Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Finding the Perfect Fit

We all know that a key fits in a lock and a foot fits in a shoe, but do you know what you are looking for in a foundation repair Company? Let us help you. As a Kansas City foundation repair Company, we know what to look for. Below is a list of questions that you need to ask yourself and make sure that you have the answers to. Companies need to be held accountable and as a legit Company, we want what’s best for you and your home.
The BBB (Better Business Bureau) recommends asking yourself the following questions:
  1. How long has the Kansas City foundation repair Company been in business?
  2. What method of foundation repair are you comfortable with and what Company specializes in that? You may need to do some research on the first question in order to answer this second question.
  3. Is the business location clean and organized? This shows their work ethic, how they will be on the job. May want to pay them a visit.
  4. Is a city permit required for the area you live in?
  5. Does the Kansas City foundation repair Company have workman’s compensation and liability insurance? If so, have them mail you a copy of their certificate of insurance to your home.
  6. Will the employees of the Company be at your home or temporary contracted laborers?
  7. Will there be a supervisor or project manager overseeing the project?
  8. Is the Company willing to give you referrals? Then, check with the references to see what their experiences with the Company was like.
Word to the wise, be sure you understand the terms of payment and the warranty before you sign. Never take it for granted that a Company looks legit. Looks can also be deceiving. I hope these will help you out in your future endeavors. May the Kansas City foundation repair Company, you choose, serve you well and may your foundation stand strong in 2016!

Thursday, January 7, 2016

How to Avoid Home Foundation Issues

Like most people you probably don’t think about your home foundation until you’ve experience cracks or leaks.  When cracks and leaks show up, you’ve already ignored problems that can be costly and serious.  CPS Foundation Repair we wanted to provide you 4 mistakes that can cause home foundation frustrations if unresolved.
  1. Water Woes – always avoid letting the soil around your house completely dry out and shrink during a long dry season.  When you are in Missouri/Kansas area the soil is clay and majority of times during your next big rain it soaks the soil and makes it expand dramatically and causes stress on your home foundation walls.  Our suggestion is to soak the soil around your house at least 6 inches from your home foundation and 3 inches under the soil during dry season.
  2. Root Riots – keep in mind your trees and shrub roots can complete with your soil for moisture during dry seasons.  This will cause your home foundation to settle and sink unevenly.  If that happens your drywall can crack and windows/doors will stick in frames.  Here is what we recommend:  plant deep-rooted trees and shrubs away from your home foundation.  If the branches touch your house, than it is way too close.
  3. Grading Gaffes – most the time poor soil excavation can direct water toward the base of you home foundation walls.  If you like to prevent this from happening, you can ensure your yard is graded at least 6 inches in 10 feet so soil slopes away from your home.  You may need to build up a berm, dig trench, or install a French drain to funnel rainwater and runoff away from your home.
  4. Downspout Downer – remember downspouts should direct rain and roof runoff away from your home.  If it is not extended 5 – 10 feet away from the house, you’ll dump water on your home foundation.  Easily resolve this issue by buying extenders at your local hardware store or bury a long downspout diverted underground and drain the water to the curb, storm drain, or a spot in your yard where water will will go into the soil.

How to Avoid Home Foundation Issues

Like most people you probably don’t think about your home foundation until you’ve experience cracks or leaks.  When cracks and leaks show up, you’ve already ignored problems that can be costly and serious.  CPS Foundation Repair we wanted to provide you 4 mistakes that can cause home foundation frustrations if unresolved.
  1. Water Woes – always avoid letting the soil around your house completely dry out and shrink during a long dry season.  When you are in Missouri/Kansas area the soil is clay and majority of times during your next big rain it soaks the soil and makes it expand dramatically and causes stress on your home foundation walls.  Our suggestion is to soak the soil around your house at least 6 inches from your home foundation and 3 inches under the soil during dry season.
  2. Root Riots – keep in mind your trees and shrub roots can complete with your soil for moisture during dry seasons.  This will cause your home foundation to settle and sink unevenly.  If that happens your drywall can crack and windows/doors will stick in frames.  Here is what we recommend:  plant deep-rooted trees and shrubs away from your home foundation.  If the branches touch your house, than it is way too close.
  3. Grading Gaffes – most the time poor soil excavation can direct water toward the base of you home foundation walls.  If you like to prevent this from happening, you can ensure your yard is graded at least 6 inches in 10 feet so soil slopes away from your home.  You may need to build up a berm, dig trench, or install a French drain to funnel rainwater and runoff away from your home.
  4. Downspout Downer – remember downspouts should direct rain and roof runoff away from your home.  If it is not extended 5 – 10 feet away from the house, you’ll dump water on your home foundation.  Easily resolve this issue by buying extenders at your local hardware store or bury a long downspout diverted underground and drain the water to the curb, storm drain, or a spot in your yard where water will will go into the soil.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Cost for Foundation Repair?

  “What is the cost for foundation repair?” – Seems like the most common question from our customers.
Now that’s a very tricky question!  Keep in mind every case is different therefore cost associated with foundation repair can be different.  As Kansas City‘s foundation repair experts we understand you want the money you spend put to the best used.  Therefore we always recommend homeowners to request for estimates from multiple companies.
When looking at multiple estimate and trying to determine foundation repair cost, keep these following question in mind: 
  • How long have the company been in business?  Keep in mind the warranty provided is as good as the longevity of the company
  • What kind of piling is going to be installed?
  • Did the company do a complete home evaluation with measurement devices?
  • Was evaluation done by a certified engineer?
  • Did they address any interior movement?
  • What is the total cost?  Ensure they include any additional after project begins.
Is very hard to say how much foundation repair cost but at CPS Foundation Repair we do our best to ensure we get our customers back on a firm foundation.


Why do Foundation Fail?

Reason why foundation fail – from your Kansas City foundation repair experts.
  • Nonporous back fill.   Especially in the Kansas City area the soil here is loaded with clay or organic matter which hold water like a sponge.  This definitely increase the risk of foundation fail thus cracks when the soil freezes and expands.
  • Insufficient compacting. A lot of times contractors today rush and slab is poured over crushed stone that hasn’t been firmly tamped.  This will often cause settling and cracking which are all signs of foundation fail.
  • Rushing the cure. Keep in mind concrete must cure slowly to reach proper strength. Keep it damp for at least three days by wrapping it in plastic, misting with water, and other techniques.
  • Interrupting the pour. A concrete form should always be filled in one go.  If you stop and come back the next day to finish the work than there will be a “cold joint” between the fresh concrete and yesterday’s work.   This will most like cause leaks and cracks.
This is just a few reasons why foundation fail today.  If you are experiencing problems with your foundation we highly recommend a professional to come out and give you sound advise.  Never leave foundation issues alone because it could get costly.
www.cpsfoundationrepair.com

4 Signs for Foundation Repair

Knowing early warning signs that you may have foundation issues can save you tens of thousands! Identifying potential problems early means easier to fix and less expensive.
Here’s 4 basic indoor signs to watch for brought to you by KC’s foundation repair experts here at CPS.
  • A door begins to jam or fails to latch
  • Cracks open in vinyl/ceramic tile over a concrete floor
  • Windows that used to open and close with ease now stick or refuses to close completely
  • Cracks appear in walls, over doorways, windows, or where walls meet ceilings
Keep in mind houses settle over a period of time so a little unevenness is no panic but be alert because these signs can lead to more dramatic changes that can be costly.
www.cpsfoundationrepair.com