A solid foundation is a key component to the structural integrity of your home. A crack on the foundation may not seem like a big deal, but if left neglected it can cause serious structural damage to your home. A crack may indicate structural failure in the worst case scenario or just a simple waterproofing crack repair. Your home depends on a solid foundation because without it you will diminish the structural stability of your home. The purpose of your foundation is to transfer the entire load of your homes (frame) to a solid footing. The footing of a foundation is the most important key component of your structure because if your footing is cracked then you have a serious structural foundation problem.
Ground movement can cause a shift affecting your homes foundation to settle unevenly. Water problems are usually caused by grading problems around your foundation. Having a drainage issue may cause a big impact leading to foundation failure. American Foundation Repair is the most trusted and experienced company in the Chicagoland area. Our team members are by far the most trusted and experienced team in Chicago. Receiving a Super Service Award from Angie's List for 2018.
Foundation Repair Services | Residential | Commercial
American Foundation Repair offers a wide range of foundation repairs. All of our repairs are custom fabricated on-site and we pay special attention to detail which paramount when it comes to foundation repair. A professional team with resources not available to other companies, such as steel crack plates, 3/4" anchor bolts and welding equipment just to name a few. Special tools allow us to custom-tailor a solution for your foundation problem. Our commitment to you is our expertise in foundation repair. Our foundation repair methods have been proven to be the best engineered solution to specifically solve your homes problems by using the highest in quality standards and procedures.
Warning Signs of a Serious Structural Foundation Problem
- Un-level windows and doors difficult to open – Doors and windows sticking may be related to a structural problem.
- Stair-Step Cracking in Masonry Bricks – Cracks can vary in size but are wider on top and more narrow at bottom.
- Cracks in Foundation and Footing – This may indicate structural settlement of your home.
- Sinking Foundation or Seasonal Shifting – A shift in your foundation is not a good sign where cracks on your walls open and close during seasonal shifting.
- Cracks in Drywall – These cracks are usually cosmetic but are an important indicator to a bigger foundation problem.
- Tilting Chimney – Leaning chimneys are also an indicator you may have a structural foundation problem.
- Sagging Floors or Sloping Floors – May be caused by a foundation problem or a damaged column/beam needing to be replaced.
Sometimes homes sink because of poor site preparation, especially if the grading on the house is pitched toward the house instead of away from the home. Another reason for under-pining your home, would be to add a second addition on top of your existing one to strengthen your existing foundation.
Stabilize a Sinking Foundation
Not to worry, we can raise your foundation, frame, and or floor by using our underpinning method. Underpinning is a meticulous engineering process to strengthen and stabilize the foundation of an existing home or structure. A home’s foundation depends on sturdy soil to keep it from sinking. If ground soil loses its strength and begins to shift then the only other alternative is to strengthen the foundation of your home by using our engineered method of underpinning system. American Foundation Repair will secure your home from further settling. We raise and stabilize sinking foundations since 1986.
Steel Pipe Pile Installation (Push Piers - Resistance Piers)
A 90 degree heavy duty under-footing bracket is placed underneath footing (partial footing is shaved off). The under-footing bracket is then anchored with six ( 3/4″) anchor bolts. This under-footing bracket is now securely mounted against the existing foundation wall. Two temporary harness are erected to aid with the pushing of steel pipe piles. A hydraulic ram drives the steel pipe pile sections into the ground up to 30 or 60 tons PSI. The steel pipe piles are driven until they reach hard pan (solid rock). After raising (to a compromise level) or stabilizing your foundation we can then proceed to fuse the two metals together. The pipe pile gets welded to the under-footing bracket to hold the entire weight of the structure accordingly to engineered specifications. Your home is now secure and stable from any further settling. The newly installed pipe piles are now resting on solid rock-like soil, reaching depth of up to 90 feet or more. No more worries about a sinking foundation. Make sure to meet with one of our professional experienced team members for your free consultation or schedule an online appointment today. Raising sinking foundations since 1986.
Permit and Engineering Drawings
All foundation repairs are done accordingly to engineered specifications and municipality codes. Village department inspectors come and inspect our work, on-site from your local village or town. All work confirms to ASTM standards (American Society for Testing and Materials) and inspected for (NCBCS) National Council on Building Codes and Standards. These types of complex foundation repair jobs can only be done by a trusted foundation repair team with experience and knowledge. Meet with one of our professional team members for a free in-home consultation on all your foundation repair needs.
Visit the specific service pages for more detailed information on what each service includes.
Call us toll free at 1-800-644-1900 with any questions you may have about our services. Always delivering the best products and service all year around!
Homeowners Get A Free Estimate | Schedule Now
Schedule your free inspection today, with an honest and friendly foundation repair expert consultant. Being a family owned and operated business means we are the best qualified consultants in all of the Chicagoland area. Get a professional assessment of your problem and NEVER cross-sales or up sales. Receive a complimentary written proposal provided on-site or delivered in a timely manner by email. All of our proposals come with a 60 day price guarantee and a transferable warranty bringing peace of mind to you and your family. No gimmicks just great service and an expert evaluation from American Foundation Repair. A family owned and operated company since 1986.
