Category: FAQ

If you have any further questions or would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact Wells Capital LLC. Foundation Repair Experts. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way. We hope these FAQs have provided helpful insights into foundation repair and our services.

At Wells Capital LLC. Foundation Repair Experts, understand the importance of keeping our clients informed. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, please contact us directly for personalized assistance. Below we have some frequently asked questions about our services and foundation repair. 

Regular maintenance and proactive measures can help prevent foundation issues. This includes maintaining proper drainage around your home, addressing plumbing leaks promptly, avoiding large trees close to the foundation, and scheduling routine inspections by qualified professionals.

Preventing future foundation problems involves proactive measures and regular maintenance. Here are several steps you can take to help ensure the stability and longevity of your foundation:

1. Manage Water Around Your Home

• Proper Drainage: Ensure your property has a well-designed drainage system to direct water away from the foundation. This includes maintaining gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks.
• Grading: The soil around your home should slope away from the foundation to prevent water accumulation.
• French Drains: Install French drains or other drainage systems to manage groundwater and surface water.

1. Maintain Consistent Moisture Levels

• Soil Moisture: During dry periods, use soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems to keep the soil around your foundation evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can also cause problems.
• Vegetation Management: Plant trees and large shrubs away from the foundation to prevent roots from drawing moisture from the soil near the foundation.

1. Regular Inspections and Maintenance

• Foundation Inspection: Regularly inspect your foundation for cracks, signs of settling, or other issues. Address minor problems before they become major ones.
• Plumbing Checks: Inspect and maintain plumbing systems to prevent leaks that could saturate the soil around the foundation.

1. Proper Landscaping Practices

• Plant Placement: Keep large plants and trees a safe distance from the foundation to avoid root interference and soil moisture issues.
• Mulch: Use mulch to help retain soil moisture and maintain a stable environment around the foundation.

1. Control Temperature Fluctuations

• Insulation: Insulate crawl spaces and basements to maintain a consistent temperature and prevent soil movement caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
• Heating: Use basement heaters or maintain a stable temperature to reduce the impact of extreme cold on the soil.

1. Structural Reinforcements

• Foundation Reinforcements: For homes in areas with expansive soils or seismic activity, consider additional structural reinforcements during construction or renovations.

1. Professional Assessments and Repairs

• Regular Professional Inspections: Schedule periodic inspections by a foundation specialist to identify and address potential issues early.
• Timely Repairs: Address any foundation problems promptly with professional repairs to prevent further damage.

1. Monitor Environmental Factors

• Seismic Activity: If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, consider retrofitting your home to better withstand seismic forces.
• Climate Considerations: Understand the specific climate and soil conditions in your area and take preventive measures tailored to those conditions.

We take care to protect your property and landscaping during the repair process and clean up thoroughly once the work is complete. We’ll also communicate with you every step of the way to ensure minimal disruption to your daily routine.

Foundation repair methods vary based on the type and severity of the damage. Common techniques include underpinning.

Foundation repair can cause some disruption to your home and landscaping, but the extent varies based on the type and scope of the repair. Here are some potential disruptions to consider:

Home Interior Disruptions

1. Noise and Vibration:

• Tools and Equipment: Foundation repairs often involve heavy machinery and tools that can be noisy and cause vibrations throughout the house.

1. Dust and Debris:

• Indoor Work: If the repair involves work inside the home, such as in the basement or crawl space, dust and debris may be generated. Contractors typically take measures to contain and minimize this.

1. Access Restrictions:

• Rooms and Areas: Certain areas of the home may be inaccessible during the repair process. This might include basements, crawl spaces, or rooms directly above the foundation work.

1. Utility Interruptions:

• Temporary Shutoffs: Repairs might necessitate temporarily shutting off utilities like water, electricity, or gas for safety reasons.

Landscaping and Exterior Disruptions

1. Excavation:

• Soil Removal: Many foundation repairs require digging around the foundation, which can disturb lawns, gardens, and other landscaping features.
• Heavy Machinery: The use of heavy machinery can cause soil compaction and damage to plants, grass, and other landscaping elements.

1. Removal of Plants and Shrubs:

• Root Systems: Trees, shrubs, and plants close to the foundation might need to be removed or relocated to access the foundation.

1. Driveways and Patios:

• Concrete Work: If the foundation repair requires access through or under driveways, patios, or walkways, these surfaces might need to be broken up and later repaired or replaced.

Mitigation and Restoration

1. Contractor Measures:

• Protective Barriers: Contractors often use protective barriers to limit dust and debris spread.
• Careful Planning: Reputable contractors plan the work to minimize disruption and preserve as much of the landscaping as possible.

1. Post-Repair Cleanup:

• Restoration Services: Many foundation repair companies offer restoration services to repair or replace disrupted landscaping, driveways, and other exterior features.
• Professional Landscaping: In some cases, hiring a professional landscaper after the foundation repair is complete can help restore the yard to its original condition or improve it.

Communication with Contractors

• Expectations: Clearly communicate your concerns and expectations with your contractor before the repair begins.
• Plan Ahead: Discuss potential disruptions and develop a plan to minimize them, including temporary relocations of plants and protection of sensitive areas.

Overall, while some level of disruption is inevitable with foundation repair, good planning and communication with your contractor can help minimize the impact on your home and landscaping.

Foundation repair methods vary based on the type and severity of the damage. Common techniques include underpinning (installing additional support beneath the foundation), slabjacking (lifting a sunken concrete slab), helical piers (screw-like piles driven into the ground for support), carbon fiber reinforcement (strengthening walls with carbon fiber strips) and crawl spaces structural repair (replacing dry rotted joists and beams, as well as lifting and leveling.).

In many cases, foundation repair may NOT be covered by homeowners insurance. If the damage is caused by a covered peril, such as a sudden burst pipe it may be covered. However, insurance coverage can vary significantly depending on your policy and the specifics of the damage. We recommend consulting with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.

Foundation issues can stem from various factors, including soil movement (such as expansion or contraction due to moisture), poor drainage, plumbing leaks, tree roots, and improper construction techniques. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for determining the most effective repair solutions.

Foundation problems can arise due to various factors, and understanding these can help in both prevention and remediation. Some common causes of foundation problems include:

1. Soil Movement and Settlement:
   • Expansive Soils: Certain types of soil, such as clay, expand when wet and contract when dry. This constant movement can put stress on the foundation.
   • Soil Erosion: Water runoff can wash away soil supporting the foundation, leading to settling or sinking.
   • Poorly Compacted Soil: If the soil was not properly compacted during construction, it might settle unevenly over time, causing foundation issues.
2. Water and Moisture:
   • Poor Drainage: Inadequate drainage systems can lead to water pooling around the foundation, which can weaken the soil and cause foundation movement.
   • Plumbing Leaks: Undetected leaks in plumbing can lead to excess moisture around the foundation.
   • Flooding: Natural flooding can saturate the soil, leading to shifts and instability.
3. Tree Roots:
   • Root Growth: Large trees near a foundation can have roots that absorb moisture from the soil, leading to soil shrinkage and movement.
   • Root Pressure: Growing roots can exert pressure on the foundation, causing cracks and shifts.
4. Construction Issues:
   • Poor Design: Inadequate foundation design or construction that does not consider local soil conditions can lead to problems.
   • Inferior Materials: Using substandard or inappropriate building materials can compromise the foundation’s integrity.
   • Improper Construction Practices: Mistakes made during construction, such as inadequate reinforcement or poor workmanship, can lead to future foundation problems.
5. Environmental Factors:
   • Earthquakes: Seismic activity can cause sudden and severe foundation damage.
   • Drought: Extended periods of drought can cause soil to shrink, leading to foundation settling.
   • Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme changes in temperature can cause soil to expand and contract, affecting the foundation.
6. Human Activities:
   • Excavation Nearby: Construction or excavation work near an existing foundation can disturb the soil and cause shifts.
   • Heavy Loads: Adding heavy structures or loads close to the foundation without proper support can cause stress and movement.

Preventing foundation problems often involves proper site assessment before construction, ensuring good drainage, regular maintenance, and addressing any issues promptly when they arise.

The duration of foundation repair can vary depending on factors such as the extent of damage, the type of repair needed, and the size of the structure. Minor repairs may take only a few days, while more extensive projects could take several weeks. Our team will provide you with a clear timeline during the consultation phase.

The duration of foundation repair can vary significantly based on several factors, including the extent of the damage, the type of repair needed, the size of the building, and local weather conditions. However, here are some general timelines for different types of foundation repairs:

Minor Cracks:

Epoxy or Polyurethane Injections: These are used to fill minor cracks and typically take 1-2 days.
Piering and Underpinning:

Steel or Helical Piers: Installing piers to stabilize or lift the foundation can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more, depending on the number of piers needed and the complexity of the job.
Slab Jacking (Mudjacking or Polyjacking):

Concrete Slabs: Raising and leveling a sunken concrete slab can be done in 1-2 days, but curing time for the injected material might add a few more days.
Drainage Corrections:

Exterior Drainage Systems: Installing or repairing drainage systems to prevent water accumulation around the foundation can take several days to a week.
Interior Drainage Systems: Installing sump pumps or interior drains can typically be completed in 1-2 days.
Basement Wall Stabilization:

Wall Anchors or Braces: Installing wall anchors or braces to stabilize bowing basement walls can take 1-3 days.
Comprehensive Repairs:

Major Structural Repairs: Extensive repairs that require significant structural work, such as rebuilding sections of the foundation, can take several weeks.
Factors Affecting Repair Time
Extent of Damage: More severe damage requires more time to repair.
Size of the Building: Larger buildings typically take longer to repair.
Access to the Foundation: Difficult-to-reach areas can extend the repair time.
Weather Conditions: Adverse weather can delay repairs.
Permits and Inspections: The time required to obtain necessary permits and inspections can add to the overall duration.
Preparation and Cleanup
Preparation Time: Assessing the damage, planning the repair, and preparing the site can take additional time.
Cleanup: Post-repair cleanup and restoration of the surrounding area might also add a few days to the overall timeline.
It’s important to consult with a foundation repair specialist who can provide a more accurate estimate based on the specific conditions of your property.

Common signs that indicate your foundation may need repair include cracks in walls or floors, doors or windows that stick or don’t close properly, sloping floors, and visible gaps between walls and ceilings. If you notice any of these issues, it’s advisable to have your foundation inspected promptly.