Are You Facing a Foundation Movement Crisis? Is Your Home on Shaky Ground?

Assessing Foundation Movement in Arizona

As a responsible homeowner, when you hear that your foundation is in motion and requires stabilization, your immediate concern is likely, "How bad is my foundation movement?" This question often perplexes homeowners, and obtaining a clear answer is crucial.

Considering Motivations and Credentials in AZ

When seeking answers about foundation movement, it's essential to question the motivations of those providing the answers. Are they incentivized by product sales, or do they have a genuine interest in your home's stability? A foundation specialist near you may offer an assessment, but verifying their credentials, such as a professional certification from a reputable foundation repair association, adds credibility to their evaluation.

Putting Severity into Perspective

To understand the severity of foundation movement, homeowners often wonder, "Is my foundation movement bad compared to what?" Establishing a standard for measurement is crucial. Organizations like the Texas chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Foundation Performance Association (FPA) have adopted consensus standards to assess foundation movement.

Tilt & Deflection: A Comprehensive Arizona Analysis

The severity assessment involves two key components: Tilt and Deflection. These standards provide an objective measure to evaluate the extent of foundation movement.

Deflection: Measuring the Bend

Deflection measures the degree of bending in the foundation, assessing whether there's a noticeable hump or dip. This is quantified using a ratio: the height of the hump or dip (vertical distance) divided by the length it spans (horizontal distance). The acceptable pass/fail ratio endorsed by both ASCE and FPA is set at L/360.

Utilizing Consensus Standards

A ratio below 1/360 indicates that the foundation's deflection is within the acceptable range. To simplify this assessment, the Foundation Performance Association provides a convenient spreadsheet for measuring both tilt and deflection.

Objective Analysis for Informed Decisions in AZ

Adopting consensus-based standards offers an objective framework to evaluate the severity of foundation performance. Without such standards, assessments may be subjective, possibly influenced by biased or uninformed opinions. For homeowners, understanding these metrics is crucial to ensuring the functionality and serviceability of their homes. When in doubt, consulting certified foundation contractors can provide reliable insights and solutions tailored to your specific needs.