Category Archives: Foundation Repair

Getting Ready for Spring

Are you tired of this winter yet? I know we are, it seems to be a non-stop cycle of cold, ice, and snow. Let's set all that aside and daydream about green grass, sunny skies, and warm temperatures. Now is the time to think about getting ready for spring cleaning and repairs. Take some time now to plan and make sure your home is strong, stable, and dry. With a few small tasks, you can determine if your home is in need of foundation repair. Or if it is something that you can handle yourself.

Take a Crack at Your Foundation

One of the clearest signs of foundation damage is discovering cracks. Walk around the outside and inside of your home checking for cracks. Save yourself a bigger problem later. Also, make sure to check walls, windows, and doors where there are joints in walls. There are a lot of kinds and location of cracks and not all of them are serious. If you do find a crack, contact a professional (like Atlas Master Companies) to determine if something needs repaired. Another area to check is your floor, whether you have a basement, crawl space, or slab. Floor cracks in concrete or tiling are usually a big indicator of some foundation issues.

Are Doors or Windows Sticking?

A common sign of foundation problems is usually ignored: sticking doors or windows. Some people fix the symptom by shaving window or door frames or making other superficial adjustments. If doors and windows are tough to open, or seem to close on their own, your foundation may be off-kilter. Some settling occurs over the years in every home, but an expert can tell you if it is something that is not only serious, but also fixable.

Flowing Gutters Save Foundations

If the water coming off your roof doesn't drain well away from your foundation, you're going to have a bad time. The water should flow cleanly through the gutters, through the downspouts, and well away from the house. If your gutters are clogged, the water may spill over the sides, running down the foundation walls or pooling alongside the house. Downspouts should also flow freely and empty around 5-10 feet away from the foundation. Make sure your gutters and also downspouts aren't clogged and are big enough to handle the water coming off of your roof. This is a pretty easy step that also gets overlooked, but can save you a lot of stress down the road.

Be Inclined to Have the Right Slope

Even if your home was originally built with the right slope and grade, there are factors that can change the angle of the land. Vehicles, erosion, and landscaping can all impact your property's grade. Make sure that land slopes away from your foundation, allowing rain and melting snow to flow away from your house.

Still Need Help?

If you also have signs of foundation problems or aren't sure what is going on with your foundation, give the pros at Atlas Master Companies a call. We'll check out your property and, if there is a need, we'll also give you an estimate for any repairs. Contact us today to learn about foundation repair and also more from Virginia's best foundation repair company, Atlas Master Companies.

Category Archives: Foundation Repair

High Water and Foundation Damage

High water can come from the sky in the form of rain or from flooded bodies of water. The water can cause damage by rushing rapidly, knocking down trees, buildings, and more. The flowing debris can cause even more damage, destroying roads, eroding soils, and demolishing structures. Commercial and residential properties can both be ruined by high water. Even if the building is structurally sound after the flood, the water can pollute the area and promote the growth of mold and pest infestations.

Water Damage to Your Building

When floodwaters enter the interior of your building, it quickly works on destroying the wood and metal that is exposed to the moisture. Even when the water recedes, wood, carpeting, and furniture can be waterlogged a long time after the basement appears to be dry. You will most likely need commercial-grade heaters, fans, and dehumidifiers to completely dry the environment. Even if the water doesn't enter your home or business, it can cause damage to your foundation. The pressure of the water and oversaturated soil can put a tremendous strain on the foundation walls. The hydrostatic pressure can cause the walls to crack, bow, or even collapse entirely.

Check Your Property

You need to check your home or business when it is safe. Don't put yourself in danger to check the property. You should keep an eye out for downed power lines and structural damage. If it's not safe, just wait until it is. The water is full of pollutants, bacteria, sewage, and debris. You can be injured or made ill due to things left by floodwaters. If the area around your property is safe, you can look around for damage and warning signs. Make note of the building materials that are waterlogged, especially if they are load-bearing. Check for new cracks, gaps, and joints that are out of alignment. Look for bulging walls and sagging floors or ceilings. These are all signs of foundation damage and a professional will need to be called in to do the repairs. It's usually a good idea to have a professional check your property if floodwaters have infiltrated it. They will be able to determine if the property can be repaired or if it has to be demolished. Many city governments have rules mandating the course of action depending on the amount of damage. It is important that buildings are safe for occupants to be in. Hopefully, there is insurance to cover the costs or at least help. If the structure can be repaired, you will also need to have it professionally cleaned. There's no sense in performing repairs if the building is contaminated with bacteria from sewage water, dead animals, and other pollutants.

Foundation Repair Contractors

If you do decide that you need to have foundation repairs done on your property, be wary of fly-by-night contractors. A lot of shady operators will pop up, trying to make a buck off of victims of floods and other natural disasters. Atlas Master Companies has been in the area for decades and we make Virginia our home and many of you are our neighbors. We have a reputation for honesty and quality work. It may be tempting to go with the lowest cost, but you get what you pay for: shoddy materials, poor workmanship, inexperienced workers, worthless warranties, and more. There's no sense in having work done on your home or business, if it's just going to allow more problems, perhaps even worse than the original issue, to occur. Don't be pressured into making a decision on the spot. An honest contractor is going to give you an estimate in writing and allow you some time to go over it and think about it. the easiest way to avoid high-pressure salespeople is to not even invite them on to the property. Look for a contractor that has been in business for a while with authentic references and free estimates. Foundation repairs are important and the decision shouldn't be made lightly, quickly, or under pressure. Contact Atlas Master Companies to learn more about choosing a reliable contractor.

Category Archives: Foundation Repair

Hurricane Florence and Virginia

  Fortunately, Hurricane Florence was not as bad as was predicted, but it still caused a lot of damage and loss to the area. Torrential rains, high winds, and even tornadoes have hit the East Coast. There has been a loss of possessions, structures, and life due to this storm. Even though the Carolinas took the brunt of Florence, Virginia wasn't completely spared. A deadly tornado hit the Richmond area which was caused by the weather that came along with the hurricane. The tornado damaged buildings, flipped cars, and knocked down power lines throughout Chesterfield County. A classification for the tornado hadn't been assigned yet, but the National Weather Service called it a "a very dangerous situation" and it caused at least one death, when a commercial building collapsed.

Problems from Hurricanes

Although the largest portion of Hurricane Florence missed the Virginia region, the area hasn't always been so lucky. This tornado on September 17th occurred 14 years to the day that Hurricane Ivan spawned 40 tornadoes in the state, breaking records for tornadoes in a single day and in a single year, according to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. In addition to tornadoes, hurricanes bring damaging winds and flooding rains. Normal weather can wreak havoc on a structure, imagine what tornadoes and hurricanes can do. Some issues that can occur include foundation damage, flooding, structural damage, and water issues. After the storms have passed and it's safe to walk around your property, make an inspection of the structure. Keep an eye out for downed power lines and avoid them at all costs. You survived the storm, don't be a casualty to carelessness. When inspecting the property check for any damage to the building including the roof, foundation, walls, and floors. If you see any signs of problems, contact the professionals at Atlas Master Companies as soon as possible. We'll be able to let you know if the issue is something that needs to be addressed immediately, or if it can wait until things calm down. We can restore your building's strength and stability.

Waterproofing Your Building

It's obviously too late to waterproof your home or business for this storm, but you can be prepared for the next one with services from Atlas Master Companies. We will inspect your property and determine what kind of waterproofing services you need. There are a variety of solutions available, all of them playing a different role in protecting your commercial or residential property. You may be in need of interior and exterior waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, surface water collection, French drain installation, or a sump pump and pit. It is important that you keep your property dry and free from water damage. Water in your building can soften and damage the structure, weakening it. It can also promote pest infestations and cause health issues related to mold and mildew growth. If your home or business experienced flooding, you should have it professionally cleaned before using the building. Floodwaters are filthy and full of bacteria and other health hazards. Dead animals, overflowing sewage systems, and other contaminants are in the water, even if it looks clean. Floodwaters can cause a variety of serious illnesses, so it's important to avoid exposure to the threat.

Stabilizing Your Structure

High winds and high water are a terrible combination when it comes to the stability of your home or business. The soil your building is on could be oversaturated and soft and the winds could be weakening or damaging your structure. The foundation experts at Atlas Master Companies can determine if your foundation needs repair and, if so, what the best method would be. There are a variety of methods available including tiebacks, soil nails, steel piers, plate anchors, and helical piers, among other options. It is important that you make sure your building is strong and secure, protecting your people and your investment. Make sure that the contractor that you use is trustworthy and reliable. Remember, cheapest isn't always the best choice, especially when you think about how much your building is worth.

Repairing Your Concrete

High water and torrential rains may have caused the concrete surfaces around your property to sink, settle, or crack. An uneven slab can cause a tripping hazard or cause drainage or structural issues, so it's important to have the concrete repaired. In the past, people would just tear up the old concrete and start over, but there is a more efficient and effective option that is becoming more popular. Atlas Master Companies uses the method of polyfoam slab jacking to repair concrete. If the earth under the slab has eroded and created voids or washed away, the concrete can sink or crack. The polyurethane foam will expand under the slab, filling the empty areas and compressing the soil, giving the slab a strong foundation to rest on. The foam is water-resistant so it will seal the bottom of the slab and it won't wash away like the slurry from mudjacking can. Another option is the installation of a concrete slab push pier system. These can be used when the soil under the slab is just too weak to support the concrete. Our experts can determine the best method to restore your concrete slab.

Protect Yourself and Others

We know that there is a lot going on when bad weather hits, so we encourage you to be proactive and make sure your home or business is ready to weather the storm. Contact us today to learn more about making sure your property is strong, stable, and safe.

Category Archives: Foundation Repair

What Type of Foundation Repair Do I Need?

Find out what kind of solutions we offer for your foundation repair problems at Atlas Master Companies.

Drywall Cracks

Problem:

Drywall cracks are a common problem, yet they can be hard to diagnose and easy to ignore. Even when the crack is small, it can become a major issue because it can grow to become a major structural problem. Too much water, incorrect soil compaction on construction, or very hot and dry conditions can all cause drywall cracks.

Solution:

AMC will use underpinning products like steel push piers, helical piers, or plate anchors. The piers are pushed deep into the soil to produce a stable structure for the home. The choice of steel, helical, or plate will depend on the specific situation.

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Sinking Foundations

Problem:

Sinking foundations can be a big problem in Virginia homes. Have you ever walked out of your home and noticed that the ground around it is sinking down? Do your doors stick? Do you have wall or floor cracks? These could be signs of a serious foundation problem that needs to be addressed immediately.

Solution:

AMC uses ECP (Earth Contact Products) underpinning products like helical piers, steel push piers, and helical torque anchors. Steel push piers are the most common choice for sinking foundation repair, but helical piers are great for unstable rock basements. Once again, the solution will be specialized to your specific situation, and we will work with you for the best solution.

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Bowed Basement Walls

Problem:

Bowed basement walls are due to pressure from water on the building’s foundation. This can be because of improper drainage in the yard, frost heave that causes pressure on different piece of the foundation, or because of improper original construction. In any case, this is a serious issue that threatens the safety of your home.

Solution:

There are three main solutions to this issue and they are helical tieback anchors, wall plate anchors, or carbon fiber straps. Helical tiebacks are put in through a small hole in the basement wall, and they will strengthen and revert the wall to its original position. Wall plate anchors will stabilize the wall and cause minimal damage to landscaping. Lastly, carbon fiber repair will go up on the walls, and it can be painted over afterwards for almost invisible coverage. These are just a few repairs you may come across, but please check out our website for more problems and solutions for your foundation. Contact AMC for a free estimate, and get started on keeping your house safe and comfortable for many years to come.

Category Archives: Foundation Repair

Chic’s Beach Helical Piles

Atlas Master Companies installed new deep foundation helical piles at a residence in VA Beach. This area is referred to as Chic's Beach. New FEMA regulations call for new deep foundation piles for any new construction within a certain distance from bays, rivers or oceans. Atlas Master Companies has the tools, people, and experience to install foundation helical piers in your residential or commercial property.  

Category Archives: Foundation Repair

Atlas Master Companies Teamed with MHA Home Services, LLC.

Atlas Master Companies joined MHA Home Services, LLC. to install seven Model 300 piers at a residence in Norfolk. The home owner was very happy with the work.

Another satisfied customer!

Contact Atlas Master Companies to learn more about pier installation for your home or business.

Category Archives: Foundation Repair

Letter of Appreciation for Atlas Master Companies

Gentlemen, I would like to extend my appreciation to the outstanding experience with the owner Mr. Brian Endres and the Atlas [Master Companies] employees. Professional, courteous, and knowledgeable are key traits demonstrated by the employees. It is refreshing to meet such customer-orientated, courteous, and friendly representatives in today's busy business world. My wife and I truly enjoyed the experience. Their friendly persona, great sense of humor, and conscious work ethic were very much appreciated. Key to our experience was their confident and honest opinions and supportive attitude to do a good job. There is a bit of science and art when coming to structural foundation work and making sure the customer is fully satisfied. Throughout the process, it was reassuring to have very respectful personnel in doing a job well done. They really take pride in their work and it shows. Please pass my appreciation and thanks to the employees for a job well done. Keep up the good work and will be happy to be a reference for your company. Sincerely, J. Grigorian Yorktown, VA

Category Archives: Foundation Repair

Drilling Holes in Slab for Slab Pier Installation

 

Category Archives: Foundation Repair

Cracked Concrete Floor in Virginia Beach Home Stabilized

Through the use of pier supports, a cracked concrete floor in Virginia Beach was stabilized by the professionals at Atlas Master Companies. Contact us to learn more about all the services we offer in the Virginia Beach area.

Category Archives: Foundation Repair

Atlas Master Companies Addresses a Sinking Bathroom Floor Issue at Ft. Eustis

Atlas Master Companies is at it again,

Last week we arrived on site at the Ft. Eustis Bowling Alley. The bathroom at this facility is being completely renovated to address some structural issues that have developed over the years. The professionals here at Atlas Master Companies developed the perfect solution that was expertly implemented by our highly trained technicians. Atlas Master Companies has enjoyed our part in developing repairs for an MWR facility at one of Hampton Roads premier military bases.