Frequently Asked Questions
Common Repair Questions
How is the process of foundation repair carried out?
During foundation repair, the initial step involves assessing the specific issues that require fixing and repair. If needed, the installation of piers is carried out at the load-bearing strata and or bedrock. Piers can be installed either indoors or outdoors, but excavation is necessary for both methods. When installing outdoors, we utilize a small excavator with a depth capability of 8 to 9 feet. We excavate down to the bottom of the footing, prepare it for bracket attachment, and then install the hydraulic driving system. In Kansas City, the foundation steel pilings are driven into the bedrock at depths of 15 to 20 feet. Once the installation is completed, we affix our manifold system to each pier and lift the structure as much as the structural integrity will allow without causing more damage. This repositions the entire structure, closing cracks and ensuring proper alignment for doors and windows.
How to repair foundation cracks?
Since 1985, we’ve been repairing foundation cracks both inside and outside structures.
Our process involves the setting of small injection ports every 6 to 8 inches along the crack, enabling us to inject material into the affected area.
When injected under pressure, this material fills the crack from the inside to the outside.
To secure this material, epoxy paste is applied externally to hold it in place while the liquid injection occurs.
As the liquid concrete fills the capillary crack of the concrete, it forms a mechanical seal.
Its pliable nature allows it to move and shift along with the foundation, while its adhesive properties bond the concrete edges. However, if there’s water infiltration from the wall’s floor, an interior drainage system or rapid floor drainage system is also required, not just a foundation crack repair.
Our foundation crack repair work is backed by a lifetime guarantee and a transferable warranty.
What is the average cost of foundation repair in Kansas City?
In Kansas City, employing the steel piering method for foundation repair can range from $10,000 to $25,000, with an average overall foundation repair cost averaging around $15,000. Typically, minor foundation problems incur lower expenses compared to more extensive issues necessitating underpinning, piers, or structural solutions. To obtain an accurate estimate, it’s advisable to have a professional foundation repair contractor assess the specific issues on your property.
How do I know if I need foundation repair?
You can figure out if your house needs foundation repair or not by looking at some obvious signs of foundation problems, such as:
Exterior or interior wall cracks
Bouncing floors
Wall and ceiling cracks
Sticking ground or doors
If you cannot figure this out, our foundation repair experts can help you. Schedule a no-obligation on-site inspection today!
What methods does KC Waterproofing use to repair a foundation?
To repair a foundation, KC Waterproofing uses the following methods:
Piers driven down to load-bearing strata and bedrock
Lightfoot stabilizing system to stabilize interior columns
Wall anchors, walers, and carbon fiber technology to repair walls.
RapidFlow interior Drain system to mitigate water damage and hydrostatic pressure.
Can you waterproof a basement from the inside?
Yes, you can definitely waterproof a basement from the inside. Interior basement waterproofing involves waterproofing the basement walls and floors so that the water reroutes before it enters your basement.
How much does it cost to waterproof a basement in Kansas City?
The average cost range to waterproof a basement in Kansas City is $8,700 per project. This cost includes labor and materials, so this estimate should cover the complete project. However, depending on the damage your basement has, some extensive repairs can even cost more than $10,000 per project. To get an exact estimate for your basement waterproofing project, contact us today.
Does KC Waterproofing offer a warranty on basement waterproofing?
Yes, our services are protected by a lifetime transferable warranty, which means the warranty is transferable to a new owner even if you sell the house. We also offer a money-back guarantee on basement waterproofing, accompanied by a price match guarantee to ensure reasonable prices.
Can you do both interior and exterior basement waterproofing?
Yes, of course, our company does both interior and exterior waterproofing services. The interior system is designed to be less invasive than the Exterior method. There are times when the exterior method makes sense, like if the basement is finished and can not be undone, then the exterior is a good option, but the same goes for if you have nice landscaping and fixtures on the exterior then you want to move towards the system on the interior. We will help you determine which one is best through our full evaluation process.
How much does crawl space repair cost in Kansas City?
The cost of crawl space repair in Kansas City depends on the type of repairs your crawl space needs. We can give you an accurate estimate after conducting an initial inspection of your crawl space.
Is crawl space repair in Kansas City covered by insurance?
Crawl space repair may or may not be covered by insurance in Kansas City. The coverage depends on the cause of any damage. If the damage is caused by covered perils, it will likely be covered. However, if the damage is caused by uncovered perils, you may not get coverage. The extent of any coverage varies from policy to policy, so it’s best to consult your insurance provider.
When should I opt for crawl space repair?
You should opt for crawl space repair if you see any signs of moisture, water, or damage, like cracks or gaps, in your crawl space. You should also schedule crawl space repairs if you suspect mold, mildew, or wood rot in your crawl space.
Is crawl space repair a permanent solution?
We provide high-quality, warranty-backed solutions, ensuring your investment in your home is protected for the long term. However, crawl spaces require maintenance and regular inspections to stop moisture and mold problems from recurring.
How do I know if I need concrete leveling instead of replacement?
Look at whether the slab itself is intact. A driveway with a lip at the garage, a sidewalk panel sitting lower than the one next to it, or a patio that now tilts back toward the house are all signs of settling, not damage to the concrete. If the surface is cracked or crumbling beyond that unevenness, replacement is usually the better call. KC Waterproofing can look at the slab and tell you honestly which category it falls into before you commit to either option.
Can concrete leveling fix a cracked driveway or sidewalk?
PolyLift raises and levels a slab that has settled, but it doesn’t repair the crack itself. If a driveway or sidewalk has structural cracking beyond normal settling, lifting it won’t solve that part of the problem. KC Waterproofing will walk you through whether leveling addresses what you’re seeing or whether the slab needs a different kind of repair first.
Will the concrete settle again after leveling?
It depends on what caused the settling in the first place. A slab that sank because of a downspout draining next to the foundation is more likely to hold if that water gets redirected. Kansas City’s clay soil will keep expanding and contracting with the seasons regardless, which is part of why the freeze-thaw cycle and drainage around a slab matter as much as the leveling work itself.