Frequently Asked Questions
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We know that foundation repair can be unfamiliar and intimidating. For that reason we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions. We hope that this helps answer some of the questions you may have about foundation repair services. If your question is not listed and you still need information, please connect with us and we will be happy to help!
No, damage to a foundation is something that will happen to every foundation at some point. It is not something you can prevent.
No, all of our crews are FSS employees.
Your home is likely your largest investment. Don’t risk its stability by waiting on important foundation repairs that will just get worse.
Keep an eye on drainage issues, hairline cracks, cracked concrete or any sinking so that you can observe foundation issues early and stay on top of any repairs needed.
Any cracks in basement walls, warehouse floors or concrete around a property could be a sign that your foundation needs attention. Take our foundation quiz for a more in-depth analysis into issues your foundation may be facing, or schedule your free foundation repair consultation with us today!
The age of the building, soil shifting, exposure to water and direct sunlight, erosion and shoddy construction can all lead to foundation issues.
Experts recommend having repairs done within a month or two of when they are first noticed in order to prevent larger issues from occurring.
There are a number of factors that go into the cost of a push pier, including quality, depth needed and amount of work needed. As steel push piers cost between $1,000 - $5,000 each, a push pier job can cost several thousands of dollars.
As trees grow, their root systems grow as well. Trees close to a home or building can have roots that grow into their foundations causing cracks and shifts.
Some pros to this type of foundation include:
- Homes are more protected from flooding since they are elevated.
- They offer easy access to plumbing and electrical systems that can be housed underneath the home.
Some cons to pier and beam foundation include:
- Can attract vermin and rodents.
- May gather moisture that is hard to control.
We’ve found that concrete piers just don’t last as long as we think they should. In many cases, property owners end up having to get their foundation repaired again when they use them initially. In addition, concrete piers cannot go as deep as steel piers and therefore are comparatively less stable.
The repair methods we use depend on the condition of the foundation, size of the property and other factors relative to the space. We use a variety of different solutions, including push piers, helical piers, sonotubes, shoring and crawl space support jacks for foundation repair and stabilization.
Mudjacking refers to filling gaps in spaces with cement. Polyurethane is a raising foam that fills in cracks and has gained in popularity due to how fast-acting and cost-efficient it is.
Typically, a leaning chimney is due to the fact that the masonry work has shifted because of foundation damage below.
They can cause damage if:
- Water collects around plants and penetrates into the foundation.
- Roots grow into the foundation.
- Vermin living in the greenery gains easy access to a crawl space.
Yes, uneven floors are a common sign of foundation damage.
Concrete lifting is a process by which polyurethane materials are injected into gaps in concrete to lift slabs back to their original position.
A push pier is a popular lost-lasting foundation repair solution consisting of a hollow steel beam that is driven deep into the earth until it reaches bedrock. The top of the pier is connected to the structure above, allowing the push pier to take on the load-bearing duties of the foundation.
A foundation inspection typically takes 1 - 2 hours. A technician will thoroughly inspect the foundation, property and any other factors affecting the space. They will look inside and outside of the home and business as well to ascertain any damages.
Some signs of a settling foundation include:
- Cracks in the foundation walls.
- Doors and windows that won’t close flush.
- Any uneven floors.