foundation repair

Oklahoma City Public Schools

Foundation Repair Schools OKC

Related Article: Beware of Cheap Foundation Repair Companies!

Oklahoma City Public Schools

After much consideration by the Engineers, General Contractor, and School board. PowerLift Foundation was chosen to solve the structural settlement issues of this OKC school. PowerLift advanced STEEL piers were successfully driven over 69 feet to true load-bearing strata and simultaneously lifted to stabilize this building. All good now👍

Oklahoma City Public Schools2024-11-14T05:42:34-06:00

U.S. Foundation Repair Industry Pioneers Outlines 5 Processes of Common Repairs

ADA, OK – PowerLift Foundation Repair, the largest independent repair contractor and a pioneer in the US foundation repair industry for over 30 years, continues its long-standing practice of releasing consumer tips for foundation repair and replacement. As the foundation industry enters its peak season in the Midwestern and Southeastern US, PowerLift provides a five (5) step- process for reliable foundation repairs and stabilization.

Rlated Article: Commercial Warehouse- Streetsboro, Ohio

PowerLift Founder & President, Bill Bolin, said his firm has a relationship responsibility to publish guidelines on its website entitled “Choosing A Foundation Repair Specialist” and provide helpful consumer information to homeowners about the various techniques and applications involved in the foundation repair and stabilization process.

“PowerLift has always been free with resourceful information about the foundation repair and system process because we believe an informed consumer makes good and informed decisions,” Bolin said.

“Unfortunately, industry growth has brought some contractors who quickly come and go from the business and distribute some misinformation and untested processes that confuse many people at the critical time they are making repair decisions on their biggest investment – their home.”

The five (5) customary foundation repair processes are:

1). Hydraulically Driven Steel Piers

PowerLift provides a patented steel pier lifting system for perimeter foundations and interior floor slabs. Its interior slab system is the most effective assembly available to lift and stabilize floor slabs for residential and commercial structures.

2). Helical Piers

PowerLift is an industry leader in the manufacturing and installation of helical piers for residential and commercial structures. Its patented helical piers, combined with its proprietary, synchronized, hydraulic-lifting system, are one of the best options available to lift and stabilize foundations on residential and commercial structures. As a result, PowerLift piers are recommended by architects, structural engineers, and construction professionals across the US.

3). Pre-Construction

PowerLift installs helical piers to support new foundations in the pre-construction process for all types of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. It designs, manufactures, and installs single and multiple-flight helical piers using a wide range of pile diameters to provide the required load capacity customized to each project.

4). Foam Injection

PowerLift pioneered concrete slab lifting with high-density polyurethane foam injection, which provides a lightweight, yet expansive, and economical lifting option to stabilize settled and sinking concrete in many residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

5). Mud Jacking

Is a process of mixing water with concrete that is pressure-pumped to lift and stabilize settled concrete by filling voids beneath concrete slabs on residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

PowerLift Foundation Repair, founded and still based in Ada, OK, since 1986, pioneered foundation repair and steel pier foundation systems in the US with patented equipment and lifetime warranties. With a BBB A+ rating over three decades, PowerLift has repaired over 25,000 residential, commercial, and industrial foundations in its primary market areas of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, and several other states.

U.S. Foundation Repair Industry Pioneers Outlines 5 Processes of Common Repairs2024-11-14T03:53:28-06:00

In the foundation repair industry, experience matters!!

Power Lift Foundation repair provides the most experienced foundation repair specialists in the industry. Powerlift estimator’s average over 20 years of experience at our company alone. Power lifts job foremen’s average over 18 years of in-house experience as well. It doesn’t stop there, our office personnel average over 19 years with us.

Related Article: 4 “Don’ts” of Commercial Foundation Repair

While Power Lift may not be your cheapest estimate, that is part of the reason why. Power Lift Foundation Repair employs experienced foundation repair specialists, ensuring the team of specialists not only have the latest technologies, but also the best materials and equipment on the market. Our piers drive deeper, through unstable soils to a solid, load-bearing strata.

We have discovered that in order to remain the industry leader, we must give our customers the best of all there is to offer. We pay our employees for their experience and knowledge because in the long run, the customer receives benefit in long term job performance!

I, myself, am a 28-year veteran at PowerLift. I have seen every method to repair foundations attempted. The Power lift pier is the only pier I would use on my home. I have visited and worked with hundreds of homeowners who had gone with a cheaper repair method only to be disappointed with it. In the long run, it does not pay to go with a cheaper repair method. Power Lift, with all we have to offer, is by far the best value for your money. If you want your foundation repaired right the first time you should call Power Lift.

Blake Ronk

28 year Powerlift veteran
U.S. Army Veteran

Contact Powerlift today at 1-800-562·5438 or www.powerliftfoundationrepair.com and put your home back on a firm foundation.

In the foundation repair industry, experience matters!!2025-01-13T07:29:30-06:00

Beware of The Cheapest Price Guarantee for Foundation Repair!

Foundation Repair in Oklahoma is not always a successful experience.  Beware of companies who advertise having a Cheapest Price Guarantee; those companies usually don’t have anything else to offer.  Most of these companies install non-reinforced pressed concrete piles, the material costs are minimal and in return their performance is minimal.  Pressed piles simply don’t work well in Oklahoma’s clay soils!  Several of these pressed pile companies have come and gone in Oklahoma over the past few years leaving 100’s of homeowners with no warranty or no service after a short time.

Related Article: How Are Steel Piers Installed?

A warranty is only as good as the company that provides the service; don’t be fooled by a cheap Foundation Repair job.  In most cases you get what you pay for!  You will be very disappointed when your house starts moving again and there is no one there to take your call.  Powerlift has over 30 years’ experience in the structural repair industry and we can tell you with experience that shallow non-reinforced concrete piles usually fail when installed in expansive clay soil conditions.

Engineers will tell you that pressed concrete piles simply don’t work well in expansive clay soils; a deeper pier is a better pier!  Powerlift Steel and Helical piers provide the best performance available in expansive clay soils; Powerlift also provides all the latest in Poly-Urethane foam injection.

Powerlift is the Industry Leader for Residential and Commercial Foundation Repair!  If you see any of the common signs of foundation failure such as cracks in bricks or masonry, cracks in sheetrock, cracked or unlevel floors, if you have doors that drag or stick or if your fireplace is leaning away from the house, your home may be experiencing foundation failure.

For Foundation Repair in the Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond or Enid areas call (405) 748-5438, for Foundation Repair in the Tulsa, Broken Arrow, or Bartlesville areas call (918) 587-5438, for Foundation Repair in the Altus, Lawton or Duncan area call (580) 355-5900, for Foundation Repair in the Ada, Ardmore or Durant areas call Powerlift at (580) 332-5438.   For State wide Foundation Repair service call (800)-562-5438.  For more information go to our website at www.powerliftfoundationrepair.com.

Call Powerlift today and put your home back on a Firm Foundation.

Beware of The Cheapest Price Guarantee for Foundation Repair!2024-11-14T06:24:22-06:00

Project: Blakes

PowerLift Foundation Repair Project in Blakes: Resolving Severe Structural Issues

PowerLift recently completed a foundation repair project in Blakes, where a large commercial building was experiencing significant structural problems. The building had developed substantial foundation issues, which led to the walls leaning and separating. Left unchecked, these issues threatened the overall stability and safety of the structure, making immediate repair essential.

Diagnosing the Foundation Problems

Upon inspection, the PowerLift team determined that the building’s foundation had been compromised due to shifting soil and poor initial construction. Over time, the unstable soil caused the foundation to sink unevenly. This lead to walls leaning outward and creating noticeable gaps where the walls had begun to separate. These issues also resulted in cracks in the brickwork and misaligned doors and windows, making the building unsafe for use.

Read About Another Project – Arkansas Housing Authority

Implementing the Repair Solution

To stabilize the foundation and prevent further damage, PowerLift installed heavy-duty steel piers deep into the ground until they reached stable, load-bearing soil. These piers were strategically placed around the perimeter of the building and along key interior support points. By gradually lifting the building’s foundation, the team was able to correct the lean and realign the walls to their original position. Additionally, the cracks were closed, and the building’s structural integrity was restored.

Long-Term Stability for the Blakes Building

The foundation repairs PowerLift conducted not only addressed the immediate problems but also provided long-term stability for the building. By reinforcing the foundation with steel piers, the structure is now protected from future settlement and soil movement. The successful completion of this project allowed the building’s owners to avoid a costly demolition and rebuild. PowerLift made sure that the building remains safe and functional for years to come.

This project demonstrates PowerLift’s expertise in handling severe foundation issues and delivering solutions that restore both safety and peace of mind to property owners.

Project: Blakes2024-09-19T04:19:33-05:00

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. 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 Experience2024-08-07T07:58:09-05:00

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 Problems2025-01-13T07:44:05-06:00

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.

Basement and Attic Maintenance

Related Article: U.S. Foundation Repair Industry Pioneers Outlines 5 Processes of Common Repairs

Check the basement walls

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 of 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 Costs2024-11-14T03:52:54-06:00

4 "Don’ts" of Commercial Foundation Repair

If 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.

4 Don'ts of Commercial Foundation Repair

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.

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

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 Repair2024-11-14T05:10:02-06:00

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 Carolina2015-05-29T18:23:55-05:00
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