We often come across homeowners who are concerned about their bowed walls. Bowing walls can be a significant issue, not just in terms of aesthetic appearance but also in terms of the structural stability of the building. If left untreated, bowing walls can lead to severe damage to your home and even pose a safety hazard to the residents. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of bowed walls and some of the solutions available to repair them.

1. Soil Pressure One of the primary causes of bowed walls is soil pressure. When the soil surrounding your foundation becomes overly saturated with water, it can put excessive pressure on your foundation walls. This increased pressure can cause the walls to bow inward, which can lead to cracks, shifts, and other structural issues.
2. Poor Drainage Another common cause of bowed walls is poor drainage. If the soil around your foundation is not properly drained, water can accumulate and cause the soil to expand, putting more pressure on the walls. This can also cause the walls to bow inward, which can result in serious structural damage.
3. Improper Backfill When your home is built, the soil around the foundation must be backfilled properly to provide adequate support. If the backfill is not done properly, it can result in soil settling and shifting, which can lead to bowed walls.
4. Poor Quality Materials In some cases, bowed walls can be a result of poor-quality materials being used during construction. If the foundation walls are not made of high-quality materials, they may not be able to withstand the pressure from the soil and can bow inward over time.
5. Structural Damage In some cases, bowed walls can be a result of structural damage caused by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes. Structural damage can cause the walls to bow inward and can result in serious structural issues.

Solutions for Bowed Walls

1. Wall Reinforcement One of the solutions for bowed walls is wall reinforcement. This involves installing steel beams, wall anchors, or carbon fiber straps to reinforce the walls and prevent them from bowing any further.
2. Foundation Stabilization Another solution for bowed walls is foundation stabilization. This involves stabilizing the foundation and soil around the walls to prevent further movement and bowing. This can be done by installing piers, underpinning, or other foundation stabilization methods.
3. Water Management Proper water management can also help to prevent bowed walls. This involves installing proper drainage systems, such as a sump pump, French drain, or other water management systems to ensure that the soil around the foundation remains dry and free of excess moisture.

Conclusion

Bowed walls can be a significant issue for homeowners. If left untreated, they can result in serious structural damage and even pose a safety hazard to the residents. Understanding the causes of bowed walls and the available solutions can help you make informed decisions about repairing and protecting your home. If you are concerned about bowing walls in your home, it is important to contact a foundation repair professional for a thorough inspection and recommendations.

A leaking basement can be a frustrating and potentially costly problem for homeowners. One of the most common causes of basement leaks is water infiltration due to poor foundation drainage or a damaged foundation. If you have noticed water in your basement after a hard rain, it’s essential to have a foundation inspection as soon as possible.

The first reason to get a foundation inspection is to identify the source of the leak. A qualified inspector will be able to determine the cause of the water infiltration, whether it’s due to a crack in the foundation, a clogged drain, or another issue. This knowledge is crucial to determining the best course of action for repairs.

Secondly, a foundation inspection can prevent further damage to your home. Water infiltration can cause significant structural damage over time, including rotting wood, mold growth, and even foundation failure. By identifying and addressing the problem early, you can prevent these issues from becoming more severe and costly to repair.

Another important reason to get a foundation inspection is to ensure your home’s safety. Water infiltration can also lead to safety hazards, such as electrical shorts and gas leaks. An inspector will be able to detect these hazards and recommend the necessary repairs to keep your family safe.

Lastly, a foundation inspection can also save you money in the long run. Many homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage caused by poor drainage or a damaged foundation. By having a foundation inspection, you can identify and address any issues before they become major problems, and potentially save thousands of dollars in repairs.

In conclusion, if you have noticed water in your basement after a hard rain, it’s essential to have a foundation inspection as soon as possible. A foundation inspection can help identify the source of the leak, prevent further damage, ensure your home’s safety and potentially save you money in the long run. If you suspect a problem with your foundation, don’t hesitate to contact a professional inspector to assess the situation.

As a foundation repair company, we often see the consequences of homeowners digging around their house without proper knowledge or expertise. While it may seem like a simple task, digging around your house can have serious and costly consequences for the stability of your home’s foundation.

The first thing to understand is that the ground around your house is not always stable. The soil may be loose or saturated with water, which can cause it to shift and settle. When you dig around your house, you run the risk of destabilizing the soil and causing your foundation to sink or shift. This can lead to cracks in the walls, floors, and foundation, as well as uneven floors and doors that won’t close properly.

Another problem with digging around your house is that you may accidentally damage underground utilities. Water lines, gas lines, and electrical lines are often buried just a few feet below the surface, and if you’re not careful, you can easily damage them while digging. This can lead to costly repairs and even dangerous situations if a gas line is ruptured.

Even if you’re not planning to dig a large hole, small excavations can also be problematic. For example, if you’re planning to plant a tree or install a fence, it’s important to be aware of the location of your foundation and any underground utilities. You should always consult with a professional before digging to ensure that you won’t cause any damage.

If you’re planning any kind of excavation or construction around your house, it’s important to contact a foundation repair company to assess the situation. We have the expertise and equipment needed to safely dig around your house without causing any damage. We can also advise you on the best course of action and provide solutions to any problems that may arise.

In conclusion, digging around your house can be dangerous and costly. It’s important to be aware of the risks and to consult with a professional before starting any kind of excavation. We can help you safely and properly dig around your house without causing any damage to your foundation or underground utilities.

Sinkholes can be a serious problem for homeowners, as they can damage the foundation of a house and potentially cause it to collapse. If you live in an area where sinkholes are common, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect your home.

The first step in dealing with sinkholes near your home is to identify them. Sinkholes can appear as small depressions in the ground or as large, gaping holes. They can also cause cracking in the foundation of your home or in the walls and floors.

If you suspect that you have a sinkhole near your home, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible. We have the expertise and equipment needed to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

In some cases, a sinkhole can be stabilized by filling it with a material such as grout. This can prevent it from growing larger and causing more damage to your home. However, if the sinkhole is large or if the damage to your home is extensive, it may be necessary to completely rebuild the foundation.

It’s also important to be aware of the potential hazards associated with sinkholes. If you have a sinkhole on your property, it’s important to keep children and pets away from it to prevent them from falling in. Additionally, you should avoid parking vehicles or storing heavy equipment near the sinkhole, as it can collapse under the weight.

Preventative measure can also be taken, such as regular inspections of your property, and make sure that the drainage around your home is adequate, and if you notice any signs of sinkhole activity, such as cracks in the walls or floors, contact a foundation repair company right away.

In conclusion, sinkholes can be a serious threat to the stability of your home. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to protect your property, you can help prevent damage and ensure the safety of your family. If you suspect that you have a sinkhole near your home, don’t hesitate to contact a foundation repair company for a professional assessment and solution.

The winter season has arrived and with it comes both joy and worry for homeowners. While a winter weather can provide a picturesque landscape for family gatherings, winter can be incredibly dangerous for a home’s foundation.

When the temperature outside reaches lower levels, the soil around the foundation of a home can become vulnerable to damage. Water that has made its way into the soil around the foundation during the summer can now freeze, creating a thick block of soil-ice. This soil-ice expands, pushing against a home’s foundation and causing it to crack and shift in certain areas. This can be especially dangerous if the foundation is already weak and made of materials that are not able to withstand the harsh winter temperatures.

Ice dams are another problem during winter months. They form on the roof due to snow and ice that build up on the roof and prevent runoff water from properly draining away. This water will then freeze in the gutters and on the edge of the roof, collecting more and more snow and ice in the process. Improvements need to be made, such as adding insulation in the attic that will prevent melting snow from collecting and running to areas where dams form.

The cold weather that accompanies winter can also cause water pipes to burst due to the freezing temperatures. If pipes freeze and burst enough, it can lead to significant flooding in the home. All pipes, both inside and outside the home, should be well insulated during the winter months to ensure that the pipes will not freeze and burst.

Another danger of winter for a home’s foundation is wet soil. Heavy snowfall can lead to an oversaturation of the soil around the foundation, causing the soil to swell and shift. This can cause cracks in the foundation of the house and can lead to serious issues if left unchecked. Sealing any cracks before winter begins can help keep water out of the home, reducing the risk of damage from the wet soil.

Finally, high winds during winter can have a serious impact on a home’s foundation. Strong gusts can cause stress on the foundation, creating cracks and even forcing the entire foundation to shift. Sealing any cracks and ensuring that the house is well-insulated and sealed can help protect against damage caused by wind.

Winter can be a beautiful season, but it can also be dangerous for a home’s foundation. Homeowners should take the necessary steps to protect the foundation by insulating pipes, sealing cracks, and adding insulation in the attic to help prevent ice dams. With the right measures in place, homes can be protected and ready for the cold winter months.

Your home’s foundation is crucial. It is the most important component of the home. When foundation problems are ignored, especially for an extended period of time, difficulties might result. You could believe that performing foundation repair on your own is the finest option.

How your house responds to the weather over time is dependent on its foundation. It also affects how sturdy or long-lasting your house is. Sadly, a lot of homeowners frequently ignore this important aspect of their house. The foundation frequently spends years without maintenance, neglect, or attention while all other parts of the house get both. Your house is already in trouble when you notice large drywall cracks or the chimney pulling away.

You now want to make it right. So, can you complete the repair yourself? Or should you consult a specialist?

You could counter that there are a ton of useful YouTube tutorials. Of course, there are a ton of helpful tutorials and videos on the internet today. But are they sufficient? No, not for precise and knowledgeable foundation repair.

You won’t gain much from watching DIY foundation repair tutorials, no matter how skilled you are with tools, building, or other home improvements.

You should be aware of what house settling is, what is regarded as normal settling, and what potential damage could occur if this problem is left untouched, whether you recently purchased a brand-new fixer-upper that needs work or you’ve started to notice some changes after years of living in your home.

Watch for indicators of your drywall crumbling, glass sticking, or stiff or challenging to close doors. These are all indicators of foundation problems and house settling, and they all have the ability to ruin your building permanently.

What is House Settling?

A house settles over time as it progressively sinks into the ground. Any house will eventually sink, and when this happens, the soil around the foundation starts to move.

The independent settling of a house is not always reason for concern. Every building project is vulnerable to settling. As long as the settlement is distributed equally throughout the structure, a few inches of settlement are normally not regarded as an issue. Depending on the climate and surroundings, house settling will be more noticeable.

The settling of a house takes time. Structural problems typically start out slowly and get worse over time. If you live in a favorable environment and have a strong foundation, the amount of settlement and movement will be restricted.

Typically, it could take the building two years to internally settle. A house should typically finish settling after a year. It will eventually stabilize as it moves through the various seasons and ranges of humidity.

Contact us if you are dealing with severe cases of house settling, and learn more about our process.

Your foundation may become infected by tree and shrub roots, eroding its integrity and leading to failure. The earth itself may shift your foundation because of roots that deplete the soil of moisture. These issues may manifest as uneven floors, stuck doors or windows, or a musty odor that permeates your entire home.

There are numerous strategies to assist safeguard your foundation from issues caused by roots. But occasionally the damage has already been done. If this is your situation, we strongly advise you to contact Align Foundation Repair so we can arrange for one of our skilled and qualified contractors to do a free examination. Since foundation damage may develop over time and may become more costly to repair if ignored, it is crucial to take action as soon as possible.

Steps You Can Take To Prevent Root Damage

There are several tried-and-true methods to stop tree and shrub roots from harming your foundation. These consist of:

• Carefully select your trees and shrubs; generally, it’s preferable to go with low-water-demanding, slow-growing plants. Your neighborhood landscaper may have some helpful information.
• giving your trees and bushes enough room to grow; for instance, hardwood trees should be planted at least 20 feet away from your home. Again, for information on particular plants, consult your neighborhood landscaper or garden center.
• Installing a root barrier involves encircling a tree or shrub with a flexible polyethylene (HDPE) shield known as a root barrier. It directs roots downward and away from your home when buried or driven into the ground.

How Roots Can Cause This Issue

• Trees and bushes require a lot of water because they utilize it to dry up the soil surrounding your home. A mature oak tree, for instance, may need up to 50 gallons of water each day to be healthy. They can cause the foundation to grow and eventually break by sucking this moisture from the earth surrounding your home.
• Tree and shrub roots can also modify how much dirt is distributed around your home by shifting the soil, which can cause your foundation to either heave upward or sink farther into the ground.
• You might imagine tree and shrub roots as underground spear tips that are continually probing your foundation for flaws by burrowing into the foundation itself. They will eventually work their way into cracks in the structure or even make new ones, causing the entire thing to become weak.

How often do you clean the gutters on your house? Do they always fill up with leaves and trash in the fall? Do you examine them following storms and other bad weather? Did you realize that clogged gutters can destroy the foundation of your house?

It might sound unbelievable, but something as minor as a blocked gutter system can seriously harm your house and require foundation repair. When the next downpour comes, you can encounter flooding and property damage in addition to foundation issues caused by clogged gutters.

What May Happen if You Don’t Clean Your Gutters

Erosion Around Your House

The stability of your foundation depends on packed earth. The soil around your home could erode away and undermine the foundation of your property if your gutters are overflowing and water from the roof falls onto the ground immediately next to the house.

Your home’s foundation would gradually deteriorate and crack, posing risks such as leaks, flooding, and, in the worst circumstances, the eventual collapse of your entire structure. Clean gutters help reduce the risk of erosion caused by water damage, which is a sneaky sort of harm.

Humid and Moldy Home

You’ll begin to notice an increase in indoor humidity when rain seeps into the earth around your home, weakening the foundation. There may be wet walls and mold growth throughout the basement in areas where homes have basements.

Mold can develop on the outside of the house, in the crawlspace underneath it, and anywhere else in the house if there is inadequate ventilation in locations where basements are uncommon. Mold has the potential to become harmful to your family and seriously harm their health.

Your Foundation Warranty May Become Void

Take a look at the foundation’s warranty. There may be passages in the warranty that talk about the gutters on your home. Your guarantee can be voided if you don’t maintain them clean and the foundation is damaged as a result.

Although it varies from policy to insurance, a foundation guarantee may cover significant damage, but damage from the gutters may not be. Because it is simple for a claims assessor to link damage to overflowing gutters, you cannot clean the gutters after damage has already been done and expect the warranty to still be in effect.

Even the most meticulous homeowners might not be aware of the unique requirements of the pier and beam foundation for their property. Unfortunately, many people don’t become aware of—let alone consider—the need for foundation repair until it is too late. At Advanced Systems, we think it’s important to inform homeowners about potential problems so they don’t grow into bigger, more expensive ones. In light of this, the purpose of this blog post is to educate you about the benefits and drawbacks of pier and beam foundations, as well as to contrast them with other choices like concrete slab foundations.

In a pier and beam foundation, a steel beam is used to reinforce a concrete pier. A pier and beam foundation (sometimes referred to as a post and beam foundation) is a kind of elevated substructure that frequently includes a crawlspace that supports the foundation for a standard Kansas home. Plumbing and electrical components used to support the house may be located in the crawlspace. Repairmen can more readily access these devices to do the required repairs because of their accessibility.

A pier and beam foundation also offers some stability for a Kansas house built on shifting soil, which is another benefit. However, if they are not maintained, these types of foundations—or more specifically, the wood beams they rely on—will gradually degrade. Only a few of the potential drawbacks of a pier and beam foundation include mold, mildew, and roach or rodent infestations. The wood beams may eventually cause the home’s foundation to sink, move, or settle, which may necessitate expensive home repairs.

Increased durability is a benefit of foundations, which are best suited to clay soils. They can also be swiftly and affordably constructed. Concrete foundations are almost as susceptible to fluctuating soil conditions as their pier and beam counterparts, though. When the earth is too wet, it spreads out and rises underneath the home. Additionally, their slab foundations leave no room for a basement (which, admittedly, is not much of an issue for Houston homeowners, since our city is at sea level).

Our opinion is that a pier and beam foundation is superior to a concrete slab foundation since it is simpler to maintain and easier to repair if your plumbing and electrical systems “dwell” under the crawlspace. Additionally, compared to a concrete slab, the steel beam construction assures that the foundation is less likely to slide under the house.

foundation. A qualified foundation repair firm like Advanced Systems can work miracles to produce work that will have you and your property standing tall for many years to come, even though a pier and beam foundation can be more expensive.