What You Should Know About Foundation Repair Warranties!
Method |
Consider |
Explanation |
| Conventional Foundation Repair |
This includes screw jacking, masonry piers, slab jacking, pressure grouting, mud jacking, shimming or wedging, and foundation repair types other than underpinning (or foundation piering). | This type of repair method is virtually impossible to guarantee. These are often considered "band aid" type repairs. The repair is necessary because of the unstable soil base the home rests on. However, if the weight of the structure is not transferred from the existing soil base to a deeper, load bearing strata, the structure will continue to experience movement. If a warranty is offered for conventional foundation repair, be aware of its limits and the amount of time it may cover. |
| Deep Driven Foundation Piering |
Companies that use a variation of the Ram Jack repair process. The process involves driving steel piers along the area of settlement and transferring the weight (or load) of the structure to the foundation bracket and pier. | The Deep Driven Piering method should be considered permanent, if performed properly. It is important that you study the warranties these companies offer. Just because a company offers a warranty, you don't ever want to use it. Most companies will not pay for the new damage to your home such as cracks in the sheet rock and mortar joints. The company may adjust the piers that have settled because of their poor installation, but you are left with the expense of making repairs to what was supposed to be eliminated in the first place. You want a company with few or no warranty claims. In other words, a company that knows what they are doing and has the experience to do it right the first time. |
When reviewing Deep Driven Foundation Piering warranties, look for these details: |
Warranty Claims |
Even though a company may offer a warranty, you want a company that has had few warranty claims. Preferably none at all. |
| Length of the Warranty |
Is it Lifetime? Is there a limit to the length of time of the warranty? Does the coverage diminish as the warranty ages? |
|
| Acceptable Levels of Movement |
You want a warranty that does not discount movement. Some warranties will allow "Acceptable Levels of Movement". This may be "acceptable" to the company issuing the warranty, but should not be "acceptable" for you. You want a warranty that covers ANY downward movement. | |
| Extended Warranties |
Never purchase an "Extend Warranty". If a company cannot stand behind their work, why should you pay them to? | |
| Transfer Clause |
Is the Warranty Transferable? If you intend to sell your home, a transferable warranty will make selling your home much easier! | |