Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will gutters do to help save my foundation for future problems?

Answer: Putting gutters around your home on the soffit catches the majority of the water and allows you, through a downspout, to keep it away from the house. When a foundation gets too much water, it starts to move the soil around the house. Most exterior beams are 18 to 24 inches on single-story homes, and once water gets under the beam, it will start to move the soil and make the foundation sink. It will erode the soil under your beam, and your foundation will get unlevel because it has no soil to hold it any longer.

Question: If gutters are good to keep the water away, why do people say you should water your foundation?

Answer: The reason you want some moisture around the exterior of your home in Texas is because we have multiple hundred-degree days, and the heat will dry out the soil and actually pull it away from the home.

Question: What is the best method to keep the outside of your foundation moist but not give it too much water?

Answer: You can take a soaker hose and install it 6 inches away from the house. Put it on a timer for two times a week for 20 minutes. That will give you the right amount of moisture in your soil. If, due to extreme heat, the soil is still cracking, then run it three times a week.

Question: Will my steel piers rust in the ground?

Answer: The short answer is yes, they will start rusting within 5 to 10 years, but because of the thickness of the steel, it will be several hundred years before they fail.

Question: Where do most companies go wrong in installing concrete piers?

Answer: The most common problem is not getting enough PSI or depth in the ground. Sometimes you run into things that stop your piers from going down, and most companies just stop there. What you should do is water jet them into the ground so you can reach somewhere between 9,000 and 10,000 PSI if possible. This will make your pier last a long time. Also, make sure not to crack or break any during installation.

Question: I have a custom home with large concrete beams around the perimeter. Will concrete piers work?

Answer: The short answer is no. When you have a custom home with large concrete beams, you usually need to install steel piers. A normal steel pier would go 6 feet on center, but you may need 4 feet on center depending on how deep you are.

Question: I had work done six years ago. Why is my house unlevel again?

Answer: When piers are installed on one side of your home, they only lift approximately 6 feet in each direction. They will not lift the opposite side. Over time, the other side may start to move. You will need to install piers on that side to level the home.

Question: I got three different bids with different opinions. Are they all wrong?

Answer: This can happen if the inspector does not find the high point of the house. Many just measure from the front or back door. You should always find the high point first and measure from there. Also, level machines can give incorrect readings if damaged or low on battery.

Question: If I have cracks inside but no exterior issues, do I have a foundation problem?

Answer: Yes, you have movement. It does not always mean the house is unlevel, but it is moving. You should stabilize the area with stabilization piers.

Question: Steel vs concrete piers, which is better?

Answer: Steel is generally stronger and comes with a better warranty. Concrete can also work depending on depth and home size, but it usually does not have the same warranty.

Question: Has foundation work always been done the same way?

Answer: In the 70s and 80s, piers were drilled with an auger. Now, methods are more effective because we can get directly under the beam. Older methods often only lasted 10–15 years.

Question: What happens if I don’t fix my foundation?

Answer: The main issue is your sewer lines run under your house. If not fixed, they can break and cost tens of thousands of dollars. Over time, the slab can also crack severely.

Question: I don’t have money to fix it. What can I do?

Answer: You can keep water away from the foundation using gutters, prevent water from neighbors draining into your yard, or do a partial fix. Financing may also be an option.

Question: What is a French drain?

Answer: A French drain is dug about 1 foot deep with a slope of 1 inch every 10 feet. It is lined with plastic and gravel, with a perforated pipe wrapped in fabric to keep dirt out. Water flows through the rocks into the pipe and drains away.

Question: What is the biggest foundation repair scam?

Answer: A common scam is called a short sale. One company may say you need 24 piers for $25,000, while another says they can fix it for $15,000 with fewer piers. This may temporarily level the home but not fix the issue. Later, you may need more work and spend more money overall. Always use a reputable company.

Question: How long does foundation repair take?

Answer: Most foundation repair projects take between 1 to 3 days to complete, depending on the number of piers and the complexity of the job. Larger or more complicated repairs may take longer.

Question: Will foundation repair damage my landscaping or driveway?

Answer: Some disruption is normal since access is needed around the home, but a reputable company will minimize damage and restore areas as much as possible after the work is complete.

Question: Do I need to leave my home during foundation repair?

Answer: In most cases, you can stay in your home during the repair process. There may be some noise and minor vibrations, but it is generally safe to remain inside.

Question: Will my cracks go away after foundation repair?

Answer: Foundation repair can close some cracks, but not all cosmetic damage will disappear completely. After the structure is stabilized, cosmetic repairs like patching and painting may be needed.

Question: Is foundation repair covered by homeowners insurance?

Answer: Most insurance policies do not cover foundation issues caused by normal settling or soil movement. However, damage caused by plumbing leaks or other covered events may qualify. It’s best to check with your insurance provider.

Question: What are the signs I need foundation repair?

Answer: Common signs include cracks in walls or ceilings, doors and windows sticking, uneven floors, gaps around windows or doors, and exterior brick cracks. If you notice these issues, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection.