Building Strong Foundations by Lifting Standards in Foundation Repair

Evaluating Foundation Movement: A Guideline by the Foundation Performance Association 

In the realm of foundation repair, the importance of standardized investigation cannot be overstated. Having participated in the Foundation Performance Association (FPA), an independent and globally-reaching group based in Houston, Texas, I've witnessed the significance of their efforts in establishing guidelines and standards for the evaluation of foundation movement. The FPA operates as an open-source hub, freely sharing technical papers and consensus documents that serve as valuable resources for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The Need for Arizona Standards in Foundation Work Near You

Addressing some inherent challenges in the current foundation repair industry is essential for ensuring reliable and accurate diagnostics. A notable concern is the heavy reliance on single-source suppliers for diagnostic training, potentially limiting the scope of solutions to those aligned with the supplier's products. Moreover, the prevalence of commissioned salespeople conducting investigations introduces a conflict of interest, potentially compromising the objectivity needed for thorough analysis.

Foundation Lifting Near You: Challenges and Solutions in AZ

One significant issue is the tendency for contractors to hurriedly evaluate, diagnose, and propose solutions in a single visit, leading to solutions lacking scientific depth. The absence of consistent oversight by foundation repair professionals during the investigative process further compounds these challenges. The lack of industry-wide standards adds to the disparity in methods, resulting in varying recommendations that lack objectivity.

Collaborating on Foundation Repair Standards: Learning from Texas

The FPA's "Guidelines for the Evaluation of Foundation Movement for Residential and Other Low Rise Buildings" serves as a pioneering effort, offering a framework that, if widely adopted, could significantly reduce economic waste and bring order to the foundation repair process. With the foundation repair industry exceeding $50 billion in the United States and Canada, the potential impact of adopting such standards is immense.

Spreading Consensus Nationwide: A Call to Action

In Arizona, there is an opportunity to leverage the hard work done by the FPA in Texas. By adopting some of their consensus standards, the foundation repair industry in Arizona could benefit from increased legitimacy and contribute to the nationwide spread of standardized practices. Discussions with local experts, including the President of the Geo-Institute, Peter Kandaris, have highlighted the potential for positive change.

As we approach the June meeting where these thoughts will be presented, I invite discussions and input from professionals and enthusiasts alike. Your thoughts, concerns, questions, and insights are invaluable in shaping the future of foundation repair standards and practices. Let's collectively strive for a more robust and scientifically grounded approach to sinking foundation repair.