Basement waterproofing and crawl space repair in CO

Vapor Barriers and Engineered Film for Colorado Springs Crawlspaces

Thu, May 16 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Did you know that CleanSpace isn’t just another vapor barrier? It’s actually an engineered film. It is also a seven layer sandwich of high density and low density polyethylene, and polyester cord reinforcement that allows it to be mechanically fastened to the walls and not pull off or tear when someone crawls across the liner. All CleanSpace is made with an antimicrobial additive called ultra fresh, which is a preservative to help the CleanSpace last for years and years. It also has UV inhibitors and stabilizers so the liner does not erode and break down prematurely. CleanSpace comes in the following:

the traditional, blue and white at 20 mils thick
“pinkie” rolls that are 12 mils thick
the green and white made with recycled material, which is 10 mils thick.

Just recently, CleanSpace has become available in new Clear View Wall, at 8 mils thick. All have ultra fresh and are all manufactured in the same plant with the same quality control procedures. We use virgin resins in all but the green/light material because that is made with recycled resins and plastics. Cleanspace pairs beautifully with our drainage matting, SilverGlo and TerraBlock insulation as well. Installing a CleanSpace 20 mil crawl space vapor barrier in your home ensures a healthier, better preserved home. A dry crawl space will not be damaged by mold and moisture, saving you money on eventual expensive repairs. And because moisture and outside air are not dampening your crawl space insulation and bringing their temperatures and humidity into your home, you will benefit from significant energy savings in your home.

Settling Slabs in Colorado Springs

Tue, May 7 2013, 00:00:00 -500

The Causes of Settling Concrete Floor Slabs
Concrete floor slab settlement is often the result of changes in moisture content or density of the supporting soils. For example, soils beneath a concrete slab can dry and shrink over time due to extended drought much like we are currently experiencing here along the Front Range. Other causes can be leaking HVAC systems, burst pipes, flooding laundry facilities, or broken sprinkler pipes. Loosely compacted fill soils can also consolidate beneath the weight of the slab or fill layers above.

A different condition, plumbing lines under the slab, can also leak under the slab and cause settlement and in turn, pipe soil out and away from under the slab. Each of these conditions creates a void under the concrete slab. If the concrete slab is not strong enough to span the void, the slab will crack, break, and settle into the void.

How to Fix Settling Concrete Floor Slabs
Foundation Supportworks Slab Pier System stabilizes the concrete floor slab in your home and provides the best opportunity to relevel the floor and lift non-load bearing partition walls that may have settled along with the slab. Rugged steel pier sections are hydraulically driven through a heavy duty slab bracket to reach competent load bearing strata. The weight of your concrete slab is then carefully transferred from the original unstable soils, through the piers, to competent soils.

How Slab Piers are Installed
Step 1: A small hole is cored through the concrete floor
Step 2: THe slab bracket is positioned beneath the concrete slab
Step 3: Steel tubes are hydraulically driven down through the bracket to competent soils
Step 4: The weight of the concrete slab is transferred through the piers to load bearing strata. The slab is lifted back to level if possible.
Step 5: Grout is carefully pumped under the slab to fill the void created by the soil settlement and slab lifting process.
Step 6: Concrete is placed within the cored hole.

Advantages of Foundation Supportworks's Slab Piers
--Piers can be installed year-round
--Long life span--galvanized steel is resistant to corrosion
--Non-disruptive/non-invansive. THere are small holes cored in the slab that are refilled with concrete after pier installation
--Can lift your slab back to a level position, often lifting any partition walls that have settled as well.
--Reduces trip hazards
--Below-slab solution--won't be visible after installation
--Deep pier installation extends beyond unsuitable soils
--Restores property value
--Fully transferrable, nationally back warranty

If your slab is experiencing cracking, settling, breaking, or shifting, contact Peak Basement Systems today at (719) 260-7070 or online at www.peakbasementsystems.com!

Signs of Foundation Settlement Inside Your Colorado Springs Home

Thu, May 2 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Many of the signs you can see on the outside of your home are similar to the ones inside your basement. Stairstep cracks, for example, maybe seen in a basement built from concrete block. In the construction of poured foundation walls, vertical cracks are more common. Cracks in your concrete floor slab can signal foundation settlement, but may also be a sign that the slab alone has settled.

Signs to look for inside a home

1. Drywall Cracks-- cracks in drywall throughout the house are a good indicator of settlement, and may be more obvious in the uppermost levels of your house. The following signs are common: drywall cracks off of the corners of doors and windows, cracks that follow drywall seams, and drywall tape buckling, pulling or ripping away.

2. Doors and Windows--Again, observing what is happening around doors and windows is important.

Some other tell tale Signs to look for:

--When I put a level across the top of the door or window frame, is that normal?

--Do any of my doors or windows stick when I try to open or close them?

--Have I planed across the top of the door to make it open and close more easily?

--Is there evidence that a previous homeowner has done this?

--Have I had to move or replace locking or latching mechanisms on doors?

--Is there evidence that a previous homeowner has done this?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, chances are, you have a foundation settlement problems. Contact our Design Specialists for a no risk, no obligation evaluation of your home. Our foundation repair experts are will give you a custom repair solution to fit your budget and your needs. Contact us at [phone] or www.peakbasementsystems.com.

Part of my Colorado Springs Foundation is Settling

Mon, April 22 2013, 00:00:00 -500

If only part of my house is settling and needs piers, will the rest of my house settle, too?

The honest answer is "I don't know". Since soil is composed of various layers that become disturbed during construction, your home may be resting partially on expansive soils, or the entire lot may be expansive. At this point, we should look at your home and determine the overall scope of repair needed. If we find that settling or heaving is occurring in only a portion of your home, then we can repair and warranty just that area. If we find indicators that the entire structure is resting on expansive, active soil and your whole foundation is moving, then we can pier and warranty the entire home.

Before getting started, a locally licensed structural engineer will review a proposed solution as well as the local soil conditions, and approve the scope of work I’ve recommended. The nice thing about Peak Basement Systems is that we work with independent engineers who are not only familiar with our products and local soil conditions, but are able to respond to customer requests in hours, not days. The engineers we work with conduct regular training sessions with the team and the other Design Specialists to insure that we are properly diagnosing and designing our proposed solutions. Whenever the condition of a foundation wall is changed or modified the local building department requires a permit, and in the case of foundation repair the city always requires a stamped engineers drawing and report.

A residential structural engineer will review a proposed solution, as well as the local soil conditions, and determine if the scope of work recommended needs to be increased or decreased. The nice thing about Peak Basement Systems is that we have an engineer on staff, who is not only familiar with our products and local soil conditions, but he is able to complete site visits and follow ups! He also conducts regular training sessions with our Design Specialists to insure that we are properly diagnosing and designing the proposed solutions. The engineer is also present to review each and every design prior to the work being permitted.

Why do you recommend installing piers on both sides of a corner?

In most cases, piers are installed at about 6' intervals, depending on the structural needs of your home. This is also true near the corners. If a pier is installed at 2'-3' on one side of a corner, another pier should be installed within approximately 2'-3' from the other side of the corner. In some cases, the cosmetic damage may show that only one pier is needed at a corner. However, with that layout, experience has shown that there is increased risk of future damage to the footings and foundation wall, especially during a lift. We recommend a corner be supported on both sides to prevent any future damage.

The Wolf Residence

Tue, April 16 2013, 11:18:11 -500

The Wolf residence is a Ranch/Rambler style home on a walkout basement with poured concrete foundation, wood frame construction with stucco and a tile roof, built in 2004 with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths, measuring 2762 sqft. The Wolf residence is located in the highly valued Broadmoor Bluffs subdivision in southwestern Colorado Springs. The soil in this area is highly expansive silty clay mixed with loam. The home is resting on a hillside.

The Wolfs have owned the home for 8 years and have noticed drywall cracking and an increased amount of separation between the foundation wall and the floor over the past 3 years. The exterior of the home has increasing sized cracks that range from 1" wide to 3" wide depending on the time of year.

The home is experiencing "hillside creep". There is cracking and separation between the rear stem wall and basement floor slab. The Wolfs contacted Peak Basement Systems after receiving an Engineer Report from Mark McCafferty. They had been measuring the hillside creep and needed it repaired since the slippage had increased in severity over the last 12 months due to the drought conditions. The Wolfs chose Peak because we know how to take care of customers' belongings and property.

Heaving Basement Floors in Colorado Springs

Tue, April 9 2013, 00:00:00 -500

The most common heave examples are found in slabs and sidewalks. It is is due to tree roots pushing the surrounding soil upward. Most of the time, trees are planted very close to sidewalks to create a nice, shady walkway, but as the trees grow larger, their roots place tremendous strain on sidewalks and garage slabs.

Heave is technically defined as the upward movement of a foundation or slab caused by expanding or swelling soil, but tree roots can also cause this problem. Heave in basement slabs is almost exclusively due to expanding soil.

What Causes Heave?

When a slab or sidewalk is installed, the ground is cleared and leveled, which allows the top layers of soil to dry out. As moisture increases during seasonal weather changes, those layers of soil may swell, pressing into the sidewalk and forcing it upward.

In basements, heave occurs as moisture increases seasonally, but that isn't the only reason. Heave can happen due to the clay bowl effect or plumbing leaks, too!

Does why heave is happening matter?

The short answer is not really. Why heave is occurring doesn't really change the prescribed methods for repair. What may change based on why heave is occurring is remediation for the problem. For example, if the heave is from a broken pipe, the plumber will need to repair the pipe while the foundation repair company will repair the heave issue.

If you believe your basement is experiencing heave, contact the experts at Peak Basement Systems at (719) 260-7070 or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/peakbasement.

Galvanized Steel Piers for Your Colorado Springs Foundation

Tue, April 2 2013, 00:00:00 -500

With steel piering systems, there is a great debate about whether the product can be installed with black, uncoated steel, or if it's necessary to galvanize the steel for greater corrosion resistance. There are many factors that can go into the argument and many site-specific variable that can influence the decision.

Here are some facts on corrosion to help you decide:

1. Everything degrades over time and is consumed by the ecosystem.

2. In order for corrosion to occur, three things must be present--water, oxygen, and corrosive material.

3. Deep in the ground, a steel pier may encounter water, but will encounter very little oxygen. Near the surface, steel is more likely to be exposed to both. Therefore, the deeper the steel is, the slower the corrosion process.

4. Galvanizing does protect and extend the life of steel.

5. Foundation Supportworks designs and analyzes our products keeping in mind corrosion loss rates provided by the International Code Council. All FSI products can be installed with either black or galvanized steel, depending on the site-specific conditions and desires of the home owner.

6. The average “black” finish pier bracket (in other words- ungalvanized/unprotected) will last at least 200 years in typical soil conditions.

Either way, black or galvanized steel will likely outlast the components used to build the home itself.

If you want to know the cost of piering your home's foundation, contact Peak Basement Systems today at [phone] or email us at peak@peakbasementsystems.com. You can also like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peakbasement or find more pictures of foundation problems at www.flickr.com/peakbasement!

Settling Houses in Colorado Springs and Pueblo

Tue, March 26 2013, 00:00:00 -500

If a house is settling, how do we know?

--Windows and doors are sticking, hard to open
--Multiple nail pops are appearing in ceilings and walls
--There are large gaps in window and door frames
--Window and/or door trim are developing spaces
--Floors are starting to settle and become uneven
--Bowed or leaning basement walls
--Cracks in your foundation walls
--Interior plaster walls are cracking
--Chimneys are tilting or leaning
--Foundations are sinking
--Cracks in your basement walls

If you are noticing these problems, contact Peak Basement Systems and we can help you! We can design a custom solution to fit your budget and your home's needs.

Sagging Wood Beams in Colorado Springs

Fri, March 22 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Sagging wood beams

In this crawlspace, it looks like the wood is melting over the support columns. Crawlspaces are notoriously damp and humid spaces and are exposed to excess moisture and dampness which makes a crawl space the perfect environment for mold and wood rot. Believe it or not, houses Colorado Springs experience this same issue, even though it seems very dry here compared to other areas of the country.

According to the University of Illinois Small Homes Council, as much as 18 gallons of water per day can evaporate into a crawl space under a 1000-sq.-ft, house. Even if your dirt crawl space seems dry and dusty, the soil may be pulling in moisture that can rot wood floor joist and cause beams and joists to weaken. Sagging, spongy, and squeaky floors, that seem to improve in the winter turn into floor joist problems in the spring and summertime. This happens because more humidity finds its way into crawlspaces when the temperature under the home is significantly cooler than the air outside. The state of Colorado is considered a high desert but, it is not excluded from this common structural hygiene problem.

What’s the best way to fix the problem?

A repair of this nature is two-fold:

#1. The crawlspace must be converted from a vented crawlspace into a fully encapsulated, humidity controlled crawlspace. This new vapor barrier is air tight and traps the water vapors that evaporate from the earth. In order to control the relative humidity, the vents must be closed off and the air must be circulated with warm, dry air just like the rest of the house.

#2. Bowed, bent, buckled, or bulging beams need to be replaced, as do old teleposts, which will have rusted and/or bent. The best solution to this problem is an adjustable steel beam column that can restore sagging subfloors that suffered while the humidity was attacking the beams. In most cases, wood beams will need to be replaced with treated lumber or steel support beams, especially if there is previous warping present.

With this two-fold solution, the wood framing and flooring will dry out and improve the structural integrity of the house, while the SmartJacks restore structural and subfloor support. You will notice an immediate reduction in soft spongy or springy floors, not to mention creaking and sagging.

If you believe that your subfloor and beams have suffered from crawlspace humidity, then now is the time to contact Peak Basement Systems at (719) 260-7070 for an estimate. Our qualified experts will let you know what is happening to your home and help you design a custom solution to fit your budget and repair needs.

Peak Basement Systems Is Top Choice in Foundation Repair

Wed, March 13 2013, 14:21:35 -500

Peak Basement Systems has learned that it is the contractor selected most often for foundation repair projects in the area. According to the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD), out of eleven licensed providers on record, Peak Basement Systems has performed the most permitted foundation repair work, a full 48% by dollar value and 83% by number of permits issued.

Of this market dominance, owner Paul Sutton has commented “We are honored to be the foundation repair company of choice in the Pikes Peak Region. It is a privilege to serve our community with integrity, timeliness, and quality products.”

PPRBD is the licensing entity which covers the Southern Colorado region where Peak Basements serves customers. Paul Sutton and his team therefore encourage clients to verify the standing of any contractor with the Department prior to signing a repair contract. Permit records and research are readily available on the PPRBD website.

Peak Basement Systems offers foundation repair for both residential and commercial customers including foundation wall stabilization and straightening, foundation settlement repair, and pier systems. As a member of Foundation Supportworks, Inc., an international network of qualified structural repair contractors, Peak Basement relies on carefully designed, tested, and patented solutions to repair foundations of all types.

Peak Basement Systems also offers basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, sump pump installation, and drain systems. Their service area covers greater Colorado Springs, including Pueblo, Alamosa, Rocky Ford, Castle Rock, and surrounding communities. For a complete list of their service area and to sign up for a free estimate, please visit their website.

Does the Age of my Colorado Springs Home Influence Settling or Shifting

Tue, March 12 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Does the age of my home matter--can any home settle or shift?

The short answer is yes, the age of your home does matter, but not for the reasons that may pop into mind right away. Homes settle and shift due to the underlying soil shrinking or expanding as moisture enters and leaves the area. We see more foundation movement in older homes for two reason: soil type in different locations and change in construction methods.

Soil Types in Different Locations Around Colorado Springs

Inasmuch as age correlates with location, most residential development in Colorado Springs prior to the 1960’s is found west of Circle Dr. Residential developments, such as these, built in our infancy, childhood, and early adolescence were situated in zones generally underlain with more clayey, drought active soils. Over time, development pushed east and northward into areas with less problematic soils.

Therefore, if your home is located in an established neighborhood dating from the 1960s or earlier, then you are more likely to see settling and foundation cracking than homes in areas like Briargate and the like. However, any home can settle or shift if the underlying soil is active, so having a newer home does not make you immune from foundation cracking or settlement.

Change in Construction Methods

The 1960’s saw the advent of modern steel reinforced concrete foundations which, though not immune to foundation settling, at least had the advantage of improved structural integrity by virtue of the advancing construction technology.

Our older, more centrally located neighborhoods, as well as those built in the 70’s and 80’s in many of the hillside areas west of I-25, simply did not have the benefit of today’s modern engineering know-how or the code standards that we’ve now come to accept as standard operating procedure. Stone and block foundations are especially vulnerable to damage from foundation settlement, since they generally have no steel reinforcement built in.

Areas of Colorado Springs Experiencing Cracking due to Drought

Tue, March 5 2013, 00:00:00 -500

What areas of town have been the most affected by recent drought conditions?

This is all about soil type, and soil type is about geography. Drought conditions will affect different soils in varying levels of severity. Foothill area geology contains a mix of boulders, expansive clays, gravels, sandstone, shales, and loose sands. Rock formations and dissimilar soil materials make for lovely photography, but unfortunately, usually make for unstable building environments. These soils are the most heavily impacted by extended drought conditions. Areas of town like Rockrimmon, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, and the westside of Colorado Springs will see more impact extended drought conditions.

To the north and east, between Woodmen and Northgate Rd, the ground is so sandy that even a drought lasting multiple years may not create noticeable structural problems on a large scale because the active zone retains so little moisture even during normal years that there is not a great deal of significant soil volume loss when it is dry. East of Powers, homeowners historically beleaguered with persistently high water tables may temporarily see some relief.

What signs will I see that my home has been impacted by the extended drought?

The most obvious sign of drought related soil settlement is foundation cracking. As the soil contracts with loss of moisture, it loses volume and settles. In some cases, this might not be noticeable at all to the naked eye. In other cases, it could be extreme settling, which is anything over 1" of settlement. This will cause foundation cracking to be noticeable.

The amount of time that it takes for foundation cracking to occur should also be taken into consideration. If a crack appears suddenly, changes size or shape, or is joined by other cracks, then it is a sign that soil settlement is rapidly occurring.

What do I do to stop the settling and foundation cracking?
The first step is to have a foundation repair evaluator come out to take a look at your cracks. Estimates from these professionals are usually free, so you won't be wasting money if you don't have a problem. If the evaluator finds a foundation settlement problem based on the cracks, then they will be able to provide you with a cost of repair, an engineered plan, and a permanent solution.

In many cases, the foundation can be repaired and permanently stabilized using deep foundation piers. These piers look like large metal tubes and they are hydraulically driven deep in to the soil around your home. The piers rest on bedrock, or other stable soil and your home is permanently stabilized.

If you have questions or concerns about foundation cracks in your home due to the extended drought in Colorado Springs, contact Peak Basement Systems today at (719) 260-7070 or visit us online at www.peakbasementsystems.com. You can also get lots of great information on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/peakbasement.

Tapered Cracks in Colorado Springs Animated Video

Wed, February 27 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Has the Drought Affected our Colorado Springs Foundations

Tue, February 26 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Have dry conditions in the last few months affected our foundations? The short and sweet answer is yes, the drought conditions in Colorado Springs have caused settling foundations. Why? Foundations are susceptible to drought conditions because they rest on the Active Layer of soil right beneath your home. This active layer experienced seasonal temperature fluctuations, drying and wetting cycles from weather and landscaping, and other changes that do not impact the deeper soil layers. As the soil underneath your foundation dries out, it loses cohesion and volume, becoming powdery and less able to support the weight of your home. Your foundation will then settle. What does this look like? When a foundation settles, it can cause several different types of damage. The primary sign of a settling foundation is stair-step or diagonal cracking in the corners of foundation walls. That indicates that the foundation walls have settled unevenly. If you're noticing stair step or diagonal cracking in the corners of your foundation, you should contact a settling foundation repair expert. Contact Peak Basement Systems today at (719) 260-7070 or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peakbasement.

Signs of Foundation Settlement Outside Your Colorado Springs Home

Wed, February 20 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Stair step cracking

Stair step cracking is often a telltale sign of foundation settlement and is very common in brick and concrete block walls. As your home continues to settle further, vertical cracks may whiden, indicating that the wall is rotating outward.

Chimneys

One of the more scary and dramatic signs of settlement is a chimney separating away from the rest of the home. Sometimes chimneys are built on the foundation that is not connected to the rest of the home, making it even more at risk for settlement.

Clues From Doors and Windows

Whenever an opening is cut or created in a wall, such as a door or window, it becomes the weakest point of the wall. Because of this, doors and windows often display the first signs of settlement. Three common observations include: doors and windows out of square, cracks extending from the corners of doors or windows, and the separation of the door or window from the frame or exterior finish.

Have you noticed newer caulking around outside doors and windows? This is a common homeowner fix to the damages caused by foundation settlement.

If you believe your home or a home that you're looking at is experiencing these issues, contact Peak Basement Systems today at (719) 260-7070 or find us on facebook at www.facebook.compeakbasement./

Real Estate Transactions and Foundation Repair Needs in Colorado Springs

Wed, February 13 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Here at Peak Basement Systems, we are frequently interacting with real estate professionals and their clients. There are many times that we answer tricky structure related questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions. What service do you provide exactly? Peak Basement Systems provides foundation repair, waterproofing, and Crawlspace repair estimates. That simply means that if your home inspector points out a problem, we are equipped to give you a cost of repair in a timely manner. That repair estimate will include proper permitting, engineering, inspections, and a comprehensive, easy to understand warranty. Do I need a foundation repair estimate? If you suspect that there is a foundation problem that needs repair, you should get an estimate. However, if you are concerned about playing it safe and just determining if there might be anything wrong at all with a property's structure or foundation, then you are better off getting a comprehensive home inspection or an engineer report. When is the best time to get you involved? The best time to involve Peak for your foundation repair cost estimate is after your home inspection. This way, you have a comprehensive overview of any concerns with the property. You can then determine if the home still fits your needs and budget. It's generally best to have all concerns outlined in a home inspection report, then gather cost estimates based off of your repair priority list. From there, you can enlist contractors and negotiate with the other party to the transaction about how to cover those costs. What other resources are available if I need a service you don't provide? Your first step for getting concerns resolved is hiring a certified InterNACHI home inspector. These guys are highly educated across a broad range of home related concerns--they can help you with everything from roof concerns to basic foundation diagnosis. If your lender or appraiser is requiring a letter of good health, or a report on the condition of the foundation, then you need to contact a structural engineer to generate a comprehensive report for you and in some cases, generate soil reports or other technical data. It is important to remember that a foundation repair contractor cannot provide you with this information. What a repair professional CAN provide you with is a cost to perform the needed work discussed in the engineer report. Finally, sunken slabs, sidewalks, and patios can be deal breakers for VA appraisers. If you need sidewalks and such re-leveled, there are some awesome mudjacking companies to help you. If you're not sure who to call, or exactly what you need, please call our knowledgable professionals and we'd be happy to direct you to the right place! If Peak is your best resource, we'd be happy to set you up with a free estimate for the cost of repairs. If a different service professional is needed, we can direct you to some of the best in the industry.

Products used by Peak are designed for soil conditions in Colorado's Front Range

Tue, February 5 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Are the products being used by Peak designed for the soil conditions and problems that I am experiencing?

With so many products on the market, most of us rely on our chosen company to tell us which solution is right for us. Unfortunately, some solutions just are not ideal for the soil conditions present in Colorado’s Front Range and urban areas. For example, concrete erodes quickly when exposed to soil sulfates (naturally occurring salts found in the soils of many areas of Colorado), just like your sidewalk or driveway deteriorate rapidly if you use table salt to melt winter ice off of them. In the same way, cabled, segmented concrete piles can be particularly vulnerable to sulfite attack, and may not retain their structural integrity over the long haul. Another potential issue is when a product is used for an application for which it was not intended, such as using a square shaft pier to support a vertical load. These products were designed to resist pull out (tension) forces, not to bear the weight (compression) of a structure. Premature failure may result.

Thankfully, there are plenty of products available to remedy settling, heaving, bowing, or bending foundations that will work in Colorado's silty clay soil. Engineers take the unique soil conditions present on your property into account when designing the best solution to remedy your foundation problem.

Slab Heave in Colorado Springs

Thu, January 31 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Here are the reasons slabs and sidewalks crack and buckle. Here's the second reason: HEAVING. The most common heave in slabs and sidewalks is due to tree roots pushing the surrounding soil upward. Most of the time, trees are planted very close to sidewalks to create a nice, shady walkway, but as the trees grow larger, their roots place tremendous strain on sidewalks and garage slabs. Heave is technically defined as the upward movement of a foundation or slab caused by expanding or swelling soil, but tree roots can also cause this problem. What Causes Heave? When a slab or sidewalk is installed, the ground is cleared and leveled, which allows the top layers of soil to dry out. As moisture increases during seasonal weather changes, those layers of soil may swell, pressing into the sidewalk and forcing it upward.

Slabs are Barometers for Foundation Problems

Wed, January 16 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Slabs and sidewalks are barometers for foundation problems

Since slabs and sidewalks rest directly on the "active zone" soil, they are the first elements around a home to show signs of soil movement.

Common soil conditions that manifest in slabs first:

1) Drying and shrinking of the soil As the soil dries and shrinks, gaps form under the floor slab creating a void. Because the soil no longer supports the floor slab, the floor begins to crack and sink into the void.

2) Washout of soil This is usually caused by heavy rain or sprinkler leaks. If the slab is in the way of a water flow, the water can wash the soil out from under the slab, creating a void. Once again, with no soil to support it, the slab cracks and sinks.

3) Poor Compaction of fill soils During a home's construction, layers of soil are commonly moved around or spread out to get to the desired grade level. When the home is built, footings may be deepened to extend below weak fill soils. The slab; however, remains on the fill soils. If the fill was poorly compacted, the fill soil compresses and settles, and a void is created under the slab.

Slabs are giving you warnings if you notice the following symptoms:

--there are cracks in the sidewalks, slabs, and floors of your property
--floors are dropping and separating from walls, forming a gap between the floor and the wall.
--interior walls are pulling down and separating from the ceiling, forming a gap between the wall and the ceiling --walls are pulling away from other, adjacent walls
--interior wall cracks are appearing, commonly off the corners of interior doors

Fixing sagging crawlspace floors in the Pueblo area

Wed, January 9 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Fixing sagging crawlspace floors in the Pueblo area

Most new homes along the Front Range are built with full basements.  In the 1950s, it was common to construct homes in Colorado with crawlspaces instead. If you are experiencing sagging floors above your crawlspace, this information is for you! 

What do you have currently supporting your floors in your crawlspace?  There is quite a variety of material that was used back in the day.  Let's talk about what you will see under your crawlspace.  The horizontal wood that runs directly under your sub-floor is called a girder.  Beneath the girder will be several types of vertical supports that are spaced along the girder.  These can be concrete block, wood posts, or metal columns.  Beneath each of those are a concrete slab/footer.  

Sagging floors can occur for many reasons; and, there have been several options developed over time to deal with sagging crawlspace floors.  Naturally, some are old technology-style solutions and some more permanent, adjustable ones.  


Concrete Columns
Concrete footings are poured throughout your crawlspace.  After the concrete footings cure, concrete blocks are stacked on top of the footings, sometimes with mortar placed between the blocks.  After the mortar cures, shims are placed between the uppermost concrete block and the girder for the sub-floor.

Why was this used?
It was a common construction practice in the late 1940s to early 1950s and some people choose to have the failing column replaced with a replica. Other times, it's to make sure that everything matches visually. Unfortunately, this solution is really time consuming due to all the waiting for the concrete and mortar to cure. It can be quite expensive due to the time and labor involved.

These concrete columns are not adjustable, which means that, as the new column begins to settle like the old one did, additional shims must be added. These shims add weight and cause the column to shift more. In time, the column must be replaced again and the cycle starts over.

Additional Shimming of Existing Supports
A temporary jack is used to lift the girder for the subfloor to make room for pieces of timber, iron, or concrete to be added between the existing column and the girder. The temporary jacks are then removed.

Why was this used?
Frankly, it's cheap and easy! The additional shims are low cost and generally of poor quality. The time and labor can be offset by using a car jack and doing it yourself. Yikes!

Needless to say, this particular fix isn't going to pass a home inspection. It rarely works out that the squeaking and rubbery feeling of the floor stops because the shims are made of wood and basically expand and contract with the humidity in the crawlspace. An additional concern is that the more shims that are added to the column, the more unstable the column becomes. It increases safety concerns and raises red flags to potential buyers.

Light-duty Jack Post
A concrete block is laid on top of the crawlspace soil and an adjustable telepost is tightened into the girder.

Why is this used?
A light-duty jack post can be purchased at a local hardware store and installed by pretty much everyone. It's a do-it-yourselfer's ultimate weekend project and generally turns out well when properly installed.

There can be problems utilizing this solution when the teleposts are hard to adjust because then they don't fit snuggly and stablize the floor. These teleposts also don't adjust infinitely, so if the soils underneath settle, you can run out of adjustment thread to stablize the floor.

Heavy-duty Jack Post
Heavy-duty Jack posts are installed systems where a proper pad and support are installed and an adjustable telepost is plumbed and tightened into place. Generally, these systems can handle between 50,000 and 60,000 pounds, so it can bear the loads of a modern home construction.

Why is this used?
It's generally considered to be the best solution to lift walls and floors back to their original position. The pad and support system allows for load to be transferred properly and prevent future settling as much as possible.

These heavy-duty jacks are adjustable and can easily compensate for seasonal fluctuations in older girder elasticity.

Winter is Good Time to Perform an Annual Foundation Maintenance

Thu, January 3 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Chain restrictions in the High Country, freezing temperatures, evaporating snow—it’s winter in the Front Range. The temperature is doing its yearly dance between below freezing and wintery hot, which is placing a lot of strain on your foundation. It’s important to remember that with our climate and view come some unique soil conditions. Many areas throughout the Front Range have soil subsidence issues, soil expansion and contraction, or other unique conditions that affect the way your foundation performs. It’s important to perform an annual inspection on your foundation to monitor cracks, shifts, or other changes that can affect the stability of your home.

Now is a good time to have your annual maintenance done on your foundation. This is something that you can do yourself, or that you can hire someone to perform for you. If you notice cracks on the interior or exterior of your home, you may want to install a crack monitor to track movement.

Tools you’ll need...

• Gas or laser level
•Sketch of your home for note taking
•Journal or spreadsheet to track changes
•Crack monitor

Step 1: Drawing Your Home’s Footprint

It’s important to have a basic sketch of the outline of your home to take notes on. You can use graph paper, a drawing program on your computer, or just a hand-drawn outline on regular paper.

Step 2: Checking Your Windows and Doors

Next, go through your home and check that the windows and doors open and shut properly. Check the alignment between the frame and door or window for gapping. Make notes on your footprint to indicate misaligned doors or windows.

Step 3: Checking Your Floor

As you’re walking through your home, note any abrupt changes in the floor, such as cracks, sudden drop offs or rises, etc. Make notes on your footprint to indicate any flooring issues.

Step 4: Checking Your Walls and Ceiling for Cracks

Inspect your drywall for cracks or separation. Make notes on your footprint to indicate where cracks are in your home. In your journal, note the direction, width, and severity of the cracks.

Step 5: Using a Gas or Laser Level to Perform an Elevation Survey

While a gas level is the most accurate, most homeowners don’t have one available, so you can use a standard laser level. Here’s how: set the laser level on the floor of your main level pointing toward the walls. Measure the difference between the red laser line and the floor on one side of the room and compare it to the distance between the laser line and the floor on the opposite side of the room.

If you notice a difference, then you should have a system specialist from Peak Structural come out to measure your home with a professional gas level—your floor could be sloping.

Step 6: Checking Your Interior Foundation Walls

In this step, you will want to check your basement or crawlspace foundation walls for cracks. The best way to determine if you are experiencing foundation movement is to install a crack monitor. These devices are attached to your wall and will show you if movement in any direction is occurring.

Step 7: Inspecting the Exterior of Your Home

Finally, check the outside of your home, especially chimneys and patios for shifting, sinking, or other movement. On the right, you can see where a chimney base has sunk away from the rest of the structure.

Step 8: Vintage Homes and Stone Foundations

Fact: Like classic cars, stone foundations need special care. Make sure to check the mortar between stones—if you can crumble the mortar when scraping it, you need to have the mortar replaced. Check out our website under “Other Services—Shotcrete” to find out more!

Red Flags: Cracks that grow and shrink in size, Foundation walls that are visibly bowed or leaning, Crumbling mortar on stone foundations, Elevation Survey results that show a sloping floor.

Throughout the Front Range and Springs area, Peak Basement Systems is dedicated to helping homeowners understand the shifting soil conditions and weather patterns that might affect their foundations. Peak Basement Systems offers free inspections and written quotes for structural solutions, as well as basement and crawl space waterproofing repairs.

House Foundation Failure: Settling or Heaving? We Can Fix That!

Thu, December 27 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Foundation movement is most commonly related to soil movement. When soil moves, most foundations, unfortunately, move differently. The foundation can move more in one area than in another. The main reason for this movement is because the foundation is not rigid enough to overcome to movements of the soils.

Today, we had the chance to interview our top structural repair expert, Aaron Moore, about the most common types of foundation movement:

Q1: What are the most common types of foundation movement?
Settling or heaving.

Q2: What’s the easy difference between the two?
Settling is when soil sinks or shrinks downward. This sort of movement can occur rapidly, or gradually over time. It’s the most common type of foundation movement throughout the Front Range.
Heaving is when soil expands or thrusts upward. This sort of movement usually occurs with clay soils, in areas like Rockrimmon.

Q3: Aaron, is there a way that I can tell if a home is settling vs. heaving?
The easiest way to tell the difference is to look for a smiley house, or a frowny house. Homes experiencing settling tend to show this trait in their driveway and garage slabs first. If the area where the garage door meets the driveway has settled, it will look like the house is smiling. If the house is experiencing heave, the slabs will also show this issue. Houses with heaving tend to create a frown where the garage door meets the slab.

Q4: Which is easier to fix?
Since settling is the most common problem, it has the most “ready made” design solutions, like resistence or helical piering applications. Since these piers are in high demand, we stock a large number of them and can install an engineer’s design to repair the home pretty quickly.

Q5: So, is heaving harder to repair?
Heave is more unpredictable, not necessarily harder to repair. Because the underlying issue is swelling soil, it takes more knowledge and expertise to make sure the custom solution has accounted for the amount of heave that the soil can undergo, as well as what happens if the soil shrinks. Our engineer also has to account for things like pressure on the foundation, where the heave is occurring, whether that swelling soil has the potential to swell a lot more, how to allow for that swell, and many other factors.

Q6: What sorts of solutions are available for repairing heave?
In many cases, the best solution is to have a structured floor put in the basement, rather than constantly replacing a concrete slab. This gives the soil room to swell without disrupting the basement floor. Beyond that, we would need to look at the specific situation in order to make the best solution available.

Q7: You’ve mentioned this before, but what is the warranty situation for a piering repair?
We offer nationally backed lifetime warranties on piering projects, which are transferrable for 25 years. There is no cost to transfer the warranty and we work with sellers and buyers to make sure the warranty is understood and serves both parties.

Do you experience any of these foundation symptoms with your home? Contact Peak Basement Systems today at www.peakbasementsystems.com or [phone].

Is Peak Structural Appropriately Licensed with My Building Department

Tue, December 18 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Is Peak Structural appropriately licensed with my building department?
Yes. We obtain the proper licensing for any municipal or regional building department in which we are going to be installing a project. What's the difference? Some areas are served by municipal inspectors. Other areas are served by consolidated, county-wide departments sometimes referred to as “Regional” building departments. Anyone can throw phrases like “Licensed & Insured” on a business card. Don’t take chances– contact your local Building Department and find out.

Why does it take so long to get a permit? Can I obtain the permit myself?
In most areas, if a contractor is hired for work that requires a permit, the contractor must be licensed and registered with the local Building Department. A contractor cannot obtain a permit unless their license is current and in good standing. In cases that involve structual changes to the home, an engineer must design a plan and have that plan reviewed by the building department before they will issue a permit. In some cases, this review goes very quickly, other times, the building department may elect to do further research into the project specs and this can cause delays in obtaining the permit. Yes, you can obtain a permit only if you are performing the work on your home and you reside there. You are expected to know the applicable codes and are responsible to insure that the work passes inspections. Never obtain a permit for a contractor—this is illegal and transfers all liability for injuries and work to you.

What happens if a permit is not obtained?
If the work requires a permit and the project comes to the attention of the building authorities, a STOP WORK ORDER is issued and remains in effect until the permit is obtained– typically, after fines and/or other punitive measures are resolved. Work performed without a permit is often discovered before the resale of a home—this can impede or cancel the sale, and results in you, the homeowner, being responsible for paying fees to obtain permits and inspections to verify code compliance.

Why is it called a French Drain

Wed, December 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Doesn't it sounds slightly dirty? A French drain. Maybe Cosmo will have an article on it soon. Actually, a French drain isn't exotic, sophisticated, or a featured article topic in Cosmo.

What is a French Drain?
French drains are trenches filled with gravel and perforated pipe that are sloped and designed to move groundwater runoff away from your basement or crawlspace foundation into a sump pump. The sump pump will evacuate the water from your home through a discharge line. The whole system usually takes 3 days or so to install and is pretty much automatically expelling water with no real labor required.

Why is it called a French Drain?
The French Drain isn't native to France. It's named after it's inventor--Henry Flagg French, who literally wrote the book on farm drainage that was published in 1859.

Do you need a French Drain installed in your home? Contact Peak Basement Systems today at www.peakbasementsystems.com or (719) 260-7070.

Why Slabs and Sidewalks Crack and Buckle in 80906

Wed, December 5 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Walking through Colorado Springs in the fall is a beautiful experience! I was just recently there on a nice sunny day, walking with my friend and her 3 year old daughter. Her daughter kept tripping and falling as we walked. Mostly, it was because she wasn't watching where to put her feet, which is a must on the sidewalks around town. I asked our staff engineer why the sidewalks were so rolled and uneven. He gave me several reasons that I thought were pretty interesting. Here are the reasons slabs and sidewalks crack and buckle.

Settling
Different types of soil are affected by moisture and drying in different ways. The most common soil found in Mountain Shadows is a clay loam. This is a problem soil because when clay is wet, it holds onto the water and expands in size, when it dries, it shrinks. The "Active Zone" of soil is the top layers, where moisture and weather cause seasonal fluctuations. The active zone in Colorado Springs varies between 3 ft and 30 feet below grade depending on the area of town.

When the soil under your home shrinks or shifts, then your foundation, or parts of it, will settle. If the whole foundation settles evenly, you don't notice anything. Usually, one part of your home settles more than another part and this causes cracks in your foundation. Before your foundation cracks, you will most likely notice cracking or settling of sidewalks and slabs. These concrete pieces are a good indication that movement is occuring.

Slabs and sidewalks are barometers for foundation problems

Thu, November 29 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Since slabs and sidewalks rest directly on the "active zone" soil, they are the first elements around a home to show signs of soil movement.

Common soil conditions that manifest in slabs first:

1). Drying and shrinking of the soil
As the soil dries and shrinks, gaps form under the floor slab creating a void. Because the soil no longer supports the floor slab, the floor begins to crack and sink into the void.

2). Washout of soil
This is usually caused by heavy rain or sprinkler leaks. If the slab is in the way of a water flow, the water can wash the soil out from under the slab, creating a void. Once again, with no soil to support it, the slab cracks and sinks.

3). Poor Compaction of fill soils
During a home's construction, layers of soil are commonly moved around or spread out to get to the desired grade level. WHen the home is built, footings may be deepended to extend below weak fill soils. The slab; however, remains on the fill soils. If the fill was poorly compacted, the fill soil compresses and settles, and a void is created under the slab.

Slabs are giving you warnings If you're noticing that:
--there are cracks in the sidewalks, slabs, and floors of your property
--floors are dropping and separating from walls, forming a gap between the floor and the wall.
--interior walls are pulling down and separating from the ceiling, forming a gap between the wall and the ceiling
--walls are pulling away from other, adjacent walls
--interior wall cracks are appearing, commonly off the corners of interior doors

Sagging Floors over Crawlspaces

Thu, November 15 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Sagging floors can occur for many reasons; and, there have been several options developed over time to deal with sagging crawlspace floors. Naturally, some are old technology-style solutions and some more permenant, adjustable ones.

Concrete Columns
Concrete footings are poured throughout your crawlspace. After the concrete footings cure, concrete blocks are stacked on top of the footings, sometimes with mortar placed between the blocks. After the mortar cures, shims are placed between the uppermost concrete block and the girder for the subfloor.

Why was this used?
It was a common construction practice in the late 1940s to early 1950s and some people choose to have the failing column replaced with a replica. Other times, it's to make sure that everything matches visually. Unfortunately, this solution is really time consuming due to all the waiting for the concrete and mortar to cure. It can be quite expensive due to the time and labor involved.

Additional Shimming of Existing Supports
A temporary jack is used to lift the girder for the subfloor to make room for pieces of timber, iron, or concrete to be added between the existing column and the girder. The temporary jacks are then removed.

Why was this used?
Frankly, it's cheap and easy! The additional shims are low cost and generally of poor quality. The time and labor can be offset by using a car jack and doing it yourself. Yikes!

Light-duty Jack Post
A concrete block is laid on top of the crawlspace soil and an adjustable telepost is tightened into the girder.

Why is this used?
A light-duty jack post can be purchased at a local hardware store and installed by pretty much everyone. It's a do-it-yourselfer's ultimate weekend project and generally turns out well when properly installed.

Heavy-duty Jack Post
Heavy-duty Jack posts are installed systems where a proper pad and support are installed and an adjustable telepost is plumbed and tightened into place. Generally, these systems can handle between 50,000 and 60,000 pounds, so it can bear the loads of a modern home construction.

Why is this used?
It's generally considered to be the best solution to lift walls and floors back to their original position. The pad and support system allows for load to be transferred properly and prevent future settling as much as possible.

These heavy-duty jacks are adjustable and can easily compensate for seasonal fluctuations in older girder elasticity.

Hillside Creep in Colorado Springs

Thu, November 8 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Hillside creep is the downward progression of rock and soil down a low grade slope; it can also refer to slow deformation of such materials as a result of prolonged pressure and stress. Creep may appear to an observer to be continuous, but it really is the sum of numerous minute, discrete movements of slope material caused by the force of gravity. Friction being the primary force to resist gravity is produced when one body of material slides past another offering a mechanical resistance between the two which acts on holding objects (or slopes) in place. As slope on a hill increases, the gravitational force that is perpendicular to the slope decreases and results in less friction between the material that could cause the slope to slide.

Okay, so what does that mean for a sidewalk or slab?

Imagine that the slowly sliding hillside is moving like butter down a tilted piece of warm toast. Naturally, any crumbs on top of that dollup of butter are moving down the hill, too. If the butter is the soil and the crumb is a slab, you see how hillside creep could cause a slab to start shifting downward. Now in some cases, not all of the hillside is creeping, or one part of the slab is moving and the other isn't. The Colorado Geologic Society website says: "The rate of soil creep down a slope depends on the steepness (gradient) of the slope, water absorption and content, type of sediment and material, and lastly vegetation. The rate of creep will take into account all of these factors to decide whether or not the hillside will progress downward". Creep is what is responsible for the rounded shape of hillsides.

Water is a very important factor when discussing soil deformation and movement. For instance, a sandcastle will only stand up when it is made with damp sand. The water offers cohesion to the sand which binds the sand particles together. However, pouring water over the sandcastle destroys it. This is because the presence of too much water fills the pores between the grains with water creating a slip plane between the particles and offering no cohesion causing them to slip and slide away. This holds true for hillsides and creep as well. The presence of water may help the hillside stay put and give it cohesion, but in a very wet environment or during or after a large amount of precipitation the pores between the grains can become saturated with water and cause the ground to slide along the slip plane it creates.

Creep can also be caused by the expansion of materials such as clay when they are exposed to water. Clay expands when wet, then contracts after drying. The expansion portion pushes downhill, then the contraction results in consolidation at the new offset.

Vegetation plays a role with slope stability and creep. When a hillside contains many trees, ferns, and shrubs their roots create an interlocking network that can strengthen unconsolidated material. They also aid in absorbing the excess water in the soil to help keep the slope stable. However, they do add to the weight of the slope giving gravity that much more of a driving force to act on in pushing the slope downward. In general, though, slopes without vegetation have a greater chance of movement".

Preventing Heat Loss in Your Colorado Springs Home

Wed, October 31 2012, 00:00:00 -500

If you are having difficulty locating leaks, you may want to conduct a basic building pressurization test:

First, close all doors to the outside, windows, and fireplace flues.
Turn off all combustion appliances such as gas burning furnaces and water heaters.
Then turn on all exhaust fans (generally located in the kitchen and bathrooms) or use a large window fan to suck the air out of the rooms.

This test increases infiltration through cracks and leaks, making them easier to detect. You can use incense sticks or your damp hand to locate these leaks. If you use incense sticks, moving air will cause the smoke to waver, and if you use your damp hand, any drafts will feel cool to your hand.

The Rim-Joist is often a place homes suffer from large amounts of heat loss. There is only 1.5” of lumber covered by siding that separates you from the elements outside.

A thermal imaging sensor can be used as well, to help locate places in your home where thermal envelope is not fully enclosed and sealed.

SilverGlo Rim-Joist Insulation

Can fix the problems associated with excessive heat loss through the rim-joist. Since SilverGlo is a proprietary product, you can't just buy it off the shelf. Your local Basement Systems dealer will send someone out to give you a free estimate.

Interior Installation for Colorado Springs Foundation Repair

Mon, October 29 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Why select an interior installation for waterproofing or foundation repair?

Most homeowners ask us, "You're not going to dig up the entire outside of my home are you?!"

It's true, we're not going to--it's expensive, time consuming, and ridiculously destructive. So, if digging up the outside isn't the answer, what is? Digging up the inside! Well, we actually use jackhammers to break through the slab.

Waterproofing Basements from the Inside

By installing a drainage system around the inside of the basement along the wall, you can capture water from the floor, walls, and exterior. This prevents water from reaching the inside center of the floor.

The advantages of an inside installation are:
1. Accessibility to do the job, regardless of weather
2. More affordable than an outside system
3. Installs in a day or two
4. Easily serviceable year round

Foundation Repair from the Inside

We can pier your foundation by going through the inside of your home to install the piers. This type of pier installation is actually cheaper than digging down 8’ to your foundation wall from the outside. Not only that, but it allows us to work on your home even in winter weather conditions! You also don’t have to worry about existing landscaping.

The advantages of inside installation are:
1. Groundwater fluctuations and rainwater incursion are eliminated.
2. Landscaping damage is virtually eliminated.
3. Indoor Piering is generally cheaper than exterior piering.
4. Installation time is greatly reduced

Look familiar? Contact Peak Basement Systems today! www.peakbasementsystems.com or (719) 260-7070

2012 Basement Systems Dealer Convention Yields Awards

Wed, October 17 2012, 15:59:24 -500

Peak Basement Systems was recently honored at a meeting with close to 1,000 guests from all over the United States, Canada and the UK, at this year’s Team Basement Systems Convention.

The annual convention is held each year between Seymour, CT (Basement Systems headquarters) and Hartford, CT, and brings together dealerships of the international network for training, seminars, networking, celebration, vendor and team building events.

This year Peak Basement Systems received an award at the Team Basement Systems International Convention. Peak Basement Systems was awarded for ranking #20th in the Top 50 Foundation Supportworks Inc Dealers - Total Sales.

The high-powered event featured international motivational speaker Andy Andrews. Andrews, world-renowned speaker and author (The Travelers Gift) dazzled the crowd with his presentation highlighting personal choices and attitudes that make the difference between failure and success.

Google even had a presence at this spectacular event. Two Google representatives delivered a behind the scenes peek at how to best utilize the search engines tools for successful business results! This year, the annual flagship event was the best attended yet.

Peak Basement Systems is a certified Basement Systems dealer and Foundation Supportworks dealer specializing in basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and foundation repair in the Colorado Springs area. In metro Denver area, the Peak company offers expert foundation repair as a dealer within the Foundation Supportworks network.

Basement Systems is an international network of basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and basement finishing contractors, led by Company Founder and President, Larry Janesky. The international headquarters, based in Seymour, CT has helped homeowners reclaim their below grade space for over 20 years across the United States, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The company has 27-patented basement and crawl space products, designed to help homeowners get more out of their basements and increase their home's value.

How Much Do Foundation Repairs Cost in Colorado Springs

Wed, October 17 2012, 00:00:00 -500

How much do repairs like this cost?
Most of us have never dealt with a foundation repair before. The unknowns make it scary…Do I even want to know how much this could cost? Breathe easy. Foundation movement and repair is actually very common in Southern Colorado. Since repairs happen often, there are several competitors in the market. You win because there are more repair options and more competitive pricing available!

You said options: how many options?!
I’m glad you asked! Peak has over 50 patented products for foundation repair alone! Each system is custom designed for your home. We design systems that fit all budgets and from every scope of work. Our average cost of repair is cheaper than you think, so if you have a concern, contact us for a free evaluation.

As you can see, every project is customized for the existing conditions. These are the average repair costs for these types of jobs. It never feels good to have to spend more on a project, but our Design Specialists make sure to provide every cost efficiency possible for you.

Is there help for homeowners, buyers, and sellers to be able to afford repairs like this?
Thankfully, yes, there are all sorts of programs. We’ve all heard about 203k’s, which may or may not work for you. Another option is our 12 month same as cash financing through a third party—it’s not a home equity loan, either, so you don’t have to worry about that.

Need to schedule a FREE estimate?Contact Peak Basement Systems today at (719) 260-7070 or www.peakbasementsystems.com

5 Things to Know Before You Hire a Foundation Contractor

Thu, October 11 2012, 00:00:00 -500

It's Fall in the Front Range! From Penrose to Pueblo and everywhere in between, we're taking stock of our foundations, discovering cracks, and engaging contractors or service companies to repair them. Besides the issue of a cost of a foundation repair, we're often faced with questions regarding the companies we're dealing with. After all, your home is your largest investment and that investment deserves to be treated with respect. So, how do you know that the company you're meeting with is worth it?

We gathered some of the foremost experts in the Waterproofing and Foundation Repair industries, and their customers, to find out what to look for in a reputable contractor.

1. Do they have good standing with the BBB, in the local community and with the local building department?

It’s important to verify the standing of any service company or contractor with the BBB. Discover if complaints have been resolved, if they have increased or decreased with time, and the overall length that the company has been in business.

Check to make sure that your service company carries the proper licensure with your local building department and that your company of choice has filed for the correct permits on their projects.

Most importantly, ask your service company about their insurance--both workman’s comp and liability.

Peak Basement Systems
BBB Members since November 2003, with an A+ rating
2008 Excellence in Customer Service Award Winner with the BBB
Licensed in all major building departments, including Unlimited Class A with the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department
You receive references prior to your appointment
Members of ASHI, NARPM, and many more organizations

2. Can they provide local references for in kind services prior to an appointment?

Your home is more than just your biggest investment, it’s where you raise your family, come home to dinner, and relax after a hard day. It’s a sanctuary. You deserve a service company that will protect your home and treat it with respect. That includes putting down rugs to protect your carpet, taking measures to minimize dust in your home, and cleaning up their workspace through the day. How do you know that this happens? Call local, in-kind references from the company and find out what happened on their projects!

Peak Basement Systems is honored to be asked into your home. You will be served by uniformed, professionally trained technicians. We’ll put down rugs to keep your carpet clean, dust barriers to isolate our workspace, and clean up after ourselves daily. BUT, don’t take our word for it: Our clients rate us at a 4.66 out of a possible 5 on cleanliness and clean up practices for over two years! They rate us at a 4.83 out of 5 for the professionalism and appearance of our technicians since 2008!

"Your crew was courteous and professional and cleanup was well done. Thank you! Truly, a job well done! " ~William Hubbard, Pueblo West, CO

"I appreciated the punctuality and professionalism. I was surprised how nice you left the house. " ~Linda Lafferty, Colorado Springs, CO

"Thank you so much for really treating both of us with respect. You won the job with how you treated my wife. So many contractors were disrespectful, but you guys stood out as so professional! " ~Cliff Clarkson, Woodland Park, CO

"Your crew certainly did a fine job and each made every effort to keep from tracking dirt from the work area through the house. " ~Mr. & Mrs. Helling, Denver, CO

3. Do they have a systematic approach to evaluating your needs and desired outcomes?

A systematic approach to evaluating a property ensures that the Design Specialist doesn't miss any details. It demonstrates his commitment to diagnosing the problems and proposing the correct solutions. A reputable Design Specialist will always focus on your needs and hot button issues before offering solutions. This systematic approach to your home takes time, but it's worth it to know that you're receiving the knowledge and advice of a trained, certified professional.

4. Do they offer warranties that are nationally backed and last for a reasonable length of time?

You’re making a long term investment in your home. It’s not something that you do everyday and it’s never something to take lightly, right? Wouldn’t it be great if your service company felt the same way about you?
You deserve a service company that will stand by you. FOR LIFE. Your service company also needs to offer a transferable warranty, so you can assure future buyers that your home is resting on a solid, dry foundation--for life.

Peak Basement Systems honors our warranties. Here’s our story:

We offer a lifetime warranty to our homeowners and a FREE, fully transferrable warranty to your future buyers for 25 years. We stand by those promises.

"Dear Paul:
Thank you for the assistance of Peak with the work on our home. Your team of workers was profession and courteous during the entire process. It is never easy to watch your home having structural problems. Your company's professional attitude helped make the entire process of solving the problem easier for our family.

I also want to thank you and your company for again being professional in addressing the post work issues. They were all resolved to our complete satisfaction and our home is back to normal. Your attitude of having the job "done right" makes a big difference in today's market! Please share our gratitude wtih Tom, Chris, Aaron, and Jason.
Sincerely,
Bob Cherry"

We have returned to Mr. Cherry’s residence on five occasions since his 2007 installation to monitor his home, complete adjustments to the equipment we installed, and to bring his home’s repairs to his complete satisfaction. We also contact Mr. Cherry twice a year to check on his home and our equipment.

5. Do you have to wait for an appointment?

There are lots of home improvement contractors looking to expand their business right now and some have stepped into the specialized niche of foundation repair. It's important to know that the company you've chosen is being run by a qualified, long-term expert, who has employeed trained and certified, engineer approved design specialists. These are the foundation repair experts who can help you regain value to your home, stay within your budget, and create a repair plan that can be guaranteed for a lifetime. Anything less is just a couple of guys in a pickup, pushing steel into the ground.

One sure way to tell that a company has a long-standing, measureable level of success is that they have a plan and a process for you to walk through to get the best results--that should include a FREE evaluation of your home with a design specialist, a packet of information about the company, and educational materials to help you make informed decisions. This will mean that you probably can't have an appointment the very same day, possibly you will have to wait a little while. That wait is the signal that you're dealing with a legitimate company, who trains its own staff and never hires temporary workers to smooze you into expensive and possibly unnecessary repairs. You need an expert and experts schedule appointments in advance, so you can meet with them and have their undivided, professional attention to every detail in your home.

In most cases, reputable companies should have a process to get you taken care of quickly--in some cases that might be a "Move Up" list, where you can be contacted if another client cancels and possibly take their appointment time and date. You should also be able to get a priority scheduling for your real estate transactions and water intrusion issues.

Crawlspaces, Cold Floors, and Condensation in Colorado Springs

Wed, September 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

The air is turning crisp. Starbucks has reintroduced their Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Hersey Kisses are available in autumn colors. The aspens are turning in

the high country. These are all signs of winter's impending visit to our Rocky Mountains.

What does this mean for those of us with crawlspaces?

Cold Floors.

There are two things that occur during Autumn's onset that make your floors cold:
1. Hydrostatic Pressure
2. Outdoor temperatures are lower, leading to condensation.

Why are the floors so cold?

The reason that your floors are cold is that the outdoor air is being sucked into your Crawlspace. The cold floor causes you to turn on the heat, which

causes cold outdoor air to meet warm indoor air at floor level. This leads to condensation on your subfloor, which increases the coldness of your floors. It

also leads to bending, squeaking, bowing, and rubberiness of main level floors.

Cold floors and the accompanying energy inefficiencies can be remedied regardless of weather.

It's best to get them fixed prior to turning on the heat, but it's never too late. These remedies will also ensure that you don't end up needing to perform

repairs on your subfloor, additional bracing or beams, or other structural remediation.

What do I do about my floors?
Avoid:
Rolled insulation against the subfloor
This insulation will trap moisture, leading to mold problems, poor indoor air quality, and even colder floors.

Best Option:
Encapsulation, or sealing off your crawlspace from the outside air fluctuations.
Peak offers several levels of protection to meet your exact needs and budget

Level 1: Crawlspace Encapsulation—seals the crawlspace and keeps outdoor air out
Level 2: Crawlspace Heatbloc Encapsulation—seals crawlspace and increases heat retention, reflecting it up to the subfloor
Level 3: Crawlspace Terrabloc Insulation—seals crawlspace and provides all around insulation.

Call us today for a FREE estimate and to learn more about keeping your heating costs low and your floors warm!
Peak Basement Systems
(719) 260-7070
www.peakbasementsystems.com
on Facebook: /peakbasement
on Twitter: #peakbasement

Peak Basement Systems feeds 100 Hungry Families for a Week with Feed the Children

Thu, September 20 2012, 16:07:53 -500

Colorado Springs, CO--Peak Basement Systems just entered into a business benefactor relationship with 1460 AM KZNT and Feed the Children to provide an entire week's worth of meals to 100 local hungry children and their families.

Feed The Children's Americans Feeding Americans Caravan has already reached more than 400,000 families in communities hit hard by the economic downturn. But many of our neighbors are still forced to choose between feeding their families or paying their utility bills.

That's why Feed The Children is continuing its caravan of semi tractor-trailers full of nutritious food and essentials to families who are finding it difficult to cope with the rising costs of food, fuel and health care.

Peak took the opportunity to help keep the Caravan rolling by providing food to American families suffering from financial struggles.

Peak Basement Systems' donation will feed 100 children and their families for an entire week!

Who is Feed the Children?
Founded in 1979, Feed The Children is consistently ranked as one of the largest international charities in the U.S., based on private, non-government support. Feed The Children is an international, nonprofit relief organization with headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to individuals, children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty or natural disasters. In FY 2011, Feed The Children distributed more than 104 million pounds of food and other essentials to children and their families in all 50 states and internationally.

Who is Peak Basement Systems?Founded in 2000, Peak Basement Systems is a Colorado Springs-based residential foundation repair, waterproofing, and crawlspace encapsulation service company. As a part of an international network of over 300 of the best basement and foundation contractors with the best products and warranties. Peak has consistently maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado, receiving their coveted Excellence in Customer Service Award in 2008. They have never received a complaint and have consistently been recognized as customer-centered local business. Paul Sutton, Owner and General Manager, has created a dynamic company that utilizes the latest technology to bring customers the best, longest lasting engineered solutions for their home repair needs.

5 Indications Swelling Soil is Impacting Your Southern Colorado Home

Wed, September 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Potential Problems with Expansive Soils

Expansive soils can place extraordinary pressure on your foundation—as much pressure as 10 women exert by standing on each other’s shoulders, balancing on a single stiletto.

This pressure can cause permanent damage if not remedied.
Some indications that you are dealing with expansive soils are:

1. Foundation cracks;
2. Heaving and cracking of floor slabs and walls;
3. Jammed doors and windows;
4. Ruptured pipelines; and
5.Heaving and cracking of sidewalks and roads

If you are experiencing any of these problems, it’s important to be proactive. The longer that expansive soils exert pressure on your foundation, the more costly and difficult fixing those problems can be.Contact our Foundation Experts today for a FREE evaluation at (719) 260-7070 or www.peakbasementsystems.com

11 Signs that Mine Subsidence is affecting your home's foundation in Colorado Springs

Fri, September 7 2012, 00:00:00 -500

The signs of a shifting foundation are not difficult to spot if you know what to look for. It might be that surface subsidence caused by underground mining is causing some of the foundation damage your home is experiencing. Subsidence may occur regardless of the age of the mine, the depth, or how much coal was mined or was left behind.

The presence of any of the following signs indicates that structural damage has probably already occurred in your home.

1. Windows and doors are sticking, hard to open
2. Multiple nail pops are appearing in ceilings and walls
3. There are large gaps in window and door frames
4. Window and/or door trim are developing spaces
5. Floors are starting to settle and become uneven
6. Bowed or leaning basement walls
7. Cracks in your foundation walls
8. Interior plaster walls are cracking
9. Chimneys are tilting or leaning
10 Foundations are sinking
11. Cracks in your basement walls

Do you have reason to suspect surface subsidence under your home? Call Peak Basement Systems at [phone] or visit us online at http://www.peakbasementsystems.com or like us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/peakbasement

How Much is Too Much to Pay for Foundation Repair in Colorado Springs

Tue, August 28 2012, 00:00:00 -500

How much is too much to spend on foundation repair? Half of your home's value? --submitted by Terra on the Peak Basement Fanpage

That's a great question, Terra. Honestly, how much spend depends on several factors, some of which have more to do with your goals and your plans than with the scope of the foundation repair.

For instance:

1. How long you plan on living in the home

In many cases, homeowners may decide to repair a foundation issue sooner because they plan on living in the home for a long period of time and altering that home in some way. If the foundation is experiencing movement, it's best to stablize before considering major home remodelling like finishing a basement or redoing a kitchen.

2. What your needs are for a return on you investment to your home if you plan on selling

If your home is currently experiencing movement, that impacts your home's value and ability to be sold. In the event that you need to sell your home for full market value, or close to it, then you will need to repair the foundation in order to acheive that price point. Unfortunately, if the foundation is damaged to the point that it does cost half of your home's value to repair, then you may need to offer around that much less for your home to sell it. At that point, I recommend consulting an experienced Realtor to help walk you through your options.

Foundation problems are required by law to be disclosed to buyers on your Seller's Property Disclosure form. Foundation problems are just cause for underwriters to refuse to approve a mortgage and for homeowner's insurance to refuse to insure a property. These factors can contribute to how you address a foundation repair problem. Most buyers, underwriters, and insurance underwriters will require the foundation repair work be completed by a licensed foundation repair company, come with an engineer letter stating the property has been repaired as specified, and that the repairs carry a viable warranty against further movement.

3. If the repairs can prioritized or staged

4. Your personal tolerance for the imperfections if you don't select a full repair

5. Safety

When your foundation is severely damaged, there is a certain level of concern for the safety of your family. It's best to have a qualified Design Specialist or Foundation Engineer out to take a look and help you work through your concerns. If you believe your home is no longer safe, have someone assess it and help you through your options.

We'd be happy to review these concerns personally. Please contact our office or call [phone]. We look forward to hearing from you.

Join the conversation on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/peakbasement

Peak Basement Systems' Director of Marketing Participates in Color Run to Benefit Waldo Canyon Fire Victims

Thu, August 16 2012, 11:31:56 -500

Colorado Springs, CO--It's the Happiest 5K on the Planet and it came to the Pikes Peak International Raceway to inspire, engage, and encourage victims of the Waldo Canyon Fire. On Saturday, August 10th, Peak Basement Systems' own Director of Marketing and Business Development, Cassi Sherman ran in the Color Run. It was more than a timed race, or just another 5k. Participants were sprayed, doused, and powdered with a nontoxic, neon color at each kilometer along the way.

To add to the fun and excitement, runners are encouraged to form teams, wear colorful costumes, and have a fabulously good time around town afterward.

(Prerace, the costumes included crazy sunglasses and headbands)

Cassi's team was founded and lead by her sister, Kelly Schabinger. They formed Team "Shhh!" with Cassi and her husband, Aaron, Kelly and her husband, Chris, and their father, Dan. To add to the excitement of the event, Cassi was 17 weeks pregnant and this was her first 5K!

(Cassi, bedecked in neon, sporting her baby bump)

The Color Run raised money to benefit the victims of the Waldo Canyon Fire, which destroyed over 300 homes, and left countless others in desperate need of repair and restoration. Cassi and Peak Basement Systems have been assisting homeowners with education and resources on foundation repair plans available to them after the fire.

Cassi said, "It really was the Happiest 5K on the Planet! No one cared what their time was--we were all just out here to support our friends and neighbors who were affected by the fire. It was great to see the community come together to support such a worthy cause! We're definitely in this for life--bring on the next Color Run!"

For more information on the race, check out:

http://www.gazette.com/articles/run-143140-color-fair.html

http://thecolorrun.com/colorado-springs/

Homes in the Evacuated Areas of Waldo Canyon Suffer Concrete Foundation Damage

Thu, August 16 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Fire fighting efforts saved many homes!

Helicopter water drops to prevent fire loss as well as fire fighters who just refused to quit saved homes in the path of the Waldo Canyon Wildfire. According to Gazette.com, fire fighters arrived in Waldo Canyon just ahead of the 68 miles an hour wind gusts.Their heroic efforts to save as many homes as they could are recorded in the July 9th Gazette.com post. Waldo Canyon homeowners are grateful to the fire fighters!

Now the BIG Question for many Waldo Canyon homeowners’ is:
How badly is my Concrete foundation damaged?

Many Waldo Canyon homeowners are now facing grave concerns as they return to rebuild or repair their homes. The answer to how badly concrete foundations are damaged depends upon certain conditions.

a. The amount of water and fire retardant that was introduced into the soil. This water has seeped into the foundation as well as the soils around the concrete foundation and cause flood-like water intrusion.

b. The heat from the fire. Home concrete foundation inspections are necessary as the rebuilding and repairs to the Waldo Canyon homes get under way. Each concrete foundation inspection will examine the structural integrity of the foundation that suffered the intense fire and heat from the Waldo Canyon Wildfire.

c. The loss of the above grade structure. The loss of the above grade structure exposed the concrete foundation to greater heat extremes as well as water intrusion.

Water intrusion can lead to settling and settling is a real problem. Peak can stabilize and lift the concrete foundation. Foundation piering is the solution. Piers will be strategically placed according to engineered specifications along the settled areas. Our piers systems are designed according to the criteria outlined by the ICC and are manufactured with the strictest tolerances in the industry. This is a permanent solution for a settled concrete foundation that has a lifetime warranty that is transferable as well.

Another problem that Waldo Canyon homeowner’s may face with rebuilding or repair is called heave.

The underlying problem with heave is swelling soil and the amount of expansion or swelling that has or will occur as well as future soil shrinkage. Of course where the heave is occurring is important to determine as well. A custom solution for heave needs to account for these conditions as well as the impact the pressure of the heaving has on the concrete foundation.

Be careful when considering mudjacking as a solution. Mudjacking could potentially blow out concrete foundation walls in some circumstances. Some people just keep replacing the concrete floor slab. However, in many cases, the best solution is to install a structured floor rather than constantly replacing the concrete floor slab. This solution gives the soil room to swell without disrupting the basement floor.
Peak Basement Systems has been serving the Waldo Canyon area for over a decade and is familiar with our Waldo Canyon soils. Call Peak today and one of our System Design Specialists will meet with you and inspect your concrete foundation with you and provide you with the best solution. This is a free, no obligation, inspection.

Call Peak Basement Systems today. We will listen to your concerns and your needs and will immediately implement a plan of action to get your foundation inspection, rebuild or repairs under way.
For Concrete Foundation Inspections. Contact Peak Basement Systems at [phone] or go to www.peakbasementsystems.com.
Like us at www.facebook.com/peakbasement or connect with us on twitter: #PeakBasement Peak is located at 723 S. Sierra Madre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Healing and restoration begins with a strong, sure foundation upon which to rebuild a better tomorrow! Peak Basement Systems pledges to be here for our Waldo Canyon community, for each and every homeowner. Connect with us today for a free foundation inspection.

Post Waldo Canyon Fire Foundation Inspections

Tue, August 7 2012, 00:00:00 -500

On June 23, 2012, the Waldo Canyon Wildfire, the worst in Colorado history, began. Fully contained by Tuesday night, July 10th, the Waldo Canyon Wildfire destroyed 18,247 acres. Damage reports are still coming in from the Waldo Canyon Wildfire.

On July 12th, the local chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers reported on the damages sustained in the Waldo Canyon Wildfire: 346 homes burned. Due to the fire, 3000 plus homeowners and tenants were displaced. Reports of homes suffering smoke and heat damage are still pouring in as people return to their homes.

Foundation Engineer Reports

Building officials are requiring foundation certifications in order to rebuild on existing foundations. Inspections will be necessary as well as engineer reports. Our Local Engineers are hard at work providing Waldo Canyon homeowners with engineer reports. Engineer reports provide a need analysis. Engineer reports do not provide the cost of repairs. Peak provides the expertise the Waldo Canyon homeowners deserve.

Peak Basement Systems Can Utilize Existing Engineer Reports

Peak can utilize existing engineer reports to provide the cost of repairs. Peak can meet with Waldo Canyon homeowners on site to discuss your engineer report. Peak can schedule over the phone consultations for you with one of our certified System Design Specialists.

If you have been displaced by the Waldo Canyon Wildfire, Peak can set an appointment to meet with you in our office to provide a cost of the rebuild or repairs based upon your engineer report recommendations. We are right off of I-25, just south of downtown Colorado Springs.

Peak is here to help with engineer reports and cost analysis for Waldo Canyon homeowner to rebuild and repair!
Peak is the foundation expert for the Waldo Canyon community. Local engineers, contractors, investors, and realtors here in the Waldo Canyon area trust Peak to provide expert and timely response involving a cost of repair from engineer reports.

Peak has been actively serving the Waldo Canyon Area for over a decade. We are acutely aware of the soil conditions and the weather concerns that are unique to Waldo Canyon.

Contact Peak Basement Systems. We’re located at 723 S. Sierra Madre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. You can contact us at (719) 260-7070 or go to www.peakbasementsystems.com Like us at www.facebook.com/peakbasement or connect with us on twitter: #PeakBasement. Healing and restoration begins with a strong, sure foundation upon which to rebuild a better tomorrow! Peak Basement Systems pledges to be here for our Waldo Canyon community, for each and every homeowner.

Post Waldo Canyon Fire Foundation Concerns

Tue, July 31 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Fire Inspections Post-fire fire for fire damaged home foundations in the Waldo Canyon area.
Homes in the Evacuated Areas Suffer Foundation Damage.
Many home foundations were heavily damaged by the intense heat as well as the fire. Peak Basement Systems has received phone calls by our local engineers, and homeowners with concerns for foundation inspections post-fire for foundations damaged by the fire and intense heat the fire caused.
Fire fighting efforts saved many homes!
Helicopter water drops to prevent fire loss as well as fire fighters who just refused to quit saved homes in the path of the Waldo Canyon Wildfire. According to Gazette.com, fire fighters arrived in Waldo Canyon just ahead of the 68 miles an hour wind gusts, Their heroic efforts to save as many homes as they could are recorded in the July 9th Gazette.com post. Waldo Canyon homeowners are grateful to the fire fighters!
Building officials are requiring foundation certifications in order to rebuild on existing foundations.

Home foundations inspections are necessary as the rebuilding and repairs to the Waldo Canyon homes get under way. Each foundation inspection will examine the structural integrity of the foundation that suffered the intense fire and heat from the Waldo Canyon Wildfire.

Peak is ready to help!

We can work with homeowners to provide foundation inspections. Peak can utilize existing engineer reports to provide the cost of repairs as well as meet onsite or meet with displaced homeowners in our office. Peak is located at 723 S. Sierra Madre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Peak Basement Systems has been actively serving the Waldo Canyon Area for over a decade. As Peak performs foundations inspections, we are acutely aware of the soil conditions and the weather concerns that are unique to the Waldo Canyon area as well as the concerns for the integrity of foundations that encountered the extreme heat and fire damage of the Waldo Canyon Wildfire.

Now that homeowners return and survey the damages cause by the Waldo Canyon Fire, the BIG question is: Do I need a foundation inspection?
Here are reasons to have a foundation inspection before you rebuild or repair. If you can say yes to any of these queries, you do..
a. Yes, you will need a foundation inspection if you believe your home may have sustained damage from the fire.
b. Yes, you will need a foundation inspection if you notice cracking, settling, bowing, or bending of foundation walls.
c. Yes, you will need a foundation inspection if your structure was destroyed or compromised and you wish to rebuild on your existing foundation.

Call Peak Basement Systems today. We will listen to your concerns and your needs and will immediately implement a plan of action to get your foundation inspection, rebuild or repairs under way.
For Foundation Inspections
Contact Peak Basement Systems at (719) 260-7070 or go to www.peakbasementsystems.com Like us at www.facebook.com/peakbasement or connect with us on twitter: #PeakBasement Peak is located at 723 S. Sierra Madre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Foundation Repair and Mudjacking in Colorado Springs, Part 3

Thu, July 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Aaron, Peak talks quite a bit about the "Inside vs. Outside Rule". What is that?

A good rule of thumb for knowing who to call is the Outside vs. Inside rule. Generally, Mud jackers specialize in exterior slabs, walkways, patios, and sidewalks. These are nonstructural elements that are naturally prone to settling, sagging, and cracking over time. Mud jackers are specially equipped to work with flatwork problems like this. Foundation Repair Companies, on the other hand, specialize on interior poured concrete or block structures. They have specialized equipment to determine where and how a foundation is moving and can provide long term solutions with 25+ year warranties .

I've also heard you use the "Attached or Not Rule". What does that mean?

Another good rule is the "Attached or Not" rule. If the uneven element is attached to the house, like a front porch or basement wall, then it's best to contact a Foundation Repair Company. If the element is not attached to the home, like front steps, sidewalks, or walkways, then you can contact a mud jacker.

What if I'm still confused and I don't know whether I need a mudjacker or a foundation repair company?

The nice part about Mud jacking and Foundation Repair Companies is that they work really well together. In many cases, they are able to get their individual portions of a project done at the same time, so you have less downtime and mess!

Foundation Repair and Mudjacking in Colorado Springs Part 2

Wed, July 18 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Aaron, who do you recommend for an uneven sidewalk? Why?

Definitely a Mud jacking Company. Because sidewalks are not structural in nature. They are slabs and can be removed, replaced, or leveled without requiring a permit. In most cases, adding leveling injections (the fancy term for mud jacking) will not cause further risk to the stability of a sidewalk. In fact, leveling injections were designed for exactly this type of work. Also, sidewalk repair and replacement post-injection is pretty painless, so you're risk and investment are low.

Who do you recommend for an uneven basement floor? Why?

Definitely a Foundation Repair Company. A basement floor is the barometer for the overall stability of your foundation. If you're seeing sinking, or bulging, it means there is expansive soil at work on your foundation. Additionally, adding leveling injections here will increase the thickness of the basement slab, making it harder to crack. This can cause larger issues with your foundation walls later on if movement is present there.

What about uneven driveways? Should I have you come out to look at them?

Mud jacking Company all the way! Driveways are at the mercy of sun, wind, rain, snow, and uneven weight distribution. These factors cause the slabs to settle unevenly. Mud jackers have the knowledge and technology to repair these problems quickly and inexpensively. It's their number one service to clients!

However, driveways can be good signs that the foundation is under stress, too, so if you see a moving driveway, check the foundation for bowing or cracking.

What about An Uneven Patio?

Depends on Direction of Settling. You want to select a Foundation Repair Company if the patio has settled toward the home, has a cover on it, and is attached to the house and/or is very thick. This means that water has been running into your foundation and activating the soil surrounding it. Patios that have settled toward homes are often the precursor to discovering bulging or bowing basement walls. Select a Mud jacking Company if the slab has settled away from the foundation because this is probably natural settlement over time and has most likely not impacted the foundation's stability.

Foundation Repair and Mudjacking in Colorado Springs

Wed, July 11 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Q1: Aaron, tell me about the difference between a mudjacking company and a foundation repair company?

A Mud jacking Company relevels slabs of concrete by injecting a leveling compound. They bore a hole in the slab, then attach specialized equipment that forces leveling compound under the slab. A Foundation Repair Company uses engineered solutions to return a home's foundation to level condition. This is usually accomplished through deep foundation piering or resistance piering, wall anchoring, or other engineer approved designs

Q2: Do foundation repair companies do mudjacking?

Foundation Repair companies, like Peak, deal almost exclusively with the structural elements of a home and work within the rigorous standards of local building departments, including solutions that have long-term warranties. They will either employ a third party engineer, or have engineering staff and design staff in office to create repair systems. Foundation Repair Companies are the foundation repair and maintenance experts, they usually do not do mudjacking since it is not a permenant solution.

Update on rebuilding and re-occupation efforts in Waldo Canyon Fire affected areas

Tue, July 3 2012, 00:00:00 -500

As a part of the Foundation Repair and Engineering Industries, we have been attempting to gain as much insight as possible into the next few weeks of re-occupation and rebuilding in the areas affected by the Waldo Canyon Fire.

We have learned that Engineering Inspections will be required to re-occupy your home. Here at Peak, we are happy to assist you with these services and more.

Here is the latest release from the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department:

In response to the catastrophic fire in Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Regional Building Department will
use the following scenarios to assist those who lost or suffered damage to their home. Any one of the
following 4 scenarios may be used when applicable. Upon completion of the scope of work defined for
a permit associated with scenario 1; 2 or 3, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued. No Certificate of
Occupancy will be issued for a permit using scenario 4. Please contact Mindy Stuemke @ 327-2903 or
Bob Croft@ 327-2914 to discuss if these scenarios will not work for your particular situation.

1. Use of existing foundation, same house:

If Regional Building has the original plans, the only document required will be a letter from a
licensed engineer stating that existing foundation is acceptable for rebuild. RBD will issue, at a
minimum fee, a demolition permit for removal of fire debris. This permit is required to monitor
removal activity and be sure fall protection is installed around the open foundation as required
by code(2011 PPRBC). The single family dwelling shell can be constructed according to the plans
on file with the issuance of a new remodel permit (434). The permit cost will be based on the
cost of square footage with attachments for Electrical/Mechanical and Plumbing trades at a
minimum fee. The interior finish portion of the house may not be required to meet all current
structural or design criteria of the 2009 IRC, but will be required to meet all life/ safety
requirements and other design provisions that benefit the owner such as, but not limited to,
State Electrical Code, smoke and CO detectors, energy conservation, etc.

2. Non-use of existing foundation, same house:

If Regional Building has the original plans, the documentation required will be a letter from a
licensed engineer stating that foundation is not safe for rebuild and submittal of a new
foundation plan for review/approval. RBD will issue a wrecking permit at a minimum fee for
total removal of foundation and all fire debris. This permit is required to monitor removal
activity and to be sure the foundation excavation is backfilled or protected according to code
(2011 PPRBC). With this option, a new single family dwelling permit (101) will be issued based
on the cost of square footage and no other trades will need to attach, this will be a universal
permit. The construction of the foundation must comply with all applicable provisions of the
2009 IRC. Inspections may be made by the engineer of record. The remaining portion of the
structure located above the foundation may be constructed as outlined in # 1 above.

3. Building new home (different from original) at existing location:

Process will be the same as any new single family dwelling plan/ permit submittal currently in
place. http://www.pprbd.org/plancheck/PLCK_RESGuide_2012.pdf One set of plans,
including engineered foundation, site plan, all construction docs and duct design components to
comply with 2009 IRC.

4. Repair of existing structure due to fire damage:

Process will be the same as any remodel for an existing residential structure.

Foundation Repair Cost In Colorado Springs Part 2

Thu, June 28 2012, 00:00:00 -500

In the first of this two part series we looked at what your foundation problem is costing you right now. Next we will discuss the cost of getting your foundation repaired and how to make that affordable.

Now let’s look at the cost of foundation repair.

The most commonly asked questions concerning foundation repair are:

1. How much is this going to cost me?

The cost for repair is often far less than you would expect. We do not expect you to know all the factors that enter into the cost of the project. That is why we offer free, no cost, no obligation appointments here in the Colorado Springs area.

2. Can you give me a ballpark?

Ball parks can be done for "one size fits all" type of products and procedures. Is that what is best for you and your concerns? We, at Peak, do not think so. That is why we have over 25 patented products and any one of our System Design Specialists can work with you to design the right solution for your needs. By the way, they are always out of the office working with people onsite.

Each of our specialists typically sees roughly 300 properties each and every year; and, understands our expansive and hydro-compactable soils unique to our Colorado Springs and Front Range area. The best way to get a hold of one of one of our techs – have them come out to your home to see all of what is involved with your home’s foundation issue. They look at all sorts of things such as: your soil, the type of house, the era the house was built, where the foundation issue is occurring, etc. etc.. For example, if you need piers: choosing a push pier or helical pier depends upon many factors. Spacing of the piers is important and that changes due to situational and individual circumstances at every home as well. Each of our products is designed for a specific solution to address specific problem.

We have daytime, evening and weekend appointments available.

Having one of our System Design Specialists come onsite takes all the guess- itmating out and provides you with an accurate, guaranteed price based on a specific solution to address all of the concerns you have.

3. I do not want an appointment. Can you help me with some questions I have?
First of all, call Peak with your questions and concerns. We can certainly help you with those. We will listen to you. If your concern is something we can help you with, we will. If there is someone else who is better suited to work with your concern, we will not pretend that we do.

We wil do our best to re-direct you to the right person. Recently, Jayne connected with us because she had a wet, damp area of her foundation. Jayne confessed that she was afraid her house would float away; and, turned to us first. As I listened to her concerns, she mentioned that her water bill had also sky rocketed in the last month. We could have certainly come out and helped her with the dampness in her foundation. However, her more immediate need was to find the leak and stop the water loss. I directed her to call her sprinkler company first since she had just had the sprinklers turned on for the summer. Then, perhaps call a plumber if the problem was not with the sprinkler system. Jayne agreed that this was the best plan and thanked me for listening to all her concerns. If, she does need us, Jayne will call us back.

4. Is there help for homeowners, buyers, and sellers to be able to afford repairs like this?
Thankfully, yes, there are all sorts of programs. We’ve all heard about 203k’s, which may or may not work for you. Some refinancing options are available through lenders with the cost of remodeling, etc. built in which is a better option to a second mortgage with typically higher interest rates. Another option is our 6 month same as cash financing through a third party—it’s not a home equity loan, either, so you don’t have to worry about that.

Foundation Repair Cost In Colorado Springs

Tue, June 19 2012, 00:00:00 -500

How Much Does A Foundation Repair Cost? Part One

First, let's look at what it is costing you right now since you have a current foundation problem. Next, in part 2, we will discuss the cost of getting your foundation repaired and how to make that affordable. These are the common things we hear when someone calls us to come out to check out their home’s foundation. So, if anything sounds familiar, let’s talk further!

How much is this foundation repair going to cost me? Great Question! I am going to answer this question in a 2 part series. First, let's look at what it is costing you right now since you have a current foundation problem. Next, in part 2, we will discuss the cost of getting your foundation repaired and how to make that affordable. These are the common things we hear when someone calls us to come out to check out their home’s foundation. So, if anything sounds familiar, let’s talk further!

1. The foundation's condition interferes with being able to redecorate our home? Many contractors realize that if there is a foundation problem, the work that they will be doing will be adversely affected. Painting or putting in a new floor, new windows, siding, etc. cannot be done because the foundation repair must happen first.

2. Does your current foundation’s condition prevent you from remodeling too? According to Remodeling Magazine's report 2009-2010, a basement remodel has an added property value of more than 75% per the dollar investment for the remodel. Not being able to remodel and increase the amount of square footage of livable space not only affects your plans and comfort; it affects your property value. Additionally, these days, that basement remodel makes more room and more “cents” than trading up to a different home.

3. Is your house on the market and the condition of your foundation has people walking or running away due what they see? A foundation repair restores property values along with great transferable warranties. We get lots of calls from potential buyers who are very nervous about what they are buying. In May, we heard from a recent Colorado Springs homeowner who said: “The excellent work allowed us to sell our home 36 hours after listing for full price! Thank you all so much!”

4. It costs to put off repairs. Putting off a foundation repair can make for a more costly repair down the road. Conditions of the foundation continue to deteriorate more and cost of repair goes up over the years. Once you have a stable foundation, your property value increases. Often we hear from people who wished they had called sooner.

Basement Flooding In Colorado From Massive Hail And Rain Storm

Wed, June 13 2012, 00:00:00 -500

On June 6th, a severe thunderstorm settled over the Colorado Springs Area.

For hours it cycled and the hail grew to the size of baseballs. Heavy rains also fell totaling 2 to 4 inches in 2 hours. In many areas, the water currents were at waist high depth. Those currents carried the hail in waves and deposited the hail in frozen drifts along their routes. People were trapped in their cars and needed to be rescued. The cars were covered with water and frozen drifts of hail that looked much like snow drifts but much more serious. Others were trapped in their homes as surface water flooded in from garden and basement windows, window wells and patio doors. Front end loaders were used to scoop up the frozen drifts of hail on the streets and in parking lots. The hail and water destroyed many cars; as well as, many homes and business experienced major water damage.

Calls for help continue to come into Peak Basement Systems as owners begin to prepare for the next rain storm. If you need help call [company]

Please click here to watch our video:

Basement Problems Resulting from Huge Rain in Colorado Springs

Fri, June 8 2012, 00:00:00 -500

With the huge rain that we experienced in Colorado Springs, it's not surprising that we're encountering higher humidity levels in basements throughout the area.

Since air flows upward into the upper levels of your home from the basement, it brings the humidity from the basement with it. The effects on your home can include:

-Dust mites (the number one indoor allergen)

-Sticking (swollen) doors and windows

-Smelly, damp carpets

-Buckling hardwood floors

-Condensation/rotting/mold in rafters/attic due to humid air escaping into the attic and condensing against the cooler rafters

-Frost or condensation and mold inside of windows as the cooler temperatures settle in at night

-Increased cooling bills (damp air takes more energy to cool)

-Increased heating bills (damp air takes more energy to heat)

-Mold in subfloors and carpet padding

-Decreased life of roof shingles and sheathing

-Decreased life of paint within and without the house

-Aggravated asthma and allergies

The damage to the basement itself is usually easy to spot. You will notice degenerated subfloors, cracked concrete, warped subfloors, and if the laundry facilities are in the basement (like mine are), you will notice that your dryer has a shorter lifespan because it has to work harder to dry clothes.

Sandy Soil in Briargate and Peyton

Tue, May 29 2012, 00:00:00 -500

I've been thinking a lot about sand recently. Maybe I'm looking forward to a vacation, or maybe it's because I'm seeing it more often as people are re-landscaping yards in Briargate. Briargate, Falcon, and Peyton are our most recognizable areas consisting of sandy soil.

Sand is composed of local soil breakdown from rivers:
--Brairgate is newer river sediment
--Peyton is old ocean sediment

The sand in Brairgate is very similar to the yellow sand that you find in A sandbox. It's pretty uniform in size and shape with medium sized particles that look like ground up granite and quartz. It's basically washed up sediment from the mountains. This soil tends to sink rapidly when water is introduced and drain well--the main concern is where the water is draining to. Often, the water becomes trapped under your home where the sand has compressed into sandstone and is not as permeable as the granulated stuff on the surface.

Peyton has a loamy sand soil, which is less uniform in composition and is made up of broken down materials from ancient lake and ocean life. Over many years, that sand has mixed together with wind blown particles of very fine clay like soil called loam. Together, these elements create a situation where both heave and settling can occur almost simultaneously.

Impact on us
Sandy soils are generally not a big problem until water is either abundant or scarce. Fluctuations between the two are problematic. If your foundation begins to show signs of cracking and/or sloping, it's a good idea to have a foundation specialist check out everything to make sure your home isn't moving.

Sandy Soil in Briargate and Peyton

Thu, May 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

The last soil condition you mentioned at the start of today was hydrocompactible, what is that?
It’s basically SAND. Sand particles are larger and heavier than clay and tend to settle out of even fast moving water quickly. In fact, bands of sand are the skeletons of old riverbeds. For instance, if you look at the satellite images on Google of the areas around Woodman Rd, you can still see where rivers used to be.

What issues occur with foundations in sandy soil?
The largest concern is settling during spring melt, heavy rain, or with plumbing problems. Pretty much any time you introduce water into hydro-compactible soil, it settles rapidly and unevenly.

Cost of Foundation Repair in Colorado Springs

Mon, May 21 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Q1: How much do repairs like this cost? I’m glad you asked! Peak has over 50 patented products for foundation repair alone! Each system is custom designed for your home. I design systems that fit all budgets and from every scope of work. Our average cost of repair is cheaper than you think, so if you have a concern, contact me for a free evaluation. Q2: Is there help for homeowners, buyers, and sellers to be able to afford repairs like this? Thankfully, yes, there are all sorts of programs. We’ve all heard about 203k’s, which may or may not work for you. Another option is our 12 month same as cash financing through a third party—it’s not a home equity loan, either, so you don’t have to worry about that. co

Mine Subsidence and Other Soil Concerns on the Westside

Tue, May 15 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Q1. Aaron, we’re talking about the Westside of Colorado Springs in connection with expansive soil, isn’t there a concern about old abandoned coal mines in that area, too?
Yes, the two issues actually go hand in hand. The same ancient processes that created swaths of expansive soil also led to the perfect conditions for coal to be created. Anywhere that there’s an ancient lakebed, you’ll usually find coal.

Q2. Is it possible to know specifically if a certain house is at risk?
Yes, Cassi, in fact, you can call the Mine Subsidence Information Center at 1-800-44-MINES and give them a property address and they’ll give you all the information you could want.

Q3. If I already own a home and I find out it’s at risk, is there anything I can do?
I’d recommend having someone come out and check over the foundation, often times, the problem is resulting from the swelling soil. It’s also a good idea to contact the MSIC about Mine Subsidence Insurance for your home.

Q4. The last soil condition you mentioned at the start of today was hydrocompactible, what is that?
It’s basically SAND. Sand particles are larger and heavier than clay and tend to settle out of even fast moving water quickly. In fact, bands of sand are the skeletons of old riverbeds. For instance, if you look at the satellite images on Google of the areas around Woodman Rd, you can still see where rivers used to be.

Q5. What issues occur with foundations in sandy soil?
The largest concern is settling during spring melt, heavy rain, or with plumbing problems. Pretty much any time you introduce water into hydro-compactible soil, it settles rapidly and unevenly.

Colorado Springs Foundation Repair Answers

Fri, May 11 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Q:What about mudjacking, can that fix my settling foundation?
A good rule of thumb for knowing who to call is the Outside vs. Inside rule. Generally, Mudjackers specialize in exterior slabs, walkways, patios, and sidewalks. These are nonstructural elements that are naturally prone to settling, sagging, and cracking over time. Mudjackers are specially equipped to work with flatwork problems like this. Foundation Repair Companies, on the other hand, specialize on interior poured concrete or block tructures. They have specialized equipment to determine where and how a foundation is moving and can provide long term solutions with 25+ year warranties. Another good rule is the "Attached or Not" rule. If the uneven element is attached to the house, like a front porch or basement wall, then it's best to contact a Foundation Repair Company. If the element is not attached to the home, like front steps, sidewalks, or walkways, then you can contact a mudjacker. The nice part about Mudjacking and Foundation Repair Companies is that they work really well together. In many cases, they are able to get their individual portions of a project done at the same time, so you have less downtime and mess!

Q: How long does a foundation repair last for?
The quick and easy answer is the lifetime of your home. Piering your entire foundation is considered a permenant solution. Fix it and forget it.

Q: Do you have warranties for something like that?
Most Americans change residences, for one reason or another, every 3-5 years. When the transaction occurs, foundation repairs must be disclosed to the new buyers. Even if your home’s foundation issues are completely resolved, a buyer will still want protection against possible future problems. That’s why it’s important for the company you choose to warranty the home—regardless of who lives in it. “Lifetime” warranties are great, but if they are non-transferrable, they may prove, in real experience, to actually provide just a few years of protection and bring you no value whatsoever when it comes time to sell the home.

Ride Along during a Foundation Inspection in Colorado Springs

Wed, May 9 2012, 00:00:00 -500

1. A lot of people believe houses just settle over time, is this true?

Yes, many times, home settle—this can be due to the compaction of fill soils, which is the most common reason.

2. If a house is settling, how do we know?

--Windows and doors are sticking, hard to open

--Multiple nail pops are appearing in ceilings and walls

--There are large gaps in window and door frames

--Window and/or door trim are developing spaces

--Floors are starting to settle and become uneven

--Cracks in your foundation walls

--Interior plaster walls are cracking

--Chimneys are tilting or leaning

--Foundations are sinking

--Cracks in your basement walls

3. What do we do to fix an issue like that?

Today, more and more homes are being built on unstable soils. Between expansive and hydro-compactable soils and subsidence, foundations are pushed and pulled, creating movement. Each year, thousands of homeowners are faced with evaluating and repairing foundation problems. Thankfully, this means that there are reliable, engineered solutions available. So what exactly is available and is it the right solution for your structural problems? Since the root of structural problems is the soil, the first two solutions deal with taking the foundation’s weight off of unstable soils and placing it on bedrock or other stable soil—these solutions are called push piers and helical piers.

Water Your Rockrimmon Lawn Could be Flooding Your Basement

Tue, May 1 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Q1: So Aaron, can watering my lawn cause water in my basement?

Yes, sprinklers that are placed too close to foundation walls or run for too long can cause humidity and water problems in your basement.

Q2: Why does that happen?

There are two reasons—the clay bowl effect and capillary action

Q3: What is the clay bowl effect?

Imagine that your home, basement included, is resting in a big salad bowl. This salad bowl exists because your builder dug out virgin earth to make your basement. Outside of the area where he dug, there’s highly compacted virgin soil, closer to your home is the lettuce—or loosely compacted fill soils. Water runs from the hard earth, right down the sloping sides of your salad bowl and collects at the bottom. Sadly, the bottom is where your basement is. So you end up with water down there, even if it’s drier up top.

Q4: What is capillary action?

Capillary action is how the water actually enters your basement. Believe it or not, concrete is not water proof, it’s actually a lot like a sponge. There are tiny tracks through the concrete that look a lot like capillaries in the human body. These tracks actually pull water up and through the concrete.

Q5: So why can my sprinkler system be contributing to the problem?

Your sprinkler system can introduce a steady source of water into the clay bowl around your home. Once water finds a way in, it’s virtually inevitable that it will keep coming in in those areas.

Q6: What do I do to fix the problem?

First, it’s a good idea to aerate your lawn regularly. This keeps the roots moving downward to absorb more water and keeps the ground underneath your sod from creating paths to your foundation that siphon water away from your lawn.

Next, make sure that your sprinkler system is not leaking or running excessively.

Third, make sure your grade is sloping away from your home and all your gutters and downspouts are directing water at least 6 feet away from your foundation.

Q7: What if that doesn’t stop the water or humidity problem?

It’s time to consider an interior waterproofing system. Namely, one that won’t get clogged and is designed to catch both wall and floor-based water intrusion. These systems can include one or more sump pumps, a dehumidifier, and other helpful appliances.

Q8: What about sump pumps?

There are so many things about sump pumps, they made need their own interview segment! What I can tell you is that sump pumps need to be high quality because they are all that is standing between your basement and the water. Look for pumps with battery back ups, alarms when they are overwhelmed, and covers that are sealed so your kids and pets aren’t tempted to store things in them.

Q9: What does a system like this cost?

I’m glad you asked that question because that’s really the heart of the matter, isn’t it? I custom design each waterproofing system based on where the water is coming in, the amount of water, the size and shape of the basement, and the overall goals that the homeowner has. Each solution is a custom project, so that you’re not spending any more money than you absolutely have to. All that being said, I can’t really give you a concrete price, but I can tell you that if you call us, we come out for a free estimate and let you know the cost to fix your problem.

Soil Conditions Around Colorado Springs

Tue, April 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Q1. Aaron, why is it important to know about soil conditions in the area you want to purchase a home?

Colorado has some of the most active soils in the nation, from heaving expansive soils to settling hydrocompactible soils, as well as mine subsidence issues in certain parts of the city. It’s always a good idea to know what you’re getting into when you choose a certain part of town.

Q2. Let’s start at the beginning, tell me about expansive soil.

Expansive soils are commonly called clay. It’s composed of very tiny particles of soil that swells when introduced to water. Most of the clay that exists in Colorado Springs can be found on the west side of the highway closer to the foothills. That’s not the only place, though, over 80% of Colorado Springs and its surrounding area rests on moderately to highly expansive soil.

Q3. Why that area?

It’s because they used to be a great deal of runoff streams, lakebeds, and ponds in those areas back in Paleozoic era. Clay particles are very tiny and lightweight. They mix in with rainwater and snowmelt and journey down from the mountains. Once the streams and runoffs level out, the clay particles settle and form swaths of expansive soil.

Q4. What concerns are there with expansive soil?

The main concern is heave and settling cycles. Right now, with the low snowfall and high winds that we’re experiencing, there is a great deal of soil desseciation, or drying out, occurring in these areas. We’re seeing the clay soil shrink down and crumble, causing increased cracking and settling in many homes. In fact, some homes are settling 4-6” this winter!

Q5. If I’m concerned about the cracks that I’m seeing, what should I do?

You should always call me and I’ll come and let you know what we can do to permanently fix the problem.

We will continue this discussion next week! To submit a question to our experts, please comment on this article or email cassi@peakbasementsystems.com to be included!

Bowing Walls in Colorado Springs, CO

Thu, April 19 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Cracked and bowing basement walls can be scary, unattractive and can affect the value and usability of your home. Inward movement of a basement wall is generally caused by the expansion of the soil outside your home. Over time, basement walls can no longer resist the pressure from the soil, and the wall begins to crack and bow inward.

Bowing basement wall problems can be fixed permanently, quickly, and with almost no disruption to your home.

The CarbonArmor™ Wall Reinforcing System from Foundation Supportworks reinforces and stabilizes your basement walls, restoring value and integrity to your home. The CarbonArmor™ System is a Fiber-Reinforced Polymer that is 10 times stronger than steel and is specifically designed for basement walls. The carbon fiber technology used in the CarbonArmor™ system is the same technology used by the US Department of Defense, Army Corp of Engineers and aerospace engineers to reinforce skyscrapers, bomb shelters and bridges around the world.

Installing The CarbonArmor System

The CarbonArmor™ System is installed from the inside of your home using a high-strength epoxy resin which absorbs any pressure from the wall, rather than transferring that pressure into your floor system like traditional I-beam systems. Installations require no outside digging and are typically completed in less than one day. The system’s flexible design allows the strap to contour tight against your foundation wall, ensuring the ultimate coverage and adhesion when compared to other wall repair systems.

Removing Mature Trees near Colorado Springs Foundations

Mon, April 9 2012, 00:00:00 -500

It's that time of year again! Time to take a long look at our yards and decide what we want to do next with our landscaping. I live in 80909, which is pretty much the middle of Colorado Springs' "established yards". I have discovered an interesting addition to that phrase: "established yard" also means "existing grading problems" and "aging and/or infirm trees". Not across the board, but that's my house in a nutshell.

This year, I have two major renovations to accomplish remedy those concerns:

1. Install artificial sod in the front and back yards

2. Remove the large, mostly dead elm in my backyard

According to the website, it looks pretty easy to install the sod--except for one thing: my grading. Before I can embark on this project, I need to achieve a "sloping grade that directs groundwater away from your foundation, patios, and decking". I've contacted a landscaping company to work on that. That just happens to be why I figured out that I have a number 2 on my list. The grade of my yard isn't bad, but I have a huge tree putting pressure on my foundation's southwest corner. There is even a crack!

This raised a large question in my mind: is my foundation ok?

More importantly, do I need my foundation repaired? If I do, should I have the tree removed before or after?

On the plus side, I just happen to work for one of the only foundation repair companies in Colorado Springs! That means I walked in Monday morning and booked myself an appointment. Some days, it is fabulous to work for a service company that does exactly what I need!

I had a Design Specialist out to see things yesterday afternoon and he was very helpful about my foundation concerns. Namely, Aaron said that I should have the tree removed, that it is putting pressure on the foundation. On the plus side, the crack is superficial and I can have it epoxied pretty cheaply.

If my foundation had been more deteriorated, then Aaron would have recommended that we stabilize the foundation prior to removing the tree, in case moving the stump caused the ground and foundation to move. Thankfully, my foundation was not bad, so we can remove the tree and have Aaron back out to check things over after that! I'll keep you posted on the foundation's condition as we remove the tree.

Real Estate Bumps in Southern Colorado

Wed, March 28 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Did you know that our Design Specialists are available to assist you with questions, concerns, or estimates even if our office is closed?

That's right! Our office is currently operating under Winter Hours, which means that we're closed on Fridays. We understand that Friday is a VERY busy day for real estate, so we promise not to leave you high and dry!

Our Design Specialists want to make sure that our Realtor, Home Inspector, Buyer and Seller, as well as Investor clients are served with the same professionalism and customer service friendliness that you've come to expect--even if Amber, Colleen, and Sinnamon are out of the office!

If you have a preferred Design Specialist, please contact them on their cell phones for help--if you don't, please check out the great guys below and they'd be thrilled to help you!

Aaron Moore, Design Specialist (719) 287-8881

Jack McGuire, Design Specialist (719) 323-0901

Peter Crain, Design Specialist (719) 351-8564

Red Flag Fire Danger in Pueblo

Tue, March 27 2012, 00:00:00 -500

With the recent high winds and absence of rain, snow, or humidity of any kind, fire danger is officially in the RED FLAG designation. This means that no outside fires may be lit, outdoor grills can only be used if they are propane (no charcoal grills), and cigerettes and the like should be doused before being disposed of.

Pueblo had a horrendous day yesterday!

Here is a complete list from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center:

11:36 West 11th Street – Performance Auto Body burning trash had embers ignite a fire inside the building. Vehicle inside garage was a complete loss.

12:27 28th Ln and Manning Rd – pile of yard debris was out of control

12:40 25th Ln and Hillside Rd – Extremely low power line possible due to high winds 12:40 41st Ln and South Rd – brush fire, no structures threatened

1:18 38th Ln and Hwy 50 – Tree on fire

1:20 West of 400 Block of Galileo – Heavy smoke in area (nothing found by responders)

1:58 21st Ln and Clearview – large fire in the river bottom, multiple agencies responded

2:22 33rd Ln and South Rd – waste pile on fire, resident needed help putting it out

2:30 55th Ln and Elderberry – trees on fire, multiple agencies responded

“Residents were very fortunate that these fires didn’t involve any injuries and had only relatively minor property damage. It is critical that people check conditions before they light an outdoor fire. Absolutely no fires are allowed during Red Flag days because these calls drain our resources and these fires threaten safety and property in our community.” Sheriff Kirk M Taylor added, “Even if burning is permitted, people must be sure to completely put out their fire so it doesn’t ignite without warning when strong winds blow the next day.”

There is also a very severe fire raging in southwestern Denver--900 homes have been evacuated and one person is reported to have perished. Smoke and reduced visibility are problematic along the foothills as well.

What Does "R Value" really mean

Tue, March 20 2012, 00:00:00 -500

All insulation is tested to determine how well it resists the transfer of heat. That's what the "R" in insulation's R-value stands for: resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the higher the resistance and the greater the insulating value. When talking about insulation for foundation walls and crawlspaces, R-value is typically expressed as "R-value per inch".

Insulation is manufactured from different insulating materials in different thicknesses. Manufacturers rate their products in terms of R-value per inch, so multiplying the material's R-value per inch by the overall thickness will give you the actual R-value of the particular insulation material. For example, an insulation material like SilverGlo that is 2" thick and has an R-value of 5.5 per inch, offers an overall R-value of 11. SilverGlo is also infused with graphite powder to reflect heat and lower the material's conductivity for a superior insulating value.

The R-value of foam board insulation typically ranges from R-3 to R-6 per inch of thickness, which is 2 to 3 times greater than most other insulating materials of the same thickness! The high R-values and water-resistance provided by foam board insulation like SilverGlo make it the ideal insulation material for below-grade foundation walls.

Floor Drains for Colorado Springs Sump Pumps

Tue, March 6 2012, 00:00:00 -500

A Floor Drain in the Sump Lid

Not if, but when you have a plumbing leak and the water floods out onto the basement floor, you want to use your sump hole to drain the water away. With an airtight lid, the water will fill up your basement. Unlike groundwater leaks, plumbing leaks and the damage they cause maybe covered by your homeowners insurance. However, putting a floor drain in the sump lid can save you damage and heartache.

But wait, won't a sump drain allow water vapor to evaporate into my basement? Not with a properly designed drain. This drain should have a specially designed cup and ball underneath the floor drain which allows water to go down, but doesn't allow air to come up.

Energy Efficiency in Colorado Springs

Mon, February 27 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Energy Efficiency in Colorado Springs

It's a fact. Heat moves from areas with higher temperatures to an area of lower temperatures. It is also a fact that the earth below grade is usually at a lower temperature than what people would find comfortable in their homes--especially in the winter. Consequently, there is a constant stream of heat loss by conduction through a home's foundation and into the outside earth.

This issue can be addressed when basement or Crawlspaces a insulated from the inside, especially in the case of a finished basement. The problem is that most basements and Crawlspaces aren't insulated at all. One of the most common and best methods to insulate a concrete wall is with foam board insulation. This foam board insulation must be covered in a 15 minute fire barrier such as 1/2" thick drywall or plywood. This is why most unfinished basements are inadequately insulated.

Two inch thick SilverGlo insulation, which is water-resistant and available exclusively through Foundation Supportworks dealers like Peak Basement Systems, provides an R-11 thermal resistance and makes homes more comfortable and less expensive to own.

Not only does SilverGlo insulation conserve energy and save money, it creates a comfortable below grade living space that is less susceptible to seasonal fluctuations.

Moisture Protection, Epoxy, and Other Maintenance in Colorado Springs

Thu, February 2 2012, 00:00:00 -500

When foundation walls are exposed during a foundation piering installation, or wall anchoring project, it can be an ideal time to check for maintenance opportunities.

You can choose to address moisture protection or waterproofing problems that may not have been apparent from the interior of your basement. Dampness, efflorescence, and concrete erosion could be due to water sitting up against the concrete foundation walls. Once the soil has been removed from around a foundation, it's a good idea to check for three maintenance issues:

*Clogged, or crushed footing drains
*Cracks in foundation walls
*Moisture intrusion evidenced by efflorescence

Clogged Footing Drains
The average footing drain clogs with Colorado's silty clay in about 25 years--sooner in some areas. If your home was built before 1987 or so, it is likely that your original footing drain is clogged, if one was installed at all. If your home was built after 1987, your footing drain needs to be checked to see if it has been crushed. If your home is resting on clay soil, the drain may also be clogged.

Clogged or crushed footing drains will allow groundwater to enter your basement or crawlspace. Once water has found a way into your home, it is more and more likely to happen again. Footing drains can be replaced or upgraded to a French Drain system during a foundation repair, making it extremely affordable to have both services done at once.

Cracked Foundation Walls
Cracks in foundation walls can be epoxied from the outside or the inside during a foundation repair project for very little extra cost. Most epoxies are waterproof, which ensures the cracks won't weep water later.

Moisture Intrusion Evidenced by Efflorescence
If you notice a decrease in wall dampness, musty smell, or relative humidity while the foundation repair project is going on, it is important to look to moisture intrusion post installation. Wall dampness can be minimized by channeling that dampness into your existing waterproofing system through the use of Brightwall or other wall damp proofing products.

Brightwall and its generic products create a barrier on the inside if the basement that keeps dampness wicking through the concrete to reach the drywall in a basement.

One Stop Shopping?
It's a good idea to hire a company that is equipped to handle all of these concerns as they arise during a foundation repair product. When you meet with a Systems Design Specialist, be sure to ask if these sorts of sudden issues can be handled by their installation crews.

Why We Call Them French Drains

Tue, January 24 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Why is it called a French Drain?

Doesn't it sounds slightly dirty? A French drain. Maybe Cosmo will have an article on it soon. Actually, a French drain isn't exotic, sophisticated, or a featured article topic in Cosmo.

What is a French Drain?

French drains are trenches filled with gravel and perforated pipe that are sloped and designed to move groundwater runoff away from your basement or crawlspace foundation into a sump pump. The sump pump will evacuate the water from your home through a discharge line. The whole system usually takes 3 days or so to install and is pretty much automatically expelling water with no real labor required.

Why is it called a French Drain?

The French Drain isn't native to France--in fact, French Drains are an American invention! It's named after its inventor--Henry Flagg French, who literally wrote the book on farm drainage that was published in Concord, Massachusetts in 1859. French drains were originally used to reroute water runoff from a sloping piece of land to be used productively elsewhere. The French drain was also quickly adapted to remove brown or gray water runoff from barns, farmhouses, and the like. Prior to Henry French’s invention, animal and human brown water often gathered in livestock areas, producing a breeding ground for biting flies and mosquitoes, which sickened valuable animals and even the farmers themselves!

Similarly, modern French Drains are used to move water out and away from basements and crawlspaces where it can promote mold and mildew growth. Modern French Drains have come a long way from those farm-based drains on Henry French’s place. Presently, there have been technological advances that keep groundwater runoff running smoothly without the constant clogging that early French Drains experienced. There are now “top-closed” systems that allow for finished basements that are undetectable to the naked eye! Similarly, sump pumps have come a long way, too. Modern French Drain systems can now carry lifetime flood protection warranties and maintenance programs to keep your basement ground water free forever!

Upcoming Events in Colorado Springs

Fri, January 20 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Next Week!

Tune in on Tuesday to 1300 AM at 10am to hear Aaron Moore talk about What to Fix Before You Finish Your Basement!

You can hear all of Aaron's shows by clicking here

Upcoming Home Shows:

January 27-29 at the Rustic Hills Event Center on Palmer Park and Academy--you can come Meet Fuzzi, the Peak Basement Systems Rose Haired Tarantula! She'll be busy hanging out in our Live crawlspace display! http://www.coloradospringshomeshow.com/

February 24--26 at the Norris-Penrose Event Center near 8th Street--you can visit Fuzzi and learn more about the foundation, waterproofing, and crawlspace concerns in the Pikes Peak Region! http://homeshowcenter.com/Visitors/hoursdirections.aspx?show=coloradospringhomeshow2

Upcoming Continuing Education Class for Realtors and Home Inspectors:

How Bricks are Made

Tue, January 10 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Have you ever wondered why Colorado Springs has so many early homes with brick foundations, or homes from the 1940s through 1970s are brick construction? That's due to two things:

1. Clay is the most common material from which bricks are constructed.

2. The Front Range's soil is mainly a silty clay--perfect for making bricks from

For efficient handling and laying bricks must be small enough and light enough to be picked up by the bricklayer using one hand (leaving the other hand free for the trowel). Bricks are usually laid flat and as a result the effective limit on the width of a brick is set by the distance which can conveniently be spanned between the thumb and fingers of one hand, normally about four inches (about 101 mm). In most cases, the length of a brick is about twice its width, about eight inches (about 203 mm) or slightly more. This allows bricks to be laid bonded in a structure to increase its stability and strength.

The wall is built using alternating courses of stretchers, bricks laid longways and headers, bricks laid crossways. The headers tie the wall together over its width. This is why brick structures have stair step crack patterns when the structure settles. The way that bricks are laid leads the settlement load to pull stretchers and headers apart.

Starting in the twentieth century, the use of brickwork declined in many areas due to earthquakes. The San Francisco earthquake of 1906 revealed the weaknesses of brick buildings in earthquake-prone areas. Most buildings in San Francisco collapsed during the earthquake, due to the cement-based mortar used to hold the bricks together. During seismic events, the mortar cracks and crumbles, and the bricks are no longer held together.

Additionally, the lifespan of mortar is significantly less than the lifespan of brick. Mortar instability and degradation leads ultimately to structural problems like settling, cracking, and bowing! There is a solution to this situation--tuckpointing. Tuckpointing is the removal of the old grout through scraping and reapplying a fresh grout or mortar compound. THis restores the structural integrity of a brick wall; however, it's important to have foundation settling or bowing issues resolved before tuckpointing because many gaps or stair step cracks will shrink during a foundation lift.

Frequently Asked Questions: Engineering

Wed, November 2 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Why does it take 4-7 days for the engineer to design the work--didn't my Design Specialist already do that?
It can seem weird that it takes a while to get engineering completed, especially when your Design Specialist has already taken measurements and proposed a solution to the engineer. However, it's really the engineer who crunches the numbers, checks the soils, does extensive research into project and determines if the proposed solution will be functional for the problem that we're correcting. The engineer will interface with the Design Specialist and the homeowner to insure that the best solution is installed. All of this takes time to bring together into a proposal that can be submitted to the building department to obtain a permit.

Are the products being used by Peak designed for the soil conditions and problems that I am experiencing?
With so many products on the market, most of us rely on our chosen company to tell us which solution is right for us. Unfortunately, some solutions just aren’t ideal for the soil conditions present in Colorado’s Front Range and urban areas. For example, concrete erodes quickly when exposed to soil sulfates (naturally occurring salts found in the soils of many areas of Colorado), just like your sidewalk or driveway deteriorate rapidly if you use table salt to melt winter ice off of them. In the same way, cabled, segmented concrete piles can be particularly vulnerable to sulfite attack, and may not retain their structural integrity over the long haul. Another potential issue is when a product is used for an application for which it was not intended, such as using a square shaft pier to support a vertical load. These products were designed to resist pull out (tension) forces, not to bear the weight (compression) of a structure. Premature failure may result.

Thankfully, there are plenty of products available to remedy settling, heaving, bowing, or bending foundations that will work in Colorado's silty clay soil. Engineers take the unique soil conditions present on your property into account when designing the best solution to remedy your foundation problem.

Frequently Asked Questions: Site Specific Conditions

Fri, October 28 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Site Specific Conditions

I don't know about you, but I don't usually spend my life reading engineer reports about the condition of my home's foundation. Frankly, it's something I want to avoid if at all possible--unless it's really good news.

My job, on the other hand, often leads me to reading through piles of engineer reports trying to develop materials to help clients. I'll be honest, it's slow work. One phrase that trips me up each and every time is "site specific conditions". Engineering reports frequently use the term to describe why one portion of a home is prone to heaving, or why a particular project may require additional piers or anchors.

What are site specific conditions?
A site specific condition is something that can't be anticipated and generally requires changes to the scope of work. These situations occur because a structural engineer or evaluator scopes a property without destroying landscaping, drywall, and other finishes. It's generally a good idea because a client may or may choose to move forward with a project at that point and it would be extremely distressing to have to repair a torn up yard just because someone was investigating what was wrong with your home. Instead, the evaluator or engineer makes educated extrapolations about what's under the ground based on what is above it.

In some cases, the ground can be hiding something that requires the crew to adjust their plan for installation. At that point, the crew foreman must notify the evaluator and the engineer, so they can start working on a change. These changes will have to be sent to the homeowner for approval, the building department to amend the permit, and possibly even utilities or other location services for new markings to be made.

The easiest site specific conditions to point out are the following:
--After excavation is completed, a crack is found all the way through the footing
--During excavation, severe footing degradation is discovered
--During excavation, it is discovered that a foundation does not have rebar present
--While removing a slab, caissons or prior mudjacking are discovered

Why do they matter?
Each of these scenarios affects the scope of work being performed--either adding to the amount of days on the job, increases to the number of piers needed, or an alteration of a repair plan.

After excavation is completed, a crack is found all the way through the footing:
--If this is a piering project, it will be necessary to place a pier on each side of the crack, which would mean an extra cost to the homeowner
--There is also a question of whether the property should be lifted, or simply stabilized

During excavation, severe footing degradation is discovered:
--This changes the scope of the project and the crew will need to reinforce the footing before any work can be done.
--The homeowner will need to decide if they are willing to have the crew present for additional days.
--The engineer will need to determine if the footing can withstand the pressures of a pier installation

During excavation, it is discovered that a foundation does not have rebar present:
--If this is a piering project, then the engineer will need to determine if the foundation can be lifted at all, or just stabilized.
--If this is a wall anchoring project, then the engineer will need to determine if the wall can be straightened, or just stabilized.
--The homeowner will need to weigh the risks vs. rewards of straightening or lifting if the engineer believes it possible.

While removing a slab, caissons or prior mudjacking are discovered:
--If this is a slab pier project, the increased slab thickness can present engineering problems
--If this is a tear out and replace situation, it will take the crew longer to complete the job and increase haul-away costs
--If caissons are discovered under a foundation, they will need to be cut before piers can be installed.

What do I do when confronted with a change in project based on site specific conditions?
Here's how the situation usually comes to fruition:
Best Case: Your installation crew finds a site specific condition that requires some sort of change, so they contact the Production Manager, Design Specialist and/or Engineer immediately. If the situation isn't a big deal, they will receive small revisions or instructions and you will be notified of what plan is in place.
Medium Case: Your installation crew finds a site specific condition that requires addition or subtraction of wall anchors, piers, or other equipment (like the cracked footing situation we described above). Everyone is notified of the possible outcomes and decides on a course of action together.
Worst Case: The site conditions are so severe that the project, or certain portions of it, must be overhauled, undone, or abandoned. This has so rarely occurred that I wasn't certain exactly what would happen until I spoke to our engineer. He said that at that point, he and the customer and the evaluator would go back to the drawing board and reassess the whole situation.

It's not just having a warranty that matters, it's honoring that warranty.

Fri, October 28 2011, 00:00:00 -500

The Service Company you choose matters
It’s not just having a warranty that matters—it’s honoring that warranty.

The Service Company that You Choose to Work for You Does Matter
You’re making a long term investment in your home. It’s not something that you do everyday and it’s never something to take lightly, right? Wouldn’t it be great if your service company felt the same way about you?
You deserve a service company that will stand by you. FOR LIFE. Your service company also needs to offer a transferable warranty, so you can assure future buyers that your home is resting on a solid foundation—for life.

Peak Basement Systems honors our warranties. Here’s our story:
We offer a lifetime warranty to our homeowners and a FREE, fully transferrable warranty to your future buyers for 25 years. We stand by those promises.

We have returned to Mr. Cherry’s residence on four occasions since his 2007 installation to monitor his home, complete adjustments to the equipment we installed, and to bring his home’s repairs to his complete satisfaction. We also contact Mr. Cherry twice a year to check on his home and our equipment.

Sump Pump Alarms in Pueblo

Tue, October 18 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Pump Alarms

How would you know if your sump pump has failed and you are in danger of being flooded?

Unless you have an alarm, the answer is, when your basement is already flooded, which is just what you're trying to avoid. A battery powered alarm that sounds off automatically when water reaches a level above the point where the pump should normally turn on is essential. The patented WaterWatch alarm does just that telling you there is a problem before the floor gets wet so you have a chance to do something about it.

Peak Basement Systems Receives Award at International Convention in Connecticut

Fri, September 30 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Colorado Springs, CO– Peak Basement Systems was recently honored at a meeting of over 600 guests from all over the United States and Canada at this year’s Team Basement Systems Convention. The annual convention is held each year between Seymour, Connecticut, (where the Basement Systems headquarters is located) and Hartford, Connecticut, and brings together dealerships of the international network for classes, seminars, training, parties and networking.

This year, Peak Basement Systems received an award at the Team Basement Systems International Convention. Peak Basement Systems ranked in the Top 15 Foundation Supportworks Dealers in the United States and Canada.

The convention featured guest speakers Krish Duhnam (of the Zig Ziglar corporation), and the “Pit bull of Personal Development” Larry Winget. A sports-themed party at the Connecticut Convention Center ended the convention week with music, food and performances by the Harlem Wizards and the New England Patriots Cheerleaders.

Peak Basement Systems is a certified Basement Systems Dealer specializing in basement waterproofing, sump pump installation, basement humidity control and mold remediation in Colorado Springs and nearby areas. Peak Basement Systems provides free estimates to homeowners in the Greater Colorado Spring Area.

Basement Systems is an international network of basement waterproofing, crawl space repair and basement finishing contractors. The international headquarters, based in Seymour, Connecticut, also provides sales and service throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. Larry Janesky's Basement Systems has been helping homeowners increase their usable living space for over 20 years across the United States, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom. They have 27 patented basement and crawl space products, designed to help homeowners get more out of their basements and increase their home's value.

Battery Back Ups on Sump Pumps for Your Colorado Springs Home

Thu, September 29 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Alternate power sources?
Some alternate power sources for sometimes appeared on the market in recent years that sounded great at first review. One is the battery power system for your primary AC operated pump. When power goes out the system converts the DC power AC power and runs your only sump pump. The manufacture will tell you that it's better since your primary AC operated pump will normally pump more than a DC operated one. This is true, but not a key issue in most cases.

The main issue or problem here is that you have only one pump. If the pump fails , you get flooded despite this back up protection. Secondly, converting DC to AC power is very inefficient. You lose more than half of your power in the process. So your primary pump will run and pump plenty of water out, but not for long. In our test, it was only one hour of time and then the batteries went dead. Since the primary pump that we used pumps 2200 gallons an hour, it was just 2200 gallons of protection that the system offered.

The next type of system that sounds good is another single pump system that can be used as a primary and back up pump in one unit. It is actually a DC pump with batteries hooked up to it. When the power is on, the AC is converted to DC to run the pump. When the power is off, the pump runs on the batteries. Sounds good, but you only have one pump and if it fails, you're dead in the water--literally. In addition, no matter how strong the DC pump, you only get as much water out as is equal to the amount of battery power that you put behind the pumps .

The back up system that we recommend is called an "UltraSump". It's a DC battery operated pump that kicks in if the power goes out. It is available with one of two specially designed, 120-amp, maintenance free batteries to pump out over 12,000 gallons or over 24,000 gallons of water respectively at an 8 ft head.

Head is a term meaning how high you can pump the water. An AC pump that pumps over 2,000 gallons per hour at an 8 ft head is a good, strong pump. Likewise, a battery back up unit should give you a number of gallons it can pump per charge at an 8 ft head in order for you to know it will clear the water from your basement.

2 Issues to Remedy Before Finishing Your Colorado Basement

Tue, September 20 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Before finishing a basement, it's important to have 2 issues resolved:

1. Foundation Movement

2. Basement Leaking or Flooding

These two situations can lead to lots of grief if not properly remedied prior to finishing. Here are client stories that we became a part of in the last week:

From Michael, Colorado Springs, CO 80906:"With the recent rainstorms that we sustained in El Paso County, my newly finished basement has flooded! I've lived in my home 4 years now and I've never seen a problem. I was shocked when I came home from a business trip to a very wet basement. I can see where the moisture has been absorbed into the drywall in my media room--there is bulging and puckering of the mural on the west wall. The carpet is soaked in that room and damp along the adjoining wall to the guest room. I'm not certain if the room was flooded the entire time that I was gone, but I need someone out to help me resolve this right away!"

Our Systems Design Specialist, Tom, saw Michael yesterday and they spoke at length about the project. Michael had completed his renovations less than a month ago and had just hired a local artist to do a mural of the Front Range on the west wall. The paint wasn't even dry yet on the mural! Together, Tom and Michael opted for a full basement waterproofing system with a Super Sump, battery back up, and Waterwatch alarm system. Michael was shocked to discover that a Colorado basement could flood and he was disappointed that he hadn't had the system installed prior to finishing the basement.

From JoAnne, Chipita Park, CO, 80809: "I had my basement slab releveled in 2006 due to settling in one corner. We also had it mudjacked in 2009. We finished the basement in 2009 as well. I am noticing drywall cracks in my laundry room and the southeastern wall in the den appears to be sinking. I believe that the foundation settling has not been remedied and is continuing to move despite the work we've had done. The house is currently on the market and I want to move before snow flies, but we have just lost our contract. The buyer was concerned about the foundation."

Our Structural Evaluator, Aaron, met with JoAnne and her husband last night. After evaluating the property, Aaron determined that the home was 2" out of level. JoAnne was very upset to discover that the combination of the releveling compound and mudjacking compound had thickened her slab and would involve considerably more installation time to overcome, remedy, and replace. She said, "I thought I was buying myself a quick, cheap fix and then when I jacked the foundation, I thought it would last a long time. I sorta just want to shrug and accept it's my fault--on the other hand, I want to scream that it isn't fair. I spent money and now I'm spending more to have it removed!"

JoAnne and her husband are scheduled to have 6 push piers installed in their home, as well as removal and replacement of their basement slab. They have decided to "unfinish" the basement rather than replace the carpet and other finished affects.

3 Concerns for Colorado Waterproofing Situations

Tue, September 13 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Does the system sit in the mud or out of the mud?

Why? Colorado soil is composed of silty clay, which is a very fine soil that makes really goopy mud when water is introduced. Systems for your home that sit right in the dirt will get clogged quickly and that mud can get into your sump pump and discharge line, clogging the whole system. That mud can burn out a sump pump quite a bit more quickly than normal and no one wants to buy a sump pump every two years or less! Below: You can see how completely the silty clay has packed a footing drain in Rockrimmon. Problems like this occur more often when the system sits directly in the mud or soil below the footing. With an interior waterproofing system, it is doubly important to unclog pipes before they get packed like this.

Can the system be flushed to remove any debris?

Why? Any waterproofing system will eventually get some sediment in it. That's due to the extremely tiny size of our silty clay particles. There's not a filter fabric available today that will guarantee 100% clay particle free drainage lines. If the waterproofing system you select is "above the mud", you greatly reduce the clogging risk, but it's also essential to flush the system regularly to keep it running well during those crazy thunderstorms and spring melt times. Below: you can see the difused clay particles discoloring the water in the sump pump. This system is being flushed during annual maintenance.

Does the waterproofing system capture condensation or weeping from walls or wall cracks?

Why? Waterproofing systems should keep your basement dry all of the time. It's not a solid system if it can't handle the right amount of water volume, water from odd places, or the occasional wash machine overflow. The system you want should have a flange or gap to allow water from a wall crack to flow in. It should also have a floor drain at or in the sump pump lid in case a pipe breaks, or the washer overflows. Below: The Waterguard system was able to catch the water coming in from the window well during install due to the wall flange. As you can see from the wet cement, the project was not yet completed and the window well was covered and replaced.

These three questions can really help give you a functional, long lasting waterproofing system that gives you peace of mind, especially if you believe you want to finish your basement. Naturally, always check for nationally backed warranties and that your chosen company has a good standing in the community.

The history of drain tile in Colorado Springs

Tue, September 6 2011, 00:00:00 -500

In the 1950s and before, clay pipe sections about 18" long were used for underground and under-floor drains. There were no holes in the pipe, but instead, the sections were laid with a 1/4" space between them to let in water. Since the pipe sections were made from clay tile material--like a chimney flue pipe or a brick--they called it drain tile. This term is still used today to refer to a pipe with holes or slots in it that is buried for drainage, even though the industry switched to plastic pipe long ago.

These generic round, perforated drainpipes have been and can be used for field drainage, exterior footing drains, road drainage, or just about anything else.

Clay or plastic, the pipe has some shortcomings:
--In field drainage, the clay was prone to breaking and cracking with melt and freeze cycles

--In exterior footing drain applications, it can be crushed by the backfilling process.

--In road drainage, the vibrational forces and pressure has caused engineering headaches resulting in metal pipes or heavy gauge plastic piping with a limited lifespan

--In interior applications, the pipe can clog easily since it sits in the backfill dirt and does not have cleaning ports.

Thankfully, there have been huge leaps forward in technology since drain tile first became popular. For example, waterproofing systems have advanced so they now sit on the footer, above the dirt. They also have viewing and maintenance ports, wall flanges to catch water from the wall, and varying sizes to move water in more situations.

Foundation Repair and Basement Waterproofing Inside Colorado Springs Homes

Tue, August 30 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Why select an interior installation for waterproofing or foundation repair?

Most homeowners ask us, "You're not going to dig up the entire outside of my home are you?!"

It's true, we're not going to--it's expensive, time consuming, and ridiculously destructive. So, if digging up the outside isn't the answer, what is? Digging up the inside! Well, we actually use jackhammers to break through the slab.

Waterproofing Basements from the Inside

By installing a drainage system around the inside of the basement along the wall, you can capture water from the floor, walls, and exterior. This prevents water from reaching the inside center of the floor.
The advantages of an inside installation are:
1. Accessibility to do the job, regardless of weather 2. More affordable than an outside system 3. Installs in a day or two 4. Easily serviceable year round

Foundation Repair from the Inside

We can pier your foundation by going through the inside of your home to install the piers. This type of pier installation is actually cheaper than digging down 8’ to your foundation wall from the outside. Not only that, but it allows us to work on your home even in winter weather conditions! You also don’t have to worry about existing landscaping.

The advantages of inside installation are:
1. Groundwater fluctuations and rainwater incursion are eliminated.
2. Landscaping damage is virtually eliminated.
3. Indoor Piering is generally cheaper than exterior piering.
4. Installation time is greatly reduced

Higher Humidity Present in Canon City

Tue, August 9 2011, 00:00:00 -500

With the damper July that we experienced in Canon City, it's not surprising that we're encountering higher humidity levels in basements throughout the area.

Since air flows upward into the upper levels of your home from the basement, it brings the humidity from the basement with it. The effects on your home can include:

Dust mites (the number one indoor allergen)

Sticking (swollen) doors and windows

Smelly, damp carpets

Buckling hardwood floors

Condensation/rotting/mold in rafters/attic due to humid air escaping into the attic and condensing against the cooler rafters

Frost or condensation and mold inside of windows as the cooler temperatures settle in at night

Increased cooling bills (damp air takes more energy to cool)

Increased heating bills (damp air takes more energy to heat)

Mold in subfloors and carpet padding

Decreased life of roof shingles and sheathing

Decreased life of paint within and without the house

Aggravated asthma and allergies

Floodplains in Colorado Springs

Tue, July 12 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Whether you live or work in the eastern plains or western foothills of the Pikes Peak Region, you could be at risk of flooding. Within minutes, a thunderstorm can escalate into a dangerous flood. Severe thunderstorms over the mountain topography have proven to be a lethal. In 1864, 1915, 1935 and 1970, floods resulted in deaths and extensive damage in this area. More recently, the flood in 1999 caused millions of dollars in property losses.

Flash floods are usually caused by thunderstorms over the mountains during the summer months, from May through September.

Persons downstream are at the greatest risk and may not hear or see the danger.
A flash flood monitoring system, developed by Pikes Peak Regional Building Department's Floodplain Administration, continuously transmits rain and stream data to Emergency Management agencies.
When heavy rains occur, it is best to monitor local television or radio to receive current warnings and watches.
Remember that it's never safe to play in gutters or swollen streams.

Increased Groundwater = Foundation Problems

If an area has recently seen flash flooding, heavy rains followed by hot summer days, or even sprinkler breaks, the ground start to shift due to the increased moisture.

Check for:

Existing cracks weep water
Your basement has a higher relative humidity than the rest of your home.
You have elevated radon levels and cracks in your foundation
You have struggled with mold problems in the past
You notice that your basement walls and/or floors appear dark in spots.

CONTACTS:

DRAINAGE FACILITY REPAIR/MAINTENANCE

Colorado Springs Streets Division 385-5934

El Paso County Dept. of Transportation 520-6460

Calhan City Hall 347-2586

Fountain City Hall 382-8521

Green Mountain Falls Town Hall 684-9414

Manitou Springs Streets Dept. 685-5596

Monument Public Works Dept. 481-2436

Palmer Lake City Hall 481-2953

FLOOD RISK, CONSTRUCTION, INSURANCE

Pikes Peak Regional Building Dept. 327-2800

Floodplain Administration 327-2907

Floodplain website www.pprbd.org

FEMA web site www.fema.com

FEMA (toll free) 1-877-FEMAMAP

Weather information www.weatherbug.com

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Colorado Springs Office 385-5957

El Paso County Office 575-840

Floodplain address search

http://www.pprbd.org/PublicAccess/AddressSearch.aspx?SearchType=Floodplain

What Sidewalks tell us about Colorado Springs Foundations

Tue, July 5 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Walking through Colorado Springs in the summer is a beautiful experience! I was just recently there on a nice sunny day, walking with my friend and her 3 year old daughter. Her daughter kept tripping and falling as we walked. Mostly, it was because she wasn't watching where to put her feet, which is a must on the sidewalks around town. I asked our staff engineer why the sidewalks were so rolled and uneven. He gave me several reasons that I thought were pretty interesting. Here are the reasons slabs and sidewalks crack and buckle.

Slabs and sidewalks are barometers for foundation problems.

Since slabs and sidewalks rest directly on the "active zone" soil, they are the first elements around a home to show signs of soil movement.

Common soil conditions that manifest in slabs first:

1). Drying and shrinking of the soil

As the soil dries and shrinks, gaps form under the floor slab creating a void. Because the soil no longer supports the floor slab, the floor begins to crack and sink into the void.

2). Washout of soil

This is usually caused by heavy rain or sprinkler leaks. If the slab is in the way of a water flow, the water can wash the soil out from under the slab, creating a void. Once again, with no soil to support it, the slab cracks and sinks.

3). Poor Compaction of fill soils

During a home's construction, layers of soil are commonly moved around or spread out to get to the desired grade level. WHen the home is built, footings may be deepended to extend below weak fill soils. The slab; however, remains on the fill soils. If the fill was poorly compacted, the fill soil compresses and settles, and a void is created under the slab.

Slabs are giving you warnings about the health and stability of your foundation.

If you're noticing that:

--there are cracks in the sidewalks, slabs, and floors of your property

--floors are dropping and separating from walls, forming a gap between the floor and the wall.

--interior walls are pulling down and separating from the ceiling, forming a gap between the wall and the ceiling

--walls are pulling away from other, adjacent walls

--interior wall cracks are appearing, commonly off the corners of interior doors

Hillside Creep in Colorado Springs

Tue, June 21 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Here's the fourth reason: HILLSIDE CREEP

Wikipedia defines hillside creep as the downward progression of rock and soil down a low grade slope; it can also refer to slow deformation of such materials as a result of prolonged pressure and stress. Creep may appear to an observer to be continuous, but it really is the sum of numerous minute, discrete movements of slope material caused by the force of gravity. Friction being the primary force to resist gravity is produced when one body of material slides past another offering a mechanical resistance between the two which acts on holding objects (or slopes) in place. As slope on a hill increases, the gravitational force that is perpendicular to the slope decreases and results in less friction between the material that could cause the slope to slide.

Okay, so what does that mean for a sidewalk or slab? Imagine that the slowly sliding hillside is moving like butter down a tilted piece of warm toast. Naturally, any crumbs on top of that dollup of butter are moving down the hill, too. If the butter is the soil and the crumb is a slab, you see how hillside creep could cause a slab to start shifting downward. Now in some cases, not all of the hillside is creeping, or one part of the slab is moving and the other isn't.

The Colorado Geologic Society website says: "The rate of soil creep down a slope depends on the steepness (gradient) of the slope, water absorption and content, type of sediment and material, and lastly vegetation. The rate of creep will take into account all of these factors to decide whether or not the hillside will progress downward. Creep is what is responsible for the rounded shape of hillsides. Water is a very important factor when discussing soil deformation and movement. For instance, a sandcastle will only stand up when it is made with damp sand. The water offers cohesion to the sand which binds the sand particles together. However, pouring water over the sandcastle destroys it. This is because the presence of too much water fills the pores between the grains with water creating a slip plane between the particles and offering no cohesion causing them to slip and slide away. This holds true for hillsides and creep as well. The presence of water may help the hillside stay put and give it cohesion, but in a very wet environment or during or after a large amount of precipitation the pores between the grains can become saturated with water and cause the ground to slide along the slip plane it creates. Creep can also be caused by the expansion of materials such as clay when they are exposed to water. Clay expands when wet, then contracts after drying. The expansion portion pushes downhill, then the contraction results in consolidation at the new offset. Vegetation plays a role with slope stability and creep. When a hillside contains many trees, ferns, and shrubs their roots create an interlocking network that can strengthen unconsolidated material. They also aid in absorbing the excess water in the soil to help keep the slope stable. However, they do add to the weight of the slope giving gravity that much more of a driving force to act on in pushing the slope downward. In general, though, slopes without vegetation have a greater chance of movement".

Rockrimmon Clay Soil Shrinking

Fri, May 6 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Most of us are familiar with the clay soil in Rockrimmon (zip code 80919, west of I-25). I grew up on Saddle Mountain Road and I remember digging clay out of my sandbox and making pots. It was terrific stuff!

It wasn't until much later that I became aware of the damage that clay soil was doing to my parents' home. I remember it clearly, we were putting the house on the market and decided to replace the carpet. The workmen tore up the carpet in the family room to reveal a huge crack from heaving. We hadn't noticed the cracks because the previous homeowners had added patches of carpet pad to cover it up. Suddenly, we had a problem that needing fixing. It wasn't just the family room either, it was the basement, the garage, and the entire third level! We repaired things as best we knew how at the time and moved away.

Recently, I had the chance to go back to my childhood home. It wasn't for a nice trip down memory lane, though. It was for a foundation inspection and evaluation. I was shocked to see that the entire foundation had settled substantially! As much as 3" in some areas! I asked our staff engineer how settling was even possible in such swelling clay soil.

He told me that clay soil is made of extremely small particles of soil, commonly referred to as silt. They are extremely fine and absorb water to swell substantially. Much like anything else, what comes up must go down. Or better yet, what swells up must shrink down sometimes. Since we have had very little snow and precipitation this season, the clay in Rockrimmon has dried out, turning into very fine particles without moisture to hold them together. I could see for myself that the clay had shrunk down--there were sunken spots in the yard, sidewalks and the driveway were cracked and drooping. Apparently, even dry clay can be a problem soil!

If you're slabs and sidewalks are settling, you're probably seeing the early warning signs of dry clay soil problems. I recommend having a Design Specialist come to your home for a free evaluation. He can check your home for signs of settling and let you know about potential problem areas. If your foundation has been settling, it's best to know early, when it's cheapest to repair, so contact us today--we're ready to help!

Talking Cracks for Colorado Springs Real Estate Agents

Mon, May 2 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Talking Cracks--When to Worry, When Not To

Should I be worried about that crack?

The most frequent question that we get asked at home shows, on the phone, or over the internet is, "My foundation is cracking, should I be concerned?". Naturally, it's hard to give an answer because cracks need to be checked out physically. That answer is not very helpful for the most part, so I've devoted a lot of time to researching this question and developing some guidelines to help out prospective homeowners with early detection. There are two truths that I keep running into as I work: concrete foundations leak because they are porous and wick moisture, and concrete cracks because its a hard, solid substance surrounded by changing soil.

Why did this foundation crack?

Cracking in concrete is a natural phenomenon because it is strong in compression, but very weak in tension. When a concrete foundation wall encounters stress forces from outside elements like expansive soil, the portions of the wall that are experiencing tension will crack. Some of the forces that can act against your foundation on a regular basis include: seasonal temperature changes, seasonal soil swelling and shrinking due to weather and watering, and changes to grading due to landscaping or soil erosion over time. Occasionally, the addition or removal of plants, shrubs, or trees can also affect your concrete foundation.

Tiny Vertical Cracks

Most residential foundation walls are designed to withstand the forces present in standard/ normal soil conditions. In some cases, foundation walls have been reinforced, or otherwise altered due to high ground water or soil concerns. You will usually see cracking occur in three ways: vertically, horizontally, or diagonally from a stress concentration. Just because a wall has cracked doesn't mean that it has failed as long as the crack is small and unchanging. If the crack is 1/8 inch or less, is nearly vertical, has no lateral separation (spreading), is not very deep, and does not have moisture present, then it should be monitored, but action is not usually required. This type of crack is a shrinkage crack and occurs as moisture in the wall evaporates, causing the concrete to shrink into voids created by the escaping water.

Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks require more attention. A horizontal crack is concrete's way of ripping or splitting due to excess tension in that area. According to Residential Concrete Magazine, all horizontal cracking should be checked out by foundation repair industry professional as soon as possible because these cracks tend to grow rapidly. Additionally, they indicate that expansive soils are pressing inward on the home, causing wall bowing. Thankfully, bowing walls are pretty easy to remedy and relatively quick to fix.

Diagonal, Tapered Cracks

You may notice cracks spreading out from a corner diagonally. Whenever concrete forms a sharp angle, there is a stress concentration that almost always results in tiny, surface crack. These cracks are called "reentrant cracks". If these cracks deepen, thicken, or grow, it is time to consult an expert about reinforcing the area since the stress concentration is breaking down the concrete. There is one type of crack that is always a concern: tapered cracks. If a crack is larger at one end, it indicates shifting and other movement in the foundation. If you'd like more information about tapered cracks, please visit our blog by clicking here.

Concerned about the Cost of Foundation Repair?

If you're concerned about a potential foundation problem, then I would recommend having a Systems Design Specialist come out for a free estimate. Our Design Specialists will evaluate the structure, give you a scope of work, some tips to help minimize foundation movement, and a price. It's nice to have piece of mind, especially when it's a home's stability at stake.

Southern Colorado sees Easter Moisture with Relief

Sun, April 24 2011, 00:00:00 -500

A Spring snow storm rarely meets our expectations, especially when we're hoping to hunt for brightly colored eggs in the fresh grass. Falcon residents didn't seem dissuaded on Saturday when a light rain turned to wet snow. Catherine Brown-Swain, a Realtor in Peyton (www.mycoloradolandandranch.com ), said "Thank goodness for the moisture! We really needed it!"

With high winds and dry conditions this Spring, most areas along the Front Range have had increased fire danger warnings. "It's a concern because everything is so dry--one stray spark and a fire can rip across acres. This snow is just what we needed. Getting the ground damp, giving the grass some moisture, and bringing in some cloud cover," said Dan Sherman of Black Forest, "I haven't had Spring allergies in 30 years and with the dryness and wind, it's been awful. I'm happy to see some snow."

Getting some moisture back in the dry ground will be quite a relief! Clay soil in our area has reached a very low moisture point that has lead to record settling and cracking movement in foundations through out Rockrimmon, Black Forest, and Peyton. A little snow will produce moisture to gradually re-hydrate the swelling soil, giving our foundations a chance to move back into their normal positions.

If your home has been creeking and groaning more than usual, if you're noticing doors and windows that won't shut, or if cracks have appeared suddenly on the inside of your home, have one of our certified Foundation Repair Specialists complete a free evaluation. For more information on clay soil conditions and what to look for, check out http://www.foundationtechnologyebook.com/

Colorado Springs Experiencing More Rain Today

Thu, April 14 2011, 00:00:00 -500

With the rain that we had last in Colorado Springs, coupled with more expected today, it's a good idea to check for basement flooding. Peak Basement Systems has compiled a video of the top 5 quick fixes that any do-it-yourselfer can use to prevent basement flooding. For more information on the tips provided in this video, check out www.peakbasementsystems.com

A Foundation Repair Industry Leader in Colorado Springs

Mon, April 11 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Here's an interview with Paul Sutton, President and Founder of Peak Basement Systems. Peak is a foundation repair company serving southern Colorado. According to the Pikes Peak Regional Building Dept, Peak is the leader in the foundation repair industry--installing more permitted work than all other competitors combined! For more information on this industry leader, check out www.peakbasementsystems.com or call us at 719-260-7070

Colorado State Prison and New Construction Piers

Mon, April 4 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Colorado State Prison

The year: 1976. The location: Fremont County.

The Colorado State Prison site is cleared and ready for construction. The soils testing results show swelling soil layers interspaced with bedrock. The construction continues with proper remediation performed by design professionals, builders, architects, and soils engineers. The final conclusion was that new construction deep foundation piers should be installed throughout the site to lift the prison off of the unstable soils and place the load onto solid bedrock. The prison is guaranteed against vertical movement with this system. All in all, the preventative measures saved taxpayers millions of dollars in repair costs.

Colorado Springs Annual Maintenance on Pads and Posts

Tue, March 29 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Here's a brief video from Peak Basement Systems outlining how to check your crawlspace concrete pads and steel posts to insure that they are still supporting your floor correctly. Springtime is an important time in Colorado Springs to perform crawlspace inspections to insure that your home is resting on a solid foundation.

Sublimation in Colorado Springs

Mon, March 28 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Snow melt and run off are familar. Ice turns to water. Water runs into our streams and rivers, and soaks into the ground. All of this replenishes the soil and allows plants to grow.

What happens in Colorado that makes us unique? Our cycle of high temps post snow fall creates a phenomenon called "sublimation".

Sublimation is nature's shortcut from ice to vapor. Snow in Colorado literally evaporates! You probably noticed in the last few months that ice tends to form in the shade, but our sunny patches are dry to the touch, it's not because missed the puddles while you were inside at work--That's sublimation at work.

The Effects of Sublimation in Colorado:

1). Dry soil despite recent precipitation.

2). Increased risk of flash flooding due to hardened

top layers of soil.

3). Increased watering required to keep lawns healthy--including winter watering

4). Increased chance of basement flooding due to Clay

Bowl Effect.

You'll notice in this video that there are no puddles or other indications that the ground is damp. The soil remains dry and the grass is quite brittle. It's even more prominent on the portion of the grass where the sun has shone constantly since this morning.

And those are ther Fact Facts on Sublimation!

5 Important Features of a Sump Pump for Colorado Springs Residents

Mon, March 14 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Colorado Springs residents should make sure that their sump pumps include the following features:

1) The sump needs to be large enough to pump out water from the system during a heavy intrusion

2) It should have at least two pumping units - a spare in case one breaks down during a storm

3) There should be a battery backup unit - this insures that your pump functions even when the power goes out, which often happens during rain storms.

4) The sump should have an alarm that lets you know when the pump is overwhelmed

5) Finally, the pump should have a heavy duty cover - this insures no one falls in, it keeps critters attracted to water from entering your basement, and keeps humidity in your basement lower. This will also lower your risk of high radon levels.

Colorado Springs Foundation Seasons

Tue, March 1 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Each year, your foundation undergoes tremendous strain as the elements do their worst on it. So, when is this strain the heaviest? What are the forces that lead to a cracked basement or a need for a foundation repair? Let's find out!

Mid-December to March: The Freeze
We're currently coming out of the Freeze season, which is usually from first blizzard to first melt. The soil is frozen, or mostly frozen and dramatic shifts are less likely.

Right now, your foundation is about as stable as it's going to get because the soil is not experiencing influxes of water. This is the best time of year to mark the size of your cracks in the basement and mark them for future tracking.

This is the best time of year to have repair work done on your foundation because the soil is at rest and the damage is the slightest--you'll save money in crack repair and cosmetic finishing. Plus, you've saved your home from the upheaval of the other seasons.

April to early June: Spring Melt
Life begins in the Spring Melt season, where frozen ground is introduced to melting snow and all sorts of soil problems begin. Houses settle, basements flood, garages heave.

This time of year, you will notice that cracks in the foundation are weeping, or that new cracks have appeared. Many people start researching the cost of foundation repair and the methodology of crack repair at this point. This is a good time of year to check your crack size and scope weekly.

June to August: Wet Season
Life really picks up in Wet Season, it's the time when rain comes often and people start to notice basement flooding, damp crawlspaces, and heaving clay soils. It often coincides with real estate transactions because lots of clients choose to move in the summer (I agree, moving in the snow is awful).

Cracks will grow rapidly, or they may fluctuate depending on the weather outside. You'll notice that walls may be bowing inward during this season.

August to mid-December: Piering Season
Piering Season is crazy. It's the time of year when the rain stops and the soil goes into super dehydration mode. Homes drop by inches, basements crack overnight, the whole world cries out for moisture. Colorado feels like an Alpine Desert again.

It's also the most dramatic time for shifting soils. You will see cracks open wide and stay that way. You'll notice bowed walls are shifting back into position with new damage. Corners of foundations tend to really drop at this time of year. It's an excellent time of year to have a foundation repaired because your foundation is truly at it's worse. There is a risk in waiting this long to address a foundation concern, though--it may cost more because the damage is much worse than it was in the Spring.

Concerned about the Cost of Foundation Repair?

If you're concerned about a potential foundation problem, or believe that foundation issues are increasing over time, then I would recommend having a Systems Design Specialist come out for a free estimate. Our Design Specialists will evaluate the structure, give you a scope of work, some tips to help minimize foundation movement, and a price. It's nice to have peace of mind, especially when it's a home's stability at stake.

Snow Melt in Colorado Springs and a Wet Basement

Tue, February 15 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Oh no! Snow Melt + Sprinkler Water = A Wet Basement!

Prior to starting up those sprinklers in May, it is important to check your basement or crawlspace for seasonal dampness from snow melt and the resulting ground water. If you are noticing seepage before using your sprinklers, you could experience even more water when you green up your grass!

Spring is the best time to do a quick check for changes that might have occurred to your foundation or surrounding yard during the winter months. You might notice a damp patch forming in a particular part of the basement or crawlspace, it could be a cracked sprinkler pipe, or even a gutter that is draining incorrectly.

You may notice that the yard appears to be collecting water in newly formed depressions. In fact, spring melting and watering cycles can drastically change the grading of your yard and be forcing water toward your foundation!

Sometimes, a portion of the yard may require regarding in order to keep water where you want it to go. Other times, a change in how and where you water might resolve the dampness. A good rule of thumb is not to water within 5' of your house. If you have plants near the house, it's always better to hand water than to let sprinklers run for long amounts of time.

If changing how your water doesn't seem to be helping, or the basement goes from damp to downright wet, it's a good idea to have a foundation and basement expert come in and do an evaluation. Our systems specialists at Peak Basement Systems will do a full evaluation of a home and use our gas leveling equipment to help you determine if your property has experienced settling or shifting during the last season. We'll also go through the home itself to see if the foundation has settled or shifted and is the cause of the wet basement.

Round Shaft Helical Piers and Square Shaft Helical Piers

Wed, January 26 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Brief Details on Square Shaft Piers for Comparison

This is another section of our examination of helical pier couplers. How a helical pier fits together is an integral part of its overall ability to get the job done. That's why we've tapped Jeff Kortan, P.E. and Director of Engineering at Foundation Supportworks, to give us the skinny on couplers.

In previous parts of this series, we have examined strictly round shaft helical piers, not only because they are the most common helical pier, but also because they are currently approved by virtually every building department in Colorado. Square shaft helical piers are not as common. However, it's important to understand a little bit about square shaft piers when you're comparing couplers.

The most common coupler detail for solid square shaft helical piers utilizes a forged and upset end. Cast detached couplers have also been used in lieu of the upsetting process. As a review, upset couplers are formed by heating one end of the shaft, placing this end in a form and then enlarging the end with a hammer-like tool, or heavy press.

The upset end of the square shaft is created in a similar manner as for the round shaft, except for forming a square shaft.

Things to Consider when Purchasing Piers with this Coupling Method:

--With this method of manufacturing, it is difficult to create tight connections to strict tolerances.

--It is not uncommon to have 1/8 inch or more difference between the outside diameter and the inside diameter of the upset coupler of the round shaft

--Greater freedom allowed in this connection leads to a greater potential variance from straightness

--The connection variance leads to the higher the potential for bending or buckling of the pile under high compressive loads.

--The risk of pile buckling further increases with unsupported lengths above the ground surface, or if the pile extends through soil strata consisting of soft clays or loose sand.

--The square shaft coupler is usually comprised of a single bolt connection, which can also allow for greater variance from straightness and higher potential for bending or buckling.

There are obvious, significant differences in coupling details and it's important to know what you're paying for before signing any contracts. After all, the differences are in the details, and the details are what determine engineering soundness.

What Peak Installs when we use helical piers

Now that you've gone through the different types of couplers, the benefits and drawbacks, and the important questions to ask, it's probably a good time to learn about what our company installs. Peak wants you to know exactly what we install and why, as well as the benefits and drawbacks to our solutions.

We utilize round shaft helical piles that are manufactured with external welded or detached couplers. These systems are manufactured to strict tolerances to allow the pile shafts to be in direct contact inside the coupling.

Why is this important?

The load path for piles under compression is then directly through the shafts of the extensions and lead section without having to pass through welds and bolts at each connection. The annular space between the pile shaft and coupler is also kept as tight as is practical to maintain pile rigidity while also providing connections that are easily joined in the field.

Still concerned? Don't just take our word for it!

We invite you to contact our engineer, or the staff engineers with our manufacturer. You can obtain technical documents on our piers free of charge that you can have reviewed by your engineer of choice. Your engineer can give you a solid, non-biased opinion of the stability of our piers versus other systems.

More on Helical Couplers

Mon, January 10 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Type 2: Internal Detached Couplers

This is the second type of helical pier couplers. How a helical pier fits together is an integral part of its overall ability to get the job done. That's why we've tapped Jeff Kortan, P.E. and Director of Engineering at Foundation Supportworks, to give us the skinny on couplers.

Internal detached couplers are made from solid round stock or tube or pipe material, but with an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the central shaft material. Internal coupler dimensions may be significantly undersized to prevent interferences with internal bead welds of the central shaft or due to the variations that are typical in wall thicknesses and inside diameters of pipe sections. Larger gaps between the inside diameter of the shaft and the outside diameter of the coupler can result in a connection with more potential for angular displacements, or kinking.

Type 3: Forged and Upset Couplers

This is the third type of helical pier couplers. How a helical pier fits together is an integral part of its overall ability to get the job done. That's why we've tapped Jeff Kortan, P.E. and Director of Engineering at Foundation Supportworks, to give us the skinny on couplers.

Forged and upset couplers are formed by heating one end of the shaft, placing this end in a form and then enlarging the end with a hammer-like tool, or heavy press.

Things to Consider when Purchasing Piers with this Coupling Method:

With this method of manufacturing, it is difficult to create tight connections to strict tolerances.
It is not uncommon to have 1/8 inch or more difference between the outside diameter and the inside diameter of the upset coupler of the round shaft
Greater freedom allowed in this connection leads to a greater potential variance from straightness
The connection variance leads to the higher the potential for bending or buckling of the pile under high compressive loads.
The risk of pile buckling further increases with unsupported lengths above the ground surface, or if the pile extends through soil strata consisting of soft clays or loose sand.

Peak Celebrates with a Hot Breakfast

Wed, December 22 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Journal entry:

4:03am, December 2010

It's early, way early. The programmable thermostat does kick the heat up for another 2 hours. I'm sitting in the kitchen, huddled over the stove for warmth and writing by the laptop screen light. What am I doing up at this hour? Shockingly, it's not my usual sleeplessness, or for 3am blog posting. This time, it's for something beautiful. Something that I'm humbled to take part in. This time, I'm up crack o' dawn early to serve the men that make my mortgage payment possible. I'm helping to cook a nice, hot breakfast for our crews.

4:21am

Well, the sausage is finished frying--I picked HOT to flavor the biscuit gravy. I hope it's okay! Time to start adding in the gravy ingredients.

4:46 am

The gravy is currently bubbling on the stove and I'm starting to pack juice, plates, bowls, and table clothes for the party. I can't believe I forgot to iron them!

5:57am

The gravy is thick, bubbly, and ready to go! The juices are prepped and ready and I've got the coffee ground. Aaron's mixing eggs and getting the griddle together for travel. We're running late!

6:07am

Thankfully, there weren't other cars on the road and police patrols on our work route were absent. Phew, it would have sucked to get a ticket! We flew to work to start setting up--the crews will be here by 6:30 and I know that the heater in the warehouse isn't on yet!

6:11am

The coffee is brewing, the tables are set, and the heater is blasting out, well chilly air. Hmm. Not good.

6:17am

Hot Air! Hot food! We're almost ready! Coffee pot #5 is brewing--Thank goodness for air pump coffee carafes.

6:30am

The crews have arrived and boy, it's amazing! Everyone seems happy and sleepy, but thankful for the food fuel. It snowed last night for the first time this season, so no one was thrilled to work in the cold. I think the sausage gravy and biscuits will help!

7:00am

Paul reveals the earth-shattering numbers that the Production dept has been kicking out in the last three months. We're so thankful that the company is growing and thriving. Paul's also giving out presents to everyone to thank them and their families for the work.

Peak Saves the Day

Mon, December 20 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Peak Saves Santa's House
(To the Tune of "Here Comes Santa Claus")

By Cassi Sherman Henes

Here comes settling, here comes settling

Right down Santa's Chalet.

Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer

Can see it bright as day

Bricks are gapping, walls a' cracking,

All in all, it's a fright,

Santa needs help, he makes a call

And Peak is coming tonight!

Here comes the van and here's the mini ex

Coming to Santa's Chalet.

They've got a rig that's filled with tools

For lifting the right way

Hear jack hammers go jingle jangle

What a beautiful sight

Jump up and down and run 'round

'Cause we're fixing Santa's tonight!

Here come piers and here comes the drive shaft

Right under Santa's Chalet

Peak will lift and level

The deadline's Christmas Day!

We'll get the workshop back to running

We'll make everything right.

Fill your hearts with Christmas cheer

'Cause the inspector comes tonight!

The crew saved Santa's house, the crew saved Santa's house

It's the Peak Company way!

We're all finished, packed and ready

With time to load the sleigh.

Christmas now can come to all

All is merry and bright

Let's give thanks to the lord above

'Cause Santa can come tonight!

Yeah, 'cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

Helicial Pier Couplers

Mon, December 13 2010, 00:00:00 -500

External Welded and External Detached Couplers

External couplers utilize tube or pipe sections with an internal diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the external shaft material.

Benefit: These couplers can be sized to provide tight connections that reduce angular deformation and variances from straightness.

Why do we care: A straight pier is able to bear the designed amount of load without failing or compromising the system. Displacements, like bending, compromise the effectiveness of the entire piering system.

According to Jeff Kortan, P.E. and Director of Engineering at FSI, such displacements at the couplers introduce what are called eccentricities, or bending forces, to the system which can significantly reduce the allowable compressive capacity of the pile. Because of eccentricity, all pier systems are subject to bending stresses at the bracket, or other joints like couplers. It�s important to choose a piering system that has taken specific cautions at the bracket and couplers to overcome bending forces. These bending forces reduce a pier�s ability to bear weight effectively, which compromises the overall engineering plan to repair a structure. This is especially dangerous when you add bending forces to slender shaft materials that can be found on the market today. A slender pier would be one that has a 3.5" outside diameter and smaller.

The Details and the Differences

Mon, November 22 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Coupler and Shaft Details on Helical Piers--The Details Make all the Difference

How a helical pier fits together is an integral part of its overall ability to get the job done, but it's virtually impossible to get a good breakdown of the types of couplers and their benefits and drawbacks. That's why we've tapped Jeff Kortan, P.E. and Director of Engineering at Foundation Supportworks, to give us the skinny on couplers.

Fast Facts--Did you know:

*shaft and coupler details are not consistent among manufacturers

*these details may not be readily apparent when reviewing a product capacity table

*manufacturers may rate their products based on gross sections of shafts, ignoring couplers limitations

*there can be dramatic differences between material properties, tolerances, spacing of bolt holes, oversize bolt holes, general fit-up, weld quality, and more

The most common coupler details for round shaft helical piers include: external welded, external detached, internal detached, and forged and upset. We've asked Jeff to outline the basic details, along with their benefits and limitations. Import our RSS feed to receive these articles as they become available.

Square Shaft vs. Round Shaft Helicial Piers

Mon, November 8 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Foundation Supportworks Engineers have a saying, "A round shaft helicial pier by any other name just isn't the same". Commonly, service companies talk about square shaft and round shaft helicial piers interchangably. It's really only once you get to the engineering community that they start to differiente between the two. Round shaft, rather than square shaft helicial piers, should be used to support a home's settling foundation for the following reasons, according to structural engineers:

*Square shaft helicial piers use a socket and pin coupling which results in deviations from straightness, introduces additional eccentricity to the system, and increases buckling potential.

*The steel area for a section of round shaft is located outward from the enter of the shaft, therefore creating a higher resistance to bending

*Round shafts usually have a higher installation torque rating, meaning more force can be applied while the product is being installed. Higher installation torque generally correlates to higher soil capacities.

Square-shaft helicals are an effective solution in tension applications. In fact, FSI regularly installs square-shaft helicals on commercial projects where we anchor or tie back large retaining walls, sheet-pile walls, foundation walls, and other retaining structures.

Concrete Underpinning

Tue, November 2 2010, 00:00:00 -500

My home is settling again, but when it was fixed last time, we had it underpinned with concrete. Isn't that the same thing as piering it? ~Richard, Canon City, CO

Richard, this is a great question! I'm so glad that you asked about underpinning. Underpinning is basically pouring larger concrete footings beneath the existing footings in a home's foundation. If the pooting is designed to carry the weight of the home, then a bigger footing should be better, right? Unfortunately, bigger is rarely better where expansive soils are concerned. Most of the time, concrete underpinning does not extend past the "active zone" of soil. This "active zone" is usually expansive clay in your area. That is real trouble soil. In other words, the soil beneath your beefed up footings is still moving, causing your home above to move seasonally. Additionally, concrete shrinks as it cures, potentially creating small gaps between the new footing and the old one. Open gaps beneath the home are never a good thing.

When concrete underpinning is used as a solution and the problems continue, it is much more expensive to repair as all of the added concrete will need to be removed and resupported by a new, more substantial foundation system.

Dealing With a Musty Smell in my Basement

Tue, October 12 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Why Basements Are Damp and Musty

Does your basement smell like a basement? Is it damp and musty? The SaniDry Basement Air System is guaranteed to dry out your basement and eliminate those musty basement odors or your money back.

Moisture in the home has many sources: plants, pets, people, cooking, washing, ground water, and most importantly, the air. Mold, mildew, bacteria, and other biological allergens are sensitive to relative humidity. Relative humidity levels rising above 55% stimulate their growth which generates those ï¿½mustyï¿½ basement odors.

The SaniDry Basement Air System will maintain the basement relative humidity between 45-50%. The SaniDry System also adds a little heat to the basement air. So a cold, damp basement becomes a little warmer and a lot drier. Your basement wonï¿½t feel like a basement.

The lower relative humidity prevents continued mold, mildew, and bacterial growth and eliminates those musty odors. Your basement wonï¿½t smell like a basement!

The reduced humidity creates a less hospitable climate for many ï¿½bugsï¿½, including dust mites, centipedes, silver-fish, and spiders. Your basement will have fewer ï¿½creepy crittersï¿½.

Now your basement can be used for additional comfortable living space and the safe storage of clothing, books, heirlooms, and collectibles.

SaniDry Basement Air System Eliminates Damp Musty Odors!

-- Removes over 100 pints of water per day--Triple the performance of dehumidifiers

-- 2-3 times more efficient--5 to 8 pints per Kwh

-- Plugs into standard outlet--Draws less than 7 amps

-- Low temperature design--Continued performance in cooler areas

-- Automatic defrost system--Operates down to 55O F.

-- Satisfaction guaranteed--Or your money back

-- Optional duct kit--Remote location for finished basement

What is Foundation Piering and How Does it Work?

Fri, August 13 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Today, more and more homes are being built on unstable soils, such as the ones that you learned about in previous chapters. Between expansive and hydro-compactable soils and subsidence, foundations are pushed and pulled, creating movement. Each year, thousands of homeowners are faced with evaluating and repairing foundation problems. Thankfully, this means that there are reliable, engineered solutions available.

What exactly is available and is it the right solution for your structural problems?

Since the root of structural problems is the soil, the first two solutions deal with taking the foundation's weight off of unstable soils and placing it on bedrock or other stable soil-these solutions are called push piers and helical piers.

Push Piers are basically long steel shafts that are hydraulically driven into the ground through the unstable surface soils until they reach bed-rock or other load bearing strata. Technicians can tell that the piers have reached bedrock by measuring the hydraulic pressure required to drive the piers into the ground until they meet an engineer specified depth. The home's weight is then transferred off of the unstable soil and onto the piers through pier brackets attached to the footing of the house.

Helical Piers are similarly driven into the ground using hydraulics, but they are turned into the ground like a giant screw. In fact, they are giant screws that literally hold up a house through resistance power. The home's weight is then transferred onto the piers using the same durable steel brackets.

Indications that You Need a Piering System:

You have an area of your foundation wall that is experiencing vertical movement, such as sinking.

Your chimney is not flush with your home.

Your soil conditions can be classified as expansive, subsiding, hydro-compactable, or active.

How Piers are installed in 6 Basic Steps:

Step 1: Outside, sod and landscaping around the home is removed and set aside.

Step 2: Soil is removed until the footing of the concrete foundation is revealed.

Step 3: Foundation pier anchoring brackets of heavy, industrial-strength steel are attached to the home's footings.

Step 4: Rugged steel piers are hydraulically driven down to solid bedrock or equal-load bearing strata.

Step 5: The weight of the home, anchored to the steel brackets, is carefully transferred from unstable soil to rock-solid piers.

Step 6: After an engineer's approval, the soil around the home is replaced and landscaping can be returned to its original location.

There are several other options that have been employed during different eras to resolve foundation problems. The oldest method is to jack up the house and replace the foundation and the newest method is to utilize piering systems either on the entire perimeter of the home, or just one portion. Here's a breakdown of the other methods that people have used to resolve foundation issues from oldest to most recent:

Replace the Foundation:

Destroys yard and takes several weeks to complete

No warranty against the same problem reoccurring (expect same result

Footings are still in the Active Zone

VERY EXPENSIVE-$50,000 PLUS

Concrete Underpinning/Spread Footings:

Can take weeks/months

Added weight of the concrete can make problem worse

Structure cannot be lifted

Footings are still in the Active Zone

Concrete Piers:

Concrete cylinders can break during installation and CANNOT be retrieved due to depths

Cylinders create too much skin friction to get through the Active Zone

May require additional shims in the future

Even if shimming is included in the warranty, the damage from re-settlement and re-excavation is not covered

Square Shaft Helical Piers:

Originally designed to provide resistance to guy wires on electrical towers during high winds.

Not designed to hold up weight through soils

Square shafts experience bending and folding when a foundation's weight resting on it.

Concrete Piers with Cable Reinforcement:

Engineered for specific soil conditions that are not present in Colorado.

Cylinders create too much skin friction to get through the Active Zone

Cabling in center of pier stretches over time, allowing for moment after piers in place.

Additional cabling on exterior of cylinders can increase skin friction of cylinder.

Finally, piering systems:

Push Piers WILL:

Allow the deepest penetration of any steel pier type.

Allow for the possibility of low impact interior installations (typically, with far less collateral damage than the exterior approach)

Provide a lifetime warranty, transferable for the first 25 years that vertical movement in the piered areas will not occur

Perform its job in most soil conditions for a designed life in excess of 100 years

Push Piers MAY:

Allow for the likelihood of lifting a structure to a flatter, more level condition

Allow for the possibility of closing or shrinking existing cracks in brick, stucco, sheetrock, or other interior or exterior finishes

Allow for the re-alignment of sticking doors or windows, and the straightening of leaning chimneys

Push Piers WILL NOT:

Guaranty that perfectly flat or level final conditions will be achieved

Provide lateral (horizontal) restraint to a bowing foundation wall

Improve the water tightness or lower the moisture level in a basement

Helical Piers WILL:

Perform its job in most soil conditions for a designed life in excess of 100 years

Allow for installation on relatively older, weaker, or lighter foundation types

Allow for installation as a pre-construction (or new construction) bearing system in poor soils

Allow for a horizontal installation as a "tie-back" system to provide resistance against land creep in hillside areas

With a few rare exceptions, require exterior excavation, with destruction to surrounding landscaping or paving

Provide a lifetime warranty, transferable for the first 25 years, that vertical movement in the piered areas will not occur

Helical Piers MAY:

Allow for the likelihood of lifting a structure to a flatter, more level condition

Allow for the possibility of closing or shrinking existing cracks in brick, stucco, sheetrock, or other interior or exterior finishes

Allow for the re-alignment of sticking doors or windows, and the straightening of leaning chimneys

Helical Piers WILL NOT:

Guaranty that perfectly flat or level final conditions will be achieved

Provide lateral (horizontal) restraint to a bowing foundation wall (unless specifically installed in "tie-back" mode)

Improve the water tightness or lower the moisture level in a basement

How Important is Positive Drainage For My House? Part 3 of 3

Fri, August 13 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Minimizing the destructive effects of shifting soils have proven to be a real challenge for property owners who are concerned about preventing structural damage to their foundations, as well as preventing mold and water intrusion in their homes. The importance of creating and maintaining a positive downhill slope condition away from their foundation is paramount, and happily, is one of the most relatively inexpensive and easily achieved preventative measures available. Our focus in this article will be on the practical how's and why's of good positive drainage.

The last 20-30 years have taught some painful lessons to the professional engineer and building communities as they have incurred vast financial penalties. Old conventions about adequate foundation design have proven to be unreliable. As it turns out, you can't simply build foundations the same way in Dallas as you do in Dubuque or in Pittsburgh as you do in Portland, and expect a predictable outcome. As a result, more stringent codes now dictate that a methodical process be employed to first test and identify the properties and characteristics of the soil on a given building site. The results of such an analysis are published in what is commonly known as a "soils letter" or "soils report". A soils report is a critical packet of information that serves both to advise the foundation design process going forward, as well as to inform present and future owners of that property about their responsibilities to maintain conditions that will minimize the risk of structural damage over the long term.

The most basic of all these responsibilities is the maintenance of positive sloped drainage. This is usually defined in most soils reports as a condition where at least 6"-10" of drop occurs in the first 10' of run out from the foundation. Another way of expressing the same thing is to express the angle of the slope by means of a percentage; 6%-10% positive slope for mulched or rock bed areas, and 2%-3% positive slope for hard paved areas, such as sidewalks, driveways, or parking lots. (A lesser slope is usually acceptable for paved areas because hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt naturally conduct water away from the foundation much more efficiently than a porous surface like a mulch bed) With a few basic tools and a bit of patience, these slope percentages may be determined by the average property owner wishing to prevent needless structural and/or water damage to the foundation of his/her property. The process of doing so is as follows:

First, choose a point along the foundation wall and place one end of a 10' long straightedge (such as a 2 x 4) at the same point while extending it out perpendicularly from the foundation.
Next, place a carpenter's level on top of the 2 x 4 while you gradually raise the far end of the 2 x 4 until the bubble indicates a level condition has been achieved.
Finally, simply measure down from the elevated end of the 2 x 4 to the ground directly beneath is and make note of that dimension. For this example, let's suppose that our vertical measurement is 10".

Now, you have all the raw data you need to calculate your slope percentage. The math is simple: divide the vertical dimension, known as the "rise" by the horizontal dimension, which is known as the "run". Don't forget to convert your units of measure as needed so that they are consistent. In our example, we would have 10" (our rise) divided by 120" (our run), equaling.083, which we could round to 8%. As a rule of thumb, an 8% positive slope downward would be considered to be a safe and effective amount of slope to quickly move water away from the foundation before it can penetrate to deeper layers of soil and cause problems. Sometimes, calculating slope or determining what a safe and effective grade may be difficult, so it is possible to have a geotechnical engineering firm or other foundation related company come out and do the calculations.

With a slope calculation, it's easy to find problem spots on your property and change the grade to protect your home. You should check the slope of your property, especially when your home is a new construction, after spring melt. Settling and changes in the grade are often caused by changes in moisture and run off. Preventative maintenance like this can save from a flooded basement, a muddy crawlspace, or even cracked and settling foundations.

Foundation Concerns From the Clay Bowl Effect

Thu, August 5 2010, 00:00:00 -500

How the Clay Bowl Effect Starts

Moisture is an essential element to soil-it's a lubricant that traps air and allows soil particles to slide together. Too much moisture and the ground becomes muddy and unable to bear weight. Too little moisture and the soil breaks into its individual particles and blows away.

Dry soil also decreases the depth of plant roots because the plants spread out shallow roots in an attempt to absorb as much moisture as possible. This means that our yards are more delicate, our trees start to wither and provide less shade, the soil around our homes starts to blow around, and many of our plants produce less. All of these factors cause our yards and homes to feel hotter and our allergies to act up more frequently. We also start noticing burned patches in our grass and brittle leaves on our plants. In an effort to counteract these issues, we water more. For some reason, this doesn't seem to help.

That's because most of us are also battling a layer of hardened clay underneath the grass, which is literally siphoning the water to the nearest permeable soil. Unfortunately, the end result can be that the water intended for your grass is being forced into the ground beneath your foundation-this is called the "clay bowl effect". It works like this: homes are built by digging out, or excavating, a hole where the foundation will go. Naturally, this hole has to be wider than our foundation because people and machines also need room to work. Once the foundation is poured and dried, backfilling is done. In other words, the hole is filled until it is level with the virgin soil surrounding the construction site. This backfill is compacted, but it is literally impossible to compact it enough to match the density of the undisturbed soil in the lot.

Now, your home is built on top of the foundation and landscaping is completed. Over time, the entire lot compacts, but the backfill zone remains looser than the other soil. Water is more easily absorbed by loose soil, so your lawn could be burning, while the water is literally siphoning into your foundation. If you're battling dry patches, don't assume more water will solve the problem. Under your home could be wetter for your effort.

Here are the events that occur as water sits beneath your foundation:

1. Water causes expansive soils to swell and hydro-compactable soil to sink.

2. Back-filled soil is looser, so this soil moves more freely, increasing stress on foundation walls.

3. Pressure from exterior soil, as well as water pressure, weaken joints and widen existing cracks.

4. Water under the foundation traps radon, creates uneven soil moisture, and leads to many other problems

Some ways to tell if the Clay Bowl Effect is contributing to your Structural Problems:

--You have existing cracks in your foundation that weep water.

--Your basement has a higher relative humidity than the rest of your home.

--You have elevated radon levels and cracks in your foundation.

--You have struggled with mold problems in the past.

--You notice that your basement walls and/or floors appear dark in spots.

5 Drainage Issues that Lead to Basement Flooding in Colorado

Tue, August 3 2010, 00:00:00 -500

1. Missing gutters to catch and carry away water from entering the basement or crawlspace.

Gutters are an important first line of defense to carry rain and melt waters from the peak of the roof past the perimeter of the home. Sheets of water falling directly from the roof to the foundation can cause the surrounding soil to subside toward the home. This means that the entire slope of the land is affected.

2. Missing downspouts leading to pooling near foundation walls.

Downspouts are essential to directing water far enough away from the home to keep the concrete foundation from wicking the water inside the basement or crawlspace. Any time that you notice pooling or puddling of rainwater near the foundation, it is important to return the soil to level condition and prevent water from resting in a pool. If the cause is a missing downspout, then the problem will continue until you replace that downspout. Each day that you wait will allow further moisture penetration into your basement and a greater risk for mold to develop on your subfloor.

3. Concrete walkways or patios that have settled and are sloping towards the foundation.

Patios and walkways become fast flowing streams in rainy conditions. These slabs should direct water away from your foundation walls through subtle grade alterations. Unfortunately, concrete is heavy and the soil underneath it can subside over time, especially where a slab meets concrete steps. This area has more weight pressing on the soil, so it subsides first. When you notice that your patios and sidewalks are directly water toward your home, it is a good idea to have the concrete re-leveled and/or replaced. This is generally done through mudjacking.

4. Landscaping that is planted within 3 feet of foundation walls.

Planting bushes and flowers around the foundation generally seems harmless, but it can actually contribute to the flooding in your basement. Plant roots are tenacious and will grow down toward cool, moist soil. This soil exists closest to your concrete foundation walls. As you water your landscaping, the roots draw that moisture towards your foundation and create paths for water intrusion.

5. Downspouts that are not extended far enough from your foundation walls.

Downspouts should extend 6' from your foundation to prevent back flow during Colorado's heavy afternoon rains. If the downspouts are less than 6', you will experience back flow that can flood your basement.

Colorado Soil Conditions 2 - Should I Be Concerned About Sandy Soil?

Mon, August 2 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Some Soil Sinks

Throughout time, soil has been deposited at the foot of the Rocky Mountains by wind, water, and weather. This loose, low density soil made of sand and loess (wind-blown sediment) is especially apparent in areas where the wind blows consistently. These types of soil are hydro-compactable, meaning that as water enters the soil, they become more densely packed.

Soil Changes with Weather

Sandy soils like this will compact, sometimes as much as 20% when water is added. Normally, this doesn't appear to be a problem because the sun tends to dry out the top layers of soil again quickly. A good example of this is a moderate desert, which people don't notice settling because the precipitation and the heat are balanced in such a way that the soil remains loose. Problems can begin when water enters the soil on a regular basis, or in large amounts, then returns to dry for small amounts of time, and back again. This causes large shifts in the height and compaction of the soil, resulting in structural issues.

Worse When Wet?

Sand can exert tremendous amounts of pressure onto the underlying soil layers. This can cause significant changes in your foundation's stability. In fact, one of the first places that you will notice changes will be in patios, chimneys, and slabs. They will begin to sink, settle, and crack. In some cases, a chimney will pull away from a house because it is literally sinking into the soil and falling over.

The soil along the Front Range is usually composed of layers of hydro-compactable soil with expansive, clay soil underneath. This is means that a structure can suffer both from the effects of expansive and hydro-compactable soil. This can make it difficult to determine if your home is suffering from compaction issues and settling, or from heave. The following case studies illustrate hydro-compaction. Let's take a look:

Case Study 1: The Colorado Highway Department investigated the potential for hydro compaction along the alignment of I-70 from Rifle to Dubuque. To test this concern, water was captured in a little pond and a road fill was placed beside it to model the possible compaction issues that could result. The road base sunk 3 feet in the first month of testing. This case study was used to design pavement and other helpful technology to prevent failure of a portion of the highway.

Case Study 2: In Golden, CO, several old clay pits were being used for refuse dumping. The pits were filled with a loess soil in the 1960s when the site was zoned for residential building. As the seasons have added up, the compaction due to water intrusion has caused sidewalks, streets, and two story buildings have sustained substantial damage from settlement. The problem continues despite repeated repairs and some corrective work.

Case Study 3: A Carbondale, Colorado rancher's stock watering pond excavated in a pasture collapsed because of hydro-compaction. A bowl-shaped depression 60 feet across and 8 feet deep resulted when he attempted to pond water in his field. The soils were so permeable that the pond would not hold water, and the wet soils under the pond collapsed. Many roads and other improvements in the vicinity have been destroyed or damaged by soaking of collapsible, low density soils. (Further information on this case study is available on the Colorado Geologic Survey website).

These case studies provide us with valuable information on how compaction works, especially on hydro-compactable soils. These indicators can help you to catch potential soil issues before they become a serious problem, allowing for cheaper, faster remediation:

Your lawn absorbs water quickly, but does not appear green and lush

Your soil is loose and blows out of your hand when you puff on it

You notice "rain divots" in your exposed soil (raindrop shaped dimples)

Soil forms a slight crust once dry that you can crumble with your fingers

You can feel individual particles when rubbing soil between your hand

You have less than 30% clay content and less than 10% water content in your garden

Concentric or curving cracks in concrete surfaces

Soil displacement occurs when you step on the soil

The Effects of Mine Subsidence on Residential Property Part 1 of 2

Fri, July 30 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Colorado has become synonymous with the Gold Rush of the late 1800s. The Rockies were the perfect place for Mother Nature to create a Mother Lode. Hard rock mining, however, is only a small part of the actual mining that has occurred throughout the Front Range. Mining companies also discovered coal deposits in various areas around the Front Range. They commenced coal mining operations in the late 1800's and continued mining operations until the 1920s at which time mines were abandoned. The problem with the coal mining boom was that no one kept an accurate map of who was digging where. We ended up with abandoned mine shafts in some pretty unlikely areas--areas which eventually became attractive to real estate developers. There has been (and still is) extensive large-scale undermining present in our mineral rich backyard.

This has lead to a problem called subsidence. Subsidence is simply soil sinking to fill in the voids created by the mining activities of a bygone era. As decades-old mine support timbers and beams gradually rot away with the passing of time, gravity takes over and fills in those voids with soil from above. The results can sometimes be sudden and dramatic to surface dwellers, their homes, and other man-made structures caught in the subsidence zone.

Why was Coal so Abundant in Colorado?

Coal is the decomposed and compressed remains of primordial swamps. It's abundant here because millions of years ago, this part of the North American Continent was covered with oceans. As the oceans receded, fresh water swamps were formed that flourished with life. Trees and other plant and small animal life died; decomposing and becoming peat. Between Ice Age melting and glacial shifting, the peat became buried under tons of sand and water, which compressed under that pressure into coal. In fact, diamonds are formed from even more pressure being applied to coal, which is why Colorado diamonds were discovered in the first place.

Due to the natural unevenness of the terrain, ribbons and fields of coal formed, which vary in depth, width, and proximity to each other. Miners follow the ribbons of coal in an effort to find large fields of coal to excavate. Coal in our area of the country is much sought after because it contains less sulfur than in the East-this is due to the fact that our coal is formed from fresh water swamp life, rather than saltwater!

Why Does Coal Mining Lead to Subsidence?

Coal is primarily mined in two ways: either surface mined or underground. Surface mining is generally easy to detect, since the layers of earth are stripped away revealing the coal underneath.

Underground mining begins with vertical or diagonal shafts dug into the earth. From there, horizontal tunnels called "streets" are dug until a coal seam or ribbon is discovered. If possible, the ribbon is removed without disturbing the earth around it. This leaves empty space where the coal used to be. The empty spaces collapse as pressure from the surface, including the weight of a house, press down. This is subsidence. Ribbons of coal crisscross throughout the Front Range and as they were mined out, subsidence risks rose.

During the mining process, larger deposits of coal are found. These areas are marked and recesses called "rooms" are created off the original tunnel. These rooms become larger voids and are usually supported from collapse by timbers will rot away.

In some cases, vast amounts of coal are discovered in a single deposit. It is often the result of an ancient lake or other body of water becoming completely filled with peat and turning to coal. These are called "fields". In order to remove a field, vast excavations occur. This means that timber beam systems are constructed to keep the soil crust above from caving in. During the mining process, portions of the coal, or other earth, would be left in pillars to help reduce the risk of cave in. As the mine taps out the remaining coal in the area, these pillars are eventually removed as well and replaced with rubble, or timber. Naturally, the pillars do not last forever. When the soil crust above the field collapses, large areas of subsidence occur. This subsidence usually happens quickly with dramatic results.

The signs of a shifting or subsiding foundation are not difficult to spot if you know what to look for. The presence of any of these signs indicates that structural damage has probably already occurred in your home:

--Windows and doors are sticking, hard to open

--Multiple nail pops are appearing in ceilings and walls

--There are large gaps in window and door frames

--Window and/or door trim are developing spaces

--Floors are starting to settle and become uneven

--Bowed or leaning basement walls

--Cracks in your foundation walls

--Interior plaster walls are cracking

--Chimneys are tilting or leaning

--Foundations are sinking

--Cracks in your basement walls

If you are still concerned about subsidence, the MSIC is available to answer questions about your neighborhood's risk. The Mine Subsidence Information Center is funded by a federal grant that was established to help residents become educated in mine subsidence concerns and remediation. They respond, at no charge, to requests for general subsidence information from the public. It's important to remember, though, that MSIC is a reference source and that only a qualified, independent engineer can give you an official professional opinion on the type and risk of subsidence. This is especially important if you are entering into a real estate development, sale, or transfer.

Underpinning For Foundations - An Explanation

Wed, July 28 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Homebuyers frequently ask for advice or just want to have a question answered. I answered a question today that I thought would make an excellent article, so here it goes.

The homeowner contacted me because she is purchasing a new home. She received an engineer's report calling for "foundation underpinning" and wanted to know if I had ever heard of it. As fate would have it, I happen to work for a company that specializes in foundation repair, which includes underpinning!

Foundation underpinning is a class of foundation repair that includes push piers, helical piers, deep foundation piers, caissons, and other support systems. The specific system that I discussed with this homeowner is the push pier system.

When a home is settling or cracking, it is caused by soil movement beneath the foundation. In order to combat this problem, engineers developed systems that move the weight of the home off the unstable soil onto a stable bedrock support. This is accomplished by hydraulically pushing galvanized steel piers down through the ground until they reach bedrock. The weight of the home is then transferred on to the piers by using rugged steel brackets attached to the footing of the home. Each individual pier bracket and pier combination can be adjusted to make the entire home level.

The foundation pier system is guaranteed against movement and fully restores the home to livable, secure condition.

The homeowner wanted to know if this was essential. This is how I put it, "how much risk are you willing to take with your investment?" An engineer has determined that the home has significant enough concerns to warrant recommending a full foundation underpinning project. This means that the engineer has seen indications that the entire foundation is moving, not just a portion of it. The home inspector has determined that leveling compound was utilized at least twice on the basement floor. He also stated that there have been a series of drywall patches and stucco repairs both on the interior and exterior of the residence.

In other words, you have physical evidence that the home has moved in the past and been repaired. You also have an expert telling you the home has moved, is moving, and will continue to move. Do you want to assume the risk to your family and your investment by purchasing the property as is?

This is not the end of the story; however, there is a happy ending to this unpinning question. I told this lovely homeowner that you also can know the exact cost to never worry about this problem again. You may be able to either get money off the home, or cut a deal with the sellers to cover a portion of the costs. Or you may discover that the cost is within your budget to repair the home.

A Structural Specialist came out to do a free estimate on the home and he came back to her that day with the repair outline. The home needs approximately 15 piers to go around the entire perimeter of the home and lift it back into stable condition. The sellers and buyer met together and decided to drop the price of the home by the amount of the repair and the transaction is back on track.

Colorado Flash Floods, Wet Basements, and Clogged Sump Pumps

Wed, July 28 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Colorado Springs, CO - Damages from recent bouts with flash flooding are still on the mend, but conditions are leaving some homeowners puzzled as to why their sump pump systems failed and their basements are flowing with water. Peak Basement Systems has the answer!

Flooded basement in
Colorado Springs

Homeowners and TV stations alike are up to their noses in water, and frustration. With Colorado's recent flash floods, nearly four inches of rain is recorded to have fallen in just one spell, leaving insufficient plumbing as the main culprit behind much of the indoor flooding.

KXRM/Channel 21 had to shut down their station and resume with an impromptu news cast last week on July 21, last Wednesday. The station returned to working order, and has concluded that a clogged pipe and leaky roof caused the station's flooding.

Coloradans who have invested in sump pump drainage systems are unfortunately finding their basements flooded with water. As with any product, there are the heavy duty reliable brands, and then there are the cheap mediocre brands. At Peak Basement Systems you will surely find only the best when it comes to Colorado basement waterproofing, especially its sump pump systems.

TripleSafe Sump Pump installed by Peak Basement Systems

Peak's sump pumps have an airtight lid along with an alarm that notifies homeowners if there is a problem. When there is a power outage, as is often the case during harsh storms, a battery backup pump system is there to help. The typical battery back up sump pump can remove as little as 3,500 gallons of water, which pails in comparison to Peak's UltraSump Battery Back Up sump pump that removes a remarkable and dependable 11,500 gallons on just one charge!

Choose the industry leading sump pumps at Peak Basement Systems and forget worrying about your basement flooding. If anything were to ever go wrong, your sump pump's alarm and backup will not let you down. Contact Peak Basement Systems today for more information about sump pumps in Colorado.

Peak Basement Systems specializes in basement waterproofing and is a Colorado structural repair contractor and crawlspace repair expert. Contact them today at 1-800-793-8224.

Only Part of My House is Settling, Do I Need to Be Worried About the Rest of It?

Mon, July 26 2010, 00:00:00 -500

If only part of my house is settling and needs piers, will the rest of my house settle too?

The honest answer is "I don't know". Since soil is composed of various layers that become disturbed during construction, your home may be resting partially on expansive soils, or the entire lot may be expansive. At this point, I would recommend having a foundation repair specialist, or a structural engineer take a look at your home and determine the overall scope of repair needed. If that person finds that settling or heaving is occurring in only a portion of your home, then you can repair and get that area under warranty. If he or she finds indicators that the entire structure is resting on expansive, active soil and your whole foundation is moving, then you can pier and warranty the entire home.

A residential structural engineer should review any proposed foundation repair solution at the sight and through plans and other permitting processes, as well as the local soil conditions, and determine if the scope of work someone has recommended needs to be increased or decreased. This process can be streamlined if you find a foundation repair company that has an engineer on staff and in their local office, who is not only familiar with current products and local soil conditions, but he or she will be able to complete site visits and follow ups easily! Having an engineer on staff will give you the insurance that the design specialists in that office have up to date training in properly diagnosing and designing solutions. The engineer should also be present to review each and every design prior to the work being permitted.

Why do you recommend installing piers on both sides of a corner?

In most cases piers are installed at about 6' intervals, depending on the structural needs of your home. This is also true near the corners. If a pier is installed at 2'-3' on one side of a corner, another pier should be installed within approximately 2'-3' from the other side of the corner. In some cases, calculations may show that only one pier is required at a corner, provided the spacing remains correct. However, with that layout, experience has shown that there is increased risk that damage may be done to the footings and foundation wall, especially during a lift. We recommend a corner be supported on both sides to prevent any damage.

For your free estimate for foundation repair in Colorado contact Peak Basement Systems today. Learn more about foundation repairs from the Colorado foundation repair specialist.

Colorado Soil Conditions 1 - Expansive Soil and What to Do About it

Wed, July 14 2010, 00:00:00 -500

What is Expansive Soil?

Colorado, especially the Front Range, is classified as having two types of soil existing together: expansive and hydro-compactable. Most soil in the Front Range can be classified as a swelling soil. This means that the soil contains a high percentage of certain types of clay that absorb vast quantities of water. This can cause the soil to expand 10% or more as moisture enters it, usually during winter snow melt and spring run off. The soil can then exert pressures of 20,000 psi or greater on foundations, slabs, and other structures. Now, this soil also contracts when the moisture evaporates during our hot summer months, causing extreme differences in the pressure being generated on your foundation, driveway, or patios.

What CLAY Soil Does to Homes

Homes built on expanding clays can be structurally damaged as the clay swells with increased water. Cracks will appear in walls and floors. Damage can range from minor to severe enough for the home to be structurally unsafe.

The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that half of the homes in United States are built on expansive soils and half of these will have some damage. The group claims that these soils are responsible for more home damage every year than floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined.

Thankfully, expansive soils are so common place that many engineered solutions have been developed to resolve damage and return structural stability to a home.

Potential Problems with Benonite soils

Some indications that you are dealing with expansive soils are:

Foundation cracks
Heaving and cracking of floor slabs and walls
Jammed doors and windows
Ruptured pipelines
Heaving and cracking of sidewalks and roads

If you are experiencing any of these problems, it's important to be proactive. The longer that expansive soils exert pressure on your foundation, patios, and sidewalks, the more costly and difficult fixing those problems can be.

Landscaping Can Help

The potential for structural damage often can be minimized or the damage avoided altogether by following certain landscaping practices. On expansive soils, the main landscaping goal is to minimize fluctuations in soil water content. Proper surface drainage, plant choices, sprinkling practices, and long-term maintenance are all important. In areas that are constantly moist, the soil should be kept in that condition during extended dry periods. In the more arid areas, excess moisture and landscaping should be kept several feet away from the foundation. Surface drainage and downspout outlets should be maintained away from the foundation. Trees should be planted no closer than 15 feet from foundations. A distance of 25 to 30 feet is best. Tree roots withdraw sufficient water from soils to cause drying and cracking.

These soils do not swell and shrink if the moisture content remains constant. Sprinkler lines should be installed away from the house. Applying water selectively near the foundation walls helps to maintain a consistent moisture condition.

Resolving Structural Issues from these conditions

Unfortunately, cosmetic repairs such as new paint or stucco will not fix problems caused by swelling soil. That's why it's important to have a professional service company to come in to your home with warranties and guarantees to protect your investment. The service company should hire an independent, professional Geo-technical Engineer can make a site inspection and perform laboratory tests. After analyzing your particular situation, he can make recommendations specific to your property.

Ask the builder for the subdivision public report. The report should indicate if these soils are present and what the builder has done to minimize their effects. NRCS soil survey reports can also help to determine the presence and location of expansive soils.

Only engineered, ICC approved structural solutions can promise real results. Make sure that both the contractor and the equipment are properly licensed and certified.

Cassi Sherman Henes
Peak Structural - Denver Foundation Repair

What Recent Colorado Rainstorms Have to Say About Your Basement

Tue, July 13 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Colorado Springs, CO - The Fourth of July brought smiles and fireworks for most Americans, even for Coloradans despite the rain, hail, and tornadoes that were reported to have accompanied their fireworks. With all this rain, should Colorado homeowner's check to be sure their homes' basements are in tip-top-shape? Absolutely!

It was just last week that the Fourth of July brought rain and hail, and Wednesday and Thursday brought flash flood warnings for El Paso County and Teller County. The National Weather Service advised that runoff could potentially flood local creeks and streams and influence the farmland along these freshwater sources.

Some hail that fell in the Colorado Springs area had about a 1 to 1.5 inch diameter! Heading east to Lincoln, the hail falling was even larger, and local law enforcement reported the hail breaking the windshields of nearly 20 cars passing along I-70.

This week should be nice but there is a 10 to 20 percent possibility of rain from Tuesday to Thursday.

What does all this precipitation have to do with the condition of your home? Plenty! If the soil beneath and around your home becomes too moist, it could cause a shift in your foundation. Not only that, but if your noticing cracks in your basement walls, you really need to have a professional diagnose the damage. Your basement can withstand some of the harsh elements after it's been waterproofed. If you have concerns about the condition of your basement, contact the Colorado basement waterproofing contractors near you at Peak Basement Systems.

Peak Basement Systems specializes in basement waterproofing, and is a Colorado structural repair contractor and crawlspace repair expert. They offer free estimates for all their services, and promise to provide you with the help you need. They service the surrounding areas of Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Western Colorado Springs, B Street Area, Woodland Park, Cripple Creek and Fountain, CO. Be sure to contact them today for more information, or your free estimate at: 1-800-793-8224.

Thinking Like a Home Inspector Part 2

Thu, July 8 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Identifying Conditions for Structural Concerns: Part Two of a Four Part Series
By Jeff Kortan, P.E.
Foundation Supportworks, Inc., Omaha, NE 800-281-8545

Cracked, bowed and leaning foundation walls, along with associated exterior and interior damage, may be signs of a serious structural problem. These conditions are not only worrisome to look at, but without appropriate action could lead to a much bigger problem, such as a total collapse of the walls. The good news is that restoring the integrity of failing foundation walls can be quick and cost-effective, while also giving both the home seller and buyer confidence that a homeï¿½s value is not compromised.

WHAT CAUSES FOUNDATION WALLS TO FAIL?

While there are a number of causes for cracked, bowed and leaning foundation walls, the most common is excessive pressure from the soil outside the wall. When expansive clay soil absorbs moisture, it swells and applies pressure that often exceeds the wallï¿½s design capacity. In addition to expansive clay soil, excessive pressure is often the result of a failed or compromised foundation drain system and a buildup of moisture behind the wall. Again, this additional hydrostatic (water) pressure often exceeds the wallï¿½s design capacity, leading to wall deflection. Poor surface grading and drainage is another factor that leads to the buildup of hydrostatic pressure.

Excessive wall deflection, evidenced by wide cracks, bowing and leaning, can reduce the structural integrity of the wall. When the wet cycles are repeated, as in the above two scenarios, this causes further weakening and inward wall movement. Other common causes of wall failure include soil expansion due to frost, large tree root systems and surcharge loads from the foundations of adjacent structures or additions. Heavy equipment and heavy storage items placed immediately adjacent to basement walls can also cause wall deflection.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF A HOME HAS FAILING FOUNDATION WALLS?

Symptoms of failing foundation walls in a home look different depending whether they are constructed of concrete block or poured concrete.
Concrete block walls typically display horizontal cracking across the center length as it begins to bow inward near mid-height. As the problem worsens, stair-step cracking at the corners can be observed. Continued inward pressure exerted on the concrete block wall can also result in horizontal shearing at a mortar joint, where the bottom row of block is held in place by the concrete floor slab as the next course of block and wall above slides in.

Vertical shearing may also be observed when the end of a wall is supported or held in place by an adjoining perpendicular wall. The end of the wall remains stable as the rest of the wall cracks and moves inward. Poured concrete walls will typically display single, diagonal cracks extending upward from the bottom corners of the wall toward the top center. Further, unlike a block wall that bows in near mid-height, the top of a poured wall tends to lean in. In finished basements, where foundation walls may not be exposed, other signs may alert you to a structural problem. As failing basement walls move inward, ceiling panels and ceiling drywall may begin to buckle.

Drywall on finished, abutting walls can also buckle between the wall studs. In extreme cases, horizontal cracking may even be seen in the homeï¿½s exterior brick veneer.

HOW DOES A HOME OWNER FIX FAILING FOUNDATION WALLS?
There are several options available for repairing failing foundation walls, some more desirable than others. One option is the total removal and replacement of the foundation walls. With this solution, landscaping, decks, and exterior concrete slabs are removed and all the soil surrounding the foundation is excavated. The home is then jacked up and alternatively supported while the foundation walls are removed and then replaced. Not only is this solution disruptive and expensive, but the problem is likely to occur again if the original cause(s) are not addressed.

A second option for repair is the installation of steel columns (although acting as beams in this application). The steel beams are typically bolted to the concrete floor at the bottom and bolted, screwed or nailed to the wood floor joist system at the top. Forces pushing on the wall are therefore transferred through the steel beam and to the floor joists. Due to the high degree of variability with home design and construction, designers of these systems should have a thorough knowledge and understanding of each and every site-specific application, most importantly the connection details with the wood framing and the additional, required joist blocking and reinforcing. Without a proper design, the steel beam may bend, the floor joists and first floor may buckle, and the walls may continue to deflect. This option also cannot straighten the foundation wall back to its original position.

A third option is carbon fiber strips or sheets. The application/installation includes an epoxy glue to adhere the carbon fiber to the wall. The carbon fiber then acts as tensile reinforcement to the interior surface of the wall to minimize any additional bowing. While these products can be used successfully to minimize additional bowing conditions, they cannot prevent a wall from tipping in at the top or to straighten a wall back to its original position.

The final option is a wall anchor system. With a wall anchor system, heavy-duty, galvanized steel earth anchors are embedded securely in the stable soil out away from the foundation wall. The earth anchors are connected to galvanized steel wall plates positioned on the foundation wall with long, threaded, galvanized steel rods. This system relies on the passive resistance of the soil at the earth anchors to resist the excessive pressures being applied to the wall. The wall anchor system does not rely on the homeï¿½s wood framing for support. Wall anchor systems are a proven method to stabilize foundation walls and offer the best opportunity to straighten the walls back toward their original position over time. Anchor systems have long been cited as an ideal solution for bowed and leaning foundation wall problems, even as the recommended option by the U.S. Department of Urban Housing and Developmentï¿½s chief appraiser back in 1992.

Advantages of the wall anchor system include year-round installation, minimal disturbance to lawn and landscaping, no damage to interior floor joists, the ability to straightens walls, the prevention of further bowing/leaning, and most importantly to your clients, it restores property value. Although failing foundation walls can be scary and intimidating to home sellers and buyers, the solution of a wall anchor system can be installed quickly and often for less money than what would be deducted from the sellerï¿½s asking price to offset for the structural concern or perceived repair.

Flash Flooding in Pueblo Possible

Wed, July 7 2010, 00:00:00 -500

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PUEBLO HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR... WEST CENTRAL EL PASO COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL COLORADO...

* UNTIL 830 PM MDT

* AT 532 PM MDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED SLOW MOVING THUNDERSTORMS WITH VERY HEAVY RAINFALL ACROSS THE WARNED AREA. RADAR ESTIMATES RAINFALL RATES OF 1 TO 2 INCHES PER HOUR IN THE WARNING AREA...WITH SOME AREAS HAVING LIKELY ALREADY RECEIVED 1 TO 2.5 INCHES. THIS WARNING INCLUDES SOUTHWEST COLORADO SPRINGS AND CHEYENNE CREEK.

* RUNOFF FROM THIS EXCESSIVE RAINFALL WILL CAUSE FLASH FLOODING TO OCCUR. SOME LOCATIONS THAT WILL EXPERIENCE FLOODING INCLUDE... SOUTHWEST COLORADO SPRINGS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

EXCESSIVE RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CAUSE FLOODING OF SMALL CREEKS AND STREAMS...URBAN AREAS...HIGHWAYS...STREETS AND UNDERPASSES AS WELL AS OTHER DRAINAGE AREAS AND LOW LYING SPOTS.

EXCESSIVE RUNOFF FROM HEAVY RAINFALL WILL CAUSE FLOODING OF SMALL CREEKS AND STREAMS...HIGHWAYS AND UNDERPASSES. ADDITIONALLY... COUNTRY ROADS AND FARMLANDS ALONG THE BANKS OF CREEKS...STREAMS AND OTHER LOW LYING AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO FLOODING.

FLOODING IS OCCURRING OR IS IMMINENT. MOST FLOOD RELATED DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS WATER COVERED BRIDGES... DIPS... OR LOW WATER CROSSINGS. NEVER TRY TO CROSS A FLOWING STREAM... EVEN A SMALL ONE...ON FOOT OR IN A VEHICLE.

IN HILLY TERRAIN THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF LOW WATER CROSSINGS WHICH ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IN HEAVY RAIN. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL ACROSS FLOODED ROADS. FIND ALTERNATE ROUTES. IT ONLY TAKES A FEW INCHES OF SWIFTLY FLOWING WATER TO CARRY VEHICLES AWAY.

Severe Storm Warning

Wed, July 7 2010, 00:00:00 -500

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PUEBLO HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... NORTHWESTERN EL PASO COUNTY IN EAST CENTRAL COLORADO... NORTHEASTERN TELLER COUNTY IN CENTRAL COLORADO...

* UNTIL 345 PM MDT

* AT 242 PM MDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED 8 MILES WEST OF PALMER LAKE...OR 24 MILES NORTHWEST OF COLORADO SPRINGS...AND MOVING SOUTHEAST AT 20 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... COLORADO SPRINGS...PALMER LAKE...MONUMENT...WOODLAND PARK... CRYSTOLA...GREEN MOUNTAIN FALLS...CHIPITA PARK...AIR FORCE ACADEMY...CASCADE...MANITOU SPRINGS AND PETERSON AFB.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND IN EXCESS OF 60 MILES PER HOUR...DESTRUCTIVE HAIL...DEADLY LIGHTNING...AND VERY HEAVY RAIN. FOR YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS. HEAVY RAINS FLOOD ROADS QUICKLY SO DO NOT DRIVE INTO AREAS WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROAD.

Real Estate and Foundation Problems

Tue, July 6 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Real Estate professionals tell us that today, more than ever, it is difficult to sell a home with a structural foundation problem. Left untreated, a home's value may have to be discounted significantly to sell, often by much more than the cost of Foundation Supportworks wall anchor system. Therefore, in most cases, you are saving money by addressing your foundation problem now--it's fixed in one day!

There are a number of potential causes of cracked and bowing foundation walls, the most common reason is pressure from the soil near the outside of the wall. When clay soils get wet, they expand and put pressure on the wall. When the force exceeds the strength of the wall, the wall cracks or breaks. This reduces the structural integrity of the wall, and when the wetting cycle is repeated, this causes further weakening and inward movement.

Other factors include heavy rains, causing hydrostatic pressure, and other structures like driveways and porches, putting pressure on the wall, large tree roots, expansion due to frost, and poor grading.

There are several options for repair, many that are less desirable than the Peak Basement Systems Wall Anchor System. One possibility is the most expensive. It's called a Foundation Wall Repair. This is extremely disruptive to your home, your life, and your structure. This repair solution does not really address the overall problem, which is expansive soil. The new foundation walls will most likely bow again.

With a Wall Anchor System, you can rest assured that your foundation walls are stable and will not further bow. Foundation Supportworks wall anchors come with a 25 year warranty against manufacturing defects and a performance warranty from Peak Basement Systems. Ask your Systems Design Specialist for more details.

Basement Waterproofing Owner to be Featured Speaker at InterNACHI Event

Thu, July 1 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Colorado Springs, CO - Paul Sutton, owner of Peak Basement Systems, will be the keynote speaker on July 12, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Mimi's Cafe at 7133 North Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO. This event is free to the public and will be part of NACHI's regional July meeting.

In this keynote event, Sutton will talk about common residential foundation problems and indicators of a structural issue, including settling or heaving foundations and bowing or buckling walls. He will also answer questions about how soil conditions in the Front Range affect foundations.

Peak Basement Systems is a foundation repair, basement waterproofing, and crawl space restoration company based in Colorado Springs, CO. They are authorized dealers of the Foundation Supportworks, Inc. network of foundation repair contractors and the Basement Systems, Inc. network of basement waterproofing and crawl space repair contractors. Basement Systems, Inc. has dozens of awards and patents for their innovative products and services, including being a finalist for the national Better Business Bureau's prestigious National Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics in 2003.

Contact Peak Basement Systems about their foundation repair services in Colorado. They service Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Rockrimmon, Blanca, Kiowa and surrounding CO areas.

Continuing Education Foundation Class

Mon, June 21 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Are you looking for some continuing education credits, and topics such as structural repairs really peak your interest? Then Peak Basement Systems class regarding topics reflecting the Colorado Springs market is for you!

About the class:

When: June 24, 2010

Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: The Stewart Title office: 111 S. Tejon, Ste 111, Colorado Springs, CO.

Topics:

-- 5 structural issues seen in Colorado Springs

-- How structural issues don't have to be a deal breaker

-- Colorado's water, soil, and shifting foundation cycle

-- The new technology used to recover your client's lost equity

-- How to become a hero with our realtor Benefit Program

-- Engineer letter service

To participate in this event or for more information, send an e-mail to DHarrison@Stewart.com

Answers from Aaron Moore, the Design Specialist

Tue, June 15 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Today, we have a chance to peek into the world of a Systems Design Specialist. Aaron Moore is our real estate and investment design specialist. He's usually brought in during a real estate transaction to provide design and project work. Here are his answers to two frequently asked questions:

If only part of my house is settling and needs piers, will the rest of my house settle, too?

The honest answer is "I don't know". Since soil is composed of various layers that become disturbed during construction, your home may be resting partially on expansive soils, or the entire lot may be expansive. At this point, we should look at your home and determine the overall scope of repair needed. If we find that settling or heaving is occurring in only a portion of your home, then we can repair and warranty that area. If we find indicators that the entire structure is resting on expansive, active soil and your whole foundation is moving, then we can pier and warranty the entire home.

A residential structural engineer will review my proposed solution, as well as the local soil conditions, and determine if the scope of work I've recommended needs to be increased or decreased. The nice thing about Peak Basement Systems is that we have an engineer on staff, who is not only familiar with our products and local soil conditions, but he is able to complete site visits and follow ups with me! He also conducts regular training sessions with me and the other Design Specialists to insure that we are properly diagnosing and designing our proposed solutions. Our engineer is also present to review each and every design prior to our work being permitted.

Why do you recommend installing piers on both sides of a corner?

My foundation has heaved 1.5 inches, why are not I seeing more interior damage?

Thu, June 10 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Well, there are a couple of possible reasons for this. The most common reason that you don't see as much interior damage is because your home is wood frame, which bends and flexes more easily than your heaved concrete foundation. There is also the possibility that your home is not heaving quite as rapidly as the concrete foundation.

In other words, the soil under your home has pressed up the foundation, but the grass, landscaping, patios and deck are pinning the framed portion down. Sooner or later, the heaving forces of the soil will overcome the flexing and bending capabilities of the frame structure and the interior damage may appear. Naturally, your most cost-effective option is to remedy the heaving prior to the interior damage becoming apparent. This way, you don't have to spend money repairing the framing in the structure.

Peak Basement Systems has been working closely with structural engineers to develop remedies for heaving soils' affects on your home. If you believe that heaving is occurring in your home, contact Peak or visit our website at www.peakbasementsystems.com.

Thinking Like a Home Inspector Part 1

Tue, June 1 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Identifying Conditions for Structural Concerns: Part One of a Four Part Series
By Jeff Kortan, P.E.
Foundation Supportworks, Inc., Omaha, NE 800-281-8545

WHAT CAUSES A HOME'S STRUCTURAL PROBLEM?
There are many potential causes of structural problems. Often these problems are associated with older homes, but structural defects occur in new homes too. In fact, Consumer Reports found that an alarming 15 percent of new homes had serious foundation problems. The majority of these problems were found to have one of the following two causes:

poor construction, and
homes being built on poorly compacted fill soils.

Structural settlement can be due to drought conditions where, over time, soil around the foundation dries and shrinks causing the home to shift and settle. Maturing trees and vegetation with root systems extending below a home's foundation can also dry the soil under a home.

The opposite can also be true. During periods of extreme wet weather, the ground around the home can soften, again causing the home to sink or settle into the foundation soil. Over-irrigation, poor surface drainage, clogged foundation drains and broken water lines can all contribute to saturation, resulting in structural problems. Increased moisture levels can cause some soil types to expand, putting additional pressure on basement walls and causing them to lean or bow inward.

Soils that are highly expansive, organic or collapsible are found throughout the United States and these are generally not well-suited for foundation support. Therefore, due to varying construction techniques, environmental conditions, home and property maintenance issues, and changing soil conditions, no geographic region is free from potential structural problems.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF A HOME HAS A STRUCTURAL PROBLEM?
A home with a settling foundation may display cracking of exterior cladding, in drywall, and at the corners of door or window framing). Doors and windows may be out of level and difficult to open and close. Floors may also be out of level and concrete floor slabs can display cracking. Evidence of past repairs, such as tuck-pointing brick or patching drywall, are also possible indicators of a settlement problem.

Symptoms of failing basement walls in a home will look different depending upon whether the walls are constructed of concrete block or poured concrete. Concrete block walls will typically bow in at the middle (rather than lean in at the top) and show stair-step cracking at the corners with a horizontal foundation crack across the center. On the other hand, poured walls will typically display diagonal cracks extending upward from the bottom corners of the wall toward the top center. The top of the wall near the middle tends to lean in. Failing basement walls can cause ceiling panels and ceiling drywall to buckle, and cause the drywall on finished walls to crack.

Look closely within crawlspaces for structural problems. Sloping or sagging floors may indicate problems in the crawlspace area below. Sloping or sagging floors are often caused by weakened floor joists due to excess moisture and wood rot in the crawlspace, improper spacing of floor joist support beams or settling of existing interior columns.

HOW DOES A HOMEOWNER FIX A STRUCTURAL PROBLEM?
The good news is that there are solutions for each of these types of structural problems, and the cost is not necessarily excessive. Depending on the problem, piering and/or anchoring systems offer quick and permanent solutions for foundation defects. Rather than dealing with the high cost and inconvenience of total foundation replacement or living with a significant reduction in property value, piering and anchoring systems can restore property value and give both home sellers and home buyers peace of mind.

HOW CAN YOU USE THIS INFORMATION?
As a home inspector, your credibility lies in your ability to accurately identify potential structural problems. Over the next three articles in this four-part series, we'll take an in-depth look at how to identify foundation settlement problems, failing basement walls, and settling columns or sagging beams in a crawlspace. We will also examine different options for repair and the pros and cons of each solution. Your ability to diagnose structural problems will be highly beneficial to your clients.

Soil Characteristics in Colorado

Wed, May 12 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Worse than Wet? Dry Soil Characteristics

Moisture is an essential element to soil - it's a lubricant that traps air and allows soil particles to slide together. Too much moisture and the ground becomes muddy and unable to bear weight, which can cause foundation problems. Too little moisture and the soil breaks into its individual particles and blows away.

In an effort to counteract these issues, we water more. For some reason, this doesn't seem to help. That's because most of us are also battling a layer of hardened clay underneath the grass, which is literally siphoning the water to the nearest permeable soil. Unfortunately, the end result can be that the water intended for your grass is being forced into the ground beneath your foundation - this is called the "clay bowl effect".

If you're noticing that your basement is moist, musty, or dank, while your yard is burning up, there are many solutions available to you. Peak Basement Systems Specialists would be happy to sit down and go through your options with you. Many times, a solution can be as simple sprinkler positioning or grading. We're here to help you resolve these basement moisture problems, so please contact us today for a no obligation consultation and estimate.

Dry vs. Wet Soil in Colorado

Wed, May 12 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Most soil in the Front Range can be classified as a swelling soil. This means that the soil contains a high percentage of certain types of clay that absorb vast quantities of water. This can cause the soil to expand 10% or more as moisture enters it, usually during winter snow melt and spring run off. The soil can then exert pressures of 20,000 psi or greater on foundations, slabs, and other structures. Now, this soil also contracts when the moisture evaporates during our hot summer months, causing extreme differences in the pressure being generated on your foundation, driveway, or patios.

The way that our soil dries is also important to understand. In Colorado, we have 255 days of sun on average, which tends to dry out the top layers of soil. With clay, the top layers will become hard and impermeable and the bottom layers will remain moist. This can explain why you might have a moist, musty basement, but be having trouble keeping your lawn from burning. It's also one of the reasons why we experience flash flooding in Colorado Springs.

If you're noticing that your basement is moist, musty, or dank, while your yard is burning up, there are many solutions available to you. Peak Basement Systems Specialists would be happy to sit down and go through your options with you. Many times, a solution can be as simple sprinkler positioning or grading. We're here to help you resolve these problems, so please contact us today for a no obligation consultation and estimate.

April is Sump Pump Solution Month

Fri, April 2 2010, 00:00:00 -500

Sump Pumps are Kicking on Again
It's Springtime in the Rockies! We're busy raking our yards and cleaning out the gutters on those hot, sunny days, and desperately searching for our sweaters on others. Spring in the Front Range is always a mixture of soupy, wet snow and hot, tantalizing days. Here's something to noodle on when you're cleaning up the yard: has your sump pump kicked on lately?

Wow, that's some stagnant water! Most Homeowners forget about sump pumps during the frozen winter months and come up with a nasty surprise come Spring! That groundwater is teeming with bacteria, mold, and decay. That nasty, stinky water is then pumped up through the hose and into a yard, but not before it mixes with the air that travels through your house! That's a big air quality concern!Are you concerned that your sump pump is causing asthma or allergy concerns? Maybe you just want a closed, safe system that is sealed off your house. Then again, maybe you haven't thought to check it in a while.

April is our Sump Pump Solution Month

So, what do you do? A Sump Pump is a necessary part of any water removal system'in fact, it's the very heart of your home. It removes the ground water that makes your home prone to mold, mildew, and rot. A piece of equipment like this should be quiet, efficient, safe no, it should be TripleSafe. This month, we're spotlighting the Sump Pump. We invite you to check out our website and learn more about the heart of your home and how you can improve your water removal system.

But who wants to spend the money on a Sump Pump, right?! That's why Peak is making it easier on you (and a little more fun):

Take the Peak Basement Systems Ugly Sump Challenge!

Do you or someone you know have an ugly sump that's full of mold, gunk, and critters? Has your sump long passed its retirement age and really needs to be replaced? Want a newer, safer sump pump?

Peak is hosting the UGLY SUMP CHALLENGE! The winner receives $100 off the installation of a sump pump from Peak!

Here's how to enter to win:

Email your UGLY SUMP PUMP picture to cassi@peakbasementsystems.com
Or
Post your UGLY SUMP PUMP picture on our Peak Basement Systems Fan Page!

The Winner will Be Announced on April 30th!

Peak Basement Systems

Promote Your Page Too

Blizzard Creates Wet Snow and Wet Basements in Colorado Springs

Tue, March 23 2010, 00:00:00 -500

With 4" of wet snow already on the ground, Colorado Springs is getting cold and wet tonight. Have you checked your basement for water intrusion?

That's right, wet basements in winter. Flooding during a blizzard. With the heat escaping from your house, the wet snow near your home will melt and seep down around your foundation walls. Naturally, concrete wicks moisture and it just lets that freshly melted snow run into your house. We've already received calls from frustrated homeowners-- some of which plan on setting alarms tonight to get up and vacuum up the water in their basements! One homeowner has already removed over 100 gallons of water from under her concrete basement floor. If you're one of these homeowners, Peak Basement Systems is ready to help!

Peak Basement Systems provides free basement waterproofing estimates in Greater Colorado Springs. We also repair and waterproof crawl spaces, and are experts in structural foundation repair.

Here's the latest on the weather:

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT WEDNESDAY...

THE WINTER STORM WARNING IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM MDT WEDNESDAY.

* LOCATION...EASTERN FREMONT....SOUTHERN EL PASO...AND PUEBLO COUNTIES INCLUDING THE CITIES OF COLORADO SPRINGS...CANON CITY AND PUEBLO.

* CAUSE AND TIMING...A STRONG SPRING STORM WILL TRACK ACROSS THE CENTRAL ROCKIES AND INTO NEW MEXICO OVERNIGHT. ABUNDANT PACIFIC MOISTURE AND COLD AIR ARRIVING FROM THE NORTH WILL RESULT IN MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TONIGHT INTO WEDNESDAY...ESPECIALLY NEAR THE MOUNTAINS.

* SNOW ACCUMULATION..4 TO 10 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED TO FALL WITH THE HEAVIER SNOWFALL AMOUNTS OCCURRING ABOVE 6000 FEET. FOR ALL AREAS ABOVE 5500 FEET...THE PRECIPITATION WILL BEGIN AS SNOW. FOR ELEVATIONS BELOW 5500 FEET...THE PRECIPITATION WILL BEGIN AS RAIN AND WILL GRADUALLY TURN TO SNOW LATER THIS EVENING.

* IMPACT...HEAVY SNOW DEVELOPED OVER THE COLORADO SPRINGS REGION AROUND 7PM THIS EVENING. SOME OF THIS SNOW WAS VERY HEAVY WITH VISIBILITY LESS THAN 1/4 OF A MILE. THIS HEAVY SNOW WILL PROGRESS OVER ALL OF SOUTHERN EL PASO COUNTY THROUGH 9 PM AND INTO FREMONT AND PUEBLO COUNTIES LATER THIS EVENING. DUE TO THE INTENSE SNOWFALL RATES...ROADS WILL BECOME SLUSHY TO SNOWPACKED ACROSS THE REGION. THE HEAVIEST SNOW ACROSS PUEBLO COUNTY WILL OCCUR OVER WESTERN AND SOUTHERN PUEBLO COUNTY LATER TONIGHT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

STRONG WINDS AND REDUCED VISIBILITY ARE EXPECTED DUE TO HEAVY SNOWFALL AND BLOWING SNOW.

AVOID TRAVEL IN THE WARNING AREA. IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO TRAVEL IN THE WARNING AREA DURING THE TIME OF THE WARNING...LISTEN TO THE LATEST WEATHER FORECAST AND CONSIDER TRAVELING AT ANOTHER TIME OR BY ANOTHER ROUTE. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL IN THE WARNING AREA DURING THE TIME OF THE WARNING...TAKE ALONG A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT. IF YOU BECOME STRANDED IN A RURAL AREA...STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL HELP ARRIVES. TO KEEP WARM IN YOUR VEHICLE...RUN YOUR ENGINE 10 MINUTES EACH HOUR...AND MAKE SURE THE EXHAUST PIPE IS CLEAR OF SNOW TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.

Now Hiring a Marketing Assistant

Thu, December 17 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Peak Basement Systems needs a Marketing Assistant to run our Call Center and develop social media content. We are responsible for 78% of permitted foundation repairs in the Pikes Peak Region and are growing throughout the Front Range. Weï¿½re looking for a passionate person with a bachelorï¿½s degree and excellent writing skills. Superior telephone and communication skills are a must. Small business experience preferred since our company thrives on a family-style culture. Can you help us grow 30% again in 2010?

Starts at $12 per hour

plus $3 and $5 per lead set to appointment bonuses

and $25 per self-generated lead bonuses

Full Time

No direct reports

To apply, submit the following via email to cassi@peakbasementsystems.com:

Resume

List of Social Networking sites you utilize with your profile name

Attach a 2 paragraph sample educational blog from the material provided in this article, or our website.

Questions on Piering: Hollow Pier Tubes

Thu, November 19 2009, 00:00:00 -500

1. I see that your push pier tubes are hollow, why don't they continue to sink into the ground after you install them? Why not fill them with concrete to make them stronger?

The push pier tubes that we use are the very latest in foundation repair technology and have been rigorously tested in our soil conditions. These pier tubes will fill with several feet of soil during installation, creating a soil plug. The amount of soil will depend upon the type of soil being penetrated. For this reason, placing concrete within the pier will not completely fill the shaft to the bottom.

Filling with concrete could, in fact, make the piers stronger but there are a few reasons that it is not usually done in our soil conditions. The first reason is that the system experiences it's highest load while driving the piers during which the concrete could not be present anyway. There are a few non-typical applications where concrete filling might be appropriate, but they are rare for our soil conditions and usually involve piers that are partially exposed, otherwise, the added cost of the concrete filling process is not justified.

*Thanks to Jeff Korton, P.E, for a great answer to this question!

Increase in Basement Sump Pump Failures in Colorado Springs Due to Severe Weather

Mon, November 9 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Severe weather all along the Front Range in Colorado has caused an increase in the number of basement sump pump failures. Last week some areas in Colorado received up to 3 feet of snow including Castle Rock, Parker, the Palmer Divide, Woodland Park and many different areas. This was followed by a warming trend. A lot of the snow has melted, refrozen, and melted again following the snow storm and causing the sump pump failures in basements.

Here at Peak Basement Systems, we are expecting to see is an increased number of phone calls from people with failing sump pumps. This seems to happen every time after snow melts like we've been experiencing over the last few days.

So what we're asking people to do if if they believe that their sump pump is not able to handle a tremendous amount of snow melt runoff is that they should contact us immediately in order to have someone come out and take a look at it and see if we can work out either a temporary emergency sump pump solution or a permenant basement sump pump system that would be more able to handle the snow conditions that we are expecting this winter.

Foundation SupportWorks Product Line Approved by Pikes Peak Regional Building

Mon, November 9 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Last week the Foundation Supportworks product line was approved for use by the Pikes Peak Regional Building department to whom Paul Sutton from Peak Basement Systems made a presentation. They reviewed the data and gave it their stamp of approval.
Peak Basement Systems is excited to incorporate those products into services in the Colorado Springs area.

Peak Basement Systems waiting for good news about the new baby!

Thu, November 5 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Just wanted to give you a heads up on some fabulous news that we have had here in the office of Peak Basement Systems. Mike Sullivan and his wife has been expecting their first child for a while now and we received news from Mike this morning that his wife is going to be induced right now. So, they are currently at the hospital waiting the birth of their baby boy, their first child. Mike said their bouncing boy will be the first boy for the Sullivan family and everyone's thrilled. The company is very excited and is just waiting to hear all the great details of the baby's birth.

Piers versus other methods

Thu, November 5 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Piers vs. Other Methods

Push Piers WILL:

Allow the deepest penetration of any steel pier type.

Allow for the possibility of low impact interior installations (typically, with far less collateral damage than the exterior approach)

Provide a lifetime warranty, transferable for the first 25 years, that vertical movement in the piered areas will not occur

Perform it's job in most soil conditions for a designed life in excess of 100 years

Replace the Foundation:

Destroys yard and takes several weeks to complete

No warranty against the same problem reoccuring (expect same result)

Footings are still in the Active Zone

VERY EXPENSIVEï¿½$50,000 PLUS

Concrete Underpinning/Spread Footings:

Can take weeks/months

Added weight of the concrete can make problem worse

Structure cannot be lifted

Footings are still in the Active Zone

Concrete Piers:

Concrete cylinders can break during installation and CANNOT be retrieved due to depths

Cylinders create too much skin friction to get through the Active Zone

May require additional shims in the future

Even if shimming is included in the warranty, the damage from re-settlement and re-excavation is not covered

Square Shaft Helicals Piers:

Originally designed to provide resistance to guy wires on electrical towers during high winds.

Not designed to hold up weight through soils

Square shafts experience bending and folding when a foundation's weight resting on it.

Concrete Piers with Cable Reinforcement:

Engineered for specific soil conditions that are not present in Colorado.

Cylinders create too much skin friction to get through the Active Zone

Cabling in center of pier stretches over time, allowing for moment after piers in place.

Additional cabling on exterior of cylinders can increase skin friction of cylinder.

This information courtesy of Foundation Technology, A Guide to What Go on Beneath Your Feet

Can my Foundation be Fixed in the Winter?

Fri, October 9 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Today, we're going to take an opportunity to answer a question that we're hearing a lot from homeowners in and around Colorado Springs:

Dear Peak Basement Systems, I have noticed that my foundation wall is sinking in the corner and I want to get it fixed, but now that it's getting cold outside, I'm afraid that I've waited too long. The basement is unfinished and I can see that the wall is cracking. Can you still work on my foundation if the ground is frozen?
--From Cynthia, Woodland Park, CO

Cynthia,
That is a great question! The simplest answer is yes, we can fix your foundation no matter the season. The reason that we can do this is pretty cool, actually. We can pier your foundation by going through the inside of your home to install the piers. This type of pier installation is actually cheaper than digging down 8' to your foundation wall from the outside. Not only that, but it allows us to work on your home even in winter weather conditions! You also don't have to worry about existing landscaping. Finally, having your foundation fixed in the winter can save you money because most piering companies, like us, will offer Winter Pricing discounts.
--Aaron Henes, General Manager, Peak Basement Systems

Have you been noticing sinking, shifting, cracking, or bowing in your basement walls? Have you been noticing these changes throughout the summer and want to do something about it now? Take advantage of our Winter Pricing on Indoor Pier Installation Technology today!

Mine Subsidence Awareness Month

Wed, August 12 2009, 00:00:00 -500

There are nearly 50,000 acres undermined along the Front Range corridor, in Boulder, El Paso, Jefferson and Weld Counties, as well as Fremont, Huerfano and Las Animas Counties. Coal mining took place from the late 1860s until the 1930s, and in some cases into the 1950s.

More than 7,500 homes have been built over mined lands and 25,000 residents have been affected so far.

Hard rock mining is only a small part of the actual mining that has occurred throughout the Front Range. Prospectors packed up and starting digging throughout the Front Range in hopes of getting rich quick from coal.The problem with the coal mining boom was that no one kept an accurate map of who was digging where. This means that we ended up with abandoned mine shafts in some pretty unlikely areas. Additionally, there has been (and still is) extensive large-scale undermining done in our mineral rich backyard. This has lead to a problem called subsidence.

Subsidence is soil sinking to fill voids in the strata (or soil layers). These voids can be caused by water erosion, uneven soil compaction, or the collapse of mine shafts.

Sometimes, vast amounts of coal are discovered in a single deposit. It is often the result of an ancient lake or other body becoming completely filled with peat and turning to coal. These are called �fields�. In order to remove a field, vast excavations occur. This means that timbers are constructed to keep the soil crust above from caving in. During the mining process, portions of the coal, or other earth, would be left in pillars to help reduce the risk of cave in. As the mine tapped out the remaining coal in the area, these pillars would eventually be removed as well and replaced with rubble, or timber. Naturally, the pillars do not last forever. When the soil crust above the field collapses, large areas of subsidence occur. This subsidence usually happens quickly with dramatic results.

Check back next week for helpful checklists and answers to the most commonly asked questions about subsidence!

Dinosaur National Visitor's Center Structural Issues

Tue, July 28 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Storms, Basement Flooding Makes News Across the World

Tue, July 28 2009, 00:00:00 -500

The weather this summer has been wetter than we're used to, so wet that we've seen a 75% increase in flooded basements and crawlspaces throughout the Front Range. This weather has also lead to a 42.9% increase of movement in existing structural damage. This translates to one fact: homes that have been dry and remained unmoving despite existing foundation problems for 7-10 yrs are wet and dramatically shifting. This isn't just happening here in Colorado, either. Across the world, we're seeing structural damage and flooding ruin residential structures. In fact, you've probably caught the rerun of Fox's "The Simpsons" recently, where Homer and Marge experience foundation problems in their home (click here to see excerpts).

Here are some articles that can discuss these issues and more:

Tom McGee of the Denver Post has an article entitled "Recent Colorado Storms Lash Insurers", which deals with the repercussions of the recent storms. He writes, "Insured damage from storms that pummeled the Front Range last week and in June tops half a billion dollars, making this the most expensive storm season since 1990, the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association said Monday". To read the full article, click here:http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_12926850

Maria St. Louis-Sanchez of the Colorado Springs Gazette writes, "A rare late-night thunderstorm pounded the Front Range on Monday, continuing the near daily deluge since June that has made this one of the wettest summers in El Paso County in recent years". Click here to read the rest of the article: http://www.gazette.com/articles/front-58835-paso-area.html

From New Dehli: IANS writes: "Renowned mountaineer Captain M.S. Kohli will perhaps never want to remember Monday's deluge that almost flooded the city. The man who led India's Everest expedition in 1965 lost in the flood 200 memorable photographs he had collected for the last 20 years.
'I had all those memories stored in the form of 500 photographs that I put up in my guest house in south Delhi called the Legend Inn. It is sometimes also called the Little Himalaya. Every room in the guest house is named after a peak and has photographs of my mountaineering experiences,' Kohli told IANS." To read the entire article, click here: http://www.samaylive.com/news/when-rains-washed-away-200-memorable-snaps-of-a-mountaineer/641229.html

Sarah Castellanos of the Denver Post writes about the unsoughtafter economic impact of the storms in her article found here: http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_12911074

South Platte River sees rapid recovery
Wed Jul 15, 2009

DECKERS ? On a hot, bright July afternoon, the rise rings of a lone feeding trout rippled across the surface of the South Platte River. Rises were scarce this day; few bugs were evident on the more...

Mudslide closes part of Colorado 133
Fri Jul 3, 2009

REDSTONE, Colo.?A mudslide temporarily closed part of Colorado 133 between Carbondale and Redstone, as slow-moving thunderstorms pounded northwest Colorado. Carbondale firefighters say storms also more...

Flash-flood warning for south Jeffco
Thu Jul 2, 2009

A flash-flood warning is in effect until 5:15 p.m. for south-central Jefferson County and northeastern Park County. National Weather Service radar indicated moderate to heavy rain from a more...

June is Expansive Soil Month at Peak!

Thu, June 4 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Foundation Concerns? Lets look at Soil!

For the next few months, we'll be walking through the different chapters of our new eBook, Foundation Technology. We'll be looking at soils and providing you with handy checklists, helpful hints and much more.

Expansive soil exerts more pressure on a foundation than 10 women standing on each others shoulders, balanced on a single stiletto heel! Ouch!

Its the same pressure exerted on a domino if you stacked 20 Nissan Altimas on top of it!

Clay, Swelling Soil, Benonite; it's all expansive soil!

Fast Facts on Expansive Soil:

Expansive soil is soil that contains a high percentage of certain types of clay that absorb vast quantities of water.
Most soil in the Front Range can be classified as a swelling soil.
Soil to expand 10% or more as moisture enters it, usually during winter snow melt and spring run off.
Expansive soil contracts when the moisture evaporates during our hot summer months, causing extreme differences in the pressure being generated on foundation, driveway, or patios.
The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that these soils are responsible for more home damage every year than floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined.

Resolving Structural Issues Due to Expansive Soils

Unfortunately, cosmetic repairs such as new paint or stucco will not fix problems caused by expansive soil. That's why it's important to have a professional service company to come in to your home with engineered work that is backed up with warranties and guarantees to protect your investment. The service company should hire an independent, professional Geo-technical Engineer can make a site inspection and perform laboratory tests. After analyzing your particular situation, he can make recommendations specific to your property.

Heat's Impact on Soil and Your Foundation

Wed, May 20 2009, 00:00:00 -500

As summer comes into full bloom in Colorado, temperatures rise. Most of us have realized this as we swelter in our cars, or toss and turn at night. Have you noticed how much more often you have to water your plants and flowers? Obviously, the heat keeps the ground dry, but most of us don't realize what dry heat really does to the soil and how that affects our homes -- especially under our foundations.

Dry vs. Wet: How Soil Changes with the Weather

The way that our soil dries also important to understand. In Colorado, we have 255 days of sun on average, which tends to dry out the top layers of soil. With clay, the top layers will become hard and impermeable and the bottom layers will remain moist. This can explain why you might have a moist, musty basement, but be having trouble keeping your lawn from burning. It's also one of the reasons why we experience flash flooding in Colorado Springs.

Worse than Wet? Dry Soil Characteristics

Moisture is an essential element to soil -- it's a lubricant that traps air and allows soil particles to slide together. Too much moisture and the ground becomes muddy and unable to bear weight. Too little moisture and the soil breaks into its individual particles and blows away.

Dry soil also decreases the depth of plant roots because the plants spread out shallow roots in an attempt to absorb as much moisture as possible. This means that our yards are more delicate, our trees start to wither and provide less shade, and many of our plants produce less. All of these factors cause our yards and homes to feel hotter and our allergies to act up more frequently. We also start noticing burned patches in our grass and brittle leaves on our plants. In an effort to counteract these issues, we water more. For some reason, this doesn't seem to help. That's because most of us are also battling a layer of hardened clay underneath the grass, which is literally siphoning the water to the nearest permeable soil. Unfortunately, the end result can be that the water intended for your grass is being forced into the ground beneath your foundation -- this is called the "clay bowl effect".

Tired of Fighting the Clay Bowl Effect?

If you're noticing that your basement is moist, musty, or dank, while your yard is burning up, there are many solutions available to you. Peak Basement Systems Specialists would be happy to sit down and go through your options with you. Many times, a solution can be as simple sprinkler positioning or grading. We're here to help you resolve these problems, so please contact us today for a no obligation consultation and estimate.

Be on the lookout for my next post, where we'll be discussing the Clay Bowl Effect and indoor air quality!

New eBook from Peak Basement Systems!

Wed, April 15 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Our new book "Foundation Technology: a guide to what goes under your feet" is now available for free online, in eBook format.

The book is the result of a three month in-depth research by Cassi Henes, our Marketing manager. It is a collection of relevant information on home foundations and the way to avoid, pinpoint and correct common foundation problems.
Everything is discussed in a language that is easy to understand. The book is a valuable information resource for consumers with foundation problems and questions, helping them understand their problem and make informed decisions when shopping for solutions.

Cassi Henes, who has a strong background in printing and is well aware of the environmental impact of having a book conventionally printed and published, decided to make this work available through Uniflip, an eBook publisher from Denmark. "I thought, we have to get smarter about what we're doing to our environment. An eBook just seemed like the more responsible choiceâÂÂ, says Cassi.

You can read and download Foundation Technology by clicking here

Customers in Colorado only, can get a free printed copy of the book by signing up for a Free Estimate!

Secrets from Under the Hard Hat: More on Cracks

Mon, March 2 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Last week, I found out about tapered cracks and how important it is to track the length of a crack. This week, I'm shadowing Aaron Moore to find out about foundation wall cracks that aren't tapered. The first home that we saw this morning had a large, diagonal crack approximately 1" wide along the northwestern corner. According to the homeowner, he noticed the crack about a week or so after he moved into the home five years ago. It was pretty small at that time and hadn't appeared to change until this winter. Now, the home is on the market and he's gotten bad showing feedback about the crack. According to the soil report that he showed us, he has hydrocompactible soil, which means that as the soil gets wet, it becomes more dense. The homeowner has noticed that since he removed an old tree, the northwestern corner of the lot seems to be much wetter than it used to be. When Aaron heard this information, he recommended that the northwestern corner of the residence be piered to move the weight of the home off of the hydrocompactible soil and onto stable, load-bearing strata.

Secrets from Under the Hard Hat: Tapered Cracks

Wed, February 25 2009, 00:00:00 -500

Secrets from Under the Hard Hat

My name is Matilda and I've been sent out on special assignment with different technicians from Peak Basement Systems to discover the secrets to failing foundations. Each week, I'll be highlighting a little insider knowledge to help you determine if your home is resting on a solid, healthy foundation.

This week, I shadowed Jack McGuire, Peak Basement Systems Estimator and Structural Evaluator, as he visited a home with suspected foundation movement. The homeowner was concerned because there were several cracks that seemed to be moving in her foundation wall and around the front door.

When Jack and I arrived, we found a total of seven cracks in the basement walls, as well as 2 cracks around the front door and entry window. All of these cracks looked like comet tails and I asked him about that odd shape. He explained to me that these types of cracks are called 'tapered'. When a crack is tapered, it means that there's a fixed end, indicating where movement is not occurring and a wider end where the real trouble is. Tapered cracks are common causes of concern for homeowners'and rightly so. Jack said that tapered cracks give him a good indication of whether foundation movement is horizontal or vertical and where the general problem is located.

Wondering whether a crack in your wall or ceiling is serious? First, check out the crack to see if it's tapered since tapered cracks indicate movement. That's serious, so it should be checked out by a professional. Not sure if the crack is still moving? Try measuring the length of the crack, or placing a thin pencil line at the tail of the fixed end and check back to see if the crack has gotten longer. Crack monitors can be a big help in determining if movement is still occurring, too. A crack monitor is glued to a foundation wall and has a grid on two separate plates that will show you horizontal and vertical movement. Your structural evaluator should have crack monitors available to install for you at no charge.

Join me next week as I discover more about cracks and what to do if the crack isn't tapered.

~Matilda