Homeowners should make no mistake in that work on a structure’s foundation is not something they can undertake on their own. It really is best to obtain price quotes and detailed work estimates from no less than three qualified contracting firms. A thorough inspection should take roughly two hours to complete, and there are some important things that need to be borne in mind when hiring a foundation contractor.
The first thing is to obtain a decent amount of knowledge on commonly used foundation repair techniques. Always ask a number of questions of contractors you meet. Never choose a company based solely on a low price quote or a catchy slogan. If the deal seems too good, it most likely is just that.
Avoid entering into a relationship with a contractor whose methods are not reviewed and certified by International Code Council Evaluation Services. The ICC-ES is a nonprofit group that works to ensure that products used in building and construction work meet important code specifications.
For most localities, a contractor will specify the standard depth for hydraulic pilings. However, if there is a need for something deeper, an additional charge typically applies. Contractors who do not explicitly state the standard depth at the outset should be viewed with caution, because there is a chance that substandard work will be rendered to maintain the contractor’s profitability.
Certain foundation-related projects necessitate landscaping removal. It is common for contractors to state that they cannot guarantee the survival of any shrub that needs to be temporarily relocated.
It is always important to pay careful attention to guarantees or warranties offered on foundation repair work. Warranties really are only worth as much as the firm that provides them. National companies capable of backing their guarantees tend to be best. A firm that offers a warranty trust is also a solid choice, because that provides a safety net for the homeowner in the event the business folds.
There can be no doubt that a foundation issue has the potential to wreak serious damage to any structure. Foundation concerns are frightening indeed, and homeowners and prospective purchasers alike tend to have lots of questions. The good news is that many methods exist to fix concrete foundations without having to do a complete removal and rebuilding job.
Sources Of Foundation Concerns
When a foundation is observed to have moved or settled, the situation may be the result of poor maintenance, an expansive clay base or improper compaction of fill soil. Foundation issues tend to happen with greater frequency to older structures, particularly in the southern portion of the United States.
No matter the original reason, settlement of a foundation can cause serious safety issues and diminish a home’s value tremendously. When foundation damage presents itself, do not wait to have it addressed. Waiting is only likely to compound the problem and result in greater expenditures down the road.
Every home’s foundation is going to settle to some degree with the passage of time. There is cause for concern when the settlement occurs at an extreme or uneven rate. Things to watch for include:
- cracked internal or external walls
- cracked or uneven flooring
- visible separations near windows, doors and garage spaces
- windows and doors that fail to properly close
- foundation cracks that are visible
- cracked or shifted moldings
- gaps at the union of ceiling, floors and walls
Who Can Address Foundation Issues?
Regardless of how severe your foundation concern seems to be, a professional foundation repair technician will be able to provide initial underpinning before performing a comprehensive assessment of the situation. A thorough review of the foundation’s current condition will help identify existing damage and will facilitate the development of an action plan for repair.
Two primary techniques exist for lifting a concrete foundation that has sunk. Piering is a process of repairing foundations by adding supports beneath the ground that provide extra support to the foundation and structure. Slabjacking, however, works to fill up the space beneath the slab by using a type of grout that essentially floats the old foundation to its previous positioning. A skilled professional will have the insights and knowledge necessary to advise on the most effective strategy for remedying your foundation problem.
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