Below are partial images of emails from Plano homeowners that illustrate the most Common Foundation Problems in Plano. We have added our comments where we thought it might be beneficial. The point we wish to make is that many homeowners in your area are experiencing foundation issues.
This is a common complaint from homeowners and it is called settlement. Usually the clay soils under this portion of the house have lost a significant amount of moisture, causing the soil to shrink dramatically in volume. These problems can be caused by large trees or shrubs close to the foundation, extreme exposure to direct sunlight causing evaporation, compaction of the clay soils, or some combination of these causes. The good news is that this section of the foundation and house can be re-leveled after support structures (Bell Bottom Piers) are installed under the affected area.
Cracks in the interior and exterior of the walls are the most common complaints we receive. It is usually the first warning sign of foundation problems.
This house is only 18 years old and it needs a significant number of support structures. We would recommend Bell Bottom Piers.
It appears this homeowner has both a drainage problem and a foundation problem. We would suggest fixing the drainage problem first and waiting for a modest time period to see if that helps with the foundation issues.
Since this house is less than 2 years old it is still under warranty from the builder. We would recommend that the homeowner contact the builder and document every conversation and interaction with the builder. If the builder does not address the situation to the satisfaction of the homeowner then he / she should consider contacting an independent structural engineer and a lawyer. This is another example of the Minimally Functional Foundations being built in Texas.
Structural Engineers favor Bell Bottom Piers because they are a single unit (monlithic), have a 22 inch footprint for stability, can support 15 to 20 times the weight of the house, and are Permanent. They are the Highest Quality Foundation Repair method in Texas.
This Plano house should obtain a Free Foundation Inspection with a diagram of the elevation readings.
Failed Foundation Repair – This is a common foundation complaint. In this case the earlier work has lasted about 8 years and we are almost certain that the repair method was “Pushed Piles.” Now the homeowner has the same problem he had 8 years ago and his failed foundation repair is basically a total loss of his money. Bell Bottom Piers do cost more but they are much Higher Quality, Proven and Permanent. Compare Foundation Repair Methods on this page
These are typical and common foundation problems. Over the course of 24 years the clay soils have been expanding and contracting in volume from annual cycles in rain and hot, dry summers.
There is no way to avoid these foundation issues in Plano. Most slab foundations built in Texas are Minimally Functional Foundations.
Root barriers are a good preventative measure but the annual cycles of rain and dry, hot summers will cause significant movement of the clay soils. Most residential slab foundations are NOT designed to resist the forces of soil movement for decades.
Bell Bottom Piers is the Highest Quality Foundation Repair method available in the state of Texas. They are Proven, Time-Tested, Permanent, and supported by a vast majority of structural engineers.
These Plano homeowners did not mention any foundation issue so it appears they want verification that their slab foundation is in good condition.
Dawson Foundation Repair offers a Free Foundation Inspection and Estimate if work is considered appropriate. Your inspection will include a diagram with elevation readings.
“Ongoing foundation problems” is a fairly good indication that this slab foundation has cracked in multiple locations and needs support structures (Bell Bottom Piers) and leveling.