Q: I have a foundation problem what should I Do?

Answer
1. call a structural Engineer: calling an independent structural engineer is best first step you would take; structural engineers would give you honest evaluation ( They will not recommend repairs if they are not needed and they will not recommend unnecessary piers) In other words Independent  Structural Engineers work for you and if you end up with NO foundation problem you still get a letter from the structural engineer stating this fact.
The usual cost of an Engineering Report for Homes is $300-$400.
2. Once you have your structural Engineer Report Contact a foundation Repair specialist   like Solid Foundations for a Proposal.
3. Contact the contractor and make sure they explain the process for you.
4. Get the repairs done.
5. Now you can enjoy a Solid Foundation.
6. Check for plumbing leaks ( a Certified Plumber should perform the tests)
7. Fix the cracks in the mortar or bricks ( Solid Foundations does that for an additional fee)
8. Follow the guidelines for maintenance.

Q:Why does my foundations Move?

A:Change in moisture content causes your foundation to move. The type of soil we have in DFW area is clay.Clay is expansive it increases in volume (up heaves) with moisture and Shrinks ( Settles) with drought. You can also read more about this subject by clicking on this useful link. [ Click Here ]

Q: Is Solid Foundations Local?

A: Solid foundations LLC is located and operated locally in The DFW metroplex

Q: What area code (682) we see in the website?

A: It is a FORT WORTH number. It is a local number.

Q: Can trees affect my foundation ?

A:  We all love trees but having trees too close to structures can affect the foundation.Trees remove large amount of water from the soil (roots sucking water), this will result in shrinkage of the volume of soil that leads to settlement of the structures.
Solution

• Keep large trees away from Foundations.
• Water the side that is away from the structure to attract roots away from your structure.
• Only keep small shrubs close to the structure (Trim or remove trees higher than 3’ tall.

Q:What can I do to maintain my foundation?

A: the Professional Engineers we work closely with recommend the following:

The area around the foundation should maintain positive slope away from the house.  The soil shrinks and swells with the change of moisture content.  Therefore, a constant moisture content should be maintained (especially during dry season) around the house perimeter to prevent further building movement.  The following is general information to maintain around the foundation:

• Maintain the landscaping grade and flowerbeds around the foundation so that they gently slope AWAY from the structure.
• If the house has guttering, be sure that all run-off is diverted well away (at least 3 feet) from the foundation.
• The area around the foundation should always be watered evenly around the ENTIRE structure.
• Do not let water stand next to the foundation. Never allow the soil to dry to the point of cracking or pulling away from the foundation
• Check waterlines and sewer lines for leaks on a regular basis

Q: There are somany types of piers which one woulkd work best for me?

A: The best person to detrermine that is a structural engineer that is why we always recommend getting a structural engineer report before repairing the foundation.




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