Allied Foundation Blog

As a house ages, it will eventually need repairs and maintenance. One of the most important parts of an old house in which you need to pay extra attention to is the foundation. If damage develops on this part of the home it can turn into a very expensive repair job. Possible Causes: As a house ages, so does the materials they are created from. These will get weaker with age, causing them to be more susceptible to damage. These damages can be caused by many different factors, all exacerbated by the age of the house. Routine maintenance to this part of the house is essential in order to save you from the aggravation of going through with the repairs of the foundation. Another factor that might cause damage to an old home is water damage. If you have any leaks from your pipes or sewage lines, they might cause harm to your foundation. Sadly, water damage can sometimes be difficult to detect until it is already too late. As soon as you suspect any damage within your foundation your first step should be to have your pipes and sewage lines looked at by a professional. This will help the contractors you hire...

Cracked Brick Can Be a Scary Sight!

Have you ever walked around the outside of your house and noticed a change in your beautiful brick home? Do you have any cracked bricks? The actual cracked brick can cost you money in different ways. If it is the actual brick itself many problems can occur. The crack in the brick can allow water to enter your home, which could damage structural elements and interior finishes. The moisture could possibly create a mold situation, which can be costly. Those bricks should be replaced quickly. Most home improvement stores sell bricks fairly inexpensively and this small task can be handled by you. But don’t dismiss the bigger problem here. If you see actual cracks in the mortar of your brick home, this is a problem that needs immediate attention.  Do not confuse a single cracked brick with a crack in the brickwork of your home. As shown above, a crack in the brickwork will usually follow a line from the top to the bottom row of bricks. The crack occurs in or crosses both bricks and mortar joints. A crack in the brickwork is generally a sign that there is a problem...

Retaining Walls Can Help Prevent Foundation Repairs Most people don’t know that there is a connection between your home’s foundation and the retaining wall found in your yard. Many homeowners think of retaining walls as only decorative design that helps the appearance of sloping landscapes, add terracing, or for designing beautiful flower beds. Much to your surprise, a retaining wall can also provide more than just those benefits. The retaining wall can help prevent foundation repairs. What Is a Retaining Wall? If done correctly, a retaining wall is an extraordinarily crafted system for the prevention of soil movement and for controlling water flow.  Soil that might drain off or blow away over a period of time, can gain better protection with the simple addition of a retaining wall. Don’t think of a retaining wall as an eyesore, but more of a well-designed landscape that can offer much more to your home. Think of it as a protection from having to do foundation repairs. How Can a Retaining Wall Benefit My Foundation? Your home’s foundation is constantly affected by the soil underneath it, so protecting the soil is a key role in your foundation maintenance. Your foundation is at risk when the soil under your home...

Many homes in the Houston area are of the pier-and-beam or block-and-base variety.  Over time, the house begins to settle and crack because the wooden beam foundation at the base can’t support the structure.  Harsh weather conditions like drought or excessive rain play a large role in the structural damage of your home’s foundation.  As a result, the soil underneath these homes will shrink and swell forcing the structure to shift and move.  Other factors that can affect the foundation are age and termites.  Misaligned doors and cracks in drywall are the clearest indicators that your home may need leveling. The process begins when the problematic wooden beams are removed and replaced with new treated wood.  Concrete blocks are then installed and fitted with metal termite darts to keep unwanted critters away.  These concrete base blocks, or pads, are fundamental to the foundation repair.  The house is raised by jacks...

Although Florida tends to bear the brunt of many powerful storms, the threat of a hurricane’s impact on Texas is not to be taken lightly. As Houstonites, our proximity to the Gulf Coast puts our families and our homes in danger of the hazards that hurricanes bring with them. High winds, heavy rains and extreme flooding can damage a home severely if precautions are not taken. Preparing your home can be as simple as bringing potted plants indoors or securing patio furniture and grills; however, roofs are the most sensitive to high winds. Metal hurricane connectors should be tied to exterior walls in order to protect against the “uplift” effect. These connectors can be found in home improvement stores. Installing storm shutters over windows is an easy and effective way to protect your family from shattered glass. Don’t forget to cover skylights and sliding glass doors too. Another safety hazard to consider is the garage door. Garage doors can wobble and get thrown from their tracks. In some severe cases, the entire door can collapse. Retrofit kits can help to secure the door and may be found in home improvement stores as well. Hurricane season won’t be over until November 30^th, so make sure...