Question 1

What is the most effective foundation repair method?

Accepted Answer

Heartland Foundation Repair of Kansas City most often recommends steel push piers as the best long-term solution for a foundation settling problem. We look at several factors to determine the most suitable foundation repair method to fix your problem, including the age and weight of the structure, soil type, foundation strength, drainage, and cost.

Question 2

How much is the cost of fixing a foundation?

Accepted Answer

Repairing a foundation may cost as little as $1,500.00. Before the cost of any repair activity is estimated, our professional foundation consultant will have to inspect your home and its foundation concrete.

Question 3

How much is the average foundation problem repair price?

Accepted Answer

According to a recent report, it ranges from $5,000 to $7,000 in the Kansas City area.

Question 4

What is included in a free foundation inspection?

Accepted Answer

A reliable foundation contractor will check for signs of foundation problems and determine how to best fix them. S/he will take note of defects such as cracks in the sheetrock, heaving or sloping floors, breaks in the concrete slab, cracked bricks, wall to ceiling separations, stuck doors or  windows.  S/he will also develop a contour analysis of sloping floors using an electronic elevation instrument.

Question 5

What does a foundation inspection of a pier and beam house consist of?

Accepted Answer

A reputable foundation contractor inspects for signs of foundation problems of a pier and beam house and its crawl space. The inspection may reveal termite damage or rotten beams and joists, tilted support posts that no longer render effective beam support and the presence of standing water.

Question 6

What is the difference between concrete piers or pilings versus steel piers or pilings for house leveling?

Accepted Answer

In the Kansas City area, the ground is predominantly made of clay over shale. The concrete pier that supports the foundation is normally set on a bed of water sensitive clay. The steel pier that we typically recommend supports the foundation on a bed of rock or shale.

Question 7

What is the correct foundation repair approach?

Accepted Answer

Even reputable house leveling contractors differ in their plans. The Foundation Performance Organization has established guidelines for concrete slab foundation underpinning support.

Question 8

What are the causes of foundation upheaval?

Accepted Answer

Water infused clay soil expansion under a house causes upheaval. This is usually due to degradation of the footing drains.  25-30 years after a house is built, footing drains begin to fail. They are resting under 7-8 feet of dirt so silting up is expected.  Addressing an upheaval problem may include replacing the footing drains.

Question 9

Does Missouri issue foundation repair or house leveling companies a license?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in Missouri generally most jurisdictions require a business license for contractors of any kind, including foundation repair. In addition to that, in Kansas, a contractor's license is required as well. At Heartland Foundation Repair of Kansas City, we ensure the continuing education of our specialists for their advanced skills in foundation analysis and repair.

Question 10

Why do you offer various types of foundation repair methods?

Accepted Answer

Different foundation problems and types of foundations call for different repair methods. That is why we offer various solutions suitable to the particular problems we are faced with.

Question 11

What is the importance of drainage?

Accepted Answer

Serious problems like foundation sinking or destructive upheaval can be caused by water accumulation along one area of a house. The Kansas City area is prone to these types of issues as a result of its expansive soil. Drainage correction becomes a necessary remediation action to solve the upheaval problem.

Question 12

What are French Drains?

Accepted Answer

French drains are primarily designed to remove water from an area that is saturated with water on a regular basis. As part of a drainage correction and foundation repair program, French Drains are sometimes installed by Heartland Foundation Repair of Kansas City to eliminate standing water or high water soil saturation.

Question 13

What is a surface drain?

Accepted Answer

While French Drains draw off the water beneath the surface ground, surface drains collect water on top of the ground. Sometimes it becomes necessary to employ a hybrid solution – a buried French Drain and surface water collection drain for best results.

Question 14

Is it wise to postpone foundation repairs and house stabilization?

Accepted Answer

Immediate attention is needed once a foundation begins to fail. The problem needs to be identified, and the damage stopped before it deteriorates.

Question 15

How can a plumbing leak affect a foundation?

Accepted Answer

A plumbing leak may cause the soil to swell and create a noticeable hump in the floor or cause water to come in through floor cracks. Gradually, leaking lines may lead to erosion and create voids under the slab.

Question 16

Do I have to call all the utilities before Heartland Foundation Repair of Kansas City begins work?

Accepted Answer

Heartland Foundation Repair of Kansas City will handle contacting the utility companies before foundation repair begins to ensure exterior underground lines are identified and marked.

Question 17

How long is a typical foundation repair?

Accepted Answer

Depending upon the number of piers to install, steel pier foundation repairs are generally completed in 1-3 days. Concrete foundation repair methods typically require 2-10 days.

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