Buyer Beware When Searching For Foundation Repair In San Antonio

March 5, 2012 By 1 Comment

foundation repair in San Antonio

The Official "Buyers Beware" guide when investigating foundation repair in San Antonio

 

 

 

 

The Arredondo Group has been repairing foundations for over 20 years in the San Antonio & Austin area.  With all that experience, they want you to be a more informed consumer when it comes to having work done on the biggest investment of most people's lives, their HOME…

Now, this may not cover every single "Pitfall" to avoid, but it is pretty darn close.  Feel free to print this information out and keep it near by.

With that being said, the licensed engineers at Arredondo Group have come up with a very effective Buyer Beware Guide.


                    BUYER BEWARE IF:

  1. Your contractor hesitates to give you references
  2. Asks for payment be made directly to him/her personally instead of a company
  3. Requests full payment up front
  4. Solicits
  5. Offers a discount if you give him additional clients
  6. Doesn't offer you an estimate in writing
  7. Isn't listed anywhere online or the phone book
  8. Only has a cell phone for a primary business number
  9. Needs a commitment "today"

 

If you run into any other tactics that may seem questionable, feel free to give us a call at 210.645.6811 and ask us our opinion.

Also, if you like this information on foundation repair please give us a comment below and like us on Facebook.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Share
Filed Under: Foundation Repair, foundation repair in San Antonio Tagged With: ,

Foundation Repair Companies – Some Repair It Right, Some Don’t

February 23, 2012 By 3 Comments

Arredondo Group Leads The Way With San Antonio Foundation Repair Companies

Foundation issues are a common problem many homeowners and property owners throughout the south Texas area face at some point. If you have spotted some of the signs in your property that a foundation issue may be present, you may have already started looking for foundation repair companies in San Antonio to come out to your property and correct the issue. Some of the many signs that your property is in need of foundation repair include sloped floors, cracks in the drywall or exterior of the home, doors and windows that don't close properly, and more. You can call a repair professional out to your home for an inspection, and the repair professional can confirm your suspicions and provide you with a time and cost estimate to repair your foundation. 
 
Foundation Repair Companies San AntonioThere are different methods that various foundation repair companies in San Antonio will use to fix your property's foundation, but not all of these methods will provide you with the same results. For instance, stabilization is one option that some local companies will use. Stabilization is a process where repair professionals install anchoring piers to the bottom of your property's foundation. They serve to stabilize the home into a position, but often the position that is stabilized is its current, tilted position. This is often among the most ineffective of foundation repair methods, and it is advisable to steer clear of repair companies who suggest this repair method as a solution for your home.
 
 

Foundation Repair Companies vary in their repair methods

 
There is a better method of repairing your property's foundation, which is known as the hydraulically pressed concrete cylinder method. This is a method that features segmented piles that are secured as piers under the home's foundation. The segments are added in varying lengths to provide ideal results. This method is not just among the most effective methods, but it is also commonly accepted and among the most popular of all foundation repair methods. Further, it is affordable compared to other methods, too. It has been proven by industry experts to outperform other methods available, and so its popularity with homeowners and foundation repair specialists alike is warranted. 
 

Some Foundation Repair Companies offer FREE assessments

 
 Getting a property's foundation repaired can be stressful, but making an informed decision about the repair work you choose can help you to maximize the results you get from your repair work.  When getting quotes from foundation repair companies in San Antonio, be sure to consider the methods being used as well as the cost of the repair and reputation of the company.
 

We will be happy to provide you with an inspection and estimate for your house foundation repair, and all the information you need on foundation repair companies, so call us at 210-645-6811

Popularity: 3% [?]

Share
Filed Under: foundation problems, Foundation Repair, Foundation Repair Companies Tagged With: , ,

Foundation Repair Companies Bring Structural Integrity To Your Home

January 6, 2012 By 2 Comments

Foundation Repair Companies Bring Structural Integrity to Your Home

 

foundation repair companies, san antonioThe foundation is the main structural support for your home. Should it begin to crumble, the integrity of the entire is building is at risk and can cause major issues. Foundation repair companies are an excellent resource that stand at the ready with skilled staff members. Experts will assess the situation and address it accordingly, saving the homeowner major stress and headaches. Although there is expense involved, it is well worth protecting the great investment that lies in your home. While many may consider attacking a foundation problem on their own, if they do not have the know-how and specific tools, they may very well only aggravate the problem. Dealing with the problem on your own will be a waste of time and money when calling foundation repair companies in the first place is the most efficient way to deal with a foundational weaknesses in a home. 

Problems with a foundation may not be easily apparent at the onset but there are clues that homeowners should be aware of when trying to pinpoint the issue. If doors are not opening and closing with ease or there are gaps between the trim and the floor or ceiling, these are indicators of foundational difficulties. Windows that will not open are close are also indicative of an issue with the foundation. Cracks in any bricks, mortar, or beams suggest that there is a problem with the structural support system of a home. Cracks in the concrete floor within a home, in the walls, and cabinet doors that simply will not stay closed generally are a result of an underlying problem and should be addressed before more serious issues occur.
 

Foundation Repair Companies should be contacted to perform repairs

 
When a homeowner has a concern, foundation repair companies will consider every possible reason for a problem and then give suggestions for repairs. Settlement of the ground beneath a foundation or upheaval are generally the root of the problem. Repair companies will focus on the appropriate solution. When settlement occurs, they will build up the soil beneath to provide additional support. Upheaval is often due to too much moisture caused by leakage from a drain or plumbing. Foundation repair companies may work in cooperation with plumbing companies to solve the problem of leakage and re-direct the water flow in order to make sure high moisture levels are resolved. Another cause of foundation problems can be caused by roots from nearby trees that cause structural damage. Trees may need to be removed to stop this before repairs are done.

We will be happy to provide you with an inspection and estimate for your house foundation repair, and all the information you need on house foundation repair companies, so call us at 210-645-6811

Popularity: 4% [?]

Share
Filed Under: Foundation Repair, san antonio foundation repair companies Tagged With: ,

Finding a Good Foundation Repair Company In San Antonio

January 4, 2012 By 1 Comment

Finding a good foundation repair company in San Antonio

 

foundation repair company, san antonioLocating a foundation repair company in San Antonio can be easy. The phone book offers plenty of options, but it can be a big mistake just choosing based on an advertisement. Since the foundation is rarely on display for the home-owner, there are unscrupulous contractors out there willing to point to common problems, like sticking doors and cracks in wall or ceiling plaster, and immediately conclude that the foundation is slipping. It is a safe bet for them. If the foundation is in trouble, they just landed a job. If it is not, then they get to collect on a job that requires a minimum of labor and materials. 

Other contractors, while not meaning to do harm, may be inexperienced or lack the knowledge of the best tools and up-to-date procedures. They may correctly diagnose the problem and move to fix it with the best of intentions, but they can leave the foundation worse than it already was. This may mean having to get more expensive repairs later. In short, it is wise to use the following tips to find a good foundation repair contractor in San Antonio the first time around. 

 

Tips for finding a good foundation repair company in San Antonio

## If it's the first time using a contractor, and there are no solid recommendations, it is always a good idea to find a second opinion. A state-licensed engineer is the best bet. These are professionals that will give an honest opinion based on their knowledge.

## Referrals are the typical route for choosing a contractor. If friends or family have had work done, they may be able to provide a lead. Previous experience with trustworthy plumbers, electricians or carpenters will provide another avenue to explore. 

## It may be intimidating to contact a foundation repair company and immediately begin asking about their experience and professional training, but this is necessary. A good contractor in the San Antonio area should be happy to allay any concerns and even provide references for past jobs.

## When customers complain about a business, they often turn to the Better Business Bureau. The BBB keeps a database of complaints, along with the status of individual complaints, and it is easy to check this online. Also, a simple internet search may offer customer reviews of the business, but these should not be the only reference.

Searching for foundation repair contractors the first time can be overwhelming. Find a trustworthy team that offers free consultation, and stick with them.

 
 

We will be happy to provide you with an inspection and estimate for your house foundation repair, and all the information you need on finding a house foundation repair company, so call us at 210-645-6811

Popularity: 2% [?]

Share
Filed Under: Foundation Repair, house foundation repair companies Tagged With: , , ,

House Leveling In San Antonio

January 4, 2012 By 7 Comments

House Leveling in San Antonio

 

 

house leveling, san antonioRescuing a damaged foundation saves the investment made in a home. Repair goes a long way in protecting a home’s market value since buyers often reject or demand deep discounts on homes with foundation damage. Signs of damage might include cracking interior walls, windows or doors that catch or won’t open and close easily, uneven floors or visible cracks in the foundation itself. Usually by the time these signs appear, damage may be significant. Fortunately, house leveling services or other repair measures available to San Antonio residents can restore a home’s structural soundness and strength. 

In San Antonio, foundation and concrete slab problems can stem from unique soil characteristics and general soil instability found in the region. Soils of this region particularly and some other areas of Texas are abundant in the mineral compound montmorillonite, a type of clay. One might be more familiar with its absorbent relative vermiculite, used in gardening and other applications. Montmorillonite is highly absorbent as well. When water is available, it swells appreciably. Unfortunately, when the weather turns dry, it causes soil to conspicuously contract, shrink or crack. This sets the stage for serious foundation problems. House leveling may be the only reasonable option to repair this sort of damage. 

San Antonio weather changes, ranging from downpours to sun-baking heat, can also create havoc with foundations. Undetected plumbing leaks may play a significant part in creating damage. Issues may sometimes arise due to failure of a retaining wall or deep roots from trees, hedges or bushes. Many wouldn’t guess that excessive watering, especially combined with poor drainage or poorly designed foundations, can cause significant destruction that may only be restored by a house leveling service. 
 

House Leveling Solutions in San Antonio

 
Thankfully, with repairs homes can be returned to their former glory, or possibly made better than new if the original foundation work was poor. Creating structural soundness, providing for the safety of loved ones or preserving one’s investment are just some of the various valid reasons to have restoration work done. With many sound methods of house leveling and other restoration services available, San Antonio home owners may be assured of a smart solution to their problems.

We will be happy to provide you with an inspection and estimate for your house leveling project, and all the information you need on  house leveling in San Antonio, so call us at 210-645-6811

Popularity: 4% [?]

Share
Filed Under: Foundation Repair, house leveling san antonio Tagged With: , ,

Be Cautious With House Foundation Repair Companies

November 28, 2011 By 2 Comments

Be cautious with House Foundation Repair Companies

Do's & Don'ts For House Foundation Repair Companies

 

When you look around you will find many alternative ideas with regards to house foundation repair methods and house foundation repair products. Buyers beware! You will see television ads with high priced spokesmen suggesting that their approach to foundation repair is the best. You will find articles and websites on the internet telling you why their methods are the best. You may hear radio advertising tell you that XYZ Foundation Repair is the best because they have been around the longest or they are the cheapest. You will be exposed to a lot of advertising, but with some fundamental "inside-information" you can determine if what you are being told is correct.

 

First, not every house foundation repair companies products are made equally. Not all installers are trained equally. There isn't one single choice of foundation repair products for all situations. Ensure that what is supporting your largest investment is manufactured using a nationally respected manufacturer that stands behind their products. There are plenty of local house foundation repair companies that actually work out of their garages, building inferior products without qc standards. What they build today may not stand the test of time. There's also installers which have virtually no training in the art of foundation repair. When dealing with structural components, especially under your home, not all house foundation repair companies which you may choose needs to have undergone extensive training. This training generally originates from the manufacturer that they represent or even a national association or state agency.

 

The hiring of a foundation engineer may be the single most important piece of advice. This engineer will evaluate your structure and provide you with a written analysis of the structure. Most foundation engineers can recommend a foundation expert that is trained in in multiple forms of foundation repair products. Elements of your home may require helical piles while other areas may require resistance pierswhile yet other areas may need wall anchors or tie-backs.

 

 

House Foundation Repair companies House Foundation Repair companies
Do
Hire a foundation engineer
Interview foundation repair installers
Ask informed questions
Ask for references
Require a synchronized lift
Don't
Do it yourself
Make your decision based on advertising
Take a strangers word as the truth
Be swayed by price alone
 
   

 

We will be happy to provide you with an inspection and estimate for your house foundation repair, and all the information you need on house foundation repair companies, so call us at 210-645-6811

 

 

 

Popularity: 4% [?]

Share
Filed Under: Foundation Repair, house foundation repair, house foundation repair companies, san antonio foundation repair companies Tagged With: , , ,

Foundation Repair San Antonio Costs Increase With A Sinking Foundation

November 25, 2011 By 1 Comment

Foundation Repair San Antonio Costs Increase With A Sinking Foundation

Causes of Foundation Problems

Foundation repair San Antonio issues are usually due to bad drainage, ground movement, subsidence or poor construction, which causes your foundation to shift or settle. Your foundation repair problem will most likely be noticed by doors or windows that will no longer open and close, or drywall cracks. Incomplete or failed waterproofing around and under basement walls and floors is really a significant reason for sinking foundation problems.

So how can you spot a sinking foundation to avoid higher foundation repair San Antonio costs?

If you're noticing your house gradually leaning to one side, you may be aware that you have some foundation problems. These problems can lead to needing underpinning piers. However, usually there are some less obvious causes of foundation issues that will help you identify issues before your home structurally deteriorates.

Keep on the lookout for such things as doors and windows becoming stuck or misaligned. Watch out for cracks in basements, slabs, as well as on sheetrock walls inside the living areas of the house. Water puddles that form around the base of your home may also indicate foundation problems, as can upheaval of floors or floors that gradually become sloped or badly cracked.

Upper level soils, typically 6 to 8 feet below ground level, go through wet and dry cycles due to seasonal moisture and temperature changes. When there are drastic changes like a heavy rain fall immediately after a drought, water moves through the soil at greater rates than normal. This water actively seeks the path of least resistance, if this path is thru or beneath your foundation, settlement and cracks will begin to appear. Soils with heavy concentrations of water can double in weight causing hydrostatic pressure to press against your foundation, or consolidate soils. This consolidation may cause your foundation to sink due to the lack of support.

Steel push piers are designed to give new support to structures which have lost their original supporting soils. Like stilts, these underpinning products won't just stabilize a sinking foundation but they also also can lift and hold the structure at it's originally designed elevation.

Foundation Repair San Antonio Costs Increase with a Sinking FoundationFoundation Repair San Antonio Costs Increase the longer you put it off

If you notice that your foundation is settling get a foundation engineer to analyze your situation and recommend a solution to fix it. Work directly with your engineer to execute the plan they have developed to stop your foundation from sinking.

 

 

 

 

Here's Ernie with some tips:

 

 

 

We will be happy to provide you with an inspection and estimate for your foundation repair San Antonio costs, and all the information you need on your house foundation repair San Antonio costs, so call us at 210-645-6811

Popularity: 4% [?]

Share
Filed Under: Arredondo Group, Foundation Repair, foundation repair cost, foundation repair costs, foundation repair in San Antonio Tagged With: , , ,

Sticky Doors & Windows May Be Signs You Need Foundation Repair In San Antonio

November 21, 2011 By 1 Comment

Sticky doors & windows may be signs you need foundation repair in San Antonio

Causes

The old fashioned method of pounding on windows or cutting the foot of doors when their stuck does not solve a real foundation problem with your home. Often times the cause of these issues has more to do with expanding & contracting of the surrounding soil more than anything else.  Bad drainage, ground movement, subsidence or poor construction of foundation repair.  The condition will usually be noticed when doors and windows that are used to open and close start sticking, or become difficult to open. If your home has a brick exterior, you may notice "stair step" cracks near corners or doors and windows. As your home settles these cracks will become wider.

Inspect the doors and windows that are sticking. Are there wedge shaped gaps directly below or above them? Is the molding cracking or pulling away? Are there any drywall cracks close to the doors or windows? And more importantly do you have cracks in the foundation near the problem doors or windows? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may need the services of an expert in foundation repair in San Antonio.

foundation repair in San AntonioDon't ignore signs you may need foundation repair in San Antonio

Ignoring your window and door problems will not make them go away, you will only see the problem get worse with time. Differential settlement, poor soils and or water issues may be causing your problems. A foundation engineer or foundation repair expert can tell you if the problem is structural or only a “moisture related problem”.

 

 

 

Watch the following video for a tip from Ernie about your foundation:

 

 

We will be happy to provide you with an inspection and estimate for your foundation repair in San Antonio, and all the information you need on your house foundation repair in San Antonio, so call us at 210-645-6811

Popularity: 3% [?]

Share
Filed Under: Arredondo Group, Foundation Repair, foundation repair in San Antonio Tagged With: , ,

House Foundation Repair Techniques Determined by Professionals

November 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Get a Professional to Determine the Best House Foundation Repair Techniques

The house foundation repair techniques we use in the greater San Antonio, TX area and Southwestern United States depend on many different factors, just as the reason for foundation failure is most likely a result of many interdependent factors, including:
 

 

  • Building on clay that shrinks according to temperature and moisture levels
  • Inadequate foundational maintenance
  • Building on soils that are weak, compressive, or improperly compacted
  • Environmental factors, including yearly precipitation levels and how much, if any, organic material is in the soil

 

house foundation repair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

House foundation repair techniques can be complicated, and the decision to use one over another is usually the result of carefully weighing the positive and negative aspects of each technique. It is necessary that a trained professional makes these choices, and this is why so many people attend a formal schooling to learn foundation repair techniques. This is also the essence of why we formed the Arredondo Group. We understand better than anyone that your foundation needs a trained eye and hand to be able to properly consider all of the foundation repair techniques available.

House foundation repair techniques often overlap with each other. In many cases, a problem can be solved with foundation piering or pressure grouting, but often one choice is slightly better than the other. That is why an intimate knowledge of soils, structures, equipment, and all available foundation repair techniques is required of a foundation repair contractor.

For more information you can check out some of our other articles on foundation repair here.


Contact Arredondo Group today to learn more about the house foundation repair techniques and foundation restoration in San Antonio, TX and beyond.

 

We will be happy to provide you with an inspection and estimate, and all the information you need on your house foundation repair, so call us at 210-645-6811

Popularity: 4% [?]

Share
Filed Under: Foundation Repair, foundation repair in San Antonio, house foundation repair Tagged With: , ,

Easy Signs You May Need Foundation Repair In San Antonio

October 31, 2011 By 1 Comment

Here Are Some Quick Easy Signs To Look For If You Think You May Need Foundation Repair In San Antonio

foundation repair in san antonio

 

 

Signs around the structure

1.EVAPORATION – Hot dry wind and intense heat will often cause the soil to shrink beneath the foundation. This settlement may cause cracks to appear throughout the structure.

2. TRANSPIRATION – Tree roots may desiccate the soil beneath a home causing the soil to shrink and the home to settle.

3. PLUMBING LEAKS – Water from plumbing leaks is often a cause of foundation problems.

4. DRAINAGE – Improper drainage is one of the leading causes of foundation failure. Excess moisture will erode or consolidate soils and cause settlement.

5. INFERIOR FOUNDATION CONSTRUCTION – Insufficient steel and inferior concrete will contribute to movement in the slab.

6. INFERIOR GROUND PREPARATION – Soft, low density soils and/or improperly compacted soil beneath a home is the leading cause of foundation failure. Cut and fill situations should be properly prepared before the soil is ready to support a structure.

7. POOR SOIL CONDITIONS – Poor soil and its expansion and/or contraction contribute to foundation failure. SIGNS OF FOUNDATION FAILURE

 

Physical Signs on the structure that show you may need Foundation Repair in San Antonio

foundation repair in san antonio

INSIDE Signs on the inside of the house that indicate foundation problems may include:

1. Doors and windows that are misaligned

2. Cracks in the sheet rock

3. Doors and windows that are sticking

4. Sloping of the floor

5. Cracks in the floor or tile OUTSIDE Signs on the outside of the house that indicate foundation problems may include:

6. Cracks in the brick

7. Gaps around the doors and windows

8. Cracks in the foundation

9. Fascia board pulling away

 

Foundation Repair in San Antonio

 

GARAGE

 

Signs in the garage that indicate foundation problems may include:

 

10. Separation from door

 

11. Wall rotating out

 

12. Cracked brick

 

BASEMENT

 

Signs in the basement that indicate foundation problems may include:

 

13. Walls leaning in or out

 

14. Cracks in the wall

 

15. Water intrusion

 

 

Another article to help determine if you need foundation repair in San Antonio can be found here: San Antonio Foundation Companies Say – Older Homes May Need Foundation Repairs

 

To answer your questions about foundation repair in San Antonio call the Arredondo Group today at (210)645-6811

Popularity: 5% [?]

Share
Filed Under: Foundation Repair, foundation repair costs, foundation repair in San Antonio Tagged With: ,
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »