More Than Foundation

CPS installs egress windows increasing your homes value and safety

By MichaelPersaud

 Posted August 30, 2013 

In Egress Windows, Foundation Repair

  0

 0

In Kansas City where basements are common, egress windows can save your family’s life in case of a fire. In fact, building codes now require egress windows in basements where there are living quarters.

An egress window is an easy-to-open window also serves as an emergency exit for below-ground living spaces.

Let’s be honest – during a fire, stairs could be blocked or damaged. To avoid such dangerous situations, the International Residential Code requires an egress window or the equivalent in all basements used partially or entirely as a living space.

Just as important, an egress window totally eliminates the “dungeon feeling” that many, if not most, basements have.
With egress windows, you can have fresh air in your basement, which improves your home’s overall ventilation.

These windows increase the value of your house by adding your basement as a living space when selling or refinancing.

Give CPS a call to get your egress window install done right.

How do you know if you have a good contractor?

HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD CONTRACTOR FOR YOUR FOUNDATION REPAIR

HOME / HELPFUL TIPS / HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD CONTRACTOR FOR YOUR FOUNDATION REPAIR

How to choose a good contractor for your foundation repair

When you need to decide on a foundation repair company there are several factors you should inquire about to be sure the company is able to deliver a great product. Choosing the wrong company can be very expensive.

The questions below will give you the necessary information to make a good decision on your contractor.

1. How are you and the employees of your company trained?Listen closely – is there a real ongoing training program going on. Are there tests given and are they certified?

2. How is pile/pier tested? Do they have ICC-ES (International Code Council – Evaluation Services)? Do they do pile load test for engineering firms?If they can’t meet these code requirements I would not use them.

3. How long have they been manufacturing their piles / piers?There should be a good history.

4. What is their failure rate and how often do they have to re-adjust a pile /pier?A good contractor should rarely have to repair or replace his materials.

5. Do their materials hold any patents?There answer should be yes and be able to prove with patent numbers.

6. How do they warranty their work and products?There should be a limited lifetime warranty that is transferable.

TIPS TO AVOID FOUNDATION PROBLEMS FROM YOUR FOUNDATION EXPERTS

It is very important that the area around your house has proper drainage away from the foundation. Ground water should never be allowed to pool next to the house. Water that pools against the house can get down below the foundation and cause shifting to take place.

1. Annually inspect the ground at lease 5 feet from the house immediately after a rainstorm.
2. If there is pooling of water, take measures to slope the ground away from the house.
3. Downspouts should be sloped away from the house and the water should be dispersed 3-4 feet away.

By keeping water away from the foundation of your house you will reduce the risk of shifting that causes foundation problems.

A+ Approved Foundation Repair Experts BBB Certified

What does CPS’s “A” ranking from the BBB mean for you?

By MichaelPersaud

 Posted April 16, 2013

In Industry Information

  0

 0

CPS Foundation Repair has an “A” ranking by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This means we are trusted to deliver quality services with quality materials. 

Below are the areas which are measured by the (BBB) and used to come up with a rating:

1. Type of Business
2. Time in Business
3. Competency Licensing
4. Complaint Volume
5. Unanswered Complaints
6. Unresolved Complaints
7. Serious Complaints
8. Complaint Analysis
9. Complaint Resolution Delayed
10. Failure to Address Complaint Pattern
11. Government Action
12. Advertising Review
13. Background Information
14. Clear understanding of business
15. Mediation/arbitration
16. Revocation

Below is an explanation of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) from Wikipedia.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB), founded in 1912, is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing marketplace trust, consisting of 113 independently incorporated local BBB organizations in the United States and Canada, coordinated under the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) in Washington, D.C. In 2012, the BBB celebrated its 100th anniversary.

The BBB collects and provides free business reliability reviews on more than 4 million businesses to over 100 million requests from consumers in 2012, helping make the BBB’s website rank among the top 500 most-visited websites in the United States. The BBB serves as an intermediary between consumers and businesses, handling nearly 1 million consumer disputes against businesses in 2012. The BBB also alerts the public to scams, reviews advertising, and assists when donating to charity.

Nearly 400,000 local businesses in North America support the BBB. The BBB invites successfully vetted businesses to become dues-paying Accredited Businesses that pledge and continue to adhere to the BBB Code of Business Practices. In return, the BBB allows Accredited Businesses to use its logo and dispute resolution services.

Although it has “bureau” in its name, the Better Business Bureau is not affiliated with any governmental agency. Businesses that affiliate with the BBB and adhere to its standards do so through industry self-regulation. To avoid bias, the BBB’s policy is to refrain from recommending or endorsing any specific business, product or service.

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

Introducing your Premier Kansas City Foundation Repair Experts

Welcome to our Blog and learn why we are Kansas City's Foundation Repair Experts!

Commercial Piering Systems has decades of experience and that’s why we are the Kansas City foundation repair experts!  Anything from basement waterproofing, concrete, foundation repair, egress windows, and pier support systems you can count on us for results.

CPS has been in business for years, and why we are Kansas City foundation repair experts. In the Kansas City area, it’s all too easy to end up with a buildup of water in your front or back yards – these buildups can cause the base of your home to shift in the ground, leading to cracks and leaks. We use piers that run all the way to the bedrock to keep your home level.

Contact Kansas City's Foundation Repair Experts and get your FREE estimate from our Certified Engineer today.

www.cpsfoundationrepair.com