Frequently asked questions

Is every foundation crack serious?

No. Hairline shrinkage cracks in a cured slab are common and usually cosmetic. Cracks that are wide (wider than 1/4 inch), horizontal, or actively growing are a different matter. The location, direction, and whether the crack has moved over time are more telling than the crack itself.

What methods do you use to repair cracks?

For stable cracks in poured concrete, epoxy injection is standard — it bonds the crack and restores structural integrity. For active cracks in block or masonry walls, carbon fiber straps or wall anchors stop further movement. We specify the right method based on the crack type and cause.

My crack keeps reopening. Why?

A crack that reopens after patching means the underlying movement hasn't stopped. Cosmetic patching on a moving foundation is a waste of money. If you've had a crack patched twice and it came back, you need a structural repair that addresses the root cause — soil movement, water pressure, or settlement.

Do you repair bowing basement walls? Tallahassee doesn't have many basements.

Correct — full basements are rare in Tallahassee. We do see bowing or inward-leaning stem walls on older block foundations, particularly in Frenchtown and Midtown. Carbon fiber strapping is the standard fix for that situation.

How much does crack repair cost?

Cosmetic crack sealing runs $300–$800. Structural crack repair using epoxy injection or carbon fiber typically runs $1,500–$5,000 depending on crack length, location, and access. If the crack is active and requires pier work to stop the movement first, that's a separate line item we quote independently.

How does drainage cause foundation problems?

Water that collects near the foundation saturates the clay soil, which swells and pushes against the foundation wall. When it dries, the soil shrinks and creates voids. Each wet-dry cycle moves the foundation slightly. Over years, that movement adds up to cracks, settlement, and doors that no longer close.

What drainage corrections do you make?

The most common fixes are regrading the soil away from the foundation, extending downspouts to move roof water at least 6 feet from the structure, and installing French drains to intercept subsurface water before it reaches the foundation. We don't recommend all three unless all three are needed.

Can better drainage prevent future foundation repairs?

Often, yes. Many Tallahassee foundation problems are rooted in poor drainage that was never corrected. Fixing drainage alongside or before structural repairs significantly reduces the chance of re-settlement.

My house has had foundation repairs before and they came back. Is drainage the reason?

Possibly. If a prior pier or crack repair didn't last, and your lot has drainage problems — downspouts discharging near the foundation, soil graded toward the house, or chronic wet spots near the perimeter — drainage is likely contributing to the recurrence.

How much does drainage correction cost?

Downspout extension and minor regrading runs $300–$1,500. French drain installation runs $1,500–$5,000+ depending on length and depth. We quote drainage as a standalone line item so you can see exactly what you're paying for.

What does the free inspection include?

We walk the interior and exterior, check for slab cracks, door and window alignment issues, gaps at baseboards, and visible settlement signs. You get a written summary of what we found and what it means — no upsell pressure.

How long does the inspection take?

Most inspections take 45–60 minutes for a standard slab-on-grade home. We schedule a follow-up call to walk through findings if anything requires explanation.

Do you provide written reports for real estate transactions?

Yes. We provide written condition reports for buyers and sellers. If you're a listing agent or buyer's agent, ask about our 48-hour turnaround for pre-close inspections.

Is this really free, or is there a catch?

No catch. If we inspect and find nothing actionable, we tell you. Our business is built on referrals — a homeowner who got a straight answer is a better referral than one who felt pressured.

What are the signs I need an inspection now?

Sticking doors or windows that worked fine before. Cracks in drywall near door frames or corners. Gaps between baseboards and the floor. Sloping floors you can feel when walking. Any of these warrants a look.

What's the difference between helical piers and steel push piers?

Helical piers are screwed into the ground and work well in lighter soils where there's a stable bearing layer within reach. Steel push piers are hydraulically driven to bedrock or load-bearing strata and are better for heavier settlement. We recommend based on your soil report and the degree of movement — not based on which costs more.

How many piers does my house need?

The number depends on the load distribution and the extent of settlement. A targeted repair for one corner might require 2–4 piers. A perimeter stabilization on a larger slab can require 10–20. We specify the number in the written estimate and don't add piers during installation without a change order you approve.

Does pier installation damage my yard?

There is some ground disturbance — each pier requires a small excavation at the foundation wall. We work in sections, backfill as we go, and leave the site clean. Most homeowners describe the yard impact as minor and temporary.

What warranty comes with the piers?

Lifetime transferable warranty on pier installations. The warranty transfers to new owners at no cost, which is meaningful for resale.

How long does pier installation take?

A typical residential pier job runs 1–3 days depending on pier count. We give you a timeline in writing before we start and hold to it.

What is slab lifting and how does it work?

We inject high-density polyurethane foam through small drilled ports in the slab. The foam expands under the slab, fills voids, and lifts the concrete back to grade. The ports are then patched. The process is minimally invasive and the foam cures in minutes.

Is polyurethane foam lifting permanent?

The foam itself doesn't degrade. However, if the underlying soil conditions that caused the void haven't been corrected — poor drainage, eroding sandy soil, ongoing clay shrinkage — the slab can settle again. We tell you if we think soil correction or drainage work is needed alongside the lift.

How is slab lifting different from mudjacking?

Mudjacking pumps a cement-soil slurry under the slab. It's heavier than the soil it replaces, which can sometimes accelerate re-settlement in sandy soils. Polyurethane foam is lighter, cures faster, and the injection ports are smaller. We use foam exclusively.

Can slab lifting fix my garage floor or driveway?

Yes. Settled garage floors, driveways, and walkways are good candidates as long as the concrete itself isn't cracked through or deteriorated. We assess during inspection.

How much does slab lifting cost?

Slab lifting in Tallahassee typically runs $2,000–$7,000 depending on the area to be lifted and the volume of foam required. Small sections (a single panel or step) can run $300–$800. We estimate based on square footage and severity.