Symptom of Foundation Problems: Wall Cracks in Flagstaff, AZ
Cracks on the floor, walls, or even on the ceiling are symptoms of foundation problems within a house. The main reason that causes cracks to show up is unstable soil. Most of the time, houses get built over expansive soil such as clay that is susceptible to moisture. Unfortunately, clay changes its volume depending on moisture exposure, so the more exposure it gets, the more the soil expands, and the less exposure to moisture it gets, the more it shrinks.
Symptom of Foundation Problems: Wall Cracks in Flagstaff, AZ - 2
The symptoms of foundation problems not only appear on the inside of the house but also on the exterior, as shown in this image.
Underpinning Process: Engineers in action
The location of every pier is crucial for the underpinning system to work as expected. Our engineering department spends most of the time testing the soil and analyzing the whole area to determine where each pier should get installed based on the house's needs and the Owners' goals.
Underpinning Process: From Shovels to Excavators
Whenever our foundation professionals start underpinning, they go from shovels to heavy machinery by using excavators. One of the many challenges our home heroes face in their everyday tasks when they underpin is that the deeper, they dig, the harder soil becomes, which is why they must use excavators for efficiency and productivity.
Underpinning Process: Distance Matters
The distance between each pier is very important because the level of support changes depending hos close or far away they are. Our engineering department determines how close they need to be to provide the support needed based on the house's needs.
Underpinning Process: Narrowed Spaces
Sometimes the pathways are narrowed, and it is hard to get through them, especially when our home heroes are handling heavy machinery, but that does not stop your foundation professionals from delivering the expected results.
Underpinning Process: Last Foundation Assessment
Right before permanently installing the piers and attaching them to their brackets, our foundation professionals need to do the last foundation assessment to see if it is wise to lift the house's foundation back to its original position.