Foundation Repair FAQ

The most common signs are cracks in drywall (especially diagonal cracks near door and window frames), doors and windows that stick or will not close properly, visible gaps between walls and ceilings or floors, and exterior brick cracks in a stair-step pattern. One or two hairline cracks can be normal settling, but multiple symptoms appearing together usually indicate a real foundation issue. We offer free inspections that include elevation measurements so you get objective data, not guesswork.

Residential foundation repairs in the Austin area typically range from $2,000 for minor polyjacking (foam leveling) to $15,000 or more for extensive steel pier installations. The average pier job runs $6,000 to $12,000 depending on the number of piers needed and the complexity of the work. We provide exact, itemized pricing after a free on-site inspection. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges.

Yes. Every inspection is free, with no obligation and no pressure. Our inspector takes digital elevation readings across your entire foundation, photographs visible distress, and provides a written assessment. If repair is needed, you receive a detailed scope of work with exact pricing. If repair is not needed, we tell you that too.

Most residential pier installations are completed in 1 to 3 days, depending on the number of piers and site accessibility. Polyjacking (foam leveling) for driveways, patios, or minor interior settlement is typically a same-day job, finished in 4 to 6 hours. We provide a specific timeline estimate with every proposal.

No. You can stay in your home throughout the entire repair process. The work happens outside along the foundation perimeter for pier installations, or through small injection ports for polyjacking. There will be noise and vibration during the work, but it is not disruptive enough to require you to leave. We do recommend moving fragile items off shelves as a precaution during the lifting phase.

Steel push piers are driven straight down using the weight of your home as resistance until they reach load-bearing rock or dense soil. They are the most common solution for homes in Austin. Helical piers are screwed into the ground like a large auger and do not rely on the structure's weight. Helical piers are used when the structure is too light for push piers (like stoops or porches), when new construction needs deep foundation support, or when soil conditions make them more appropriate. We recommend the method that fits your specific situation.

Polyjacking injects lightweight polyurethane foam beneath settled concrete through small (5/8 inch) holes. The foam expands to fill voids and lift the slab. Traditional mudjacking pumps heavy cement slurry through larger holes. Polyjacking is superior because the foam is waterproof, weighs almost nothing (so it will not stress already weak soil), cures in 15 minutes, and lasts 25+ years. Mudjacking uses material that can wash out in heavy rain and often needs to be repeated within 3 to 7 years.

Yes. Pier-and-beam foundations have their own set of issues, including wood rot from moisture, termite damage, deteriorating pads, and beam deflection. We inspect the crawlspace, identify the specific problems, and repair or replace damaged components. Common repairs include shimming or replacing piers, sistering or replacing beams, improving crawlspace ventilation, and installing moisture barriers.

In the Austin area, steel piers typically reach 15 to 35 feet, depending on where stable bearing strata (usually limestone or dense clay) is located beneath your property. East Austin properties with deep expansive clay may require deeper piers than west Austin properties where limestone is closer to the surface. Every pier is driven until it reaches refusal, meaning it cannot be driven further, which confirms it has reached load-bearing material.

Steel pier installations come with a transferable lifetime warranty that covers the piers and the associated structural support for as long as the structure exists. Polyjacking carries a warranty that covers the foam material and the lift. All warranty details are provided in writing before the work begins, so you know exactly what is covered.

Yes. Our pier warranties are fully transferable to the next owner at no additional cost. This is a significant benefit when selling a home in Austin, because it gives buyers confidence that the foundation has been professionally repaired and is backed by an ongoing warranty. We provide warranty transfer documentation as part of the closing process.

If settlement occurs in an area covered by our warranty, we return at no cost to evaluate and address the issue. Our piers are driven to refusal depth on load-bearing strata, which makes re-settlement rare. However, if it does happen (for example, due to an undetected plumbing leak or extreme soil conditions), we stand behind our work and make it right.