Foundation repair is a common issue in Texas and other regions where homes are built on expansive clay soils and subjected to fluctuating moisture levels. Expansive soils are among the most prevalent geologic hazards, causing billions of dollars in damage to building foundations and structures annually. In fact, 1 in 4 residences in the continental United States has experienced disturbances from expansive soils, with yearly damages to buildings and infrastructure exceeding $15 billion—more than double the destruction caused by all other natural disasters combined.

(Nafisa Tabassum, Rifat Bulut, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Oklahoma State University)

However, costly foundation repairs can be significantly reduced—or even eliminated—through the use of advanced foundation monitoring systems. These systems, which incorporate a static external reference point and electronic sensors for daily elevation readings, enable early detection of movement and precise diagnosis of its causes. By identifying issues such as soil settlement, upheaval, or tree root activity in real time, homeowners can take proactive measures to prevent long-term structural damage.

All-Pro Foundation Repair’s Innovative System

All-Pro Foundation Repair has developed and patented the only monitoring system that utilizes an external reference point. This groundbreaking technology is uniquely capable of collecting the accurate data needed to determine the source of foundation movement. Without an external reference point, other systems cannot reliably measure the direction of movement, making them ineffective in diagnosing the root cause of foundation issues.

Foundation Failure in Homes Built on Expansive Soils

Newly Built Homes (Less than 5 Years Old) Foundation failure in newly built homes can result from construction or engineering defects and improper site preparation, such as:

• Improperly Compacted Fill Dirt: Inadequate compaction causes uneven soil settlement, leading to cracks and instability.

• Poor Drainage Design: A lack of proper planning for water management can result in early foundation problems.

• Expansive Soil Movement: Even in the absence of construction defects, soil swelling and shrinking due to moisture changes can exacerbate foundational weaknesses.

Rare causes of upheaval, such as underground streams or natural soil anomalies, typically appear within the first five years of construction and are virtually nonexistent in older homes.

Homes Over 5 Years Old

For homes older than five years, foundation failure is rarely linked to construction defects. Instead, it is primarily caused by changes in soil moisture content, which cause clay soils to shrink or swell. These fluctuations lead to:

• Settlement: Occurs when clay soils dry and shrink, often due to tree root activity.

• Upheaval: Happens when excess moisture causes soil expansion, typically from poor drainage or plumbing leaks.

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial to designing a monitoring system that effectively addresses both settlement and upheaval.

Addressing Settlement: Tree Root Activity

Contrary to popular belief, hot, dry summers alone do not directly cause soil shrinkage beneath a home. Most modern foundations are designed to sit deeper than the evaporation zone, which extends only 6–8 inches below the surface. Foundation beams, typically 12–24 inches deep, ensure stability even during extreme heat. Instead, 99% of settlement in homes over five years old is caused by tree root activity. Tree roots grow under foundations in search of water, extracting moisture from the soil and causing it to shrink. The majority of tree roots grow within the oxidation level, the top 36 inches of soil. By drying the clay soil beneath a home, roots lead to seasonal settlement, which, if unchecked, results in significant structural damage.

Addressing Upheaval: Soil Expansion

Upheaval occurs when soil beneath the foundation swells due to excessive moisture. In homes over five years old, 99% of upheaval is caused by:

• Improper Drainage: Water pooling near the foundation due to poor grading or inadequate gutter systems saturates the soil, causing expansion and upward pressure on the foundation.

• Plumbing Leaks: Leaks in under-slab plumbing systems create moisture buildup, leading to soil expansion under the home’s center.

The Role of All-Pro Foundation Repair’s Monitoring System

The patented monitoring system by All-Pro Foundation Repair is the only solution that incorporates a static external reference point. This innovation is uniquely capable of detecting and addressing settlement and upheaval before they require costly repairs. The system measures daily elevation changes across the foundation, analyzes movement direction, and uses algorithms to identify the underlying cause.

Why an External Reference Point Matters

The external reference point, located outside the foundation’s zone of influence, serves as a stable benchmark for elevation measurements. Without it, monitoring systems cannot determine movement direction—whether the foundation is settling or heaving.

For example:

• Upward Movement: Indicates issues like drainage problems or plumbing leaks.

• Downward Movement: Points to soil shrinkage caused by tree root activity.

Internal sensors alone are insufficient because they lack the context provided by an external reference point. All-Pro’s system ensures unparalleled accuracy and reliability by incorporating this essential benchmark.

How All-Pro’s System Works

1. Daily Monitoring: Sensors detect micro-level elevation changes, identifying upward or downward movement before significant damage occurs.

2. Cause Analysis: Algorithms analyze movement patterns to identify tree root activity, drainage issues, or plumbing leaks.

3. Real-Time Notifications: Homeowners receive mobile alerts with recommendations for corrective action.

4. Proactive Solutions: The system suggests targeted interventions, such as:

• Removing trees or installing root barriers to prevent settlement.

• Improving drainage or repairing plumbing to mitigate upheaval.

Benefits of All-Pro’s Patented Monitoring System

1. Early Detection: Identifies foundation movement before visible damage occurs.

2. Accurate Diagnosis: Differentiates between settlement and upheaval using a patented external reference point.

3. Cost Savings: Proactive maintenance is far less expensive than repairing a damaged foundation.

4. Long-Term Stability: Continuous monitoring ensures a stable foundation over time.

5. Exclusive Capabilities: All-Pro’s system is the only one capable of collecting accurate data to determine movement causes.

Conclusion

Foundation failure in Texas, whether due to settlement or upheaval, is largely preventable with All-Pro Foundation Repair’s patented monitoring system. By integrating a static external reference point with advanced sensors and algorithms, this system offers unmatched accuracy in detecting and diagnosing foundation movement. Unlike other systems, All-Pro’s innovation empowers homeowners to address issues proactively, eliminating the need for costly repairs. This game-changing technology protects Texas homes from the challenges of expansive soils and environmental fluctuations, ensuring long-term structural stability.

Tony Cooper

President

All-Pro Foundation Repair