Examining Seasonal Swelling and Shrinking of Soil

Examining Seasonal Swelling and Shrinking of Soil

Overview of the factors that influence the expansion and contraction of clay soils

Explanation of the seasonal impact on soil expansion and contraction


Seasonal changes play a significant role in the expansion and contraction of soil, a phenomenon that can have widespread implications for agriculture, construction, and environmental management. High moisture levels can cause soil expansion, leading to foundation instability home foundation repair service structural failure. Understanding these seasonal impacts is crucial for mitigating potential problems and optimizing land use.

During the wet season, increased rainfall leads to higher soil moisture content. Clay-rich soils, in particular, are highly susceptible to swelling as they absorb water. This expansion can cause the ground to rise, leading to issues such as cracking in foundations, shifting of soil layers, and damage to infrastructure. Additionally, the expansion can affect plant root systems, influencing growth and stability.

Conversely, during the dry season, evaporation and reduced rainfall lead to a decrease in soil moisture. As the soil dries out, it contracts. This contraction can result in the formation of cracks and uneven ground surfaces. For agricultural lands, this can disrupt root systems and reduce the soil's ability to retain water and nutrients, impacting crop yields. In construction, shrinking soil can lead to settling and further structural damage to buildings and roads.

The cycle of swelling and shrinking is not only influenced by direct weather patterns but also by temperature fluctuations. Warmer temperatures during the dry season can accelerate evaporation, enhancing the rate of soil contraction. In contrast, cooler, wetter conditions during the wet season promote water retention and soil expansion.

To manage these seasonal impacts, several strategies can be employed. For agricultural purposes, incorporating organic matter into the soil can improve its structure and water retention capacity, reducing the extent of expansion and contraction. In construction, using soils with lower clay content or implementing proper drainage systems can mitigate the adverse effects of seasonal changes.

In summary, the seasonal swelling and shrinking of soil are natural processes driven by variations in moisture and temperature. By understanding and addressing these changes, we can better protect our infrastructure, enhance agricultural productivity, and maintain environmental stability.

Overview of common residential foundation types and their susceptibility to soil movement


Sure, here's a short essay on the topic:

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When it comes to building homes, the foundation is critical. It's the base upon which everything else stands. There are several common types of residential foundations, each with its own characteristics and susceptibility to soil movement, particularly the seasonal swelling and shrinking of soil.

One of the most common types is the slab-on-grade foundation. This is essentially a thick concrete slab that sits directly on the ground. While it's cost-effective and simple to construct, it's highly susceptible to soil movement. When soil swells with moisture or shrinks during dry periods, the slab can crack or shift, leading to significant structural issues.

Another popular option is the crawl space foundation. This type elevates the home slightly off the ground, providing a small area beneath for ventilation and storage. Crawl spaces are somewhat less susceptible to soil movement than slab-on-grade foundations, but they are not immune. Poor drainage or excessive moisture can still cause the soil to shift, affecting the foundation's stability.

Basement foundations are another common type, especially in regions with cold climates. These foundations involve digging down to create a below-ground level that serves as additional living space. Basements are generally more resistant to soil movement due to their depth and the mass of soil above them acting as a buffer. However, they are not entirely immune, particularly if the soil around them experiences extreme swelling or shrinking.

Lastly, there's the pier and beam foundation, which uses a network of piers to support the home, leaving a gap between the ground and the living space. This type is less common in residential settings but offers good resistance to soil movement. The elevated structure means that minor soil shifts are less likely to impact the home's stability.

In conclusion, while all residential foundations are susceptible to some degree of soil movement, the extent varies. Homeowners should be aware of these susceptibilities and take appropriate measures, such as proper drainage and regular inspections, to mitigate potential issues arising from seasonal swelling and shrinking of soil.

Signs and symptoms of foundation damage due to seasonal soil changes


Seasonal changes in temperature and moisture levels can significantly impact the soil around a foundation, leading to swelling and shrinking that may cause structural damage. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of foundation damage due to these seasonal soil changes is crucial for homeowners. Here are some key indicators to watch for:

1. **Cracks in Walls and Floors**: One of the most obvious signs of foundation issues is the appearance of cracks in interior and exterior walls, as well as in floors. These cracks may be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal and can vary in size. Seasonal soil changes often exacerbate these cracks, making them more noticeable during certain times of the year.

2. **Uneven Floors**: If you notice that your floors are sloping or uneven, it could be a sign that the foundation is shifting due to soil movement. This can be particularly problematic in older homes where the foundation may already be compromised.

3. **Sticking Doors and Windows**: Doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to open or close might indicate that the frame has shifted slightly. This can be a result of the foundation moving due to soil expansion or contraction.

4. **Gaps Around Windows and Doors**: As the foundation shifts, gaps may appear around the frames of windows and doors. These gaps can allow drafts and pests into your home and are a clear sign that something is amiss beneath the surface.

5. ** Exterior Wall Cracks**: Similar to interior cracks, exterior wall cracks can also signal foundation problems. These cracks may be more pronounced after periods of heavy rain or drought, when soil swelling and shrinking are most active.

6. **Bowing or Bulging Walls**: In severe cases, walls may start to bow or bulge outward. This is a serious sign of foundation distress and often indicates that the soil has moved significantly, putting pressure on the walls.

7. **Foundation Settlement**: Uneven settling of the foundation can lead to a noticeable tilt in the structure. This is often accompanied by other symptoms like cracking and can be particularly pronounced after extreme weather events.

8. **Water Intrusion**: Seasonal soil changes can also affect the integrity of basement walls and floors, leading to water intrusion. If you notice dampness, mold, or musty odors in your basement, it could be a sign that the foundation is compromised.

Addressing these signs promptly is essential to prevent further damage. Consulting with a professional foundation expert can help you determine the best course of action to stabilize your foundation and protect your home from the effects of seasonal soil changes.

Analysis of environmental factors contributing to soil swelling and shrinking


Examining the seasonal swelling and shrinking of soil involves understanding a variety of environmental factors that contribute to these phenomena. Soil is a dynamic medium influenced by numerous natural elements, each playing a crucial role in its behavior throughout the year.

One of the primary factors is moisture content. Soils with a high clay content are particularly susceptible to swelling and shrinking due to their ability to absorb and retain water. During the wet season, these soils soak up moisture like a sponge, expanding as the clay particles become hydrated. Conversely, in the dry season, as water evaporates, the soil contracts, leading to shrinkage. This cycle of expansion and contraction is a natural process but can be exacerbated by extreme weather conditions such as heavy rains or prolonged droughts.

Temperature fluctuations also play a significant role. Warmer temperatures can accelerate evaporation, leading to quicker soil drying and subsequent shrinking. In contrast, cooler temperatures may slow down evaporation, allowing soils to retain moisture longer and potentially leading to more pronounced swelling. The interaction between temperature and moisture is complex and can vary significantly depending on the specific climate and geographical location.

Another critical factor is the presence of organic matter in the soil. Organic matter can influence soil structure and its capacity to hold water. Soils rich in organic content tend to have better structure and may exhibit less dramatic swelling and shrinking compared to those with lower organic matter. Additionally, the type of vegetation covering the soil can impact these processes. Plants with deep root systems can help stabilize the soil, reducing the extent of swelling and shrinking by maintaining a more consistent moisture level throughout the soil profile.

Human activities also contribute to the seasonal changes in soil behavior. Agricultural practices, such as tilling and irrigation, can disrupt natural soil structures and moisture levels, leading to more pronounced swelling and shrinking. Urban development and construction can similarly alter soil conditions, often resulting in compaction and changes in drainage patterns that affect soil moisture dynamics.

In conclusion, the analysis of environmental factors contributing to soil swelling and shrinking is a multifaceted study. It requires consideration of moisture content, temperature variations, organic matter, vegetation, and human activities. Understanding these factors is essential for managing soil health and predicting its behavior in various seasonal conditions, ultimately aiding in the sustainable use of land resources.

Discussion on the importance of regular foundation inspections and maintenance


Certainly!

Discussing the importance of regular foundation inspections and maintenance is crucial, especially when examining the seasonal swelling and shrinking of soil. Soil dynamics play a significant role in the structural integrity of buildings, and understanding these changes can help mitigate potential damage.

Firstly, seasonal changes can cause significant fluctuations in soil moisture levels. During wet seasons, soil absorbs water and expands, while in dry seasons, it loses moisture and contracts. This natural phenomenon, known as soil swelling and shrinking, can exert considerable pressure on a building's foundation. If left unchecked, these movements can lead to cracks, uneven settling, and structural instability.

Regular foundation inspections allow homeowners and professionals to identify early signs of distress. By monitoring the condition of the foundation throughout the year, one can detect subtle shifts or cracks before they escalate into major issues. This proactive approach not only prolongs the lifespan of the structure but also saves on costly repairs down the line.

Maintenance is equally important. Techniques such as installing proper drainage systems, maintaining consistent moisture levels around the foundation, and using materials that accommodate soil movement can significantly reduce the impact of seasonal changes. Additionally, repairing cracks promptly and ensuring that the soil around the foundation is compacted correctly can prevent further damage.

In conclusion, regular foundation inspections and maintenance are vital in managing the effects of seasonal soil swelling and shrinking. By staying vigilant and implementing preventative measures, we can ensure the stability and longevity of our structures, providing a safe and secure environment for occupants.

Presentation of repair techniques and solutions for addressing foundation issues caused by soil movement


Certainly! Here's a short essay on the presentation of repair techniques and solutions for addressing foundation issues caused by soil movement, specifically focusing on the seasonal swelling and shrinking of soil:

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When it comes to safeguarding homes and buildings from the detrimental effects of soil movement, understanding and implementing effective repair techniques is paramount. Seasonal swelling and shrinking of soil, often driven by changes in moisture content, can lead to significant foundation issues. These issues manifest as cracks, uneven floors, and misaligned doors and windows, which not only compromise structural integrity but also affect the aesthetic appeal of the property.

To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach to repair and mitigation is essential. One of the primary techniques involves the use of helical piers. These steel piers are driven deep into the stable soil layers beneath the foundation, providing robust support that counteracts the effects of soil movement. By transferring the load of the structure to more stable soil, helical piers effectively stabilize the foundation, preventing further damage.

Another effective solution is the installation of push piers. Similar to helical piers, push piers are driven into the ground until they reach load-bearing strata. However, push piers are installed by hydraulically pushing them through the unstable soil, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding area. This method is particularly beneficial in urban settings where space is at a premium.

For less severe cases, mudjacking, also known as slab jacking, can be an efficient solution. This technique involves pumping a slurry mixture beneath the sunken concrete, raising it to its original position. While mudjacking is a cost-effective option, it is important to note that it may not provide the same level of long-term stability as pier systems.

In addition to these structural solutions, proactive maintenance practices play a crucial role in mitigating soil movement issues. Proper landscaping and drainage systems are vital in managing moisture levels around the foundation. Ensuring that water is directed away from the structure can significantly reduce the risk of soil expansion and contraction.

Furthermore, the use of moisture barriers and sealants can help protect the foundation from excessive moisture infiltration. These barriers act as a shield, preventing water from seeping into the soil and causing it to swell.

In conclusion, addressing foundation issues caused by seasonal swelling and shrinking of soil requires a comprehensive approach that combines structural repairs with proactive maintenance. By employing techniques such as helical piers, push piers, and mudjacking, alongside effective drainage and moisture management strategies, homeowners can ensure the longevity and stability of their properties.



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Basement waterproofing involves techniques and materials used to prevent water from penetrating the basement of a house or a building. Waterproofing a basement that is below ground level can require the application of sealant materials, the installation of drains and sump pumps, and more.

Purpose

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Waterproofing is usually required by building codes for structures that are built at or below ground level. Waterproofing and drainage considerations are especially important in cases where ground water is likely to build up in the soil or where there is a high water table.

Water in the soil causes hydrostatic pressure to be exerted underneath basement floors and walls. This hydrostatic pressure can force water in through cracks, which can cause major structural damage as well as mold, decay, and other moisture-related problems.

Methods

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Several measures exist to prevent water from penetrating a basement foundation or to divert water that has penetrated a foundation:

  • French Drain
    French drain
    Interior wall and floor sealers
  • Interior water drainage
  • Exterior drainage
  • Exterior waterproofing coatings
  • Box type waterproofing[1]
  • Foundation crack injections
  • French drains
  • Sump pump

Interior sealants

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In poured concrete foundations, cracks and pipe penetrations are the most common entry points for seepage. These openings can be sealed from the interior. Epoxies, which are strong adhesives, or urethanes can be pressure injected into the openings, thus penetrating the foundation through to the exterior and cutting off the path of the seepage.

In masonry foundations, interior sealers will not provide permanent protection from water infiltration where hydrostatic pressure is present. However, interior sealers are good for preventing high atmospheric humidity inside the basement from absorbing into the porous masonry and causing spalling. Spalling is a condition where constant high humidity or moisture breaks down masonry surfaces, causing deterioration and shedding of the concrete surfaces.

Other coatings can be effective where condensation is the main source of wetness. It is also effective if the problem has minor dampness. Usually, interior waterproofing will not stop major leaks.

Interior water drainage

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Although interior water drainage is not technically waterproofing, it is a widely accepted technique in mitigating basement water and is generally referred to as a basement waterproofing solution. Many interior drainage systems are patented and recognized by Building Officials and Code Administrators(BOCA) as being effective in controlling basement water.

A common system for draining water that has penetrated a basement involves creating a channel around the perimeter of the basement alongside the foundation footers. A French drain, PVC pipe, or other drainage system is installed in the newly made channel. The installed drain is covered with new cement.

The drainage system collects any water entering the basement and drains it to an internally placed sump pump system, which will then pump the water out of the basement. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends basement waterproofing with a water alarm and "battery-operated backup pump" as a preventive measure against the high cost of flooding.[2] Wall conduits (such as dimple boards or other membranes) are fastened to the foundation wall and extend over the new drainage to guide any moisture down into the system.

Exterior waterproofing

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Waterproofing a structure from the exterior is the only method the U.S. International Building Code (IBC) recognizes as adequate to prevent structural damage caused by water intrusion.

Waterproofing an existing basement begins with excavating to the bottom sides of the footings. Once excavated, the walls are then power washed and allowed to dry. The dry walls are sealed with a waterproofing membrane,[3] and new drainage tiles (weeping tiles) are placed at the side of the footing.

A French drain, PVC pipe, or other drainage system is installed and water is led further from the basement.

Polymer

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Over the past ten years, polymer-based waterproofing products have been developed. Polymer-based products last for the lifetime of the building and are not affected by soil pH. Polymer-based waterproofing materials can be sprayed directly onto a wall, are very fast curing, and are semi-flexible, allowing for some movement of the substrate.

Causes of water seepage and leaks

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Water seepage in basement and crawl spaces usually occurs over long periods of time and can be caused by numerous factors.

  • Concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in home construction. When pockets of air are not removed during construction, or the mixture is not allowed to cure properly, the concrete can crack, which allows water to force its way through the wall.
  • Foundations (footings) are horizontal pads that define the perimeter of foundation walls. When footings are too narrow or are not laid deep enough, they are susceptible to movement caused by soil erosion.
  • Gutters and downspouts are used to catch rain water as it falls and to discharge it away from houses and buildings. When gutters are clogged or downspouts are broken, rainwater is absorbed by the soil near the foundation, increasing hydrostatic pressure.
  • Weeping tile is a porous plastic drain pipe installed around the perimeter of the house. The main purpose of external weeping tile is preventing water from getting into a basement. However, these pipes can become clogged or damaged, which causes excess water to put pressure on internal walls and basement floors.
  • Water build up inside window wells, after heavy rain or snow, can lead to leaks through basement window seams. Window well covers can be used to prevent water from accumulating in the window well.
  • Ground saturation is another common form of basement leaks. When the footing drain fails the ground around the basement can contain too much water and when the saturation point is met flooding can occur.

Warning signs of water damage

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Signs that water is seeping into a basement or crawlspace often take years to develop and may not be easily visible. Over time, multiple signs of damage may become evident and could lead to structural failure.

  • Cracked walls: Cracks may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal or stair-stepped. Severe pressure or structural damage is evident by widening cracks.
  • Buckling walls: Usually caused by hydrostatic pressure. Walls appear to be bowed inward.
  • Peeling paint: Water seeping through walls may lead to bubbling or peeling paint along basement walls.[4]
  • Efflorescence: White, powdery residue found on basement walls near the floor.
  • Mold: Fungi that usually grow in damp, dark areas and can cause respiratory problems after prolonged exposure.

Foundation crack injections

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Foundation crack injections are used when poured concrete foundations crack, either from settlement or the expansion and contraction of the concrete. Epoxy crack injections are typically used for structural purposes while hydrophobic or hydrophilic polyurethane injections are used to seal cracks to prevent penetration of moisture or water. Concrete is both strong and inexpensive, making it an ideal product in construction. However, concrete is not waterproof.

References

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  1. ^ Waheed, M. A. (11 July 2014). "Top tips to optimally use conventional waterproofing techniques". Business Standard India. Archived from the original on 5 July 2022. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
  2. ^ "FloodSmart | How to Prepare for a Flood and Minimize Losses". Archived from the original on 9 May 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  3. ^ Carter, Tim. "How to redirect water around a damp garage". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
  4. ^ Chodorov, Jill. "Basement flooding may put a damper on your home sale". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 18 May 2018. Retrieved 2 November 2015.
Merchandise on display in a hardware store
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The concept of home improvement, home renovation or remodeling is the process of renovating, making improvements or making additions to one's home.[1] Home improvement can consist of projects that upgrade an existing home interior (such as electrical and plumbing), exterior (masonry, concrete, siding, roofing) or other improvements to the property (i.e. garden work or garage maintenance/additions). Home improvement projects can be carried out for a number of different reasons; personal preference and comfort, maintenance or repair work, making a home bigger by adding rooms/spaces, as a means of saving energy, or to improve safety.[2]

Types of home improvement

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Man painting a fence

While "home improvement" often refers to building projects that alter the structure of an existing home, it can also include improvements to lawns, gardens, and outdoor structures, such as gazebos and garages. It also encompasses maintenance, repair, and general servicing tasks. Home improvement projects generally have one or more of the following goals:[citation needed]

Comfort

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  • Upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
  • Upgrading rooms with luxuries, such as adding gourmet features to a kitchen or a hot tub spa to a bathroom.
  • Increasing the capacity of plumbing and electrical systems.
  • Waterproofing basements.
  • Soundproofing rooms, especially bedrooms and baths.

Maintenance and repair

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Maintenance projects can include:

  • Roof tear-off and replacement.
  • Replacement or new construction windows.
  • Concrete and masonry repairs to the foundation and chimney.
  • Repainting rooms, walls or fences
  • Repairing plumbing and electrical systems
  • Wallpapering
  • Furniture polishing
  • Plumbing, home interior and exterior works
  • Shower maintenance

Additional space

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Additional living space may be added by:

  • Turning marginal areas into livable spaces such as turning basements into recrooms, home theaters, or home offices – or attics into spare bedrooms.
  • Extending one's house with rooms added to the side of one's home or, sometimes, extra levels to the original roof. Such a new unit of construction is called an "add-on".[3]

Saving energy

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Homeowners may reduce utility costs with:

  • Energy-efficient thermal insulation, replacement windows, and lighting.
  • Renewable energy with biomass pellet stoves, wood-burning stoves, solar panels, wind turbines, programmable thermostats,[4] and geothermal exchange heat pumps (see autonomous building).

Safety, emergency management, security and privacy

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The need to be safer or for better privacy or emergency management can be fulfilled with diversified measures which can be improved, maintained or added. Secret compartments and passages can also be conceived for privacy and security.

  • Interventions for fire protection and avoidance. Possible examples are fire sprinkler systems for automatic fire suppression, smoke detectors for fire detection, fire alarm systems, or passive fire protection (including some wildfire management strategies).
  • Technical solutions to increase protection from natural disasters, or geotechnical and structural safety (e.g. hurricane or seismic retrofit).
  • Interventions and additions to increase home safety from other hazards, like falls, electric injuries, gas leaks or home exposure to environmental health concerns.
  • Physical security measures:
    • Access control systems and physical barriers, which can include fences, physical door and window security measures (e.g. grilles, laminated glass, window shutters), locks;
    • Security lighting, security alarms and video surveillance.
  • Safes and vaults.
  • Spaces for emergency evacuation, like emergency exits and rarer escape tunnels.
  • Spaces which provide protection in the event of different emergencies: areas of refuge, storm cellars (as protection from tornadoes and other kinds of severe weather), panic rooms, bunkers and bomb shelters (including fallout shelters), etc.
  • Home renovations or additions used to increase privacy can be as simple as curtains or much more advanced, such as some structural surveillance counter-measures. They may overlap with physical security measures.
  • Public utility outage preparedness, like backup generators for providing power during power outages .

Home improvement industry

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Screws and bolts in an OBI home improvement store in Poland

Home or residential renovation is an almost $300 billion industry in the United States,[5] and a $48 billion industry in Canada.[6][full citation needed] The average cost per project is $3,000 in the United States and $11,000–15,000 in Canada.

Professional home improvement is ancient and goes back to the beginning of recorded civilization. One example is Sergius Orata, who in the 1st century B.C. is said by the writer Vitruvius (in his famous book De architectura) to have invented the hypocaust. The hypocaust is an underfloor heating system that was used throughout the Roman Empire in villas of the wealthy. He is said to have become wealthy himself by buying villas at a low price, adding spas and his newly invented hypocaust, and reselling them at higher prices.[7]

Renovation contractors

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Perhaps the most important or visible professionals in the renovation industry are renovation contractors or skilled trades. These are the builders that have specialized credentials, licensing and experience to perform renovation services in specific municipalities.

While there is a fairly large "grey market" of unlicensed companies, there are those that have membership in a reputable association and/or are accredited by a professional organization. Homeowners are recommended to perform checks such as verifying license and insurance and checking business references prior to hiring a contractor to work on their house.

Because interior renovation will touch the change of the internal structure of the house, ceiling construction, circuit configuration and partition walls, etc., such work related to the structure of the house, of course, also includes renovation of wallpaper posting, furniture settings, lighting, etc.

Aggregators

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Aggregators are companies that bundle home improvement service offers and act as intermediary agency between service providers and customers.

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Home improvement was popularized on television in 1979 with the premiere of This Old House starring Bob Vila on PBS. American cable channel HGTV features many do-it-yourself shows, as does sister channel DIY Network.[8] Danny Lipford hosts and produces the nationally syndicated Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford. Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete co-host the nationally syndicated The Money Pit Home Improvement Radio Show.

Movies that poked fun at the difficulties involved include: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948), starring Cary Grant and Myrna Loy; George Washington Slept Here (1942), featuring Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan; and The Money Pit (1986), with Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. The sitcom Home Improvement used the home improvement theme for comedic purposes.

See also

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  • Home repair
  • Housekeeping
  • Maintenance, repair and operations

References

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  1. ^ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/home-improvement
  2. ^ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/home-improvements
  3. ^ "Add-on". English Oxford Living Dictionary (US). Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on February 21, 2017. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  4. ^ Use a Programmable Thermostat, Common Sense, to Reduce Energy Bills Archived July 19, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Brett Freeman, oldhouseweb.com
  5. ^ "Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, 2007" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on August 7, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
  6. ^ "Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - Société canadienne d'hypothèques et de logement". Archived from the original on October 23, 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2007.
  7. ^ "Canada Homeowners Community - Example of Low-Cost Advices used by Canadian Homeowners (Community) for Home Improvement that boost the sale of your Home". Canada Homeowners Community. January 12, 2020.
  8. ^ Cerone, Daniel (September 17, 1991). "Tim Allen's Power Tools : Television: The comic who had Disney and cable executives abuzz parlayed his luck to develop 'Home Improvement". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2015.

Further reading

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  • Richard Harris, Building a Market: The Rise of the Home Improvement Industry, 1914-1960. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2012.
  • Michael W. Litchfield (2012). Chip Harley (ed.). Renovation (4th, Completely revised and updated. ed.). Newtown, Conn.: Taunton Press, Incorporated. ISBN 978-1600854927.
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  • Media related to Home improvement at Wikimedia Commons

 

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Reviews for


Jeffery James

(5)

Very happy with my experience. They were prompt and followed through, and very helpful in fixing the crack in my foundation.

Sarah McNeily

(5)

USS was excellent. They are honest, straightforward, trustworthy, and conscientious. They thoughtfully removed the flowers and flower bulbs to dig where they needed in the yard, replanted said flowers and spread the extra dirt to fill in an area of the yard. We've had other services from different companies and our yard was really a mess after. They kept the job site meticulously clean. The crew was on time and friendly. I'd recommend them any day! Thanks to Jessie and crew.

Jim de Leon

(5)

It was a pleasure to work with Rick and his crew. From the beginning, Rick listened to my concerns and what I wished to accomplish. Out of the 6 contractors that quoted the project, Rick seemed the MOST willing to accommodate my wishes. His pricing was definitely more than fair as well. I had 10 push piers installed to stabilize and lift an addition of my house. The project commenced at the date that Rick had disclosed initially and it was completed within the same time period expected (based on Rick's original assessment). The crew was well informed, courteous, and hard working. They were not loud (even while equipment was being utilized) and were well spoken. My neighbors were very impressed on how polite they were when they entered / exited my property (saying hello or good morning each day when they crossed paths). You can tell they care about the customer concerns. They ensured that the property would be put back as clean as possible by placing MANY sheets of plywood down prior to excavating. They compacted the dirt back in the holes extremely well to avoid large stock piles of soils. All the while, the main office was calling me to discuss updates and expectations of completion. They provided waivers of lien, certificates of insurance, properly acquired permits, and JULIE locates. From a construction background, I can tell you that I did not see any flaws in the way they operated and this an extremely professional company. The pictures attached show the push piers added to the foundation (pictures 1, 2 & 3), the amount of excavation (picture 4), and the restoration after dirt was placed back in the pits and compacted (pictures 5, 6 & 7). Please notice that they also sealed two large cracks and steel plated these cracks from expanding further (which you can see under my sliding glass door). I, as well as my wife, are extremely happy that we chose United Structural Systems for our contractor. I would happily tell any of my friends and family to use this contractor should the opportunity arise!

Chris Abplanalp

(5)

USS did an amazing job on my underpinning on my house, they were also very courteous to the proximity of my property line next to my neighbor. They kept things in order with all the dirt/mud they had to excavate. They were done exactly in the timeframe they indicated, and the contract was very details oriented with drawings of what would be done. Only thing that would have been nice, is they left my concrete a little muddy with boot prints but again, all-in-all a great job

Dave Kari

(5)

What a fantastic experience! Owner Rick Thomas is a trustworthy professional. Nick and the crew are hard working, knowledgeable and experienced. I interviewed every company in the area, big and small. A homeowner never wants to hear that they have foundation issues. Out of every company, I trusted USS the most, and it paid off in the end. Highly recommend.

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