Thomas Engineering Consultants

Accurate and reliable structural evaluations, foundation inspections, and engineering reports in #DFW #structuralevaluation #engineer #dallas

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

The answer is NOW! If you suspect that your home has foundation concerns, there’s no time like the present to call a Licensed Professional Engineer for a foundation inspection.

Stop putting it off, schedule your foundation inspection today!

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

Summer seems to last half of the year in Texas, so there isn’t much of a fall season. Even so, fall is a great time to take a good look at your home’s foundation. Scheduling foundation repairs during this season will leave time to put the house back together before the holidays.

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

You will notice that during June through September, high temperatures are accompanied by low levels of rainfall. Contracting soil creates gaps beneath your home’s foundation. As a result, you may see signs of foundation settling.

https://t.co/eQ4HMIh0W0

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

There is minimal rainfall & low, sometimes freezing, temperatures during the winter. The soil is relatively stable, leading some experts to believe winter is the best time for foundation repairs. Still, homeowners are reluctant to live in a construction zone during the holidays.

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

Many people plan home improvement projects during the spring. Often times, cracks are discovered during the process of replacing flooring or repairing damaged sheetrock. During this time, existing cracks may appear to grow as a result of swelling clay soil.

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

Shifting soils often cause foundation problems in DFW. Depending on the season, many homeowners notice that signs of foundation settling seem to come and go.

This next week we will cover each season to provide more information on seasonal moisture levels and foundation repairs!

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

TEC wishes everybody a hoppy Easter and we hope you have wonderful day with family and friends! 🐰💗🐰

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

It is important that when water discharges, the soil grading promotes the flow of water away from the home. If there is not an adequate slope to flow water away from your foundation, TEC will talk to you about improvements, including additional drainage.

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

TEC starts at the top by checking gutters and downspouts to see if they are clean. We want to make sure the gutters are not clogged with leaf or limb debris. We also check to make sure that gutters and downspouts discharge water an adequate distance away from the home.

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

Having trouble identifying potential drainage issues? TEC can identify grading and drainage issues around a home before the buyer commits to a purchase!
Stay tuned to learn about how we do it.

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

A sprinkler system allows you to regulate the “watering” of your soil. It then becomes very convenient for you to control your soil’s moisture content, and all you have to do is ensure that the water valves are placed at least 5 ft from your foundation.

https://t.co/QemW9NAAvH

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

Adding rain gutters to your roof will prevent roof damage and help you control unwanted foundation movement. Ensure the downspouts deposit the water a couple of feet away from your foundation. Otherwise, it will affect the moisture content near your foundation.

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

Watering the entire landscape is essential. The moisture should be applied to the soil near the foundation systematically and slowly, and you should also consider the weather. Overwatering can cause as much damage as underwatering.

For more info: https://t.co/PgI9GbddJr

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

Some leaks directly affect the soil's moisture. This happens when the leak can be found directly under a concrete slab. The leak makes the soil even more moist, resulting in the foundation's movement. This is why it’s important to address plumbing leaks right away.

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

French drains are trenches designed to pull water down a slope and away from the house. Often, these drains can be disguised within your landscaping and are incredibly effective in low-elevation areas where water tends to accumulate!

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

To improve the drainage around your foundation, consider hiring a professional to slope the surrounding soil to carry the water away from areas that could cause harm.

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

Extend gutter down spouts by approximately 10 feet. This could carry the water downhill, or make it flow away from the foundation. Hint: You can bury the extension so it is out of sight.
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[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

Along with a written report with the items listed in Level A, the level B investigations of an engineering report include a foundation elevation survey to represent the shape of the foundation or floor levels and a drawing depicting the relative elevations.

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

Level A investigations include interviews with the homeowners about the history of the property and performance of the structure, a review of provided documents, a visual observation of the interior and exterior of the home, and a written report.

[Thomas Engineering Consultants @TEC_DFW]

The best way to get an accurate assessment of your home’s foundation is by hiring a structural engineer to produce an engineering report. At TEC, we perform Level “A” and Level “B” investigations when evaluating a home’s foundation and structure.