Tuesday, August 18, 2009

A Typical Foundation Repair Using Steel Piers

Every foundation and every problem has its own characteristics. However, there are some basics that apply to nearly all foundation repair jobs. Below is a typical description of the practices Ace Foundation Repair uses.

To repair a foundation problem, the contractor installs underpinning piers under the perimeter beams and then mechanically raises the foundation and holds it in place.

Historically the type of piers used in foundation repair have been concrete piers drilled and poured in place. If these foundation piers are drilled to rock they are excellent. However, if they're not, they depend on the clay soil for support just as the foundation does.

Since a poured-in-place concrete pier gets its support by skin friction from the hole in which it is poured, it is prone to move as the soil moves and create more foundation problems.

In order to fix foundations problems with longer lasting results, a pier was needed that could bypass dependence on the soil as much as possible. This is how the steel pier came about. Whereas concrete piers are known as friction piers, steel piers are called point bearing piers.

Ace Foundation steel piers are specifically designed to penetrate clay soil and seat the point of each pier on rock or load bearing strata. Due to a unique feature of Ace Foundation's pier design, the clay soil is pushed away from the pipe as the steel pier is driven into the soil.

This feature of the steel pier prevents dependence on the soil, transfers the weight of the foundation to rock or load bearing strata, and provides a very stable support system for the foundation.



Get more information by visiting www.AceFoundation.com.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

"Can I See Drainage Problems?"

"Can I see drainage problems?"

This is a fairly common question. Drainage problems are one of the leading causes of foundation issues. So, identifying drainage problems early and correcting them can reduce or prevent foundation problems.

The answer to the question, Can I see drainage problems, is yes and no.

Yes, if it's a surface water problem. No, if it's an underground water problem. Ace Foundation can inspect, detect, repair, and prevent subsurface drainage problems. Get more information by visiting us at www.AceFoundation.com.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

10 Steps to Better Foundation Maintenace, Part II

Here's the second part of our ten tips for keeping your foundation happy. You can find the first 5 tips here.

  1. Make sure that the soil around your foundation is graded so that the water flows away from the building. The grade should drop 4 to 6 inches in 4 to 6 feet.
  2. Use soaker hoses around your foundation to keep the soil damp during dry periods. Learn more about soaker hoses and your foundation here.
  3. Trim most of the shrubs around your house so that they are 3 feet tall or shorter. Large plants need lots of water, which can cause foundation problems.
  4. Make sure that all paved surfaces (driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, etc.) that slope away from your foundation.
  5. Check the soil around your foundation. It should be between 2 to 4 inches below the brick line or edge of your siding. Soil helps hold the water in the ground and reduces seasonal settlement.
Get more information by visiting www.AceFoundation.com.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

10 Steps to Better Foundation Maintenace, Part I

We're breaking this topic into 2 parts. Here's the first part.

  1. Check your sprinker system and swimming pool. Leaky sprinkler lines and pool circulating systems can cause foundation problems. It's a good idea to have your lines tested for leaks every two to three years.
  2. If you're lucky enough have large trees around your house, consider installing root barriers to keep the trees from pulling water out from under the foundation. This is especially important if the trees are closer to your foundation that the height of the trees.
  3. Avoid trapping water against the foundation. Water can be trapped against the building by raised flower beds, metal edging or other landscaping borders that do not have drainage holes, and sidewalks can prevent water from draining away from your foundation. If the water doesn't drain properly, it can pool or gather and cause uneven soil moisture and, ultimately foundation problems.
  4. If your sewers back up or become block, you should have them tested for leaks. Many sewer blockages are caused by tree roots. These roots either cause or have found openings in your sewer lines.
  5. Use downspout extensions or splash blocks on all down spouts. Downspout extensions are inexpensive and can be purchased at any home repair store (The Home Depot, Lowes Home Improvement, Ace Hardware, etc.).
Look for more tips this Thursday. And don't forget, there's always more information at www.AceFoundation.com.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

6 Things You Should Know Before Signing a Foundation Repair Contract

As with any other work on your home, foundation repair should always be done using a contract. A contract describes what is expected of the service provider, what your recourse is when things don't work out as planned, and what the repair work will cost and how long it will take.

Below are six things you should look for in a contract:
  1. Look for a complete description of the work to be done. This includes the number of foundation supports, the type of foundation supports, and additional services such as engineer's reports and permits..
  2. Be sure the project's total cost is explicitly defined and accounted for.
  3. Make sure you have a payment schedule. This way, there'll be no questions as to how much is due when.
  4. The warranty: This should be simple to understand and the same in nature as that which was presented to you initially.
  5. Make sure the contract describes who is responsible for removing debris and cleaning the site after the work is done.
  6. Ensure the contractor's full name, address, phone number, and other contact information is accurate and up-to-date.

Remember, never sign a blank contract, no matter what. Any reputable and professional company will have their paperwork ready and complete before you sign it. If changes must be made, they will amend the contract and present it to you again. Finally, keep a copy of the signed contract for your records.

Ace Foundation Repair always presents a complete and easy-to-understand contract to you and will walk you through it to make sure you understand anything.



Get more information by visiting www.AceFoundation.com.