Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about foundation damage and failure in, around or beneath your home or business; plus, the products and services we offer to help restore value in your property.

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Frequently asked questions

Foundation Repair

How do I know I have a foundation problem?

You can review the causes and signs of foundation failure and foundation cracking through information on our website, but the only way to know for sure is to have one of our trained specialists evaluate your house’s foundation. Even the smallest cracks in sheetrock could be a sign of larger troubles. If you don’t have a foundation problem, we will inform you. If you do, we will recommend a proper solution to your foundation failure.



How can I tell if I have foundation problems or even foundation failure?

You can review the causes and signs of foundation failure and foundation cracking through information on our website, but the only way to know for sure is to have one of our trained specialists evaluate your house’s foundation. Even the smallest cracks in sheetrock could be a sign of larger troubles. If you don’t have a foundation problem, we will inform you. If you do, we will recommend a proper solution to your foundation failure.



What kind of foundation repair solutions does Straight Line and Ram Jack have?

Evidence of foundation failure is seen in a variety of ways: stair step cracks in your brick or stucco are the most common and obvious symptom of foundation failure. You may see cracks in your brick or stucco, your chimney pulling away/leaning or you may even find cracks in the foundation itself. Inside your house, you may see cracks in your drywall, broken windowpanes, sloped, cracked or even floors, cracked or dislodged tiles, or doors that will not open or shut properly. All these signs indicate your house’s foundation has moved and is out of alignment through excessive or uneven foundation settlement and/or heaving soils. The value of your largest investment may now be in jeopardy, so it is wise to contact Straight Line Construction Co. immediately.



What will happen if I don’t do the foundation repair?

It is your property and therefore your decision to complete the foundation repair. It is our job to provide you with the most appropriate foundation solutions to remedy your foundation problem. There is always a risk that the problem will become worse and more expensive to remedy with continued movement over time. One important factor many customers forget to take into consideration is potential home buyers prefer to see a history of performance behind the repairs. The longer the repairs have been performing, the more comfortable they feel moving forward with the transaction and purchasing your home.



What is underpinning and how do I know if I need it?

There are multiple situations where underpinning will be the only solution or part of the overall foundation solution to your problem. The best way to find out if underpinning will be part of the project is to schedule an initial visit with one of our Foundation Repair Specialists. They will help you determine if any additional investigation/engineering is required to determine if underpinning is necessary and what that plan will include.



About Straight Line Construction

How long have you been in business? What happens if I call StraightLine Construction Co.?

We are a family owned and operated company that was founded in 1982. When you call Straight Line Construction Co., we will schedule an appointment to have a Foundation Repair Specialist to assess your concerns. The Specialist will determine if the problem qualifies for an onsite evaluation and repair plan design or if additional investigation and engineering is required for proper repair design.



Next Steps & Evaluations

I think I have foundation damage. What should I do?

Call today to schedule an onsite evaluation with one of our trained Foundation Repair Specialist to: Examine the house or building for structural damage or foundation failure Measure variances in the foundation Consult with you regarding next steps for your specific foundation solution



Do I need an Engineer on my project?

Certain repairs require a licensed Professional Engineer to design the repair and produced stamped drawings which may be required design the proper repair plan as well as permitting the project. Review of the home, floor level survey, photos and an onsite evaluation in part or all may be required to design and produce the repair plan. Your Foundation Repair Specialist will work with you to determine what is required for your specific project.



What should I expect when you perform the work?

Repair projects vary greatly depending on many different factors. Our Foundation Repair Specialists will work with you to make sure you have a full understanding of any repair services they and/or the engineer recommends. We will answer all your questions prior to you moving forward with the repairs. Our crew leaders will also perform a pre and post job walk with you to make sure you understand everything that was done and that you are satisfied with the outcome.



Quotes, Financing, Warranty

Do you offer financing?

Yes, we offer many different financing options On Approved Credit. We understand that a foundation repair project is not planned and budgeted for over many years like most home improvement projects. As a result, many of our customers would like to fix the problem before it gets worse, but they currently do not have access to the required funds. We can help by providing options such as short term 0% loans, long term interest loans with small payments and other loan options in between.



Can you give me a quote?

Yes, after a thorough, on-site evaluation of your property we will either be able to give you a quote for the repairs or if required a quote for additional investigation and/or engineering to give you the best results.



Do you offer a warranty?

Yes, we offer many different warranties for a variety of products and repairs. We install solutions from multiple different manufacturers which all carry different warranties. Our warranties go up to the lifetime of the structure. The specifics of your warranty will be determined by your foundation problem and the products used to remedy. Your Foundation Repair Specialist will be able to give you the details of your warranty. Ram Jack piers offer a lifetime, transferable warranty* backed by a Dealers Association Warranty Trust Program.
* Applicable to Ram Jack piers ONLY.



Concrete Lifting

Is Poly Foam or Mudjacking a better solution? What is Mini-Compaction Grouting and why would I need it?

Both Poly Foam and Mudjacking are viable solutions for stabilizing and lifting concrete slabs. Your home may be a better candidate for one service over the other. Poly Foam injection works well indoors or in tough to reach locations. Mudjacking is great for high volume applications where you have large areas to treat. Our Foundation Repair Specialists will work with you to determine the process that works best for your project. Mini-Compaction Grouting is a process of deep injection (up to 3 feet below the surface) where Poly Foam or Mudjacking material displaces and densifies the surrounding soils to help minimize future settlement.