Home foundation problems are of serious concern. However, these problems can be fixed with home foundation repair solutions. There are several major types of foundation damage. The damage can either cause, or be caused by another problem, often a plumbing one, but occasionally an exterior drainage one. Most foundation repairs or retro fittings should be done by professional contractors who specialize in that part of home repair. Some can be fixed by a conscientious do-it-yourselfer, but research is required.

Drainage problems or burst water pipes can cause a subduction of soil supporting a section of the foundation. Where the heavy base, either concrete, filled cinderblock wall, or other is not supported, gravity will pull it down creating cracks and fissures. Typically this kind of damage can only be repaired by a crew of well equipped and trained professionals in foundation repair. First the initiating cause has to identified, located and resolved. Then it may be possible for the subducted section of the foundation to be jacked up or otherwise raised, then a further support structure can be placed to hold the load. Finally the cracked damage can be repaired. As indicated this type of repair can only be done conditionally, depending on several factors that need to be assessed, again by trained and equipped professionals. There is at least two other unmentioned causes for this type of damage. If the ground under the foundation prior to construction has been filled without properly compacting the fill and allowing it to settle, the ground may compact and settle on it’s own under the weight of the house, and the filled area will no longer be supporting it’s section of the load. Another scenario that affects foundation movement is drought and heavy rain that can cause shrinking or expanding soil that causes the foundation to fail.

Some house foundations are only a wall forming the perimeter of the exterior of the house. Strategic pylon supports are placed under the main body of the house at regularly spaced positions in order to spread the load appropriately. This tends to be a design in domiciles constructed up until about 1925 . If this type of house is built in an earthquake prone zone, the pylons can shift and get out alignment for performing their structural function. Such a set up can be retrofitted with galvanized steel straps, securing the pylons to the floor joists, and making the domicile more earth quake resistant.

A final, far more common home foundation repair need is the delamination, or flaking of foundation material from the external surface after time. As the foundation is surrounded by ground, and that ground has a moisture content, water can be wicked up the surface, or be slightly absorbed by foundation material. Then it can dry out. This repeated cycle can cause the aforementioned flaking and pitting. The repair for this can be accomplished by a painting professional, or the home owner, if it is not too egregious. Removing the offending loose material, replacing it (if desired) with a water cured compound designed for the job, and then the use of a petroleum based water beading product, like a water-stop sealant, will be all that’s required for repair and preparation for a final paint surfacing.

The foundation of a home is of the utmost importance. The house sits on the foundation, and damage to the foundation can cause problems with drainage, cosmetic damage inside the home, and can even cause devastating structural problems if left untreated. If you fear that there may be a need for advanced foundation repair at your home or office, it is important to get it checked out sooner rather than later. Unless you are an exceptionally handy individual with a team at your disposal, calling a company to take a look and give an estimate is an absolute necessity.

When you call Pro-Tech Foundation to come and inspect at your foundation, the first step is for us to do a walk-through and visual inspection. We note drainage, vegetation, existing damage and more. After the walk-through, Pro-Tech then takes measurements to determine high and low points in the house with a highly accurate elevation instrument. We then analyze all of the data which is then used to make a list of possible solutions. Once completed, we present the home or business owner a final report with all of the data, findings and recommendations. Pro-Tech Foundation always takes the necessary time  to sit down with you and discuss any questions or concerns that you may have as a home or business owner so you are fully aware of your home’s situation.

Once a need for foundation repair is established, it is time to discuss the possible solutions. There are a number of different foundation repair methods, all dependent upon the building type, location and the extent of the damage. Some foundation repair companies have a one-size fits all approach to foundation repair, while we utilize the foundation repair method that best suits the property. Drilled concrete piers are best for light commercial buildings and residential properties. This method involves pouring concrete into holes drilled in the ground, to help stabilize the foundation. Concrete pilings are for the same type of buildings, but this method uses concrete columns that have already been poured and are just pushed into the ground and have many negatives. For heavier buildings or more severe damage, steel pilings can be used as a replacement. Mudjacking is a method that involves pumping concrete (referred to as “mud” in the industry) under the object that needs to be lifted. Soil injection is for homes with the right amount and type of soil under the building. This method helps to prevent the soil from absorbing water and thus damaging the foundation. Mudjacking also helps stabilize small foundation movements. Finally, root barriers are objects that prevent roots from growing in areas that could potentially cause further damage to the foundation.

Foundation damage is not a matter to be taken lightly. If you find yourself in need of advanced foundation repair, contact Pro-Tech foundation for a free foundation repair estimate.

The foundation is the most important part of your house. Changes or problems in your foundation can effect the beauty, function, and stability of your home. Most people don’t consider the weight of a house in the normal course of their day, but a house is a very heavy object. Just as a car can put ruts in a yard, a house compresses the soil below it and can become unstable, causing expensive, long-term damage to the home. New homes can have foundation problems as easily as older homes and some homes merely two or five years old may have foundation problems. Homes should be inspected regularly for foundation problems; there are a number of places where foundation damage will appear which are foundation problem warning signs.

Many foundation problems appear in on the home’s internal and external walls. Corners should be inspected for cracks related to settling or other damage. Cracks may appear running from doorway corner or in corners where wall meets wall. Foundation problems may cause nails top pop out of gypsum board (sheetrock) as well. Outside the house, caulk joints need to be inspected for damage and bricks should be inspected for cracks in the mortar. Significant, long cracks in the mortar are one of the first signs of foundation damage. Kitchen cabinets should also be checked to see if they are pulling loose from the wall or if countertops are becoming less level.

Problems also appear in the doors and windows of a house with foundation issues. All doors and windows need to be checked regularly. A door that doesn’t open, especially an outside door that sticks, is a key indicator of a foundation problem. Windows that stick are another sign of a settling problem that is damaging the foundation. Windows also need to be inspected to insure that there is no separation between window and brick on the outside. It is important to not only check around the window for separation, but also to check the brick veneer to make sure it is not swelling or shrinking. There should be no bowing in the walls. Expanding gaps are also a sign of problems in the foundation.

It is also important to inspect floors for slopping and cracks as these are signs of a potential foundation issue. Stairs should also be inspected for cracks or separation between the stairs and the wall. The outside of the house needs to be checked for issues. The gutters need to be checked for drainage issues. Drainage should run away from the house rather than pooling against the house. Cracks can also appear in the foundation and be spotted from the outside. Home owners should also be concerned when dry weather allows soil to pull away from the foundation. It is important to address foundation problems sooner rather than later as they can quickly develop into more serious issues.

If you are observing any of these warning signs, you should contact Pro-Tech Foundation to schedule a free estimate. We will perform a home inspection and determine if any foundation repair work is needed. If any repairs are needed, we will discuss the foundation repair costs associated with your home.

When building new home you need to know where to start. The start is the foundation. There are many types of foundations that you can use for a home. Which one you choose all depends on the type of house you want. Most houses have concrete foundations, but you can also have foundations made of stone, wood, and brick. Those are just the most common types.

The first foundation to learn about is the most common type, concrete. Concrete foundations are used more than the others because they are less expensive and last for a very long time. Each type of foundation has its good and bad qualities. Concrete foundations can be used in many settings, and climates. They can also be used as stone if they are no grouted or reinforced. The downside to a concrete foundation is that it can crack, and cause major problems.

The second most common type of foundation used it today’s world is brick. Brick foundations are more costly, but are worth it. Brick foundations are very good foundations to use in areas that are commonly affected by tornados, because they tend to withstand the strong wind better that the other types of foundations. The downside of a brick foundation is that the mortar that the brick is laid with does crack over time, and can be expensive to fix.

Third on the list of foundation used today is stone. Stone is a very good to use as a foundation because it lasts for a very long time. Stone foundations will cost you some money, but in the end the stone will give your new home a very natural look. The downside of stone foundations is that like any other foundation it can break down, cause major problem, and it’s not an easy fix. The fourth type of foundation used commonly today is wood. Wood foundations are strong. They are not used as often as the others because; there are so many things that can go wrong with them. Weather, and animals such as termites, can ruin the foundation. In the long run this should be your last choice of foundations, they are less expensive to build, but also costly to fix.

In the end you have many options on the foundation you want to use for your home, the sturdy concrete, tough brick, beautiful stone, or strong wood. They are all good choices, but which one you pick needs to be determined by a professional, who can decide by judging climate, soil, and many other things. Overall when your home is completed you will know you’re safe because you chose the proper foundation. Enjoy building your new home, or remodeling, and restoring you old one. Each type of foundation may eventually require a foundation repair company to assess any movement or instability. In the event you are needing a repair, contact us today for a free foundation repair estimate!

With the housing market in disarray and people struggling just to hang on to their homes, it is easy to overlook one of the most serious and neglected issues when dealing with homes. House foundation problems can sneak up on a home owner if certain actions are not taken.

Homes have been built in vast landscapes across various landscapes to suit homeowners’ personal wants and needs. This however, can come at a price. When homes are built on some surfaces, it presents challenge to keep them structurally sound. Many homes suffer from unstable foundations that are based on loose sediment such as sand or finely ground gravel. While these home foundations are suitable at the time they are built, having them on such unstable surfaces can cause them to bend and crack. Homes can also be plagued by building on clay soils that are prone to drought and heavy rain that cause the soil to either expand or contract, thus creating a foundation failure.

If a home is built on any of the above foundations that were mentioned, the homeowner can usually look forward to a laundry list of problems. Perhaps the biggest issue is a foundation taking on moisture or severe drought that dries out the soil. Moisture, or lack thereof,  is a foundations worst enemy because it can open up a flood gate of problems. The problem with moisture is once it penetrates a foundation it will almost certainly lead to things like cracking, mold, and compromising the structural integrity of the home. If a foundation is taking on moisture there is a chance that when it rains, the foundation won’t allow from proper drainage, which will result in flooding of the foundation. Once a foundation takes on water it is past the point of return and will need some sort of repair to protect it from further damage. Another serious issue is a foundation shifting due to shrinking and expanding soil. If a foundation shifts because of the location it was build on or because of moisture instability in the ground, it can have a domino effect to the rest of the home. If a foundation is improperly built or shifts due to ground conditions, it can cost the homeowners a a great deal of money to fix. A shifting foundation can be the cause of problems such as leaking roofs, drafts, plumbing problems, and even fires if electrical connections become undone.

Foundations are a pivotal part to ensuring a home is built properly. Experiencing any of these problems would call for immediate action to prevent long term problems. If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs of foundation failure, contact Pro-Tech Foundation for a free foundation repair estimate.

There are many misconceptions about the 203k Rehab Loan provided by the FHA for foundation repair through this program. Many of the homes offered for sale by FHA / HUD foreclosures are in need of foundation repair in Dallas, TX and other parts of the DFW Metroplex. There are quite a few articles online about this program not covering foundation or structural rehab, but this is simply not true. If you are in the market for a new home or investment property that has foundation problem signs, this is not a deal breaker if you are prepared as you may have read on another site. In fact, Pro-Tech Foundation Repair regularly performs foundation repair services for home buyers that have FHA financing with a 203k rehabilitation loan. To learn more about 203k financing and HUD home purchasing, contact Kim Rygh.

If you find the perfect home with FHA financing but notice there are cracks above door frames, at window corners, in exterior mortar and bricks, doors that swing open on their own, doors and windows that do not close properly, or uneven floors, foundation repair might be necessary. While these issues are not to be taken lightly, having a 203k rehab loan from the FHA will enable you to repair the foundation and all structural and cosmetic issues caused by the foundation’s failure or soil’s instability.

Further, with 203k foundation repair, you will still be able to upgrade the house to make it your dream home that is structurally sound and protected from future movement or foundation settlement problems. If any warning signs are observed, it is highly recommended to have a qualified foundation inspection performed before any other projects are started or improvement contractors are scheduled. In the worst case, the home will need foundation repair and it has to be completed before any other project starts due to the structural movement that will take place. If new tile, hardwood flooring, window replacement, or fresh paint is completed before foundation work is corrected, you may have to do the work over again after the home is adjusted properly.

Foundation repairs are not simple fixes and should not be treated lightly. It’s important to choose a trustworthy contractor for foundation repair in DFW who will provide a no gimmick approach to ensuring your investment is stable for a lifetime with a transferable warranty. Consider the improvements being made to your home with a 203k FHA rehab and think of foundation repair as solid protection to everything you plan on adding to the home. Pro-Tech Foundation received the customer service award in 2010 for Dallas area foundation repair companies and is accredited by the BBB ( Better Business Bureau).

We perform service on both slab foundation repair and pier and beam foundation repair jobs. Our service area in Texas includes : Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Garland, Mesquite, Irving, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrollton, Rowlett, Rockwall, Wylie, Sachse, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Lancaster, Red Oak, Seagoville, Combine, Crandall, Kaufman, Terrell, Addison, Highland Park, University Park, and Farmers Branch. If your city is not listed but is located in Dallas County, Collin County, Rockwall County, Kaufman County, or Denton County, please Contact Us to schedule a free estimate.

Pro-Tech Foundation Repair has an exceptional customer service reputation in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex and provides foundation repair services and information to residential and commercial customers. We take pride in our work and utilize independent structural engineers to oversee our estimates and completed jobs. If you observe any of the foundation problem warning signs, feel free to give us a call.

Foundation Repair and House Leveling

Foundation Repair is not something most people like to think about. Foundation repair, sometimes referred to as house leveling or foundation underpinning, can be stressful, potentially expensive and if not done professionally, can be the cause of greater structural damage to your home. If your house is showing signs of foundation problems and are searching for a solution, you probably have a few questions:

How can I be certain that I actually need foundation repair?

The only way to be absolutely sure if foundation piers are needed is to have a foundation repair specialist inspect your home for warning signs and take elevation measurement. Pro-Tech Foundation utilizes an independent structural engineer to provide a report after the initial assessment is completed for further reassurance to the foundation leveling work that will be performed.

My home has a pier and beam foundation. Do you have experience with this foundation type?

Pro-Tech Foundation is one of the few companies in the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex that effectively repairs pier and beam foundations. Many foundation repair companies will pass on pier and beam foundation leveling jobs because they are more difficult to perform and require working in a crawl space.

What will I do about the masonry cracks and broken bricks around my home?

After your foundation is repaired, it is typical to see broken bricks and/or mortar cracks around the exterior of the house. This is caused by stressed placed on the home’s structure when the foundation is settling. Pro-Tech Foundation provides mortar repair on the entire exterior of your home after the foundation movement has been adjusted. In more extreme cases of foundation failure, a separate contractor might be needed for brick replacement, window repair, and door frame repair.

Foundation Underpinning in Dallas, Ft. Worth and North Texas

Pro-Tech Foundation Repair is here to provide solutions and answers to all questions concerning foundation failure. Foundation Repair in Dallas, Fort Worth and North Texas is our most important service to homeowners and business owners alike. Whether you think of it as house leveling or foundation underpinning, Pro-Tech has provided an honest, no gimmick approach to foundation analysis, engineering, and repair solutions that are founded on sound, proven engineering principles that are warrantied for the life of your home or commercial property.

Pro-Tech’s foundation repair methods are proven to preserve the value of your home and add to the salability of it with a transferrable warranty. In North Texas, it’s not a matter of “if my foundation will have problems,” it truly is a matter of “when.”

Whether you need assistance with epoxy foundation repair, post tension slab foundation repair, or pier and beam foundation repair, the professionals at Pro-Tech Foundation can help you make a responsible choice to “Pro-Tech your Investment.” Unlike another foundation repair company, we are more than willing to describe each type of foundation repair method in order to better inform customers about the differences between pressed concrete piling piers, steel piers, bell bottom piers, double drilled piers, and other underpinning methods currently used in the Dallas / Fort Worth area.

Whether you are a homeowner, homebuilder, commercial property manager, business owner, or apartment manager, Pro-Tech can provide a free consultation to discuss the foundation repair costs after an initial assessment of the property is completed.

Pro-Tech Foundation Repair Service Area

Our foundation repair service area includes the following DFW Texas cities: Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Garland, Mesquite, Irving, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrollton, Rowlett, Rockwall, Wylie, Sachse, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Lancaster, Red Oak, Seagoville, Combine, Crandall, Kaufman, Terrell, Addison, Highland Park, University Park, and Farmers Branch. If your city is not listed but is located in Dallas County, Collin County, Rockwall County, Kaufman County, or Denton County, please contact us to schedule a free estimate.

It’s no secret that homes in Dallas and across North Texas are in need of foundation repair due to the current drought conditions. Pro-Tech Foundation Repair is observing cracks an inch or greater wide in foundations, brick mortar, and drywall. Many of the home we provide a free foundation repair estimate to have shown other signs of foundation failure such as sticking doors with warped or misaligned door frames, broken window seals, large gaps or separation in the window frame from the bricks, and walls that have separated from the foundation.

This is all due to the shrinking and expansive nature of clay soils that are prevalent in the North Texas area. As North Texas is currently in a severe drought, Pro-Tech Foundation has seen many homes that are in desperate need of foundation repair. Delaying these repairs are not only a bad idea because of the structural impacts, but for your energy bills as well when window frames separate from the homes’ brick and allow outside air into your home.

During the Summer months of 2011, North Texas experienced over 100 straight days with over 100 degree heat and very little rainfall. This caused the clay soil to dry out and shrink substantially. Unlike soil, your home is not designed to weather these fluctuations in soil stability and cause the home’s foundation to break, crack, or shift.

While the costs of foundation repair can range from $1,500 to well over $20,000, it’s important to “Pro-Tech” your investment with immediate repair to avoid further costs associated with delayed repair. The sooner your foundation failure is remedied, the less your repair cost will be and further damage to your home will be prevented.

Pressed Piling Pier Foundation Repair

There are many cons or disadvantages of having a foundation repair company install pressed concrete piers or “piling piers” in your foundation to correct its failure. In Dallas and the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex, pressed concrete piers are generally not recommended due to the high failure rate and limited depth of the pier’s penetration.

Pressed concrete piers are a quick and inexpensive fix that have no long-term benefit to the home owner and their investment. The main benefit of installing this type of foundation repair system is to the foundation company because they are easy to install and work can be completed, in most cases, within one business day. The labor cost of these piers is substantially lower than other proven foundation repair methods.

Pro-Tech Foundation Repair regularly installs its proprietary, double drilled concrete pier on homes that have had previous foundation repair performed by companies that specialize in pressed piling concrete pier installation. We have observed numerous failures of the pressed pier. Our pier installation method has a proven track record of thousands of homes in the Dallas area and we have performed minimal warranty repair in over 20 years despite offering a lifetime, transferable warranty on foundation repair.

Pro-Tech provides superior foundation repair services to residents and businesses located in: Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Garland, Mesquite, Irving, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Rowlett, Rockwall, Wylie, Sachse, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Lancaster, Red Oak, Seagoville, Combine, Crandall, Kaufman, Terrell, Addison, Highland Park, University Park, and Farmers Branch. If your city is not listed but is located in Dallas County, Collin County, Rockwall County, Kaufman County, or Denton County, please Contact Us to schedule a free estimate.

Pro-Tech Foundation Repair is based in Mesquite, Texas and offers slab foundation repair, pier and beam foundation repair, mudjacking and concrete leveling, and french drain installation services that “Pro-Tech” Your Investment. We are proud to announce the release of our website redesign that offers more information to potential and existing customers.

Our goal is to provide honest foundation repair service that is superior to the competition. In over 20 years of operation, Pro-Tech has had minimal requests for foundation adjustment or warranty work, after a repair has been completed, even after successfully repairing thousands of foundations in Dallas and the DFW Metroplex.

We strive for customer satisfaction and our track record is backed by numerous customer recommendations and testimonials. You have nothing to lose by giving us a call at (972) 288-3997 and taking advantage of our free foundation repair estimates for existing home owners. We offer a guaranteed, lifetime limited, transferable warranty on all foundation repairs. “Pro-Tech” your investment today!