Vulcan Foundation Repair - Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Q. My house is over 60 years old and on blocks. It moves and shifts all the time. Doors sticking and walls cracking are a constant issue. It's been repaired many times, but it never lasts for long. Is there a more permanent way to repair my foundation where the repair will last?     A. YES! There are several additional steps that can be taken whenever your foundation is leveled, that ensure the repair will last a lot longer. First, correct the problem of standing water under or adjacent to your foundation. This will reduce the chances of mud forming around your Base Assemblies, causing them to sink, twist, and lean, which results in wall cracks, and doors sticking more often. Second, make sure all of the Base Assemblies are in good working order. All of them need to be disassembled and rebuilt, with the bases seated with a saccrete under-lay, and leveled properly. Then, cracked and hollow blocks can be replaced with solid blocks, termite shields installed, and miscellaneous shim materials replaced with steel shims. Third, replace any rotted or termite infested wood. Fourth, make sure the perimeter beams are stable, even if that means installing exterior Piling or Pier supports.   Finally, consider installing an Encapsulation Plus System of ultimate moisture control.

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Q. What is the best way to secure the perimeter grade beams from settling over time?

 

 

A. Cracks in the exterior brick or stucco veneers can be a very serious problem, because it means the perimeter grade beams are settling, and this is where the majority of the foundation load is supported. The best way to level and stabilize this part of the foundation is with either Deep Drilled Bell Bottom Piers, or Steel Reinforced Pressed Pilings.

The main consideration in choosing which method to use is soil type and condition. Soil composition varies extensively across the large expanse of the Houston metropolitan area. For most areas, Steel Reinforced and connected Pressed Pilings will last a lot longer, carry a better warranty, and will usually cost considerably less.

 

 

 

 

 

Q. What about all the debris previous contractors have left under my house - Is that a problem?

 

 

A. Usually, debris in and of itself is not a problem. What we often find is not only debris, but large pockets of standing water, where previous workers have dug out work areas, creating little lakes, and failed to re-grade the soil. Not only is this standing water harmful to the foundation support system, it attracts unwanted visitors, like rats, snakes, spiders, and other wildlife, plus is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and termites. Once the debris has been cleaned up, and the soil is re-graded properly, and there's no place to hide and nest, with no water source, these un-friendly pests usually go elsewhere.

 

 

 

 

Q. Will installing an Encapsulation Plus System be a good return on investment?

 

 

A. Yes, no matter what scenario you fit into:
           
  1) If the condition of your foundation support system has deteriorated badly, and major foundation problems are present, investing the money to really fix it right once and for all will not only give you security and peace of mind now, but it will help greatly if and when you decide to sell the property. Having a clean and healthy crawl space, with a stable and solid support system, no termites, and no plumbing leaks, can only serve to enhance the prospects of a positive inspection report by any potential buyer.

  2) If you plan to keep the house at least 5 years, installing an Encapsulation Plus System is definitely a good investment. You will  reduce or eliminate repeated foundation repair and related expenses, and protect your families health by preventing mold, mildew, and bacteria from forming and growing unchecked, and mosquitoes from breeding. You will also help to reduce energy bills, and prolong the life of other under-house utility systems.  

 

 

 

 

Q. I have a Block and Base home. Will raising the structure a block or two really make a difference?

 

 

A. Absolutely! All of the foundation components under your home depend on dry soil. If water can get under there, or if there is insufficient air flow, the foundation repair won't last long. By raising the structure 8 inches or more, soil can be graded underneath to prevent standing water, and air will be able to move more freely. Once the structure is raised, it will be much easier to get under the home in the future, if and when any other re-leveling is ever required.

 

Vulcan provides for all disconnect and re-connection of all utilities.
         

Once the house is raised, low areas underneath can be properly filled in and graded, Base Assemblies can be re-built, and termite shields can be added. Not only will this greatly increase foundation service life, all of the other utilities like plumbing pipes and air vents will also last much longer. When service work is required in the future, it will be much less expensive, because technicians won't have to tunnel under your house, or call in an exterminator before going to work.