Foundation Repair and Leaky Basement Repair
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question to view the answer.
- I have some cracks in my foundation and a few in my basement, how do I tell if they are serious?
- I have cracks in the drywall on some of my interior walls. What caused this?
- How long does a typical foundation repair project take and how much of my yard will be disturbed?
- What is a wall anchor and how are they installed?
- What is a push pier and how is it installed?
- What type of warranty is offered on the work performed? Does the warranty transfer to the new owner if I sell my home?
Foundation Repair/Stabilization
I have some cracks in my foundation and a few in my basement, how do I tell if they are serious?
Most people have no idea how to tell if cracks in their foundation walls are serious or not. Some "shrinkage cracks" are common in poured concrete walls and floors, but other cracks are not. In most cases a crack is a sign that something has moved or settled. This is especially obvious if the crack is wider at one point than another.
The bottom line with foundation cracks — it's a good idea to seek a professional's opinion.
Foundation Supportworks of Ontario provides property owners with a free evaluation of their foundation and the opportunity to consult with our certified representative. If repairs are recommended, a written estimate is provided for free and you are under no obligation.
When it comes to concerns with your foundation, cracks in bricks, a tilting chimney or bowing basement walls, don't delay and subject your property to costly repairs in the future. Contact Foundation Supportworks of Ontario for a free evaluation today.
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| Before (settlement cracks) | After (foundation stabilization) |
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I have cracks in the drywall on some of my interior walls. What caused this?
Cracks in your interior drywall are a sign of a settling foundation. Foundation Supportworks of Ontario offers a Pier System to get your home back on solid ground.
How long does a typical foundation repair project take and how much of my yard will be disturbed?
Repairs depend largely on the nature of the foundation problem. For instance, a typical bowing basement wall can be stabilized in less than a day (situations vary) with little disruption to a lawn, landscaping or decks. For settlement repairs, Foundation Supportworks of Ontario conducts minimal excavation on the exterior of a property to expose the foundation's footings and the soil is replaced once work is complete. With every project, before work begins, Foundation Supportworks of Ontario fully explains our process and the level of disturbance to be expected.
For more information, fill out our online contact form or call our toll free number and one of the Foundation SupportWorks of Ontario representatives can visit with you to explain in greater detail.
What is a wall anchor and how is it installed?
Wall anchors restore the structural integrity of walls without having to rebuild them. Technicians install the Wall Anchor System by inserting a steel anchor rod through the wall into the outside earth. A steel anchor is then attached to the rod through a vertical hole in the ground. Finally, a steel wall plate secures the rod to the inside basement wall.
Anchors can be placed in different locations along the wall and rod extenders can be used to avoid decks, flower beds, and other landscaping. The entire process usually takes less than one day and since we do not rebuild the entire wall, your home and lawn are left in almost the same condition as when the technicians arrive.
The Wall Anchor System is a property owner's alternative to completely removing and rebuilding basement walls that have become cracked and bowed as a result of lateral earth pressures exceeding the allowable design capacity of the wall. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has recognized wall anchors as a viable option for stabilizing basement/foundation walls.
With the Wall Anchor System, Foundation Supportworks of Ontario provides a 25 year transferable warranty that the wall anchors will stop additional inward horizontal movement of the repaired wall(s). In many cases, with proper tension, the anchors can move walls back to their original position. In situations involving walls with extreme bowing, excavation may be required to safely and efficiently straighten the wall.
What is a push pier and how is it installed?
Utilizing hydraulically driven steel tubes and rugged steel brackets placed beneath existing footings, th
e Foundation Push Pier system transfers a building's weight from unstable soil to load-bearing piers. To install the system, technicians first attach heavy, industrial-strength anchoring brackets to your home's footings. Next, rugged steel piers are hydraulically driven down to solid bedrock or equal load-bearing strata. This is done below ground so nothing is exposed. Finally, the weight of the building is carefully transferred from unstable soil to rock solid piers so your home or commercial building is secured. This cost-effective system usually doesn't require heavy equipment and can be installed year-round in just a few days — even in limited access areas.
What type of warranty is offered on the work performed? Does the warranty transfer to the new owner if I sell my home?
Most systems offered by Foundation Supportworks of Ontario come with a fully transferable 25 year warranty. Warranty information is provided with all written estimates. If you have specific questions about the warranty, feel free to call the Foundation Supportworks of Ontario toll free number.
