Most people want the best for their money. That’s especially true when it comes to repairing their foundation. For professional help, contact Apex Plano Foundation Repair now!

Detecting foundation damage early can prevent it from getting worse. There are several methods for repairing it. Here are a few of the most common: Slab jacking (also known as mud jacking) is a concrete lifting solution.

1. Underpinning

Foundation problems are a real concern for homeowners and may seem intimidating to deal with. However, postponing the necessary repairs will create additional, long-term issues for your property and lead to even more expensive repair work.

Underpinning is a method of stabilizing and reinforcing a foundation that can no longer support the weight of your house. This is accomplished by increasing the depth of your foundation and transfering its weight to load-bearing soil or bedrock. This method is usually used when your foundation has become unstable due to differential settlement.

Differential settlement occurs when one area of your home shifts lower than another, causing the foundation to sink or pull away from the soil underneath. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

The condition of the soil beneath your home can affect how quickly and easily your foundation will move. For example, sudden heavy rains can cause unanticipated water runoff that saturates and shifts the soil underneath your house. Additionally, soil that was improperly compacted during construction or eroded by water intrusion can shift and undermine your foundation.

Signs of differential settlement include cracks in the walls and floors, doors or windows that no longer open or close properly, and torn or wrinkled wallpaper. Underpinning is the most effective solution for resolving these symptoms, but it’s important to have a professional inspect your home to determine the root of the issue and the best underpinning method for your home.

Depending on the underpinning method used, your contractor may excavate parts of your property and pour new concrete. Another common method involves installing helical piles or push piers that are hollow steel pipes that are pushed into the ground under your home until they reach bedrock. Choosing a contractor that offers various underpinning methods can help you find the most cost-effective solution for your home.

Before you hire a foundation repair company, ask friends and family members for recommendations. Check with them to see if they’ve had any experience with the company and how satisfied they were with their work. Also, find out if the company has insurance. If they don’t, be sure to get a copy of their insurance certificate before the work begins.

2. Slab Jacking

If the slab foundation under your house is sinking, sloping or buckling, it may be caused by erosion of the soil underneath the concrete. This is typically a natural process that happens gradually over time as water saturates the ground and mixes into it, but it can also happen quickly or suddenly. If your slab is eroding, check the gutters and downspouts to ensure that they are functioning correctly, and that they are directing water away from the foundation and not towards it. If the problem is not corrected, it can result in water leaks that will wash out supporting soil and damage the concrete slab, causing it to sink further.

Slab jacking, or concrete raising, is a way to lift or reinforce the concrete slab without replacing it entirely. It involves drilling small holes into the concrete slab, then injecting a fill material into the void that has formed under it. This material can be either a concrete slurry mixture called mud, or a more modern and efficient polyurethane foam. The concrete is then raised and re-leveled, and the injection holes are patched.

This repair method is highly effective for garage floors, sidewalks, driveways, patios and other concrete structures that are sagging or becoming uneven. It is usually cheaper and faster than removing and replacing the affected concrete. It is also very effective for homes with concrete slab foundations.

If you suspect that your foundation is settling or cracking, contact a professional as soon as possible for an inspection and estimate. A foundation specialist can recommend the right repair methods to resolve the issue and prevent further damage.

Choose a company that is licensed to work in New York, and has extensive experience working with concrete foundations. Ask the company to provide a clear project scope and cost estimate, as well as details about their warranty policies. Ideally, the provider will offer labor and materials warranties of at least a decade and up to lifetime guarantees. This will give you peace of mind, and help you recoup your investment in the repair process.

3. Concrete Piers

Foundation piers are big solid cylinders of reinforced poured concrete that can be placed underneath your home to support it. These are often used in place of beam and slab foundations to stabilize your house and provide support for the entire structure. These piers can also help to alleviate problems caused by poor soil conditions. If your pier foundations are experiencing problems, you might notice cracking in the walls of your home, sticking doors and windows, or sagging floors.

The number and size of a foundation pier depends on how much weight the soil can support. The International Residential Code (IRC) recommends a design load of 40 pounds per square foot. However, the bearing capacity of the soil varies significantly by location and by type. Soil with high clay content or lots of organic material can support less than the IRC recommendations. A geotechnical engineer will determine the proper design load for the piers in your home.

Once the piers are set in the holes, a foundation company will backfill the area around them with soil to ensure they stay secure. This process may require significant excavation to get to the piers.

These piers are often made of concrete, but they can be built from other materials as well. Masonry piers, for example, can be custom-designed and matched to your home’s architecture. Precast concrete piers are another option that can be more affordable than poured piers and allow for fast construction because they’re manufactured off-site.

One problem with these piers is that they are often located in the crawl space, where moisture and humidity can be damaging. Wood-eating pests like termites and rodents are attracted to crawl spaces as well, which could lead to wood rot in the piers and beams that carry your house.

Foundation piers are designed to be permanent features of your home, but they can wear out over time. When this happens, it’s important to seek repairs before they cause further damage to your home. A foundation company can assess your piers and determine whether any are in need of repair. If needed, they can also install a drainage system to help keep the piers and crawl space dry.

4. Repairing Cracks

Your foundation is the backbone of your home. It literally holds everything up, so any cracks that appear are a big red flag that should not be ignored. Depending on the cause, cracks can indicate anything from cosmetic concerns to major structural damage. Foundation repairs can be expensive, but taking action now may prevent bigger issues down the road and save you money in the long run.

Many homeowners may try to patch a leaking crack themselves using caulking, but this is not an effective solution. Water will continue to seep in behind the patch, and eventually efflorescence (a white mineral salt in groundwater) will break the seal. In addition, caulk does not address the underlying problem, which must be addressed with a concrete crack repair system.

Non-structural cracks are usually vertical or diagonal and are caused by expansion and contraction of the concrete. These cracks don’t pose a threat to the stability of your foundation as long as they don’t widen or grow, so you can seal them with epoxy or concrete crack filler.

If a crack is causing door or window frames to stick, it’s time to call in a professional for an evaluation. This could indicate a significant shift in the soil or structural damage, so it’s best to get it repaired as soon as possible to avoid more costly repairs later on.

Structural cracks are often horizontal and a result of settling of the foundation. These can be caused by soil changes, moisture infiltration, or poor building construction. This type of crack should always be analyzed by a professional to determine what’s causing it, as this can require more extensive repairs than other types of foundation cracks.

When a crack is due to a shifting of the soil, piering or slab jacking will likely be necessary to stabilize your foundation. This will transfer the weight of your house from unstable soil onto the piers, and this method also corrects any drainage problems that could be contributing to the shifting. Helical and push piers are also used to repair settlement issues in older homes, which can help lift your foundation back into place while closing existing cracks.

Stucco is a great siding option for homes in both hot and cold climates. It keeps unwanted temperatures outside where they belong and also adds extra insulation to help reduce your energy bills.

Licensed stucco contractors must follow specific steps to ensure the process is done correctly and adheres to building codes. This includes properly lathing the walls, installing expansion joints, and preparing the brown coat. Contact Dryvit Stucco Installation now!

Before stucco is applied to the wall, it must be properly prepared. This includes erecting scaffolding, removing old stucco, and installing internal moisture and temperature protection. We will apply the three-coat stucco system once the structure has been properly prepped.

A weep screed is installed along the bottom edge of all walls to prevent water penetration. It is usually made from a mix of 1 part cement and 2 1/4 to 4 parts plaster sand. It may also be mixed with pigment to add color. The weep screed is troweled and floated on and must be allowed to cure for several days before applying a poly prep or color coat.

The scratch coat is the first of the three stucco layers. It consists of a mix of sand, cement, and reinforcing fibers applied to the wire lath. The surface of the scratch coat is then scratched horizontally to allow the next layer to adhere.

When the scratch coat is dry, a brown coat is applied. It is a thicker mixture of sand, cement and reinforcing fibrous material. Like the scratch coat, the brown coat must be allowed to cure before the poly prep or color coat is applied.

During the curing process, it is a good idea to spray the brown coat with clean water. This keeps the mixture from drying too quickly and reduces cracking.

The sheathing for most new houses is either all-veneer plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). To increase the stiffness of the walls, it is recommended to install horizontal blocking between the studs. Expansion joints are then installed at the junctures of different materials to relieve the stresses that develop from rising and falling temperatures.

Primer Coat

Stucco is a durable and versatile exterior finish for homes, offering many opportunities for unique design expression. However, like any surface it can suffer from the occasional problem. Cracking is one common issue, and it can range from hairline cracks to severe fractures that threaten the structural integrity of the building. While elastomeric paint is effective at bridging small gaps, larger cracks need to be filled before painting can begin. When these issues arise, it is often best to enlist the help of a professional contractor who has extensive experience working with stucco and can properly diagnose and repair any problems.

In addition to filling cracks, preparing the surface for painting involves cleaning and sanding. This is necessary for achieving a smooth, uniform appearance and improving surface adhesion. To help prevent moisture penetration and alkali migration, a high-quality exterior acrylic primer should be applied. This will also enhance the color-match and coverage capabilities of your chosen exterior paint, making it last longer.

Choose a product such as Acrylux UL200 Pigmented Primer, which can be tinted to match the desired hue and is suitable for use on new or previously painted stucco, masonry, and concrete. The product is designed to improve surface adhesion, reduce porosity, and bind residual pigments from previous paint colors so they do not mix with the new coat.

It is important to make sure the primer is applied evenly and with a premium quality roller, sprayer, or synthetic brush so it is able to work into the surface. Then, allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. If the surface is particularly dirty or greasy, a degreaser may be required to prepare it for priming.

Scratch Coat

The scratch coat is the first of the three plaster layers. It is a thin mix of Portland cement, sand and other ingredients that provides a solid foundation for the subsequent brown coat. It can be applied to a variety of substrates, including wood, concrete and masonry blocks. In addition, it can adhere to certain types of sheathing, such as insulated foam sheathing.

A key function of the scratch coat is to fill voids and imperfections in the surface, making it smoother. This helps reduce the potential for cracks in the finish, and it also ensures that a uniform thickness is maintained throughout. In some cases, the scratch coat can also help to provide a stronger chemical bond with the brown coat.

The textured nature of the scratch coat, known as its “grooves” or scratches, provides a strong mechanical bond for the subsequent layers. This enables the material to interlock and create an integral structure. This, in turn, increases the strength and security of the stucco. In some cases, the mix for the scratch coat contains additives that facilitate this chemical bonding.

It is essential to allow the scratch coat a sufficient amount of time to set. This can take 24-48 hours, depending on environmental conditions. This slow, unhurried drying period is critical to ensuring that the coat can fully set and become a robust base for additional coats.

Regular maintenance is required to prevent damage to the stucco exterior. This includes completing a perimeter walk around the house on a monthly basis to check for dents, chips, holes, buckling or bubbling. These small problems should be addressed immediately, before they develop into larger issues.

Finish Coat

The finish coat is the outer layer that gives the stucco its final texture and color. Traditionally this is a mixture of Portland cement, sand and lime that can be colored to suit the style of the house. It is the most visible part of the system and can be textured and molded for added interest and durability. It can also be used as a base for decorative elements such as flower pots, urns or other items to add flair to the home’s exterior.

There are two basic types of stucco finishes: a 3-coat and a 1-coat method. The three-coat method uses the scracht, brown and finish coats, while the one-coat system skips the brown and finish coats, using just a scratch, base and finish mix. Both offer design flexibility and durability, but the one-coat method is becoming more popular due to its speed and cost.

A good quality finish should last for decades and is resistant to fire, rot, impact and termite infestation. It can be painted with regular exterior house paint to match the colors and textures of other sidings, or it can be stained to maintain the original look.

Depending on climate conditions, the stucco will hold up to rain and snow without damage. In addition, the insulating properties of the stucco can help to keep a home comfortable all year round.

Stucco repair and maintenance can be done on a DIY basis for small areas or for general discoloration, but a professional should be used for any major renovations or repairs. They can ensure that the repair process is completed correctly to protect the home’s structural integrity and prevent water infiltration.

Paint

When it comes to painting stucco, you’ll want to use a paint that is designed for the type of surface you are working on. Many painters will recommend using acrylic latex paint for stucco surfaces because it allows the surface to breathe which can prevent mold and mildew. It also provides good coverage and is affordable. Elastomeric paint is another option but it is not as durable or flexible as an acrylic finish.

You will need to prepare the surface before you begin to ensure that the surface is smooth and free of cracks or chips. You will want to remove any dirt or debris from the surface and then clean it thoroughly with a water hose or pressure washer. After cleaning the surface, you will want to wait for it to dry completely. Once the surface is dry, you will be ready to apply your paint.

Stucco is a beautiful and durable exterior material that can add character to your home. It offers a number of customization options and it can be painted in a variety of colors. Choosing the right color for your stucco can make or break the overall look of your home. Neutral tones like beiges, tans, and light grays create a classic and timeless appearance, while earthy hues such as warm browns and terracotta offer a natural and rustic charm.

Painting your stucco is a big job that requires a lot of time and effort. It is recommended that you hire a professional to do the job. They will have the experience and tools necessary to ensure that the paint is applied evenly and lasts for a long period of time.

What do Mickey Mouse, the Barbie doll and the iPhone all have in common? These and other famous brands owe their start to someone’s garage.

Single-panel doors are stylish, simple and easy on springs. They can be customized to match a home’s décor. They also offer more design options than sectional doors. Contact Norman Garage Door for professional help.

Throughout history, people have built garages to store their vehicles. These were often just covered sheds that kept the elements out, but they became more elaborate as the popularity of cars grew in the early 1900s. As more and more people were able to afford cars, they needed designated places to keep them in addition to their horses. The first personal garages used carriage house style doors that hung on hinges and swung outward, like a traditional barn door. However, these doors took a lot of wear and tear from having to be opened and closed daily. They also could be difficult to open in winter when the snow was piled up.

In 1921, a man named C.G. Johnson introduced the overhead sectional garage door. This garage door folded upward when in use, which saved space and made it easier to access the vehicle in the garage. Johnson’s invention led to his creation of the Overhead Door Corporation, which is still going strong today. It’s a name that many homeowners know and trust.

After World War II, as car sizes increased, architects began designing homes with attached garages. This way, they could make it as convenient as possible to access the vehicle and avoid having to leave the warmth of home in order to go get it. This trend continued as families started owning multiple vehicles, and it was only a matter of time before the garage came into the modern household.

Now, the garage is one of the most important parts of your home and it can serve a variety of different purposes for your family. It can be a workshop, storage area, or even a playroom. It’s important to maintain your garage and keep it as clean as you can, because this is a place that is used almost every day by the entire household. With this in mind, it’s a great idea to get to know the history of the garage and how the garage door has evolved over the years. Here is a quick look at some of the most important points in the history of the garage.

Materials

A garage door can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons. Choosing the right material will determine the overall cost of the door, as well as its insulating and energy efficiency ratings. Some of the most common materials used include steel, aluminum, fiberglass, wood composite and faux or painted wood.

Garage door materials are chosen for their durability, insulating value and aesthetic appearance. A variety of insulation options are available to help reduce energy costs, including polyurethane foam, fiberglass and polystyrene. The IDA (International Door Association) recommends a minimum R-value of R-12 for residential doors and R-20 for commercial ones.

Steel is a popular choice for garage doors because it offers high strength, solid construction and excellent corrosion resistance. The IDA also recommends a minimum of 24 gauge steel for residential and 28 gauge for commercial applications. Steel is not a natural insulator, but it can be layered with polyurethane insulation to provide increased thermal efficiency and to regulate garage temperatures. Steel is prone to dents and dings, however, and care should be taken to prevent collisions with vehicles or other objects.

Aluminum is a lightweight material that offers modern, visual appeal. It is less expensive than steel, and can withstand the impact of vehicles or other objects. It is resistant to rusting and can be easily repaired.

Fiberglass is an alternative to traditional wooden garage doors because it requires little maintenance. It resists moisture, rot and splitting and can be designed with windows to allow more natural light into the garage space. Its lightweight design makes it easy to operate manually and puts less strain on the springs.

Hinges located on the end stiles and centre stile at the meeting rails are necessary to join garage door sections together so they function as a single unit. These hinges are usually welded or screwed to the section and then bolted to the flag angle. The IDA recommends that the thickness of each hinge be inspected to ensure it is adequate for the door’s weight. The IDA also recommends that the hinge cycle life be reviewed.

Styles

There are a wide variety of garage door styles to choose from. Some, like the traditional overhead sectional doors, work well with a wide variety of homes and are highly customizable. Others are more suited to specific home styles. Some garage door manufacturers offer digital visualization tools that allow homeowners to upload a photo of their house and experiment with different colors, panel types, window designs and other customizations to find the perfect look.

For a contemporary design, opt for sleek doors that complement your modern architecture with clean lines and asymmetrical patterns. This style works well with steel and aluminum options, glass doors and minimalist window shapes. If you have a ranch-style house, select a door that coordinates with its low-pitched rooflines and eaves to create a seamless aesthetic.

Craftsman-style houses have roots in the 19th century Arts & Crafts movement. They often feature wood-shingled exteriors and decorative half-timbering, which pairs beautifully with leaded glass garage doors. A wood carriage house style is a great option for these homes, as it blends seamlessly with their classic architecture.

Some garage door brands are designed with a country-inspired feel, featuring wrought iron hardware and rustic finishes. This type of garage door complements farmhouses, cottages and other rural-style houses well. These doors also pair well with windows in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Other garage door styles are more reminiscent of classic European design. They include swing-out doors that open side-to-side, similar to a set of French doors. These doors can be crafted with many options, including windows and decorative handles, for a charming, traditional aesthetic.

A more specialized option is the bifold garage door. These doors, which can be customized with a variety of windows, part in the middle and fold up to each side of your garage. They are a great choice for large spaces because they save headroom and can accommodate oversized sections.

Other garage doors open on a track from side to side, resembling a sliding patio door. They require a larger wall space to operate properly and can be more difficult to install than an overhead door.

Installation

The installation process for a new garage door is a complex one that requires precision and accuracy. It is important to have a professional install your new garage door to ensure that it functions properly and safely for you and your family.

Before the installation process begins, you must remove the old door and any hardware that is attached to it. This process can be challenging because the springs, cables, and pulleys are under a lot of tension. If they aren’t removed carefully, they could break and fly out into the garage, causing damage or injury.

To begin the removal, use a wrench to loosen the screws that secure the hinges on each end of the garage door. Next, apply downward pressure with your feet on the opposite ends of the garage door until it is fully detached from its mounting hardware. After removing the old hardware, mark where you will attach the new brackets on the wall using a level. Then drill holes that are slightly smaller than the screw used to attach the old hardware. Insert the screws and tighten them with an Allen wrench or screwdriver.

Once the new brackets are in place, you can install your garage door track and operator reinforcement bracket (ORB). Next, connect your motor unit that contains the motor and J-arm to the ORB. To provide power to the motor, run the wiring from a ceiling to a wall switch and sensor. The sensors will detect when someone or something is in the path of the door and prevent it from closing.

Once the installation is complete, your new garage door will be ready to be used! Be sure to test it out a few times to make sure that it opens and closes correctly. You should also check that your infrared sensors are functioning properly and are not obstructed by objects or people. If you notice any problems, be sure to call your installer right away.