GENERAL
What causes foundation problems?
Excessive soil moisture: This can result from many things such as inadequate drainage around the slab, and other issues like a leaking sprinkler system, a gutter downspout that isn’t routed properly, or a plumbing leak under or near the slab. These issues can cause standing water, which with time will eventually damage your foundation.
The weather cycle: drought conditions or lack of moisture causes shrinking of the soil leading to soil settlement. An increase in rain can lead to expansion of the soil causing lifting and heaving. If these two conditions combine, it could cause the foundation to settle and crack.
Expansive clay soils: Can cause major foundation problems due to the different types of clay content in different areas. Depending on the clay, it will react differently when the moisture content changes. Soils shrink and swell at different rates causing lifting and settling.
Trees and roots: Use the available moisture by pulling gallons of water per day drying out and causing shrinkage in the soil. This will also cause differential moisture content under the slab. One corner of the slab has less moisture than other corners. This causes the slab to move more in one area while the remainder of the slab stays stable, which will result in damage to that corner.
What are some signs that I might have foundation issues?
You might see any of the following evidence if you have foundation issues:
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- Cracks in the slab, drywall and/or brick
- Doors and windows that stick
- Sloping floors or broken tiles
- Fascia boards and siding separated
- Cabinets pulling away from ceiling or floor
- Gaps where windows meet brick
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Why should I repair these issues now?
The following complications could occur if you choose to postpone having your foundation issues resolved:
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- Plumbing can be damaged
- Rafters, purlins, and support beams can shift causing structural and cosmetic damage
- Sloping, cracked, or lowered floors
- Walls and cabinets can pull away
- Insulation can be damaged
- Cracks in sheetrock and trim
- Windows and doors will stick or not close properly
- Roof leaks
- Brick siding may crack, slope, or fall
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Overall, these factors will ultimately cause a reduced value of your home.
What can I expect after my foundation is repaired?
During the foundation repair process, settlement can and may reverse the damage already done to the foundation and structure. However, it is also common for repair to create more damage through movement.
I have shrubs planted close to my house. What will happen to those when foundation work is completed?
We will dig up these plants while working on your foundation. We then transplant them back to their original location. We cannot guarantee that they will live, but have had much success with this in the past.
I have sheet rock and brick cracks and doors that won’t open and close. Do I need foundation repair?Not necessarily. Those are indicators of foundation problems. With a proper inspection, our company will be able to tell you if these problems stem from structural or foundation issues.
PAYMENT
Do you ever offer a discount?
Yes, we offer a discount to Senior Citizens, active or retired Military personnel and First-Responders.
Will I need to pay a percentage of the total fee before you begin the work on my foundation?
There is NO MONEY required before the work is completed. However, there is one exception: If the amount of repair work costs over $15,000 to complete, half of the total cost is required before the job can be started.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check or credit card. If paying with credit card, there will be a 3% service fee added to the total repair price.
PERMITS
Will I have to obtain a permit from the city to complete my foundation repair?
Yes, but this is something CBFR handles. We call for the permit before we begin our jobs.
Do all foundation repair companies obtain permits?
Not always, but they are supposed to.
Why do I need a permit?
A permit guarantees that the city will inspect our work and verify for you that the work promised from your foundation repair company is actually the work that was completed.
TYPES OF REPAIR
What type of foundations do you repair?
We repair Slab, Pier/Beam and Stilt foundations.
How do you handle navigating around buried utility lines?
We call 811 to have the utility company mark your buried lines before digging begins.
WARRANTIES
Do you offer a warranty on your repair work?
Yes. We not only offer a warranty, but a lifetime transferrable warranty backed by a trust fund on slab foundations. Our pier and beam/stilt foundations carry a two-year warranty.
If I sell my home, is there a time limit on contacting your company to have the warranty transferred?
No. We do not have a time limit. Once your closing is complete, simply call our office to let us know you have sold your home. We will prepare the necessary papers, free of charge, and send them to the new owners.
Is there a fee to transfer the warranty?
No, we do not charge a fee for transferring the warranty.