Richard
Rash
Foundation Repair and Drainage consultant (Your home for
independent foundation repair information)
If you have foundation issues or drainage problems this site will tell you how to get the correct solutions
at a fair price!
Read This First
The heat is taking its toll. Houses
are starting to move. Cracks are starting to appear. Doors are beginning to jam. That being said, in most
cases damage has not moved to the point that piers are required. Often proper maintenance can stop the movement before piering
is required, and in many cases, reverse what movement has already taken place.
In order for foundation companies
to stay in business they must sell as many piers as possible. Most foundation repair salesmen are on commission. The more
piers they sell, the more they make and the more the foundation repair company makes.
One of my jobs is to
see that you do not buy piers you don’t need. As a consultant I have no reason to recommend piers unless they are going
to be cost effective in repairing your home. Often they are not. In fact, I have often seen unneeded piers
responsible for more problems than they solve. Before you invest a large amount of money in foundation repair get a second
opinion from someone who knows the problems and whose livelihood is not based on the amount you spend. Remember, I sell solutions,
not piers.
The details of how I help Don’t be mis-led by the foundation companies! The majority of people who have foundation work done spend way too much
money on repairs. Most problems can be solved by proper watering and/or drainage correction and an occasional pier. Foundation companies sell piers, not solutions. I provide solutions,
not piers. If you are concerned about foundation
issues, you have come to the right place. I can answer many general foundation questions by phone at no charge. If you need
specific help I can come to your location and evaluate the problem and guide you in the right direction. I can supply as much
help as you need. If you do not have a structural
problem I will tell you. If you do have a problem
I can explain it. I will answer all of you questions. I can tell you what needs to be done to correct it properly, and why.
I can let you know what is the most you should pay for it. I will review bids to see that you are getting the proper service
at the right price.
If I can’t help
you, I won’t charge you! Click here for:
Customer Feedback, My Fee, My Email, What I Do, My Newsletter.
Richard Rash
Foundation and Drainage Consultant
817-308-8186
richardrashinc@tx.rr.com
www.repairfoundations.com
You are here
because you have foundation and/or drainage questions or concerns. How may I help you? Most people that seek my advice are smart enough to know that foundation repair is a very slippery
slope. It is not an exact science and the industry is populated with some less than savory characters. My customers do not
mind spending a few dollars to have an experienced foundation professional on their team. They usually wind up spending less
oveall money and receiving greater piece of mind. People are confused by Foundation damage. The very thought of foundation problems
scare some people to death. Truthfully there are not a lot of people in North Texas that
know a lot about the cause of foundation damage and less, that know, the proper way to deal with it. Most foundation company websites show you signs
of foundation distress and talk about their approach to repairs. Almost ever company has a preferred type of pier. They may
say they have them all but they have a “chosen one”. The chosen one is usually chosen because it is cheapest for
them to install. Another reason for a “chosen “one is inventory control. It is a lot easier and more cost effective
to have a single product you use all the time. The number one reason for a “chosen” pier or approach is to have
a COOKIE CUTTER operation. Treat them all the same and anybody can do any job. You don’t need an all around experienced
crew if all the repairs are basically the same. My value comes because I know how homes are constructed. I know how soils affect the homes. I know
what causes foundation damage. I know how to correct the damage. I know who can do it correctly and inexpensively. I know
what it takes to get a house ready to sell. I know what to look for when buying. I can tell when to check for slab leaks.
I know how and when to deal with Home owners insurance. I know how and when to deal with New home warrantees. I know how to
deal with settlement. I know how to deal with upheaval. I know how to tell the difference. I know when you need
drilled piers, concrete pushed piers, steel pushed piers, cable locked piers, helical piers, spread footing piers, chemical
injections, root barriers, expanding foam, mud-jacking or, as in most cases, no piers. I know when, and
it is often, that drainage correction and or proper use of soaker hose or other watering can stop and often reverse foundation
problems. I can supply the help you need. Call 817-308-8186 or email me. If I can answer your question over the phone I will do so at no charge. If I need to visit your home to find answers there
is a charge. For that charge I will provide you with whatever assistance you may need in dealing with foundation or drainage issues.
Get it right and don’t get robbed. Call me or read on to find out why my customers are happy to pay me.
Millions of dollars are spent each year on un-needed foundation repairs. Don't
over spend on excessive piers. Do not pay more per pier than necessary. Protecting yourself is all about checks and balances.
Using proper due diligence.
Hundreds
of people have paid me to come to their home and educate them about their foundation issues. To my knowledge none have been
disappointed. I am their check and balance, their advocate. When I leave they have their questions answered.
They understand how the house is built. They understand how the soils affect the home. They understand how bad drainage causes
problems. They understand how drying soils affect the structure. They understand the maintenance required to protect the house.
They understand when drains are required, when and how to water the foundation, how and when to check the plumbing for leaks
affecting the home. They understand the different type of piers and how they differ. They understand what they need in the
way of maintenance and repairs and they know how to avoid getting ripped off. They will save a lot of money and get peace
of mind. And I will have my notes and be available by phone 817-308-8186 and email to answer questions or review bids later on.
Since retiring from active contracting I have been consulting on foundation problems. Before retiring I spent 26 years as
a foundation repair contractor, often as a consultant to other foundation repair contactors. When I started in the business
there were a handful of foundation contractors. When a foundation was broken we fixed it, as best we could, with the knowledge
we had. Over the years we learned a lot.
As time progressed things begin to change. Foundation Repair became a
billion dollar business and the gypsies, tramps and thieves jumped in.
It seems that all it takes is an over the
hill athlete, disk jockey or talk show host to endorse a company and the uneducated masses go for it. Well guess what, the
masses are getting screwed. They are buying piers that are, to say the least, not ideal for our soil. They are buying piers
they do not need and they are paying far too much for the piers they get. And, worst of all, they are not addressing the real
problem, the soil.
The truth is, foundations don't fail, soils do. Soil expansion and contraction must be
addressed to solve foundation issues. Piers cannot solve upheaval and many piers being sold do a very poor job on preventing
settlement. You as the homeowner must maintain your soils. Maintain the soils correctly, and new problems do not appear. Maintain
the soils correctly and old problems often lessen and sometimes go away.
You must have knowledge to know whether
your home has heaved up or settled down.
In our area, at least as many structures are damaged by upheaval, or
swelling soils, as by settlement or contracted soils. You do not use piers to address homes that have already been lifted
above grade by swelling soils.
Elevations alone can not distinguish between settlement and upheaval. Only experience
can.
If upheaval has occurred the high point must come down. The moisture in the soil must come out. You must find the source
of the moisture and eliminate it. It's usually much cheaper than piers and much better on the slab.
If settlement
has occurred and walls need to be lifted you want the right number and type of piers from a reliable, experienced contractor.
Not piers that have a reputation for failure. Not twice the required number of piers and not over priced piers.
If you feel that you may have foundation issues call me. If I can help over the phone it's free.
Contact information:Richard Rash, 817.308.8186 or
Email at: richardrashinc@tx.rr.com
Dealing With FoundationProblems
The summer is coming and with the summer
comes the heat. The expected extremely hot summer on top of the very wet winter will bring a larger than usual amount
of foundation movement, both in volume of homes and intensity of damage.
Foundation damage can be prevented in
most cases with simple maintenance. Even where previous movement has appeared it can usually be stopped and often reversed
without the use of piers or other exotic and expensive repairs. Foundation damage in areas of expansive
soils are attributed to too much water, too little water, lateral movement of the soil from under the structure, or compaction
of soil under the structure. To understand the problems which we can deal with, we will look at them one by one: · Too much water happen: when soil under or around the structure becomes moist and expands
to the point of either lifting a portion of the structure above grade, or, running water washes earth from under the
foundation causing a loss of support. ·
Too Little water happens:
when soil is allowed to dry to the point of contraction, thereby withdrawing support from under part of the foundation,
allowing the weight of the structure to force an area of the home into a void below original grade. ·
Lateral movement:
is the result of the structure losing support on a down hillside due to erosion, the failure of retaining wall, subsidence,
or other change in natural land mass such as adjacent construction or the appearance of sink holes. ·
Compaction of soil under
an existing building: usually occurs within a short time after construction. Soil may have been added to portions of
the pad to level the base before the foundation was poured. Were the added soils not compacted correctly, and it seldom is,
the weight of the structure may allow some of the building to drop as the added soil becomes compacted. We have
discussed the causes in broad terms. Below are a few of the circumstances which can trigger the events that actually cause
the house to move. · Too much water: Bad drainage caused by slope of the land.
Improper gutters. No gutters. Placement of planters (flower beds). Improper french drains. Low areas next to house where water
ponds. Sprinkler leaks. Swimming pool leaks. Swimming pool line leaks. Animals burrowing under your home. Large dogs
digging holes next to home. Concrete walks and driveways that trap water next to house. House sewer leaks. House service
water leaks. City sewer or water leaks. Neighbors’ drainage, leaking pool or sprinkler. · Too little water: Too much heat and wind
pulling moisture from the soil. Not keeping soil evenly hydrated around the home during long hot dry spells. · Lateral movement: unsupported soil as explained above. ·
Compaction: While some
of our earth surface in relatively flat much of it is not. When building homes it is usually required that the surface area,
of what will be the foundation, be flat. To achieve this flatness soil is either cut down and removed on the high side or
added on the low side. Sometimes both. When soil is added it should be compacted to a level comparable to the undisturbed
soil. Often it is not. When it is not adequately compacted before the weight of the house is placed on it, there is a very
good chance it will compact from the added weight. When it does the foundation loses support and the structure shows movement. While
piers are sometimes needed to remedy certain of these problems, in most case diagnosing the cause, and using proper maintenance
will result in a solution less stressful to the home and less expensive to the owner. Before
dealing with foundation problems it is certainly a good idea to talk to a professional. Someone experienced in the business,
but not affiliated with a foundation company. Someone who is on your side. I can answer your questions and
explain, in plain English, what is going on with your home or building. I will help you understand the solutions available.
In most cases simple maintenance will be all that is required. Where actual repairs are deemed needed I will help evaluate
any bids to have or might receive after my visit. Together we will see that you receive only what is required to fix it correctly
and at a price that is fair. Call me and let’s talk
about those concerns. That’s what I do: I break down foundation problems and guide you in the right direction. I have
been doing that for 30 years. Nearly twenty-five years as a foundation and drainage contractor and a little over five years
as a consultant.
Contact information:Richard Rash, 817.308.8186 or
Email at: richardrashinc@tx.rr.com
If you are unsure about something, you bring in an expert.
If you are unsure about something, you bring in an expert. That is a good business practice at any level. You
use due diligence. You need checks and balances. Foundation damage is not the end of the world. Treated properly it can be
a minor irritation. Treated incorrectly it can be a nightmare. Don't experience a nightmare! The reason for this website
is to let you know that I am available to help you understand the reason foundations fail, to help you maintain your
foundation and to help you find proper repair when required. Remember: With over 150 foundation contractors in the Dallas-Fort
Worth area alone, getting three bids give you a one in fifty chance of getting the right job at a fair price. I can help you
beat those odds. People pay me to help them successfully deal with foundation issues. If I save you from buying one un-needed
pier you have made money. It's a smart move and cheap insurance. I will be your advocate, your check and balance
What I do for my money:
What
I do for my money: I inspect your home for foundation damage, inside and out. I explain how
your home is built. I explain how the soils and weather affect your foundation. I show how to maintain the soils, which
will, in turn, maintain your foundation. I explain what is happening to your home and why. I explain drainage and watering
of the foundation. If drainage correction is needed I will show where and how. If watering is needed I will explain how and
when. If piers are needed I will explain how many, where and what kind are best for your application. If you already have
bids I will explain them. If you are selling, I will show how to get the home ready. If you are buying I will
show you what to look for. When I leave you will understand the process. I will answer any foundation or drainage
related questions you may have. I will be your advocate. I will help you keep from making a mistake. In most every
instance I will save you time, money and worry.
Special Report: Spring 2010
Know it or not, most of you are now experiencing some movement in your foundation. The recent
rains have expanded the soil all over North Texas, as well as many other areas. The results of extreme rains are normally
a change in elevations of homes on expansive soils. Unfortunately, the change is often damaging.
The two things of most
importance to home owners are:
1.) The soil expands in areas of bad drainage, lifting sections
of the home off of original grade and transferring weight of the structure which produces cracks, door frames out of square
and uneven floors. This becomes, obviously, a problem. The answer is almost always drainage correction to prevent additional
upheaval. Drainage correction, done correctly, should also enable the swollen soil to slowly contract and allow the structure
to gradually settle back to near "as built". The installation of piers to lift the rest of the house is almost
always a mistake in these situations. Talk to an expert who is not involved in piering to access you situation.
2.)
Often where settlement has appeared over a period of time, extended rain will cause soils to swell, lifting areas of the house,
closing cracks and straightening doors. It would seem that the house has healed itself. Don't be fooled, the problem
reversal is temporary at best. The eventual drying of the soil will allow the soil to settle back often in worse condition
that before. It is often advantageous to consider the need for piering while the soil is swollen. Done correctly
the repair is completed with less piers, less stress on the structure and at less expense. Again, consult an independent
expert. If you are unsure about something, you bring in an expert. That is a good business practice at any level.
It is extremely difficult to get creditable information about foundation problems and foundation repair on the internet
or in person. The sheer number of foundation repair companies in North Texas is staggering. The majority of these companies
abilities are at best marginal, using products that are not ideal for this soil. Many are operated on a shoe string with a
very heavy turnover in personal, and for that matter company names. Several companies own multiply entities. This means
you have the distinct possibility of obtaining multiple bids from the same company who use different names. The different
phone numbers going into the same office.
Be safe; understand the nature of your specific problem.
Understand the soils and how they react. Understand how your structure has reacted to the soils. Foundation piers are designed
for, and guaranteed against vertically settlement only. They are not designed for, or guaranteed against, upheaval. When soils
are wet they expand, when they expand they lift what is sitting in and on them. That is upheaval. If upheaval is affecting
your home, understand the problem. Talk to an unbiased professional.
Remember foundation repair companies
sell piers...not solutions. I provide information and solutions! Call or email me!
817-308-8186
Who I am.
I am Richard Rash. I have spent
the last twenty-eight years working with Foundation damaged structures in North Texas. I have been involved with foundation
repair of all size and price homes, apartments, hospitals, nursing homes, warehouses and small commercial buildings. I have
worked as foundation inspector, contractor, consultant and expert witness. I know foundations and I know the soils. I know
what causes foundation failures and what prevents foundation failure. I know the products used to repair foundations and I
know the contractors reputations. I know what works where, and how much it should cost. I am now devoting my time helping
the owners of houses, apartments, and small commercial building avoid foundation problems, when possible, and getting them
fixed right when repairs are necessary.
Quick Note
Misleading
elevations can cost you a lot of un-necessary money, additional foundation issues, and plumbing problems.
Foundation and Drainage Evaluation: includes foundation and drainage inspection, instructions on foundation maintenance, drainage
correction and foundation watering. If you require repairs, I will explain the types of repairs available. I will review any
bids and recommend the type of repairs best suited for your problem. I will help you receive the best repairs available
at the best possible price. I will assist
you in any area of foundation or drainage problems you may have. I will assist you in any area of foundation or drainage problems you may
have. This service can save you thousands of dollars.
Richard: 817-308-8186 Email: richardrashinc@tx.rr.com
Click here customer letters!
My
job: save you money and time, and help assure that you know what you are getting. If you are concerned
about foundation repair or drainage issues please read this page from top to bottom. It may be the most helpful
and informative foundation repair information on the world wide web. Facts to Ponder Proper
drainage and proper watering can prevent the vast majority of foundation damage. Most homes do not
need piers. When caught early, foundation movement can almost always be stopped and often reversed with
proper maintenance. After piers are installed proper maintenance is still required. I can show you how. Bad drainage cause every
bit as much foundation damage as hot weather. Buildings settle and heave. Often in the same time frame. The signs are similar, the repairs
are not. Elevations cannot distinguish between settlement and heave without a bench mark, tied
to sea level, and the original construction elevations. Don’t rely on contractor elevations as an indication
of pier requirements.
With foundation problems, big money is at stake, not only in the price of repairs, but in the
resale value of your home.
If you think you have foundation problems.....
If you want to know that
you are approaching the problem correctly.....
If you want to understand the problems and the solutions.....
If you do not have foundation problems and want to avoid them later on.....
If you have bids that don't
make sense.....
If you confused by the type or cost of repairs quoted.....
Call me, I can help. I won't let
you get cheated. If you are unsure about something, you bring in an expert. That is a good
business practice at any level. If you don't contact me now, bookmark the site. You may not be able to find it
again.
A lot of people have been visiting this site and not calling me. The potential for damage is increasing every
day. If you think you need help, call now (817-308-8186)! It may be the most important call you make this year.
Over
20,000 people have visited my website for information in the last four years and hundreds of people have paid me to
come to their home and educate them about foundation issues. None, to my knowledge, have been disappointed. If you have foundation issues;
this site can save you money and help solve your problem.
Be
sure before you pier!
Now,
call me at 817.308.8186, email me in form below or continue exploring my site.
Thanks,
Richard Rash
You can't throw a dart at the phone book and expect to get a good job at a fair price. I'll help you find the right people
for your situation.
Please forward my web page to your friends, relatives or neighbors who may now, or at a later date, experience foundation
issues!
Read on, then call me: Richard Rash, 817-308-8186 together we can get it right.
Please explore my site to find out what I do, and to learn about foundations and drainage. You never know when problems
might arise!
Contact information
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