Do I need a foundation repair for my home?
Homes in the Southeast (particularly cities like Charlotte, NC, Columbia, SC, Augusta, GA, etc.) are often built on expansive soils like clay. They are also built similarly both in terms of their foundations (often built on a slab or crawl space) and in terms of the exterior. Therefore, there are some very common indicators of foundation settlement, which are visible to anyone.
The most common, of course, is cracked brick. The cracks usually appear around an exterior window or door and will run in a diagonal stepping pattern. The cracks are usually wider at the top than at the bottom. Another common indicator is the separation of the door and window brick molds. This is the area where the brick meets the door or window. One side of the window or door will have a gap, which is larger than the other side. There are also other common problems of slanted chimneys, doors and windows that don’t open or close properly, or cracks in interior walls.
Southeast Foundation Repair: Contractors, Methods, Warranties, and Insurance
Choose a contractor
If you have noticed any of these symptoms, it is important that a reputable foundation repair company provide you with a professional diagnosis and repair plan. Make sure your contractor is familiar with the soils and construction practices prevalent in the Southeast. Ask how many houses the contractor has repaired in the area. Ask if the contractor is licensed in your state as a general contractor. Ask if the contractor is part of a national chain. Ask for a list of local references you can call. These questions and ratings can help you distinguish “fleeting” companies from well-established and reputable contractors.
Repair methods used in the southeast
Generally, repairs in the southeast can be done with galvanized steel “push” piers. This method combines the most reliable materials with the least invasive repair method. Since homes in the southeast often do not present challenges that require destructive excavation processes or intrusive installation methods, steel thrust piers (also called hydraulic piers) are an excellent choice. Thousands of homes in the southeast have been repaired using this method. So what does it entail?
The contractor will excavate to the base of the home in the area experiencing foundation settlement. The L-shaped steel supports are placed under the base and attached to steel piles (also called springs) which are then hydraulically propelled into the ground or bedrock capable of supporting the weight of the structure. The load is then transferred from the unstable soils that plague homes in the southeast to the stable steel piers.
In some special cases, the contractor may suggest helical pillars. This method is often used for commercial or pre-construction applications where there is no resistance available to drive the columns hydraulically. Although rare, sometimes some houses may require helical pillars. This process uses abutments with helix-shaped plates welded to the shaft, allowing the abutment to be inserted as a screw, increasing torque. It’s a bit more invasive, requires more heavy machinery, but it gets the job done.
Guarantee
Whatever the method, foundation repair contractors in the Southeast generally offer some type of warranty. Look for a contractor that offers a transferable lifetime warranty. This way, if you ever sell your home, the warranty will remain with the home and will be transferred to the new owner.
Will homeowners insurance cover foundation repairs?
Most homeowners policies in the Southeast exclude coverage for foundation repair. Only in cases where foundation movements have been caused by a sudden and accidental discharge of water from a domestic plumbing system (sewer or supply) is there usually the possibility of coverage. It is recommended that you carefully review the exclusion clauses of your policy before contacting your insurance company.
