Last summer was just brutal. Some of the foundations just could not endure without water. Remember the soaker hoses before it gets hot again. We wrote about it several times…here is one of the articles http://ezinearticles.com/?Prevent-Foundation-Repairs-With-the-Proper-Use-of-a-Soaker-Hose&id=6513967. Also, please don’t put them too close to the house…this is what we found in a residence http://www.premierfoundationrepair.com/foundation/foundation-repair/

Causes for foundation repairs are still the same with the major offender being ‘expansive soils’. An expansive soil has the ability to change it’s volume greatly based on the amount of moisture present in the soil itself. Maintaining the moisture level at a constant level, or as close to constant as it can be, is the key factor in keeping the residence foundation problem free.

The geological map present at premierfoundationrepair.com shows North Texas to be built on some of the most expansive soils in the nation. That fact in combination with an ongoing, historically severe drought, is a recipe for severe foundation problems.

The most effective method to keep the moisture levels constant is the use of soaker hoses.
Here are some guidelines on how to properly use a soaker hoses:

1. Most manufacturers recommend positioning the hoses 3-4 inches under ground and 12-24″ away from the edge of the residence’s foundation. Of course each homeowner will have to find the best solutions also depending on their garden and vegetation arrangement around the house.

2. The homeowner should make sure the hoses are not right up against the slab. This may cause the water to flow under the foundations without dispersing uniformly causing additional problems with the foundations.

3. Once the soaker hoses are in place follow the manufacturer’s directions for water pressure, back-flow device, pressure regulator and timer valves.

4. Soil composition will also make a difference when determining the best location of the soaker hoses. One of the best gauges of the effectiveness of the soaker hoses is the condition of the ground around the slab. Too wet, with standing water or cracked and pulled away from the slab are indications of too much or not enough watering. Another method is to use a metal rod or re-bar 2-3 feet in length. While inserting the rod in the ground, the rod will stop or find very strong resistance once the dry ground is encountered.

Also, homeowners should look at the vegetation around the foundation (flower beds, shrubs, ground covers, etc. etc.). If the plants look healthy, that’s an indication the roots are in moist soil. In the end, all of those methods, used together, give the most accurate assessment of the homeowner’s ground conditions.

Homeowners should remember to check with the local municipalities to insure about times and days allowed for watering.

For more information on the proper use of a soaker hose in regards to foundation repairs, contact Premier Foundation Repair Inc at 3767 Forest Ln, Dallas, TX 75244
(972) 417-0823
http://www.premierfoundationrepair.com

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) December 13, 2011

In almost all cases, a professional inspection is required by law and, most likely, by the landing institution, before any home sale can be completed. Once the professional inspection is completed, the pro’s at premierfoundationrepair.com strongly suggests that the prospective homeowners do some of their own looking around.

“Obviously, no one has more at heart the interest of the homeowners than the homeowners themselves. Should the inspector miss something, the new homeowner could save thousands of dollars and lots of headaches by catching potential foundation repairs themselves”, says Julie Goines, CEO of Premier Foundation Repair Inc.

Here is a short but very important list of items to look for:

1. Do a slow walk around the perimeter of the house, possibly during and after a storm. This may sound a bit strange but any issues with drainage are easier to be highlighted during a heavy rain storm or shortly after.

2. If you are doing the walk-around during the rain storm, closely inspect the gutters and downspout all around the house. Look for leaking corners and overflowing gutters. Also, check the downspouts and make sure they are channeling the water away from the foundation of the house either with a long drain above ground or in some sort of underground drainage system.

3. If you are walking around the house after the storm look for standing water around the foundation. You do not want to see any standing water within 10 feet from the foundation’s perimeter. You also don’t want to see dirt pulling away from the foundation slab and exposing the bottom of the foundation.

4. On the outside walls, look for separations in the mortar between the bricks and or cracking in the bricks themselves. Pay close attention the foundation’s corners for signs of cracking. Most the stress in a foundation is pointed at the corners. Also make sure the dirt or grade is not too high over the foundation ‘s height.

5. Inspect bushes and trees around the house for signs of possible over grown roots system. Mature trees with large root systems should not be closer than 20 feet from the foundations. Most of the damage to residence foundations is not caused by a root pushing up of the foundation, although possible. Instead, most of issues occur when large root systems soak up a large quantity of water and with a poorly compacted soil, the foundation looses support. Look for close by sidewalks and walkways to notice if root systems have caused any damages to those nearby structures.

6. Ask neighbors if they had to do foundation repairs on their residences

Once you step inside, there are few more things to check:

1. Make sure all door’s frames are straight and plumb and that the doors close properly or don’t swing open due to being out of square.

2. Look around the corners of the door and windows for cracks in the sheetrock.

3. Wherever tiles are present, look for splitting tiles and separating grout lines.

4. Check for cracks in the garage floor or other concrete floors.

5. Look for separation between molding, walls and ceiling.

6. Look for uneven and sloping floors.

This checklist will greatly reduce the chances of anyone missing a possible issue with the residence foundation and will give you a chance to address the issues before purchasing the house.

If you have any questions or need any help with your inspection, get in touch with the pros at Premier Foundation Repair Inc. for any assistance. They are a Dallas – Ft. Worth foundation repairs company located at 3767 Forest Ln  Dallas, TX 75244. They can be reached at (972) 417-0823