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

February 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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


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Foundation Repair San Antonio Costs Increase With A Sinking Foundation

November 25, 2011 By Leave a 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


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

November 21, 2011 By Leave a 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


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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


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Easy Signs You May Need Foundation Repair In San Antonio

October 31, 2011 By Leave a 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


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San Antonio Foundation Companies Say – Older Homes May Need Foundation Repairs

September 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

San Antonio foundation companies say – Older Homes May Need Foundation Repairs

san antonio house leveling Foundation problems only become worse as time passes. Most foundation problems are often traced right back to when the home was constructed. In older homes, the construction may have been done during a period when the builders did not possess the equipment or the knowledge to correctly lay a foundation. Most foundation issues are caused because of an improperly laid foundation and poor soil quality beneath the foundation. Today, builders have tools that will help them to compact the soil to provide a stable base for the foundation. They also know that foundations must have a secure and firm soil bases to be able to prevent future foundation problems. If you own an older home then it is well worth it to have your home’s foundation inspected to see if there are problems. A professional can help you to avoid major structural issues by identifying problems and fixing them correctly. Many people try to fix foundation problems by themselves. At best this can be a temporary fix. An untrained person just doesn’t have the skills to provide a permanent foundation fix.

San Antonio foundation companies make a difference

San Antonio foundation companies or a San Antonio House Leveling professional should be able to repair the problem and put measures in place in order to avoid future problems. You are really receiving a lot for the money when you hire a professional. You will not only get an immediate fix, but you will get a fix that will prevent you from having to make repairs in the future.

Why Quick Fixes Don’t Work

If you are tempted to fix your foundation on your own then you definitely should know that you're putting your property at risk. Any fix that an untrained person will attempt will frequently just be cosmetic. All of the products available on the market for fixing foundation issues mostly are just to cover the cosmetic issues, like cracked walls. These techniques do nothing at all to fix the actual foundation problems. You have to actually work on the foundation if you wish to fix the problem and many people are simply not able to do that.

Why Sooner is preferable to Later

Sometimes people get accustomed to living with cracks in the wall and uneven floors that they just start ignoring the issue. This can be a dangerous and a potentially more expensive mistake, especially in an older home. Having an older home that's showing signs and symptoms of problems, like cracks and unevenness, the foundation problem is pretty severe. Left unfixed the foundation could completely fail which can result in your home collapsing. Putting off fixing your foundation is actually a major mistake that will haunt you.

Eventually you could lose your home and it is not worth that

Don’t think you are able to fix things on your own. Once you fix the main problem – the foundation – you will fix all of the other problems. You can do the cosmetic repairs and they'll work. However, if you don’t fix the underlying problem then things will just get worse. If you own an older home that is having foundation problems then its in your best interest to contact San Antonio foundation companies or a San Antonio house leveling expert and get your foundation fixed right now.

The Arredondo Group is one of the top San Antonio foundation companies, contact them today for your San Antonio House Leveling needs at 210-645-6811


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House Leveling San Antonio – Arredondo Group

September 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

House Leveling San Antonio

Owning a house is exciting and rewarding, but it does not go without some challenges. Constant up keep and repair is a normal aspect of owning a house, and some of these repairs can be extensive and costly. There are some ways to ensure that money is spent wisely. The best way to save money is to immediately correct issues and repairs that arise. Immediate attention will save you money in the long run. One issue that many homes will face at one point is settling. All houses will settle, but some settling can result in sinking. There are certain indications that your house is sinking.

  • Windows or doors sticking making it difficult to open them
  • House leaning toward one direction
  • Cracks in foundation that are becoming increasingly worse

Experts in House Leveling San Antonio suggest stopping the sinking

House Leveling San AntonioThere are ways to stop the sinking before major repairs are needed. You could call a contractor, evaluate the house, and get an estimate, or you could try to stop the sinking yourself. The main focus is to stop the sinking before major restoration is needed. House leveling is a process of returning the home to its original location. The first step is to prevent anymore sinking from occurring. There are various methods of accomplishing this:

  • Concrete piles can be used to solidify the foundation to the home. The foundation will lay on the concrete piles offering a secure platform, but there will be little shifting of the home back towards its original place.
  • Screw piers or helical piers are also used to stop further sinking of certain areas of your home like porches, decks, or garages. Screw piers should not be used to stabilize the actual home because they were not manufactured to secure heavy structures.
  • Push piers or mini piles are another method of securing your home’s foundation and lifting it to its original location. The push piers are hydraulic, and can be shifted upward to lift the home.

Whether you decide to do the work yourself or consult a professional be sure to do the research. Taking the appropriate measure to prevent further sinking of your home and repositioning the home to its original place is no easy task. Appropriate steps should be taken to ensure safety and security of the structure of your home, so take the time to research your options. If you're unsure call a professional engineer from the Arredondo Group for house leveling San Antonio and surrounding areas

Call us today at the Arredondo Group for house leveling San Antonio and surrounding areas at 210-645-6811


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Lower Your Chances Of Costly Foundation Repair San Antonio In This Drought

July 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As we san antonio foundation repairendure this eight month dry spell which is the harshest in our state's modern history, there are more things than dead lawns and poor crops to contend with.   As the soil around our homes gets drier and drier, it looses it's ability to support our home's foundation as it once had. 

If you don't take proper precautions in this extreme drought, your home and wallet could be the next casualty right behind the Texas Farmers. 

Foundation repair San Antonio is at an all time high, so we wanted to give you some basic tips to help prevent major foundation repair on your home.

Yes we are a foundation repair company, but we are always in the corner of the home owner and are actually trying to help you NOT have to call us for repairs

Listen to Ernie Arredondo, PE, give you some basic tips on how to lower your chance for foundation repair San Antonio


If you suspect a foundation problem on your home, it is always less costly to get it checked out sooner vs. later.  With that being said, we will provide a FREE foundation assessment by one of our licensed engineers at no cost to you, so give us a call at 210.645.6811.

Costly foundation repair San Antonio can be minimized if you know what to do, so stay tuned for more tips from Ernie.  In the meantime you can grab a FREE Consumer tips report by entering in your contact information on this website and we will send it to you at no obligation. 

Looking out for all home owners,

 

-Arredondo Group
210.645.6811


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Local San Antonio Foundation Repair Company Celebrates 20 Years Of Service

June 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you have been in the San Antonio area for a length of time you know about foundation problems that have stricken this area.  When it comes to fixing cracked foundations, you have probably heard of the Arredondo Group.  This is a husband and wife family owned business that has evolved into a well known, trusted, and established pillar of the community.

 

This month marks 20 years of helping citizens with their San Antonio foundation repair.  Here is a time line summary of the company’s history.

I.  The Arredondo Group was started in June of 1991
-In the beginning Ernie and Carie Arredondo would repair homes that were in the process of being bought or sold.  Their only clients were real estate agents.

II. From 1991-1993
-Over the first 2 years of business, the projects grew in size and value. By 1993 they had their first big project in Bandera reconstructing the Bandera Dance Hall. They decided to open themselves up to the  general public and the smaller real estate repairs had blossomed into custom home construction and renovations.

III. 1994
-Their first custom home was under construction.

IV.  2000
-They were hearing advertisements on the radio by house leveling companies frightening homeowners into spending thousands of dollars unnecessarily to level their homes. Their philosophy became “if it’s not broke-don’t fix it”.

V.   2000-2010
- Over the past decade the philosophy of “if it’s not broke-don’t fix it” has served them and the community well.

VI.  Today
-Arredondo Group is licensed to perform repairs in 20 different cities. Their group has gone from a husband and wife team into 11 of the most hard working and dedicated people any company could hope for.

***Ernie Arredondo, PE, was an integral part of creating the guidelines for the American Society of Civil Engineers that is designed to work in the best interest of the client through proper business practices.

Here is a list of Who’s Who at the Arredondo Group:

Ernie G. Arredondo, P.E., Partner
Carie L. Arredondo, Partner
Laura Clements,  Office Assistant
Theresa Knox, Project Coordinator
Bo Rodriguez, Project Manager

Your home is one of the biggest investments of your life.  Since San Antonio foundation problems are increasing with the ongoing drought, doesn’t it make sense to have it assessed by a licensed engineer with a proven track record in this area?

Give the Arredondo Group a call at 210.645.6811 if you suspect a foundation problem and they will guide in the right direction and save the most money possible.

Thank you,

-Arredondo Group


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Foundation Repair San Antonio Texas Can Be Avoided With This Advice

June 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you are thinking of or actually involved in selling your home right now, you know that there are a lot of things that can keep that transaction from occurring.  Aside from your buyers not qualifying financially, you must get your home inspected and it must pass so the buyer gets a viable piece of real estate. Foundation repair in San Antonio Texas is becoming more of an issue for home owners as the drought continues to cause cracks in the soil surrounding the foundation which can lead to the foundation actually cracking.  So a lot of care is required by the home owner to keep foundation crack repair to a minimum.

Ernie Arredondo with the Arredondo Group have some important advice for all home owners and buyers regarding how you handle foundation repair if you are trying to sell a home.

 

 

Don't Let This Happen To You

The majority of home's foundations will settle out on 15 to 20 years in most cases.  A small percentage will not and that is when you may need a licensed engineer to initiate repairing the foundation before you have a HUGE PROBLEM!!!

The Arredondo Group has been involved in foundation repair San Antonio Texas for 20 years and are very familiar with all the different foundation repair scenarios that are encountered with the various soil types in the area.  So if your inspector said you need your foundation evaluated by a licensed engineer, don't put it off and give the Arredondo Group a call for a FREE Assessment.

Ernie Arredondo, PE

p.s. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter & Facebook!


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