Archive for the ‘Foundation Repair Association’ Category

What is the Best Foundation Repair Method for my slab house in the Dallas Ft Worth Texas area?

Saturday, December 11th, 2010

Before we can advise you on the best foundation repair method to fix your problem, we need to understand the nature of you problem.

In North Texas foundation problems typically arise from either settlement or heave.

Heave is caused by the expansion of clay soil. Expansion occurs when the moisture level increases in clay.  Heave may be induced by poor drainage or plumbing problems.

Settlement problems may arise from improper soil compaction, slope failure, or soil erosion.

Soil erosion is caused by either a plumbing leak or bad drainage.  Soil erosion problems are relatively rare.

Slope failure is common in hilly regions or near streams or in coastal areas.     Slope failure is relatively uncommon in much of the Dallas Ft Worth Metroplex.  There are some problematic hilly areas and houses near streams which require careful evaluation.

Often, soil settlement arises from soil consolidation.   Consolidation problems arise when the property developer fails to adequately compact the clay during site preparation.  Clay is exceptionally hard to compact.

The Foundation Repair Association has developed a program to train inspectors to look to the root cause of the foundation problem, be it heave or settlement, before making a specific repair recommendation.

Does Granite Foundation Repair carry Liability Insurance?

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

As a member of the Foundation Repair Association, Granite Foundation Repair is required to carry Liability Insurance.   The Association insists upon the annual receipt of evidence of insurance.

In the event of a catastrophe, liability insurance protects both the company, and the homeowner.

A Granite Foundation Repair employee can provide you with a certificate of insurance at the time of evaluation, or have our insurance company provide you with a named certificate prior to the beginning of work.

What is the Foundation Repair Association?

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

The Foundation Repair Association is a national organization of foundation repair contractors and engineers.

To quote from its website: “The Foundation Repair Association, Inc. exists to promote high ethical standards in the practice of foundation repair and to promote cooperation between the foundation repair industry and government.”

Requirements to be a member of the Foundation Repair Association include:

  • In active foundation repair business for a minimum of three years
  • Satisfactory BBB report for the business.
  • Satisfactory credit references from three major suppliers or a Dun & Bradstreet report with a satisfactory payment history.
  • Minimum of at least $500,000 of General Liability Insurance, verified annually.
  • Maintenance of workers compensation insurance or employee accident insurance, verified annually.
  • Adherence to a Code of Ethics in advertising and business practices.
  • Approval into the Association by a majority of the members.

Granite Foundation Repair is a member in good standing of the Foundation Repair Association.

Is Foundation Repair Licensed by the State of Texas?

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Sadly, the State of Texas does not have a licensing process for foundation repair. This is a totally unregulated industry.

When a foundation repair contractor advertises that he is licensed, he is simply stating that he is registered with a municipality as a contractor.  Registered, not truely licensed.

Plumbers are licensed in the art of plumbing. Sprinkler installers are licensed in the art of sprinkler installation. AC companies are licensed in the trade of AC. Foundation repair companies in Texas are not licensed in the art of foundation repair.

The Foundation Repair Association (FRA) has worked to fill the licensing void by developing a training, testing and continuing education program leading to the title Certified Foundation Repair Specialist / CFRS. Even after passing the CFRS exam, a specialist must have 8 hours of annual continuing education, plus ongoing employment with an association member foundation repair company.

The FRA prevents its member companies including Granite Foundation Repair, Inc. from using the misleading term licensed in any form of advertising.