Short answer
Arlington homeowners describe the issue or send photos to Runhome and get a repair estimate in minutes, then Runhome calls local contractors, collects quotes and books the visit. The soil here is expansive clay, so slab movement, sticking doors and wall cracks are a regular part of owning a home.
Arlington homes at a glance
- Median year built
- 1986
- Built before 1960
- 7%
- Built since 2000
- 23%
- Owner-occupied
- 54%
- Median home value
- $304,700
- Main heat
- Electric, 71%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates
What Arlington’s housing means for repairs
Most of Arlington was built between the 1970s and the 1990s, when the city grew between Dallas and Fort Worth. The median home dates to 1986, only about 7% of homes predate 1960, and 23% went up after 2000. Detached houses make up 60% of homes, and 54% are owner-occupied.
Nearly every house sits on a concrete slab, so plumbing runs under the floor and foundation movement shows up as cracked drywall, sticking doors and gaps at window corners. Electricity heats about 71% of homes, so heat pumps and electric furnaces are common, with gas heating about 26%. Many 1980s homes are now on their second or third roof and AC system.
Weather that wears on Arlington homes
Arlington sits on expansive clay that swells when wet and shrinks during dry, hot summers. That cycle moves slab foundations and cracks walls, driveways and patios. North Texas is hail country, and spring storms can damage roofs, gutters, siding and AC fins in minutes. Summer highs often pass 100°F, pushing AC systems to the limit. Tornadoes are a spring and fall risk. In February 2021, a long freeze burst pipes across the area, showing how exposed attic and exterior pipes are in homes built for heat.
Common repairs in Arlington
Foundation repair and leveling
Clay soil moves slabs, and piers or regrading may be needed when cracks grow.
Hail-damaged roof replacement
Spring hail bruises shingles and dents gutters and vents.
AC not cooling
Long summers wear out heat pumps and AC compressors.
Sticking doors and drywall cracks
Seasonal slab movement racks door frames and opens cracks over doorways.
Fence gate and post repair
Wood fence posts lean as clay soil shifts.
What these repairs cost
The middle half of Runhome repair estimates nationwide for each kind of job. Your price depends on the scope of the work.
| Repair | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Structural or foundation repair | $600 to $1,150 |
| Roof or gutter repair | $300 to $640 |
| Heating or cooling repair | $310 to $580 |
| Drywall or ceiling repair | $400 to $1,150 |
Fix guides for Arlington homeowners
Door sticks and won't close properly
Arlington's clay soil moves slabs, so doors that stick seasonally are common.
Fence gate sags and won't latch or close properly
Fence posts lean in shifting clay, making gates sag in many Arlington backyards.
Roof leaks in one spot and stains the ceiling below
Hail damage often starts as a single leak that stains the ceiling.
Seasonal checklist
- Summer
- Water the soil around your foundation evenly during dry spells to limit shrinking.
- Spring storm season
- After a hailstorm, check shingles, gutters and AC fins for dents.
- Winter
- Insulate pipes in exterior walls and the attic, and know where your main shutoff is.
Common questions
- How do I know if my Arlington house has foundation problems?
Look for doors that stick, diagonal cracks above doors and windows, gaps between trim and walls, and cracks in brick. A foundation specialist can measure the slab and tell you whether piers are needed.
- What should I do after hail hits my Arlington home?
Photograph the roof, gutters, siding and AC unit, then have the roof inspected. Many homeowners file an insurance claim for hail damage.
- What drives the cost of foundation repair on clay soil?
The number of piers needed, the type of pier, access around the house and whether plumbing under the slab needs testing or repair.
Neighborhoods served
- Downtown Arlington
- Viridian
- Entertainment District
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