When considering the structural health of your home or business, the stability of the foundation plays a pivotal role. Whether faced with issues such as soil shrinkage, hydrostatic pressure, or expansive clay, engaging the services of a competent foundation repair company is crucial. As is the case in many industries, however, not all companies are created equal. Therefore, a degree of due diligence is necessary. We explore four key questions to pose to your foundation repair company, providing a roadmap for an educated decision-making process.
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What Techniques and Technologies Does Your Company Utilize?
It’s important to ascertain the techniques and technologies that your potential foundation repair company employs. Essentially, you're evaluating their toolbox and level of technical sophistication. The construction industry has experienced significant advancements, and currently, there are various options for repairing a foundation.
For example, there is the debate between using push piers vs. helical piers. Push piers are driven into the soil until they reach a load-bearing stratum, providing a solid base for lifting and stabilizing the structure. However, they are vulnerable to soil pressure changes. On the other side, helical piers are screwed into the ground, minimizing soil disruption. They generally resist bending, making them more suitable for lighter structures. Understanding the appropriateness of these techniques in relation to your specific situation requires a grasp of mechanical physics and soil mechanics.
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What is Your Approach to Evaluating the Underlying Cause of Foundation Problems?
The Pareto principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, posits that 80% of outcomes come from 20% of causes. Applying this to foundation repair, it's essential to identify and address the main factors responsible for the foundation problem, rather than treating the symptoms.
Multiple factors can contribute to foundation issues. These include geological conditions, weather patterns, and even local flora. Your chosen foundation repair company should, therefore, have a comprehensive approach to diagnosing the problem, factoring in both immediate and long-term considerations.
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How Does Your Company Account for Future Soil Movement?
While a foundation repair company cannot predict future soil movement with absolute certainty, it can employ probabilistic techniques to estimate potential shifts. These techniques, grounded in statistical theory and stochastic processes, can predict how likely certain soil conditions are to occur based on historical data and current observations.
Given the profound effect soil movement has on foundations, it's essential to choose a company that incorporates this forward-looking approach into their repair plan. This represents a practical application of the concept of risk management, transferring the theoretical framework of financial economics into the realm of civil engineering.
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Can You Provide Evidence of Insurance and Licenses?
Just as one wouldn't entrust their health to an unlicensed doctor, no homeowner should entrust their foundation to an uninsured, unlicensed company. Ensuring the company is fully licensed and insured is non-negotiable. This is not just a matter of regulatory compliance but also a reflection of the company's commitment to professional standards and accountability.
In conclusion, selecting a foundation repair company is not solely about the price or superficial factors. It requires a comprehensive analysis of the company's technical capabilities, diagnostic approach, future risk management, and legitimacy. Engaging with these four essential questions will empower homeowners to make informed decisions and protect the integrity of their most significant investment - their home.
We explore four key questions to pose to your foundation repair company, providing a roadmap for an educated decision-making process.