Why water near the house matters
The clay under most DFW homes swells when it's soaked and shrinks when it dries. When rainwater collects against one side of the house, that side's soil goes through bigger swings than the rest, and the foundation moves unevenly. Water that runs toward a pier-and-beam house ends up in the crawl space.
Signs you have a drainage problem
- Water standing next to the house for hours after a rain
- Downspouts that empty right at the foundation
- Ground that slopes toward the house instead of away from it
- Soil or mulch washing away along the slab
- A wet or muddy crawl space after storms
How it gets fixed
- Free inspectionThe crew looks at where the water comes from, where it collects, and where it can go.
- Start simpleSometimes gutters, downspout extensions and regrading are enough. The residential building code most North Texas cities use calls for the ground to drop at least 6 inches in the first 10 feet away from the foundation.
- French drain when neededA trench is dug and lined with filter fabric, then filled with gravel around a perforated pipe that carries the water to a spot where it can drain away from the house.
- Written bid and warrantyThe scope and price are in writing before work starts, and the work is covered by Allied Foundation's written warranty.
Videos from the job site
Questions people ask
Is the inspection really free?
Yes. There's no charge for the inspection or for the written bid, and no obligation to go ahead with the work.
Do I need a French drain or just better gutters?
It depends on where the water comes from. Roof water is often solved with gutters and downspout extensions. Water running across the yard toward the house, or ground that can't be regraded, is where a French drain helps. Our post on water pooling by your foundation explains the difference.
Where does the water go?
To a lower part of the yard or another spot where it can drain away safely. Where it can be released depends on your lot and on city rules, and the bid will spell it out.
Will drainage fix my foundation?
Drainage doesn't lift a slab that has already settled. It reduces the soil movement that causes more settling, so it's often done alongside or after a foundation repair.
Who does the work?
The inspection and the repair are done by Allied Foundation LLC. Your contract and your written warranty are with Allied. Lone Star Foundation Co. is your point of contact from the first call to the finished job.
Get a free inspection
A straight answer on what the house needs, and a written bid before any work starts.