specifically designed to stabilize house foundations.

Poured Concrete Pilings are created by pouring liquid concrete into holes that have been created in the soil around your foundation. They are what property owners are generally referring to when they mention piers made out of concrete. These foundation supports are discussed above. They’re fine for certain applications and houses, depending on your soil and any special circumstances. Property owners in Fort Worth and Dallas commonly discover that steel pier foundation repair is also a method that’s good to use. People choose these pilings because they can be drilled very deeply into the soil. In fact, these steel pilings can be installed as far as 68-70 feet. The idea behind using these foundation piers is to drill them down until they reach bedrock. In some areas of the country, bedrock may be well over 500 feet down, so they would not be utilized for foundation work in those areas. You may wish to read information regarding steel piers vs. concrete piers: Which is best? You’ll want to examine them both to see which one is distinctly right for your building.

Drilled Concrete Piers are somewhat like the poured variety in that steel rebar is installed in the voids and then concrete is poured in. It ordinarily takes concrete about a week to 10 days to be completely cured. That’s not unusual. They can be unsatisfactory in some instances.

Helical Pilings are made of steel and are normally utilized by property owners who don’t have exceedingly heavy concrete slab foundations or pier and beam foundations on their special houses. The helical pier is positioned on a galvanized shaft and operates in a spiral position. It may be drilled down in the dirt to a depth of 14-18 feet, and even deeper in some regions. Proper torque rotation ensures that the pier is securely positioned in the soil during the house leveling process, and is specifically suited to your building’s foundation. They’re fine for certain jobs, but it pays to scrutinize them.

Belled Concrete Piers are installed by pouring structural grade concrete that is 3,000 PSI or more into steel rebar cages around your foundation. They are often drilled into position in the dirt using augers. As is the case with all foundations, these supports have limitations and are not correct for particular homes, so you’ll want to study them carefully before installing them in the earth around your structure. They are a relatively common method of restoring foundations, but they’re wrong in certain instances.

Soil injection is a process in which ammonium salts and potassium ions, which are both chemicals, are injected 7-10 feet into the soil beneath your foundation through holes that are approximately ¾” in diameter. Because of their chemical properties, they prevent water from being absorbed by the soil under your foundation, thus eliminating swelling. It is best to do this type of foundation work when your foundation upheaval does not exceed 1.5-2 inches, and the damage has not extended inwards of your concrete foundation for more than 8-10 feet. Unlike using foundation piers, this technique relies on ordinary chemicals and molecular reactions. It’s worth analyzing the soil around your particular house foundation to see if they’re right for your project. It’s not a bad approach for some people in this area when considering methods of repair in the area.

Foundation Drainage Systems work and do good job in the DFW area because they halt damaging water problems. With these systems, water is forced away from your foundation when repairs are being made. Concrete is greatly affected by moisture, and a surface or sub-surface drainage system may be needed to protect your foundation from staying wet. When you inspect your foundation, you can see that drains function correctly. This technique generally works fine in the soils in this region, and it’s not unusual to need foundation drainage service.

Mudjacking, which is sometimes called “slabjacking,” involves pumping concrete into the soil beneath your foundation (called “pressure injecting” it) in order to elevate it, rather than installing foundation piers manufactured from steel or concrete. This is generally not a good solution for most area homeowners. A variety of mixtures are commonly utilized when servicing these types of foundations.

If you want to know more about concrete piers and other good methods used to fix foundations in the Dallas, Fort Worth area, get free foundation repair estimates online today.

Update 3/30/2021

The Most Difficult Type of Foundation Repair

March 16, 2021

Foundation problems around Fort Worth, TX, have been an issue for years. Having a solid foundation that will last is extremely important. However, even a great foundation may shift over the course of time. At times, it is to be expected. There are numerous types of foundation repair that is done, but the most difficult type of foundation repair pertains to the soil in the ground.

It can be easy to assume that soil is soil. While this is true, there are many different types of soil that can play a factor in foundation problems that homeowners experience on a yearly basis. You’ll want to get foundation repair solutions. Keep in mind that among the types of soil in Fort Worth, as well as many surrounding areas, has plenty of clay in it. This may not seem like it is a problem to many, but the reality is that clay can be quite challenging to repair.

Before going any further, it is important to remember some basic facts on clay. First, clay expands when it is wet. When rain hits the soil in Forth Worth, it absorbs the moisture. As it does this, the clay begins to increase. Next, clay shrinks when it is dry. That means when the Texas sun rises over the area in the summer, the clay decreases dramatically. While these things are normal, picture a home being built upon clay. The expanding and shrinking of the soil can cause the foundation of a home to shift over time. You’ll want to get solutions to foundation damage. The shifting of a foundation can become more dramatic and noticeable if the area experiences an extremely wet or dry season. Some may refer to this as seasonal foundation movement. Other factors in terms of foundation issues can include tree roots and faulty construction that has enable the foundation to shift and cracks to occur.

Once the foundation of a home has begun to shift, things can change dramatically. Homeowners may notice that doors to a home are not easy to open or shut. The floor may slope over time. Not only that, but cracks may begin to occur in ceilings and walls. Whatever the case is, be sure to contact HD Foundations. Our professionals can look at a situation and take care of the problem.

One of the best ways to deal with the foundation is to install piers. Piers can prevent the foundation from settling even though the soil may continue to shift over time. Piers can help put the foundation back on a level position as it was originally. The work can be extremely challenging, but it is worth it. While piers are extremely important, professionals from HD Foundations will see if a home is draining water properly. Water can be diverted so that it will not reach the soil underneath a home.

People who are looking for Fort Worth foundation repair will discover that HD Foundations is the company to contact. Professionals understand foundations and make the right repairs. Be sure to contact the foundation professionals today.

Updated 3/16/2021

Concrete Foundation Repair In Grand Prairie, Texas

February 25, 2021

Concrete slab foundations in Grand Prairie, Texas often need to be repaired due to issues like cracks. HD has a great deal of experience working with concrete, and especially slabs that are made out of concrete. We recently finished a project and offered a great solution. Even today, in 2021, the concrete piers we install still work and halt damage.

This particular home had quite a few issues and the man who owned the house was worried. He had enlisted a foundation professionals he thought were experts but soon discovered trouble in his 1827 sq. ft. concrete slab foundation.

It was apparent that foundation solutions were needed because cracks had impacted this structure. Over a period of 30 years, deflection in the slab foundation caused acute damage on all sides of the concrete slab foundation and needed piers. Fact is, there are several ways to identify and stop the causes of foundation problems in Texas.

The deterioration had caused gaps that were between 48” and 62” in length in his concrete slab foundation. The contractor he had talked to had failed to install enough foundation piers and repairs were needed to prevent more complications.

Slab foundation problems frequently need to be fixed.

When the owner called HD Foundations, his property was in shambles. He had waited too long to deal with foundation damage, so things had gotten worse. He worried if his foundation could be repaired and it was a problem.

After talking to professionals, he learned that his concrete slab foundation issues required extensive foundation work. HD Foundations was able to perform this foundation process using a hydraulic jack, before lifting the foundation. By elevating his house utilizing the hydraulic jack, it was possible for his structure to be restored and terminate issues. This was done using a concrete pier foundation repair technique on his broken concrete slab. It was possible to make house level using these piers.

As part of the process, 18 pilings were installed around his slab. Holes were dug just prior to installation. Utilizing special equipment, the slab was corrected and there no more damage to the slab. His foundation repair project was finally finished after talking to three companies over four years about his foundation. The hydraulic jack we used served its purpose as did the piers that are used in 2014 to stop damage. Our equipment lifted the slab and restored it to its original position, preventing deterioration. His slab was not affected by critical difficulties anymore. By performing concrete foundation repair on his damaged slab, HD protected his two-story home. For professionals that end serious concerns and problems by offering solutions, contact us about concrete slab services. We offer solutions that will halt the causes of complications.

Updated 2/25/21

Concrete Pier Foundation Repair Plano

February 15, 2021

Looking at the outside of many Plano, Texas homes, owners don’t require foundation repair using concrete piers, but often underpinning is necessary. If their houses are shifting inside, or they see indications of other issues, work may need to be done. The causes of foundation issues can create complications that will require concrete pier foundation repair.

While the Plano weather continues to be warm, aggressive tree roots can be a problem because they need water. That’s because the water that they lose when it’s hot can cause issues that affect the house.

Due to numerous water concerns, Plano property owners aren’t free to use water anymore. Because aggressive tree roots are always searching for moisture, the exterior area around the foundation is a likely place for them to find water. When moisture is collecting in the soil outside, the soil expands and this affects the foundation, decreases foundation stability and causes the foundation to shift. This is something you can view when you’re checking your foundation. This contributes to foundation problems in and around Plano.

Since concrete piers are very popular for both interior and exterior use in Plano, property owners often install them under or around foundations. In order to resolve problems, a concrete pier is installed and hydraulically drilled into the ground. This can be done to solve interior or exterior issues. Concrete piers are typically installed 8-12’ into the ground, and support the foundation. It doesn’t matter whether an interior support is needed, or ones that go around the outside. You can tell when looking at them. The amount of concrete piers used will have to be determined.

While concrete piers are sometimes not used in favor of pressed steel piers, they are common. Other methods of repair may be used, as well. Since steel piers are very expensive and still require jackhammering the inside of the house, concrete piers (which are approximately 6” in diameter) are most often selected. These pilings are installed at a PSI of 3500-6000. This ensures that they are drilled deep enough to be effective.

Property owners will want to learn more about it and see for themselves. When performing foundation repair, especially with cylinders that are 10” long, it’s good to know that concrete piers work. The number of cylinders to be installed will vary, however it’s not uncommon to require 15-20 concrete piers when repairing Plano foundations at any time.

If you need piers on the interior or exterior of your house, schedule a free HD Foundations estimate online. Or, just call ….

Updated 2/15/21