ALLIANCE FOUNDATION REPAIR
214-331-2174 DALLAS-OFFICE
214-331-9010 FAX
903-896-7411 TYLER-OFFICE
903-896-7511 FAX
ALLIANCEFOUNCO@AOL.COM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the average cost to repair a foundation?
No two homes are exactly the same, just as no two foundation repair companies are the same. There is no average cost, as every situation is different. Some foundations look extremely bad, but may cost very little to repair, while other foundations may look like they need very little repair, but will be very costly. There is no way to give an accurate estimate without looking at the foundation unless an engineer has looked at the property and issued a report. If an engineer has looked at the foundation and issued a report, we are able to give an estimate based on the engineer's recommedations in his/her report.
What is mudjacking?
Mudjacking is a process in which screened sandy loam and Portland cement are pumped through holes drilled into the foundation to fill a void under the slab of a building, after the perimeter of the building has been leveled. This method is used most when the interior of the building had dropped due to changes underneath the slab.
What are piers?
Pressed pilings (piers) are the most commonly used piers for several reasons. They are the quickest and most cost effective pier to install. They are also one of the easiest piers to install. However, like anything else, you get what you pay for. Pressed pilings have not been proven to withstand the test of time, pressed pillings are a temporary fix, and therefore, we will not install them. There are more efficient and effective piers that can be installed that will provide permanent stabilization and structure support.
Concrete piers are drilled down to a load bearing strata (a change in soil or to bedrock). Concrete piers can be drilled in different diameters, standard diameter being 12 inches. Concrete piers are reinforced with No. 3 and No. 4 steel rebar. After the holes are drilled, they are filled with 3000psi concrete and the reinforced steel cages are installed. After the concrete has cured, steel plates are installed as lifing pads on top of the pier. These plates are not only used to lift the structure, but also to allow for an adjustment on the foundation should one ever become necessary.
Belled piers are named as such for their bell-shaped appearance at the bottom of the pier. They are the same as concrete piers. They are generally installed when a load bearing strata cannot be reached. Belled piers, because of their shape, are most likely used in an area where water will cause a problem with the foundation. The bell shape at the bottom of the pier provides extra security for the pier, thus, not enabling the pier to back out of the hole due to water pressure, changes in soil conditions, or when bedrock is not located.
