Currently, Synchrony offers low monthly payments and many financing options. You can have your home repaired now and pay later with one of Synchrony's six monthly payment programs.
Improper drainage is a serious issue for many homes in the Houston-Galveston area. Poor drainage conditions can lead to many problems throughout a home, ranging from mold growth, wood rot, and pest infestations to flooding and soil expansion, which could cause the foundation to become unstable. One of the best ways to protect your home from water damage and all of its complications is to know your home’s drainage system. Not only will knowing your drainage system allow you to identify problems early, but you can also plan ahead the process of correcting them and prevent extensive damage from occurring. Now, let’s get to know your home’s drainage system.
What Is A Drainage System?
A home’s drainage systemis essentially the way in which the home expels water and protects its foundation. It is usually made up of several different components, including gutters, downspouts, trenches, pipes, gravel, pumps, and yard grading. Each drainage system is unique to the home it is installed for, so your system may have fewer or more components, depending on the unique needs of your property. We’ll break down what each of these components does to protect your home.
Your Yard Grading And Your Drainage System
The baseline for all the drainage around your Houston home is the grading. Grading is simply a fancy word for how the land around your home’s foundation is sloped. When your home was built, the builders put some care into grading the land at a slight downward slope so that water would naturally flow away from the foundation. Over the years, the soil around your home might have been washed away, which could have left a level surface or even a negative slope behind.
A negative slope basically means that the water flows toward the home instead of away from it. When that happens, water may start to accumulate around the home and pool at the base of the foundation, which could lead to water damage, differential settlement, and cracks in the foundation and exterior walls. The good news is that you can fix a negative slopeand protect your foundation simply by having fresh dirt brought in and re-graded by a professional.
Sump Pumps And Your Drainage System
Sump pumpsare a common addition to landscape drainage systems. They are usually installed in sump pits or sump basins, which are located in the crawl spaces of the homes that sit on a pier and beam foundation and/or at the end of drainage systems to collect the water coming from the property. These pumps are designed to operate whenever a flooding condition exists, forcing the water out of the sump pit before it overflows and causes problems. Sump pumps come in different sizes and styles, depending on how many gallons of water they can remove per minute and how hard they need to work in order to transport the water away from your home.
Drains And Your Drainage System
Depending on your landscape layout, you might need to install different drainage systems in order to ensure proper drainage around your property. In addition to French drains, you could also opt for area drains, which can be installed at the center of any low points throughout your property. These drains draw the water down so that it can be carried away without needing to run a pump or other equipment. In Houston, exterior drainage systems and area drains are usually installed around the exterior perimeter of homes, particularly in the areas where the rainwater tends to collect around the foundation or in the crawl space.
Gutters, Downspouts, And Your Drainage System
While gutters and downspouts are not typically installed by drainage professionals, they do provide the first line of defense in protecting your home from water damage. If your downspouts are too short, or if your gutters are leaking, they may be allowing water to accumulate next to your foundation. In time, this may lead to water damage, soil erosion and/or expansion around your home, and foundation problems. By keeping your gutters and downspouts in good working order, you can make it easier for your existing drains and yard grading to do their job.
If you are worried about water damage to your Houston home’s foundation, it’s a good time to start learning about your drainage options. Get to know the drainage systemsyou already have in place and consider whether you need to repair or replace some of the components or install additional drainage solutions that will help collect and direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation more efficiently.
If water has been seeping into your foundation for some time, don’t wait until a serious problem occurs to deal with your drainage issues! Contact our professionalsas soon as possible to have your foundation inspected for free and learn about the best methods for addressing the issues affecting it.
By Subscribing you agree to receive speacial news from Alled Foundation.
[forminator_form id="1732"]
wall, foundation, foam, floor, flood, leak, waterproofing, crawl space, basement waterproofing, concrete slab, basement, soil, drainage, water damage, home insurance, roof, construction, pier, chimney, steel, mildew, sump pump, concrete, staten island, masonry, drywall, inspection, pump, warranty, queens, moisture, erosion, long island, french drain, customer, sump, pipe, accessibility, anchor, driveway, new york city, pressure, renovation, customer satisfaction, foundation repair costs, foundation problems, foundation repair contractors, foundation inspections, foundation issues, foundation waterproofing, foundation repair contractor, foundation repair cost, basement waterproofing cost, repair foundation, foundation repair services, foundation repair company, home foundation repair, foundation settlement, foundation repair companies, basement systems, foundation repair specialists, foundation repair, basement foundation repair, professional foundation repair, concrete foundation repair, foundation repair solutions, foundation contractors near me, foundation specialist near me, basement repair near me, foundation companies near me, foundation experts near me, ram jack foundation, basement leak repair near me, crawl space repair near me, basement crack repair, wet basement repair near me, concrete leveling, polyurethane, deck, carbon, deep foundation, zip code, lawn, home improvement, drought, long island city, attention, sidewalk, clay, bathroom, dehumidifier, pest, sealant, polyurethane foam, home inspection, handyman, landscape, grout, epoxy, ceiling, wood, property, tile, groundwater, price, carpet, coating, expert, contract, infiltration, patio, fiber, fireplace, climate, pest control, soil moisture, stress, free estimate, foundation solutions, foundation crack repair, ram jack, free quotes, foundation settling, foundation specialist, leaky basement repair, wet basement repair, concrete foundation contractors, foundation contractors, basement repair, foundation companies, structural repair contractors, radon, central new york, village, natural disaster, infrastructure, reputation, pride, foundation repair near me, foundation repair service, insured, foundation wall repair, foundation repair experts, solid foundation, franklin square, residential foundation repair, foundation contractors in my area, foundation repair in my area, residential structural repair, best foundation repair companies, local foundation repair, commercial foundation repair, ozone, indoor air quality, vapor barrier
Do I call a foundation repair company if my house is leaning?
If your house is leaning, it’s crucial to call a foundation repair company. A leaning structure often indicates serious foundation issues that require immediate assessment and repairs to ensure your home’s safety and stability.
Are foundation repairs covered by insurance?
Foundation repairs may or may not be covered by insurance, depending on your specific policy and the cause of the damage. It's essential to check your homeowner's insurance policy or consult your insurance provider for clarification.
Can a foundation always be fixed?
Foundations can often be repaired; however, the specific circumstances and extent of damage will determine the feasibility and cost of repairs. Consulting a professional is essential for a thorough assessment to explore viable solutions.
Do foundation cracks need repair?
Foundation cracks need repair to prevent further damage to your home. Ignoring them can lead to structural issues, water intrusion, and costly repairs down the line. Addressing cracks early ensures your foundation remains stable and safe.
Can foundation cracks be repaired?
Foundation cracks can be repaired effectively. Various methods, such as epoxy injections and piering, are used to restore structural integrity and prevent further damage. Timely repairs are essential to protect your home and maintain its value.
Are foundation repairs tax deductible?
Foundation repairs may be tax deductible if they are necessary for maintaining the property or if they improve the value of your home. It's advisable to consult a tax professional to understand your specific eligibility and requirements.
Does foundation repair decrease home value?
Foundation repair does not decrease home value; in fact, addressing foundation issues proactively can enhance property value and attract potential buyers by ensuring a stable and safe living environment.
Are foundation repairs expensive?
Foundation repairs can be costly, but the expense is often necessary to prevent further damage to your home. The total cost will depend on the severity of the issues and the methods required for repair.
Are contractors needed to repair foundation?
Contractors are essential for repairing a foundation, as they have the expertise and tools necessary to accurately assess the damage and implement appropriate solutions. Professional contractors ensure the repairs are effective and comply with local codes.
Are foundation repairs permanent?
Foundation repairs are designed to be permanent solutions. When properly executed by experienced professionals, these repairs effectively address underlying issues and help maintain the structural integrity of your home over time.
Can foundation repair cause more damage?
Foundation repair can potentially cause more damage if not performed correctly. However, when carried out by qualified professionals, the process is designed to stabilize and protect your home's structure, minimizing any risks of additional issues.
Can foundation be repaired?
The foundation can indeed be repaired. Experienced professionals can assess the issues and implement effective solutions to restore stability and prevent further damage, ensuring the safety and longevity of your home.
Are foundation repairs worth it?
The worth of foundation repairs is significant, as they prevent further structural damage, enhance property value, and ensure the safety of your home. Investing in repairs can save you money in the long run by addressing issues early on.
Are foundation repairs covered by home insurance?
Foundation repairs may be covered by home insurance, but this depends on the cause of the damage and your specific policy. It's essential to review your coverage details and consult with your insurance provider for clarity.
Are foundation repairs covered by homeowners insurance?
Foundation repairs may or may not be covered by homeowners insurance, depending on the cause of the damage. If the foundation issues arise from a covered peril, such as a natural disaster, they are likely to be included in your policy.
Do foundation repairs last?
Foundation repairs can last for many years when performed by professionals, provided that underlying issues are properly addressed and maintained. Regular inspections and maintenance can further ensure the longevity of your foundation repairs.
Does foundation repair increase home value?
Foundation repair can increase home value by addressing structural issues that may deter potential buyers. A stable foundation is essential for safety and market appeal, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
Do foundation repair companies fix leaks?
Foundation repair companies often address leaks as part of their services. They can identify the source of water intrusion and implement solutions to repair foundational issues, preventing further leaks and damage.
What signs indicate foundation issues?
Signs indicating foundation issues include cracks in walls or floors, doors and windows that stick, uneven or sloped floors, gaps around windows and doors, and water pooling near the foundation. Addressing these signs promptly can prevent further damage.
How long do foundation repairs take?
The duration of foundation repairs varies based on the severity of the issues and the methods used. Typically, repairs can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to complete.
Can DIY methods fix foundation problems?
DIY methods may provide temporary relief for minor foundation issues, but they often lack the effectiveness and durability of professional repairs. For significant problems, it’s best to consult experts to ensure long-lasting solutions.
What causes foundation cracks to develop?
Foundation cracks develop due to various factors, including soil movement, insufficient drainage, and extreme weather conditions. These elements can exert pressure on the foundation, leading to cracks that compromise the structural integrity of a home.
Are structural engineers involved in foundation repairs?
Structural engineers are indeed involved in foundation repairs, as they assess structural integrity, recommend appropriate solutions, and ensure compliance with safety standards during the repair process.
What is the cost range for foundation repairs?
The cost range for foundation repairs varies significantly based on factors such as the type and extent of damage, ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 on average. For specific estimates, it’s best to schedule an assessment.
How can I prevent future foundation issues?
Preventing future foundation issues involves maintaining proper drainage around your home, ensuring gutters are clean, and grading the soil to direct water away from the foundation. Regular inspections and addressing minor repairs promptly can also help avoid major problems.
What techniques are used in foundation lifting?
The techniques used in foundation lifting include slab jacking, piering, and foam injection. These methods effectively raise and stabilize the foundation by addressing the underlying soil issues and providing the necessary support.
Is financing available for foundation repairs?
Financing is available for foundation repairs. At Allied Foundation Repair, we offer various financing options to help homeowners manage the cost of essential foundation services.
What documents are needed for foundation repair estimates?
The documents needed for foundation repair estimates typically include the property deed, any previous inspection reports, photographs of visible issues, and structural plans if available. These help ensure an accurate assessment of the foundation's condition.
How often should foundation inspections occur?
Foundation inspections should occur at least once a year, or more frequently if you notice signs of foundation issues, such as cracks in walls or uneven floors. Regular assessments help prevent severe damage and costly repairs.
What warranties are offered on foundation repairs?
The warranties offered on foundation repairs typically include both a workmanship warranty and a material warranty, ensuring long-term protection for homeowners against defects or issues that may arise post-repair.
