Frequently Asked Questions

Steel is generally stronger and comes with a better warranty. Concrete can work depending on depth, but usually lacks the same warranty.

The most common problem is not getting enough PSI or depth in the ground. Sometimes things stop the piers from going down, and most companies just stop there. Water jetting them into the ground to reach 9,000-10,000 PSI (if possible) helps the pier last much longer, and care should be taken not to crack or break any during installation.

Usually not, a custom home with large concrete beams around the perimeter typically needs steel piers instead. A normal steel pier goes 6 feet on center, but you may need 4 feet on center depending on depth.

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 actually fail.

No, in the 70s and 80s, piers were drilled with an auger. Modern methods are more effective because they get directly under the beam; older methods often only lasted 10-15 years.

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

A French drain is dug about 1 foot deep with a slope of 1 inch every 10 feet, 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.

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 once the work is complete.

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

Foundation repair can close some cracks, but not all cosmetic damage disappears completely. Once the structure is stabilized, cosmetic repairs like patching and painting may still be needed.

Gutters around the soffit catch most of the water and route it away from the house through a downspout. Too much water around the foundation moves the soil, which can erode support under the beam and cause the foundation to sink and become unlevel.

In Texas, multiple hundred-degree days dry out the soil and can pull it away from the home, so some moisture around the exterior helps keep that from happening.

Install a soaker hose 6 inches from the house on a timer, twice a week for 20 minutes. If the soil is still cracking during extreme heat, run it three times a week instead.

Common signs include cracks in walls or ceilings, doors and windows sticking, uneven floors, gaps around windows or doors, and exterior brick cracks.

Yes, that still means movement. It doesn't always mean the house is unlevel, but it is moving. The area should be stabilized with stabilization piers.

This can happen if the inspector doesn't find the high point of the house. Many just measure from the front or back door instead of finding the high point first. Level machines can also give incorrect readings if damaged or low on battery.

Piers installed on one side only lift about 6 feet in each direction and won't lift the opposite side. Over time that other side can move, and piers may be needed there too to level the home.

Sewer lines run under the house, and if the problem isn't fixed they can break, costing tens of thousands of dollars. Over time the slab can also crack severely.

Schedule one as soon as you notice new or widening cracks, uneven floors, sticking doors or windows, or gaps around walls and trim. These signs don't always mean major repairs are needed, but catching the problem early can help prevent further damage.

We look at the areas of concern and check for signs of movement, such as cracks, uneven floors, and sticking doors or windows. Depending on the house, this may include measurements and a review of the foundation type, drainage, and affected areas, followed by an explanation of findings and an estimate if repairs are recommended.

If you've noticed cracks, uneven floors, sticking doors or windows, or other signs of movement, it's a good idea to have the foundation checked before listing. An evaluation and estimate can help you decide whether to make repairs before the sale.

The "short sale" scam. A company may offer a lower price by using fewer piers than actually needed. This temporarily levels the home but doesn't fix the underlying issue, often meaning more work and more money later.

You can keep water away from the foundation with gutters, prevent water from neighboring yards from draining onto yours, or do a partial fix. Financing may also be an option.

Most policies don't cover foundation issues from normal settling or soil movement, though damage from plumbing leaks or other covered events may qualify. Check with your insurance provider to be sure.

Cost depends on the foundation type, how extensive the problem is, where the damage is located, and what repair method is needed. Access to the area and amount of work required also play a role. Since every house is different, a free evaluation is the best way to get an accurate estimate.