FAQs

Gutters are designed to catch rainwater and move it away from your home. Positioning gutters directly under your roof’s edge will prevent large amounts of water from being deposited at the base of your house. Not only will this reduce the number of puddles you’ll have to step through when leaving your home, but it will also protect your foundation!

After the water is collected under your roof, it will move down the gutter system before flowing away from your home. With gutters in place, this process happens in a controlled manner that enhances your property’s drainage abilities.

When it comes to cleaning your gutters, there’s no set schedule you have to follow. However, there are helpful guidelines that can reduce your likelihood of clogs. Clogs in your rain gutter happen most commonly due to leaves or twigs that find their way into your gutter.

Homeowners should inspect their gutters as the seasons shift into the fall and spring. These seasons are active times for landscape changes as your trees either shed their leaves or support new growth — both of which can result in debris falling into your gutters.

In addition to these seasonal markers, you may find that you need more frequent cleanings if you live in rainy climates — especially during Texas’ spring storms! If you notice that your gutters seem to be clogged, don’t let your drainage system overflow! Instead, take steps to ensure your gutters are cleaned and cleared to receive the full benefits of your investment.

Exterior drains are a solution to excess water accumulation in yards. These systems are identifiable with grates in the ground that are open for water to fall into during rainy weather. After the water is caught, it will flow away from your property using pipes installed beneath your soil.

One benefit of these systems is that they’re efficient at removing water, carrying it away quicker than other drainage options.

A French drain is a reliable and efficient drainage option for many homeowners across Texas. Unlike traditional drains, which are marked with a visible grate, French drains are subtle. They consist of a perforated pipe that runs underground within a trench.

This pipe is covered with a material that allows water to flow through but prevents rocks or dirt from forcing their way into your pipe. This is especially important as your drainage pipe will be surrounded by gravel that helps move water into it.

Unclogging an exterior French drain can present challenges as the pipes are located underground. However, a drain snake can physically remove built-up materials and help dislodge clogs.

For stubborn blockages, consider calling an experienced professional on our team for drain cleaning services. This can ensure your pipes are handled safely, protecting the health of your French drain and maintaining efficiency!

A crawl space is a type of foundation that creates a gap between the ground and the bottom of a house. Unlike a basement — which is a fully formed underground room — a crawl space is typically only high enough for someone to crawl through — hence the name.

It usually ranges in height from one to three feet. These areas can offer certain advantages, such as improved air circulation under the house and easier access to plumbing and electrical utilities. Proper ventilation and moisture control are essential for maintaining a healthy crawl space environment.

Before insulating a crawl space, you’ll need to be familiar with local building codes and regulations. The current condition of the area will need to be assessed. It’s crucial to clear the space of debris and repair any sources of moisture or water issues.

You can seal this area off from outdoor air by using treated plywood or flat panels and caulking the edges. Afterward, use rigid foam board or R-value spray foam insulation on the foundation walls for a tight seal. G.L. Hunt has the expertise necessary for this task, preventing air leaks while promoting healthy ventilation beneath your home.

To encapsulate a crawl space effectively, our team cleans out debris and addresses any standing water issues. We prepare for the process by checking for potential problems like wood rot or loose wiring.

Next, we insulate the walls and lay down a vapor barrier on the ground, ensuring all seams are properly sealed. It’s crucial to maintain an adequate drainage system to direct moisture and water away from the area. Finally, we maintain the encapsulated crawl space by using a dehumidifier and conducting regular inspections to ensure its integrity.

During crawl space encapsulation, a strong plastic liner is wrapped around the area’s floor and walls. The ceiling is also covered, in some cases. This liner our team uses is made of polyethylene — a durable plastic material — and is capable of protecting your crawl space from moisture and humidity issues.

Crawl space mold can be detrimental to your home without the proper treatment. At G.L. Hunt, we advise against DIY mold removal and recommend having our experts solve the issue.

Our foundation specialists will carefully assess your crawl space and determine the best solution to the problem. We utilize top-of-the-line technology to scrub and remove mold from this area. Our experts will also share preventative measures to combat future mold growth beneath your home.

A damp crawl space can damage your home if not corrected. G.L. Hunt can help you combat moisture issues with our industry-grade dehumidifiers. This technology extracts moisture from the air, creating suitable humidity levels beneath your home. Crawl space fans can also be used for large-scale water issues, leaving the area dry.

Foundation repair involves the correction of structural issues within a building’s foundation. This can include addressing problems such as settling, cracks or unevenness. Common repair methods include underpinning, piering or slabjacking, which aim to stabilize and strengthen the foundation, ensuring the structural integrity of the entire building.

Professional assessment and timely repairs are crucial to prevent further damage and maintain your property’s value.

In many cases, residents can continue living in their homes during foundation repairs. However, the extent of the repairs and the specific construction methods employed can influence this.

Temporary inconveniences like noise, dust and restricted access to certain areas may be expected, but our reputable contractors will work to minimize disruptions to your daily life.

The duration of foundation repair depends on various factors, including the type and extent of the damage, the chosen repair method and the local climate. Minor repairs may take a few days, while more extensive projects could last several weeks.

It’s crucial to obtain a detailed timeline from your contractor during the assessment phase.

While it’s not uncommon to purchase a house with a history of foundation repair, it’s essential to assess the extent of the repairs. Obtain a detailed inspection report and consider consulting with a structural engineer to ensure the issues have been adequately addressed.

It’s advisable to proceed with caution and negotiate repairs or pricing accordingly.

Home insurance typically does not cover foundation repair caused by normal wear and tear. However, if the damage is a result of a covered peril — such as a sudden plumbing issue — your insurance may cover the repair costs.

It’s crucial to review your policy and consult with your insurance provider for specific details related to foundation repairs. You can also reach out to us for financing options!

Filling a crack in concrete with more concrete can be effective, but in the Texas climate, it’s crucial to use the right materials and techniques. Small cracks should ideally be filled with a flexible concrete filler designed to accommodate movement. For larger cracks, a patching compound or professional assessment may be necessary to ensure long-lasting stability.

In Texas, concrete can crack due to several factors, including the expansive clay soils that shift dramatically with moisture changes, as well as temperature fluctuations from hot summers to cooler winters. Additionally, settling and inadequate drainage can make cracks worse. Understanding the root cause of the cracks is vital for effective repair, which is why our team conducts inspections to address these common issues.

While minor surface cracks are common in Texas and often not a cause for concern, larger or widening cracks can indicate underlying structural issues. If you notice cracks that exceed a quarter-inch in width — especially after periods of heavy rain or drought — it’s essential to consult a professional. We can assess your concrete and provide the necessary repairs to ensure your property remains safe and sound.

To prevent concrete cracking in the Texas climate, proper installation techniques are crucial. This includes using a well-formulated concrete mix that can withstand local weather conditions and ensuring adequate curing to mitigate shrinkage. Regular maintenance, such as sealing and addressing drainage issues that can arise from heavy rains, will protect your concrete surfaces.

The best method of concrete leveling varies based on the extent of the settling. Techniques such as mudjacking and polyjacking can be effective. Given the shifting soils and moisture levels, G.L. Hunt’s experienced team can determine the most effective solution for your specific situation, ensuring a stable and level surface that can withstand Texas weather.

Yes, you can pour concrete over existing concrete, but in Texas, proper surface preparation is essential due to our unique climate. This may involve cleaning, repairing cracks and applying a bonding agent to ensure a strong connection between the old and new layers. G.L. Hunt’s professionals can provide services that achieve the best results, helping prevent future issues.

Absolutely! Concrete leveling not only improves the aesthetics of your property but also enhances safety by eliminating tripping hazards created by uneven surfaces — especially after heavy rains. Additionally, it can extend the lifespan of your concrete surfaces and prevent further damage caused by the Texas climate.

Determining if a crack is structural involves examining its width, depth and location. Structural cracks are often wider than a quarter-inch and may be accompanied by signs of shifting, especially after heavy rains or drought conditions. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a professional. Our inspection services can help identify the nature of your concrete cracks.

When choosing a foundation company for your home, it’s vital to invest in services you can trust! Be sure to keep experience and qualifications in mind when starting your search. Ask yourself questions such as whether the company is licensed and whether they offer clear information that leaves you feeling confident in their abilities.

Once you’ve narrowed down your search, be sure to check online reviews. This gives real people the opportunity to share their experiences, helping you determine whether or not you can put your trust in a company.

At G.L. Hunt, we’re happy to be a reliable team that Texas homeowners can count on. We’ve been providing dedicated care for decades, so you can trust that we know how to help your home!

Determining when a foundation is struggling can be difficult since the initial damage occurs underground. However, problems with your foundation will eventually cause the rest of your home to suffer. A sloping floor or a cracked wall are some examples of foundation damage symptoms.

Familiarize yourself with the symptoms, and reach out to a professional at the first sign of trouble! Our G.L. Hunt team is here to provide consultations that can confirm a problem and guide you on your next steps.

Once damage occurs to your foundation, it won’t get better without professional intervention. Instead, the damage will continue to grow worse with time. Your foundation isn’t the only part of your home at risk though — problems will eventually spread up to the rest of your house.

A sloped floor or a cracked wall are examples of what can come from an unrepaired foundation. You may also notice a gap in your front door with it no longer able to close properly. In worst-case scenarios, foundation damage can even cause your house to shift severely, causing structural damage. However, this is preventable with early action and professional help from our team!

G.L. Hunt is proud to offer free estimates for your foundation repairs. We know that foundation services can be a big investment, so we make sure you have all the information you need being making a decision. Plus, we give you our accurate quote for free, only entering into a partnership after we’ve proven we’re the best team for the job. You can also take to us about our convenient financing options!

Yes, we do! The high-quality pier products we install to stabilize your foundation come with a lifetime transferrable warranty to grant you peace of mind. We also offer a limited warranty on repair services for your pier and beam foundation. Reach out to us to learn more about our warranties!