Home Foundations Shift in Extreme Heat

Most people think that the cold weather is the worst cause of foundation issues. Did you know the extreme temperatures of the heat can cause a lot of issues too? Beware. The heat wave of 2011, in Texas, caused home foundations to shift causing a lot of damage to homes throughout the T-state. The first signs of it were the cracks in their foundation, drywall, and on the exterior bricks of their home. Later, it moved to cracks in the tile on the walls and the tile flooring boasting speed bumps in the middle of the floor.

 Not fun!

Home foundations need to be inspected during this dry, hot season. However, before calling for an inspection, or even just a consultation, be on the lookout for interior doors that stick, cracks on the inside walls of the home, and gaps beside the windows. It is said that any issues with the foundations can lead to problems with the plumbing and roofing as well. It is best to be on alert as these issues can cost hundreds and thousands of dollars to repair. If they can be avoided it is the best.

Home foundations in Kansas City, are being seduced this year by the hot summer heat. Keep a lookout for the things described above that show signs of stress on your foundation or a shift in gravity and location. If there are issue with home foundations in Kansas City, we want to be available to answer any questions and get your foundation evaluated right away. If there is any question that your foundation is suffering from heat, then we want to get out to your home and get it evaluated. Remember, waiting causes more issues that can rack up a much larger expense.
For home foundations in Kansas City, we are your crew. We make local our focal point.

Check us out at cpsfoundationrepair.com.

WHAT AFFECTS THE PRICE OF FOUNDATION REPAIR?

Repairing a foundation can be a costly job, but the better educated you are about types of foundations and how best to repair your foundation, the better you can work with your contractor to find a solution you can afford.
With major foundation repairs involving hydraulic piers costing $10,000 or more, and minor cracks costing as low as $500, most homeowners will pay around $3,822 to repair foundation issues.
Here are a few things that can influence the cost of a foundation repair:

1. Soil

Foundations that have been built on expansive clay, compressible or improperly compacted fill soils, or have been poorly maintained can have serious damages as the foundation settles and moves. If you see foundation issues and don’t repair it right away it can quickly lead to irreparable damage and structural damages that are unsafe. Most of us never suspect soil could cause an issue, but the type of soil around and beneath your home definitely can have a great affect. It can greatly affect the price for foundation repairs.

2. Report

The price for foundation repairs depends on the issue that needs to be repaired. Thankfully, now days we can fix the foundation without having to take it all apart and redo it. The best way to know exactly what the real issue is would be to contact a structural engineer and ask them to obtain a report on what needs to be repaired. They will give you an unbiased report that is factual instead of a repairman trying to sell you something that may not benefit you.

3. Repairs

The price for foundation repairs depends on what types of repairs are needed. There are different types of repair work that can be done from piering and slabjacking to waterproofing. What you pay depends on what you get done.
Be aware of the issues, be aware of the prices, and mostly, be aware of the cost of not fixing a foundation problem. We feel to be educated in these issues is very important for home ownership or purchasing a home. Check us out at cpsfoundationrepair.com. We know foundations.

Tips to Prevent Basement Flooding

If there is one thing we all don’t want to see when we walk down into our basements, it’s water. Water in the basement means ruined furniture, flooring, walls, carpets, and rugs. It means a cut into our finances or an increase on the cost of our home owners insurance. Whatever way you look at it, it is not a good thing.


Being in the Midwest, KC has a lot of homes that have basements. The Midwest is known for its severe weather that during the spring can include flash flood warnings. That means a lot of water can build up very quickly. In order to avoid basement leaks in Kansas City, we need to look at some ways to protect our foundations against water leakage.

The foundation issues that can arise and cause this type of leakage can come from a variety of different issues. One example, could be clay soils which can become saturated with water. When this happens, the soil expands, pushing upward towards the foundation. As the soil dries, it contracts and the pressure is released. This hydrostatic pressure can cause foundation cracks, movement and even instability. Water can enter through these cracks, creating a wet basement.

Water can seep in from under the footer, located underneath the poured basement floor. Most basement construction leaves a space between the footer and the basement floor. When water comes into this area from poor exterior drainage or other issues, it can exert pressure on the foundation. This can cause foundation cracks and allow water to seep into the basement. Water may enter small cracks located between the footer and the wall atop it as well.

If you are looking to avoid basement leaks in Kansas City, then you’ve come to the right blog. We, at CPS Foundation Repair, are looking to educate KC on basement leaks in Kansas City. We believe educating can help avoid issues or let you know what to watch for so that you can call on our expertise in time of need. Continue to follow our blogs to learn what to watch for and what we do to fix those problems.

Tip of the day: The most important fact that we could share with you is to make sure that you always watch for cracks inside and outside of your home, even within the foundation, as it can be a source of foundation issues which lead to water leakage into your home.

Stop Water Foundation Issues

Control Water, Stop Kansas City Foundation Cracks

By MikeDement

 Posted June 25, 2014 

In Foundation Repair

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A cracked foundation is a serious problem that’s usually obvious to the naked eye. But did you know these serious problems can start from something as innocuous as a backed up gutter that you hadn’t noticed?

In fact, gutter problems are one of the biggest causes of foundation problems necessitating Kansas City foundation repair. The moisture level of the ground under your home needs to stay in balance, and in KC that means when it does rain, if the water is pooling in the wrong places, it can easily start the unleveling process that will eventually lead to foundation cracking. On the bright side, before you ever have a foundation crack, there are signs to watch for that may mean you need help.

1. Sticking Doors and Windows – These are an indication that that you might soon have foundation cracks and need repairs. The reason they stick is because the building is slightly higher on one side than the other. Often times sticking doors and windows will be accompanied by cracks in drywall. If the root problem, the foundation, is not fixed first, then repairing these cracks will prove a futile effort.

2. Water leaking into or puddling near your basement or crawlspace – While usually caused by a problem above ground (like faulty guttering), water pooling near your home will mean more shifting than is safe for your foundation. Usually such problems can be addressed fairly easily and inexpensively if you notice them. Make sure that the ground contours away from your home so as to direct the water away from your foundation, that your gutters are clear and that your downspouts are also directing water away from your home.

3. Only watering one part of your lawn or landscape – By only watering one part of a lawn or landscape feature you can unknowingly cause your own foundation to become unbalanced. During droughts be sure that you’re not putting too much water on only one part of your yard and not on the other. Remember, it’s about keeping the moisture level of the soil balanced.

Keep in mind too that voids under driveways, walkways and other concrete structures can cause puddling near your foundation and thus cause damage. It’s important that if you think you have a problem with water near your foundation to get it corrected as soon as possible. If you think you might have damage or aren’t sure, don’t hesitate to contact Commercial Piering Systems – we’ve got the pros and the experience to help you identify problems and correct them before they become more serious.

More Than Foundation

CPS installs egress windows increasing your homes value and safety

By MichaelPersaud

 Posted August 30, 2013 

In Egress Windows, Foundation Repair

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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

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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.

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.