This is why "elevations" should not be used to determine foundation damage and the need for piers!
Richard Rash
Foundation Repair Consultant | 40+ Years Experience. Foundation repair companies sell piers...I provide solutions.. Call/text 817-308-8186
The number one hoax or scam in the foundation repair industry is the taking of elevations to decide if piering is needed and if so, how many and where.
Taking elevations of an existing home or building, without a benchmark, to sea-level, from its date of construction, will not tell you if it has settled, heaved or was poured that way. And virtually no one has that benchmark.
Without knowing if it went up or down, you cannot determine what kind of repairs are required and foundation repair salesmen elevations will not provide that.
The most, it can tell you, is if the structure is level or not, and since most foundations are not poured level to begin with, you start out at a disadvantage. If you try to force a building back to a position of “level”, that it was never in, you will likely create severe additional problems.
Do not rely on elevations to determine if you need piers.
If the center is higher than the edges, it is very likely moisture under the slab expanding soil and pushing the slab up, and, if you were to pier the outside to match the center, you have created damaging unnatural stress. This will place the home in a position where the center will come down, when dry, and the edges will remain higher, being held by the piers, which creates a whole new problem.
Conversely, if it appears that the center of the slab has dropped, you can bet that the outside perimeter has heaved, giving the illusion that the center has failed. Installing interior piers is almost never a good idea, and if suggested, should be rejected until additional research by an independent authority is completed.
It is seldom, if ever, a good idea to try to raise areas of a foundation above original grade!
I know this is confusing and I will be glad to provide more information. Contact me at 817-308-8186. My email is [email protected]. Website:www.repairfoundations.com.
Blog: www.foundationmanspeaks.com.
Best bet: Consult an advocate!
Remember: Be sure ....before you pier!
Realtor, GRI, CNAS at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
8 年Makes the most sense I've heard from foundation company!
PRO Territory Sales Manager at Farmina ~ Proud U.S. Navy Nuke Mom ~ Breeder and Exhibitor of AKC Old English Sheepdogs
8 年Great info!
Certified New Home Sales Agent;Certified Expert Negotiator;Short Sale/ForecloseSpecialist; Affordable Housing Specialist
8 年Do you do any classes on foundations for consumers and/or Realtors? If so, I'd love to be on the notification list. Foundation information can be confusing and I for one would like to be more knowledgeable. Would especially like to know about proper care of foundations to share with new homeowners and use myself. Thank you!