powerlift foundation repair

Buying an Old Home? 4 Common Tasks You May Face

When buying a home in or around Raleigh, North Carolina, some people look for the newest options on the market, while others are drawn to older homes with a more historic feel. Older homes are appealing for their unique architectural elements and their connection with history. However, these charming old houses can be expensive if you aren’t careful. Before making up your mind to buy an older home, we at PowerLift Foundation Repair want to make sure that you can handle these potential tasks:

Raleigh, North Carolina fixer-upper home

Major exterior work

You may be lucky enough to fall in love with a historic home that has been recently renovated, but you’ll most likely find one in “as-is” condition. This will likely cut a chunk off of the asking price, but also usually means that the home will be in need of some serious updating before it’s habitable. It isn’t uncommon for older homes to need new siding, new window shutters, a new roof, and even major landscaping work. All of these jobs will cost a significant amount of money, so make sure to have a contractor inspect the home and give you an estimate. This will allow you to gauge whether the lower price that you will pay for such a house is worth the work it’ll take to fix it afterwards.

Major inside repair work

One of the tradeoffs of owning an older home is that you’ll probably have to do some major work to get the utilities running properly. Some homeowners end up having to pay a couple thousand dollars to have their homes re-wired for electricity because they existing setup was dangerous; others will have to install HVAC systems to make the homes more comfortable in North Carolina’s sweltering summers. There’s also the plumbing and possible replacement of certain outdated features like the oven, stove, and shower. Consider how many of the updates would need to be done immediately and how many could be completed slowly over time to better manage costs.

Checking for dangerous chemicals

Today’s builders wouldn’t dream of insulating a house with asbestos or painting rooms with lead paint, but the home builders of the past wouldn’t have given it a second thought. If you’re thinking of buying an older home, you should have it inspected for any potentially dangerous building materials (especially if you have children or elderly tenants). Remember, it’s possible to get these things removed if you end up loving the home, but it could cost extra money.

Significant foundation work

A home’s foundation is important for its overall stability and habitability, and it isn’t uncommon for some older homes to need major foundation repairs. Foundation repair in Raleigh, North Carolina is very important, and should only be done by professionals (this should not be a DIY project). Have a home surveyor check your potential new home for foundation problems before you agree to purchase it. If you are set on the home but it needs repair, PowerLift Foundation Repair offers a surprisingly affordable way to do so. Call or contact us today to ask about our foundation repair services!

Buying an Old Home? 4 Common Tasks You May Face2022-12-27T18:27:47+00:00

Top 4 Problems Oklahoma Homeowners Experience

Just like any other state, Oklahoma offers its fair share of problems to homeowners due to its unique climate and geographical location. Oftentimes, these problems can be fixed by handy homeowners themselves, but other times, a professional may be required. Whether you’re looking to purchase a home in Oklahoma or are a current homeowner looking to solve existing problems, we’ve gone ahead and provided some of the most common issues and solutions. From roof damage to foundation issues, below are the top four problems that Oklahoma homeowners experience.ok

Roof Damage

Storms can be fierce during Oklahoma springtime. Hail, strong winds, and flying debris unfortunately aren’t uncommon and can lead to some pretty major roof damage. A few of the most common types of roof damage in Oklahoma includes leaky roofs, missing or damaged shingles, and structural or frame damage. Roof damage is one of the most expensive problems that homeowners face, as a simple roofing job can cost in excess of $5,000 and even more for more complex problems like water damage.

Foundation Failure

Oklahoma is home to the well-known red dirt that, while may look pretty, is full of clay and moisture which tends to be a main cause of foundation failure. The state often foundation2experiences swings of heavy rains and droughts, causing the soil to shift, expand, and contract. The most common Oklahoma foundation issue occurs when the ground settles unevenly beneath the house’s concrete slab, causing cracking or buckling in the concrete footing.

A few signs to look out for include cracks in sheetrock among the walls or ceiling, doors that drag or stick, gaps between ceiling and walls, nails that are backing out of the sheetrock, windows that are out of square or are sticky to open and close, cracked or unlevel floors, and gaps between floors and walls. Outside of your property, keep an eye out for cracks in the brickwork or gaps between brickwork, doors, and windows, and bricks leaning away from garage doors. You should also pay close attention to sagging rooflines or a fireplace leaning away from the house. These signs may indicate that you’re due for a foundation repair.

Mold, Mildew, and Rot

Water damage and moisture can be a big problem in Oklahoma homes due to the large amounts of rain it receives. The state recently set a record in May 2015 for the wettest single month it has ever had. When moisture is left long enough, water damage will result in mold, mildew, and rotten materials that not only compromise your home’s integrity, but pose a significant health risk to residents. It’s important to detect these problems early, as they often go unnoticed until it’s time to sell the home – by then, your small mold problem has turned into a large, very expensive issue. Poor drainage is also prominent in Oklahoma and can also contribute to mold, mildew, and rot in homes.

Heat and AC Problems

Oklahoma’s distinguishing climate lends itself to some unique issues when it comes to heating and cooling your home. Hot, dry, summers paired with cold, icy winters along with wet and windy weather possible during any season means a lot of strain is put on air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters, and other major appliances. This heavy amount of strain leads to problems that are applicable in other states, but require attention more often in Oklahoma homes. The best way to reduce costs and strain on appliances is to purchase energy efficient appliances, as well as make use of other sources of heat, like a fireplace.

With all of this being said, Oklahoma offers many benefits to residents like a low cost of living, access to a large city, low tax rate, and a plethora of shopping, arts, and cultural events. Forbes even named Oklahoma City one of the best places in the nation to retire in 2014. Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the state’s largest cities, the overall cost of living is 10 percent and 11 percent lower than average, respectively – some of the lowest percentages around. Whether you plan on moving to the beautiful state of Oklahoma or are living there currently, just be aware of the unique problems homeowners face associated with its climate and geographical location. If you experience any of the above problems, it’s important to consult with a professional immediately and see what your options are.

Top 4 Problems Oklahoma Homeowners Experience2015-08-14T17:48:45+00:00

4 Possible Reasons Why You're Having Foundation Problems

When you specialize in foundation repair in Nashville, you’re going to work on a variety of homes and buildings. A home in the suburbs and a historic house in the downtown area can be equally prone to foundation problems. The buildings and homes are always changing, but the underlying problems all seem to be the same.

At POWER Lift Foundation Repair, we’re more than happy to assist in foundation repairs, but there are certain signs that you can look for to minimize both the work and the subsequent bill. Don’t let a relatively simple foundation repair turn into something that can cause you thousands of problems in the future. Learn to identify the following issues that can affect your foundation:

Plumbing leaks

plumbing leaks

When most people think about leaking plumbing, they imagine dripping faucets and leaking u-traps underneath their sink. But these are not always the cause of the problem. A leak in any of the main pipes around your property can cause the foundation to shift. More often than not, the offending leak comes from a sanitary sewer – a drain that takes incoming water away from your home and back to the city’s service area. Contact your municipality if this is a problem you run into.

Bad ground preparation

In order to have a well-built home, you’re going to need a sturdy foundation; in order to have a stable foundation, however, you need to have good ground. Soil comes in a variety of densities, and low-density soils or improperly compacted soil beneath a home or building is one of the most common causes of foundation problems. This can be a very tricky issue to catch, as you most likely did not own the property at the time of construction. Our team can assess your structure and see if your foundation was improperly built or if the soil has become unstable.

Bad drainage

Nashville isn’t particularly known for its rainy days or floods, but drainage is still very important. On the few days that the Nashville metro area gets hit with a lot of rain, homes without proper drainage will have water accumulating in troublesome areas. Extra moisture can cause a surprising amount of erosion, and that will remove soil that supports the foundation and the rest of the house. This can lead to significant cracks. If you notice any of these or suspect foundation issues, contact us immediately.

Poor foundation

Sometimes, the main problem with a building or home foundation isn’t caused by external forces. Brittle steel, bad concrete, and generally poor construction practices can lead to a weak foundation. If you notice separating bricks, doors that won’t close properly, or any of the other tell-tale signs that you might have a foundation problem, call us at POWER Lift Foundation Repair at 800-562-5438 today!

4 Possible Reasons Why You're Having Foundation Problems2015-07-01T15:38:35+00:00

Why Basement and Attic Maintenance can Save You Thousands in Home Repair Costs

When you own a home in Charlotte, NC, you take pride in keeping it in good condition and do as much regular maintenance as you can. You’ll happily mow your lawn, tend to your garden, and even make sure that you get up on the roof every now and then to clean your gutters and look for missing shingles. However, you can be the handiest and most careful homeowner on your block and you’ll still need some repairs from time to time. The good news is that you don’t have to drain your bank account every time you need something fixed.

At POWER Lift Foundation Repair, we aren’t just experts in foundation repair in Charlotte, NC; we also have a wealth of knowledge on related home maintenance and repair, and can help you avoid expensive and time-consuming problems. Look out for these signs of trouble, take the necessary actions, and you won’t have to worry about home repair issues for a long time.

Check the basement walls

damaged basement wall

When was the last time you paid attention to the walls in your basement? You probably haven’t thought about them in a long time, but if you want to avoid costly water, mold, and foundation damage, you’ll want to check them out regularly. If you notice signs of flaking or peeling paint, you could have water or moisture seeping into the walls. Adding some well-compacted earth around the foundation of your home can help lessen the chances of water creeping in. You could also extend your home’s downspouts. This would require a good weekend’s worth of work and possibly a couple hundred dollars, but it could help save you thousands in repairs.

Check for pests in the attic

Insects and rodents are pretty common in homes in the south, but noticing a spider or a few ants in the kitchen isn’t cause for alarm. If, on the other hand, you notice a lot of mice or bugs in your attic, there could be something more serious happening to your roof. Bugs and rodents can fit into some surprisingly small places, and a few missing shingles or gaps in caulking could be giving pests a passage into your home. Small roofing problems won’t just allow pests to get in – it will also let in air and moisture, and require a lot of costly home repairs. Don’t just hire an exterminator to clean out your attic; get a professional to check out your roof!

What do you do to keep your home in good shape? If you suspect that the issues in your basement are foundation related, contact us at POWER Lift Foundation Repair today for an estimate!

Why Basement and Attic Maintenance can Save You Thousands in Home Repair Costs2015-06-26T21:51:12+00:00

4 "Don'ts" of Commercial Foundation Repair

foundation crackIf your business or apartment building is settling, you will need to have it repaired – and in relatively short order. There are plenty of commercial foundation repair companies in Tennessee, but they don’t all deliver quality results like we do at POWER Lift. Here is what NOT to do when finding a quality company and getting your foundation fixed.

1.  Don’t just patch the cracks – This is a big mistake that business owners and business property owners make constantly. When your commercial space shows foundation cracks, uneven settling, or bricks “separating” and pulling away from each other, this is not just cosmetic damage. It is not only caused by age or some water drippage and is not going to stop with time. In fact, over time it will get worse as the foundation continues to sink and the small cracks become major splits, stuck doors, tilted floors or even collapsed structural elements. Your property is an investment and foundation damage will devalue that investment. When you see the telltale signs of foundation damage, call a commercial foundation repair company and get the problem fixed.

2.  Don’t rely on concrete pads alone – Many foundation repair companies will try to sell you on a quick fix: they will shore up the foundation by putting concrete “shoring pads” under the sunken areas. These pads rarely fix the problem! They act like “shims” and get the foundation back up to level, but they still rest on the same soil as the original foundation—it’s like trying to shim something up on quicksand. It will not last for long. Instead, ask for steel piers to be driven in that can reach to a stable bedrock layer. You might think it will save you money to try the cheap option first but, in reality, you just end up doing both.

3.  Don’t use a company that doesn’t specialize in commercial projects – Most foundation repair companies in Tennessee work primarily on residential projects. That’s because there are a lot more homes than businesses. While the technology is the same in both, the process is not: for a commercial project, you’ll want to hire a company that has commercial experience. They will better understand the pressures of your schedule and deadlines, your budget, and the reality of coordinating a large number of piers over a bigger building to get successful results.

4.  Don’t work with a company that cannot present proof of insurance – Every contractor will say they have insurance, but ask for the proof and make sure their policy covers the type of commercial work that you require.

What else do you look for in a commercial foundation repair company? You’re sure to find it at POWER Lift! We provide the best quality service in the industry to both commercial and residential clients – and we have ample experience with both! Contact us today for a free estimate!

4 "Don'ts" of Commercial Foundation Repair2015-06-04T20:52:28+00:00

Most Common Causes of Foundation Cracks in North Carolina

There are lots of reasons that houses have foundation cracks that need repair in North Carolina. Settling is a normal thing for a foundation, but when it leads to cracks there is a problem. However, there are several different things that can cause this kind of cracking and we at POWER Lift have firsthand experience of this. Here are four of the most common causes locally that we’ve seen:

crack due to foundation problem

Clay and expansive soil

This is by far the biggest cause for settling and foundation crack repair in North Carolina. Certain types of soils are known as “expansive soils” because of how they expand and contract every year with the weather changes. These are typically clay soils—and if you know the state’s history, you know that we are the number one source of clay for bricks in the whole country. What happens is that the clay-rich soil dries out, shrinks and hardens in the summer and then swells and expands with moisture during the cooler, wetter months. This repeated cycle puts pressure on the foundation over and over, causing cracks. Not only does it lead to seasonal problems (like doors that stick for six months of the year), the foundation may “wiggle” out of place over the course of several cycles, causing permanent ongoing settling and eventually, serious foundation damage.

Leakage

This is less common, but if an old pipe or downspout is leaking into the soil around your house, there will be one area where the soil is constantly wet while the rest of the soil dries out each summer. This differential can lead to pressure on one part of the foundation, cracking, and uneven settling.

Freezing temperatures

We have mild winters in North Carolina, but it only takes a few days of frost to do some serious damage. During freezing temperatures, the upper layer of soil experiences “frost heave” or expansion from ice particles in the ground. Basically, any soil that is damp but close enough to the surface will freeze, expanding in the process. This can put pressure on foundations, although if a foundation is deep enough, it generally will not cause settling or major damage.

Multi-level foundations

Full basements are not as common in North Carolina as they are in some parts of the country, but root cellars and partial basements are not uncommon at all. This design is very handy, but it also means that the foundation rests on different layers of soil—one part of the foundation is deeper than the others. This can lead to differential settling, as part of the house is affected by different soil type and different stresses than the rest of the house.

No matter what the cause, don’t ignore the symptoms. Foundation crack repair is a must and will involve putting in piers to stabilize your foundation. Call us at 800-562-5438 or contact us here at POWER Lift today to discuss your foundation needs!

Most Common Causes of Foundation Cracks in North Carolina2015-05-29T18:23:55+00:00

What You Can Expect From Foundation Repair Services in North Carolina

Are there visible cracks in the walls of your home? Do the windows or doors always seem to stick? If you answered yes, then your property could have a problem with its foundation. A strong foundation is critical to the integrity of any property, and visible cracks or gaps in the walls are obvious signs of structural damage. Neglecting the issue is only going to cost you in the long run.

crooked chimneyIf you think that you may have uncovered a problem, you may be wondering exactly what to do about it. The simple answer is to find a quality foundation repair service company like us and have them fix the issue before it becomes worse and costs you a bucketload of money. But what does this entail? Here is what you can expect when calling us at PowerLift Foundation Repair.

Our inspectors will come to your property to look for the obvious warning signs in order to confirm that the problem is actually foundation related. We start with an assessment of the exterior of the structure and then work our way in. On the outside, we’ll check for things like visible gaps in the walls, bricks separating from window casings, chimney leaning or deflection in grout lines. On the inside, we’ll check the elevations of different flooring types (e.g. carpet, wood, tile, etc.) and measure them carefully for unevenness. We’ll also check for movement of sheetrock, rafters, and joists in the attic, and identify any cracks or gaps in the walls, doors that no longer close, and separation of trusses.

After a complete evaluation, the inspector will clearly outline all areas of foundation failure and recommend a course of action based on their findings. In some cases, the structure may only need minor repairs; in others, it may require additional support beneath the foundation. If this is the case, specialized equipment will be used to hydraulically install steel piers. These will be driven to the bedrock and used to stabilize the foundation, preventing further settling.

Whether you are a homeowner or commercial property owner, you have a vested interest in keeping your structure in good shape. If you notice signs of foundation failure, you’ll need to have the property evaluated by an experienced professional as soon as possible. With professional foundation repair services in North Carolina from PowerLift Foundation Repair, you can prevent major structural issues and further damage to the property. Call or contact us today for more information or to set up an assessment!

What You Can Expect From Foundation Repair Services in North Carolina2015-05-04T13:08:40+00:00

Looking For Commercial Foundation Repair Services in Oklahoma City?

A strong foundation is critical for every property in Oklahoma City, as a faulty one can lead to massive structural problems in your building – and the large repair bills that accompany them. While some problems are easy to identify (such as cracks in the walls and floors), others are more difficult to detect and require evaluation by experts.

At PowerLift Foundation Repair, we are more than aware of the trouble a faulty foundation can cause, and want to mitigate this by offering the best service, as well as information that will help business owners. With that in mind, here are some things you need to know about foundations and their repair.

Some of the main causes of foundation failure include the following:

  • Poor soil preparation: If the fill is not compacted properly, the foundation will not be strong enough to support the weight of the structure.
  • Water problems: Poor site drainage or plumbing leaks can cause cracks in the foundation. Oversaturation causes soil to become destabilized over time.
  • Poor construction: Another cause of foundation movement is simply due to negligence from the builders during the construction process.

commercial foundation repair

The exact cause of foundation failure varies for each structure, but addressing the problem sooner rather than later will help you to avoid costly repairs in the future. The good news is that you can prevent further damage with installations of steel piers to stabilize the property.

Foundation Repair Services

If you see any signs of foundation failure, additional support must be added to the property and the POWERLift system is an innovative process that is highly effective for stabilizing structures.

Here is what you can expect from our commercial foundation repair services in Oklahoma City:

  • Our crew arrives at your property with specialized equipment and materials
  • Holes are made to prepare the structure for installation of the steel piers
  • Steel piers are driven to the bedrock to prevent future settlement from occurring
  • All debris is removed and the job site is restored to its original state

The entire process stabilizes the property’s foundation and prevents it from sinking. As complicated as this sounds, most jobs for commercial properties can be completed within two days, although some projects can be done even sooner.

The importance of a strong foundation cannot be emphasized enough. If you notice any of the common signs we’ve described, your first step is to schedule a complete evaluation with our company. This is necessary to assess the extent of the damage so that we can determine where repairs are needed.

Our company has extensive experience with foundation repairs for residential and commercial properties. With our experienced employees and state-of-the-art equipment, we deliver exceptional services at competitive prices to areas in and immediately surrounding Oklahoma City. Call or contact us at PowerLift Foundation Repair today!

Looking For Commercial Foundation Repair Services in Oklahoma City?2019-05-28T13:52:48+00:00

4 Questions to Consider Before Investing in Foundation Crack Repair in Morrisville, North Carolina

foundation crack repair conceptAre you in need of foundation crack repair services in Morrisville, North Carolina? Morrisville is a beautiful area with a great community, but the state is known for having very acidic soil. This has a tendency to expand and cause cracks in the foundation of homes and buildings here. There is a strong likelihood that at one point or another, you will need some form of foundation crack repair performed on your home or commercial business. With so many different options available, though, how do you know which one is the best for your current and future needs? Luckily, we’re here to help. Here at POWER Lift, we’ve compiled a list of four questions you should ask before investing in foundation crack repair in Morrisville, North Carolina.

1.  Which part of my home is in need of repair? – Ceilings and walls are two of the most common areas of structures to display foundation related-cracks. However, you may also need foundation repair services to be performed on a smaller part of your home such as the porch, deck, or stairway. If this is the case, you should opt for helical piers. This form of foundation repair is best for these smaller areas because it can provide elevation and stabilization to the structure without adding unnecessary stress.

2.  Where is Your Home Located? – North Carolina may not be known for severe weather, but it is known for its poor soil quality. As mentioned above, North Carolina’s soil is highly acidic, making it prone to expansion that can contribute to foundation cracks. Fortunately, POWER Lift Foundation Repair offers services that can help to correct damage caused by the poor soil quality surrounding your home. Mud-Jacking and Pressure Grouting is one option that will help to fill in the cracks and consolidate the soil below grade. Another option is High Density Polyurethane Foam Injection. This method is one of the newest and most advanced forms of foundation crack repair. In addition to repairing foundation, it can also act as a soil stabilizer.

3.  Will I Need to have construction work done on my home? – Sometimes, rather than having your foundation repaired, you just need to have it stabilized in preparation for construction. You wouldn’t want to start new project with a weak support system. Pre-construction piers are ideal for stabilizing add-ons on buildings and homes that are about to undergo construction.

4.  What material is the foundation made of? – The material of your foundation can influence the type of repair service you need performed. Concrete is the most commonly used material for foundation and High Density Polyurethane Foam Injection and Concrete Pumping are just two of the most common methods to repair it. However, for brick foundation you should probably look into masonry repair services. This form of foundation repair can involve both replacing broken bricks or, in cases where replacement is not recommended, tuck pointing cracked joints in the bricks.

Regardless of which form of foundation repair you decide to go with, you’ll be guaranteed to have the highest quality service when you choose POWER Lift Foundation Repair! We offer all of the services mentioned above and more! Call us today at 800-562-5438 or fill out our contact form for your free price quote!

4 Questions to Consider Before Investing in Foundation Crack Repair in Morrisville, North Carolina2015-03-18T20:33:08+00:00

How Does Poor Soil Affect Your North Carolina Home?

foundation crack concept-- house at the edge of massive crackIf you live in North Carolina, then you may be familiar with the term “centipede grass.” This term frequently comes up when discussing North Carolina’s soil problems. Upon first glance, centipede grass appears to be the same as any other grass: it’s green, coarse, and always looks relatively healthy. However, what makes it different from other grasses is the environment it thrives in – highly acidic soils with a pH value of 5 or above. North Carolina is known for an abundance centipede grass, meaning it is also known for having very acidic soil. North Carolina residents love centipede grass because it is very easy to maintain. It does not have to be mowed very frequently, and it doesn’t grow too fast. However, the acidic soil it thrives in causes many problems, particularly around your home, and especially if you live near the coastline.

Having highly acidic soil can cause the grass around your home to turn yellow, which is anything but attractive. North Carolina homes near the coast are most prone to this problem since the soil also contains traces of shells, which are made of calcium carbonate and have many of the same properties as limestone. The calcium carbonate reacts with the acids in the soil to turn it basic – and basic soil turns centipede grass yellow because it causes iron deficiency.

Another problem that North Carolina homeowners experience is cracks in their foundation. It may seem strange, but the highly acidic soil in North Carolina may actually be contributing to problems with your home’s foundation. The reason is this: highly acidic soil is more prone to expanding than soil that has a lower pH value. Soil contains clay that expands in acidic environments, especially when it rains. If your home rests on this soil, the expansion can cause damage to your home.

Many North Carolina residents have expressed their concerns over the issue of centipede grass and acidic soil over the years. While it may be a wise idea for the state to regulate the growth of centipede grass and work to eliminate the amount of acidic soil, this notion could take many years to come to fruition. Chances are good that your home will be susceptible to damage long before any issues with the soil are completely resolved. Fortunately, there are options available should your home become damaged. Powerlift Foundation repair offers some of the best foundation repair methods, including the use of steel piers, helical piers, pre-construction piers, and more! We call it our own special PowerLift System! Call us today at 800-562-5438 or fill out our contact form today for a free estimate!

How Does Poor Soil Affect Your North Carolina Home?2015-03-09T15:31:05+00:00
Go to Top