AboutJim Hise Expertise I can help identify the reasons for movement or cracking in home foundations, basements and walls. I am familiar with most waterproofing methods. I am familiar with and have used Ramjack, Dixie MacLean, and A.B.Chance™ helical and push pier systems, including tiebacks, steel beams, and rod and grout repair. I am currently certified for Fortress carbon fiber repair. I have been involved with slope stabilization repairs over the years. Please remember to tell me what city you live in to help me answer your question up front !
Experience 15 years of structural foundation fault identification and most repair and stabilization methods.
Education/Credentials School of hard knocks! Formerly certified by A.B.Chance company from 1993-2005. I have a construction and home improvement backround for almost 35 years. I bought, restored and resold distressed property. I worked with 4 different foundation repair companies and familiar with most methods. I worked with a waterproofing company for several years. I have taught ongoing education classes for home inspectors and Realtors in foundation fault identification and repair.
Expert: Jim Hise Date: 7/4/2008 Subject: Foundation and Slab Repair
Question Hi Jim,
I am considering buying a house built in 1965 in Houston, TX. It is priced at quite a discount but am concerned with the structural issues. The previous owner had significant foundation issues and had 25 segmented interior pilings installed about 4 months ago by a very reputable company in the area. The problem is that the floor is slightly raised on top of and around the areas where the pilings were installed through the slab causing the floor to flutuate levels around the house. It almost looks like small mounds where the pilings are. My question being is (1) is this normal and (2) how can the floor be leveled? Will it require a thin layer of concrete to be poured throughout the house to level everything? Will this problem persist? Also wondering if the multiple cracks (including a large one on the exterior mortar) around the house will reappear as the house continues to shift. Appreciate any advice.
Brian
Answer Brian,
In my experience the mounds at the repair locations are not normal. Perhaps just a sloppy patch job. Check with the company that did the repairs on their warranty, and see if they installed any benchmarks to monitor movement. If the structure doesn't move after 6 months you can then consider using a self leveling concrete on the floors. You may also want to enlist the opinion of a local structural engineer.
If the settlement problems were addressed properly in the first effort, there should be no more movement. If there is...you should move on!
Good luck, jim
