Frequently Asked Questions
CONCRETE OR STEEL? WHICH IS BEST?
Steel piers have a failure rate of less than 1% while most concrete pilings will fail in less than 10 years, which is why structural engineers won’t allow concrete pilings.
Steel piers typically install between 12-20 feet on average in Oklahoma, while concrete pilings usually only go down 2-4 feet. That’s a big difference! Structural engineers here tend to prefer steel piers since they’ve been proven to be a more permanent repair solution.
Here’s the catch: some piering companies won’t tell you which piers they use. At Triton, we believe in transparency – we’ll ensure our customers in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas know exactly what you’re getting.
WHY DOES SETTLEMENT HAPPEN?
Wondering why your foundation is settling? The main culprit is usually water. Fluctuations in moisture throughout the year cause the soil supporting your home to expand and contract. This can cause your foundation to sink and deflect over time. It’s also common for certain construction styles to experience settling problems.
If left untreated, settling can lead to unsightly cracks, difficulty opening/closing doors and windows, uneven floors, and even burst pipes. That’s why it’s important to address foundation problems quickly to avoid additional damage and costs.
And don’t forget about the differential settlement, where one section of the foundation settles at a different rate than the rest. This can be caused by poor soil conditions, inconsistent moisture content, poor building practices, or seasonal changes affecting the soil.
A helpful tip: remember to water your foundation during dry months and protect it from over-watering during wetter months with guttering. This helps maintain consistency with the soil and foundation (along with guttering and drainage).
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE FOUNDATION PROBLEMS?
A home is a big investment for Oklahomans, so it’s important to ensure it’s well-maintained. One of the most critical components of your home is its foundation, and when it’s damaged, the entire structure can be affected. Here are some signs to look for that might indicate foundation problems:
- Wall cracks
- Floor cracks
- Sloping floors
- Leaning chimney
- Bowing walls
- Ceiling cracks
- Doors and windows that stick
- Cracks in brick
- Leaning garage walls
- Pad pier or insufficient structural supports
If you notice any of these signs, it’s possible that you may have potential issues with your foundation. It’s important to address these issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. Our customers in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond and Norman know that when they’ve seen these issues, Triton should be anyone’s first call.
WHY IS A CRAWL SPACE IMPORTANT?
Let’s talk about crawlspaces and their benefits to your home. Crawl spaces can be a great addition to your home, as they offer easy access to your air conditioning duct work and plumbing, making maintenance a breeze. They can also elevate your home, helping prevent termite problems. Plus, they are typically less expensive than slab foundations.
However, like any other part of your home, crawlspaces can experience problems. Here are some common issues:
Moisture and humidity: If your crawl space is not properly ventilated and is located in a moist area, moisture can seep in and cause rot in the wood floor system. This can lead to mold and mildew growth and a musty odor in your home.
Inadequate support: Since crawl spaces are located directly beneath your home, they play a critical role in your home’s structural integrity. Crawl spaces rely on foundation walls and crawl space support columns to bear weight. However, some crawl spaces have an inadequate support system that is either rotting or has soils that cannot bear the weight of your home.
How do you fix these issues? In many cases, installing crawl space supports can be a great solution. This quick and efficient job can provide permanent and warranted results. Typically, the installation process can be completed in less than one day. It’s important to take care of your crawl space, as any problems with it can affect the rest of your home.
- Wall cracks
- Floor cracks
- Sloping floors
- Leaning chimney
- Bowing walls
- Ceiling cracks
- Doors and windows that stick
- Cracks in brick
- Leaning garage walls
- Pad pier or insufficient structural supports
If you notice any of these signs, it’s possible that you may have potential issues with your foundation. It’s important to address these issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. Our customers in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond and Norman know that when they’ve seen these issues, Triton should be anyone’s first call.
WHY IS SLOPE MAINTENANCE IMPORTANT?
Let’s break this down into simpler terms. When your home was built, it was constructed to ensure water flows away from it. However, as a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to make sure that water doesn’t collect near your home, causing damage to the foundation. You can do this by checking if there is any ponding on your property and if you find any, consider re-contouring your property to create a slope that leads water away from your home. If you can’t achieve a slope, then installing a sub-surface drainage system may be necessary.
It’s recommended that the slope of your property should have at least a 5% slope for the first 5 feet away from your home or a 3-inch drop in that distance and then taper off to a 1% slope from there. Ground cover, such as mulch or gravel, can be used to prevent erosion and minimize maintenance.
WHY SHOULD I REGULARLY INSPECT FLATWORK, SIDEWALKS, AND PATIOS?
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your concrete flatwork, sidewalks, and patios, even if your home is brand spanking new. The first five years after construction is especially crucial, as this is when the most settlement can occur.
If you do notice any settling or sinking in your flat work, it’s important to re-level or re-pour it to correct any negative slope. But if the slope is less than 1%, sealing all cracks and entrances to the soil below can help prevent water from seeping under the slab. To do this, use a flexible urethane sealant that prevents water from passing through.
We should also mention the barrier that should be present between the flat work and slab, which should be replaced regularly to keep moisture out. By keeping an eye on your concrete flat work and taking action when necessary, you can ensure that it stays in good shape for years to come.
However, like any other part of your home, crawlspaces can experience problems. Here are some common issues:
Moisture and humidity: If your crawl space is not properly ventilated and is located in a moist area, moisture can seep in and cause rot in the wood floor system. This can lead to mold and mildew growth and a musty odor in your home.
Inadequate support: Since crawl spaces are located directly beneath your home, they play a critical role in your home’s structural integrity. Crawl spaces rely on foundation walls and crawl space support columns to bear weight. However, some crawl spaces have an inadequate support system that is either rotting or has soils that cannot bear the weight of your home.
How do you fix these issues? In many cases, installing crawl space supports can be a great solution. This quick and efficient job can provide permanent and warranted results. Typically, the installation process can be completed in less than one day. It’s important to take care of your crawl space, as any problems with it can affect the rest of your home.
- Wall cracks
- Floor cracks
- Sloping floors
- Leaning chimney
- Bowing walls
- Ceiling cracks
- Doors and windows that stick
- Cracks in brick
- Leaning garage walls
- Pad pier or insufficient structural supports
If you notice any of these signs, it’s possible that you may have potential issues with your foundation. It’s important to address these issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. Our customers in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond and Norman know that when they’ve seen these issues, Triton should be anyone’s first call.
HOW AND WHY SHOULD I MAINTAIN MY FLOWER BEDS?
When it comes to landscaping, many professionals suggest using certain types of planting materials that can increase moisture levels beyond what’s necessary. This can lead to issues, so it’s important to have proper drainage systems in place. The key is finding a balance between effective engineering and visually appealing fixtures that won’t cause damage to the load-bearing soil.
One common issue with flower beds is that water can become trapped inside and not allowed to properly run off. To combat this, we recommend installing barriers with large openings to allow water to flow through.
Another issue to consider is the type of shrubs you choose to plant around your home’s structure. It’s best to select shrubs with short and contained root systems. Your local nursery can provide recommendations on which types of shrubs are best suited for this purpose.
HOW AND WHY SHOULD I MAINTAIN MY GUTTERS?
Gutters are important to keep water away from your home’s foundation. They should be installed all around the house and checked for debris and rust in the spring and fall. If you have trees near your home, you’ll need to clean them out more often.
It’s important that your gutters drain properly. If they’re sloping poorly, they can become useless or rust faster. If any piece of gutter is over 35 feet long, it should be sloped to drain both ways or have downspouts spaced no more than 20 feet apart.
To check for proper drainage, simply use a garden hose or pour water into the gutter with a bucket.
Clogged downspouts can be fixed by removing the elbow and cleaning them out or by using a plumber’s snake. Downspouts should have an extender to move the water at least 5 feet away from the foundation. If there’s dirt or erosion around the exit point, splash blocks can be used to prevent any problems. Extenders help keep water away from the foundation
WHY DO I NEED SUB-SURFACE DRAINS AND HOW DO I MAINTAIN THEM?
Sub-surface drains are useful for moving water away from your home when surface drainage isn’t possible. The best thing about them is that they require very little maintenance once they’re installed properly. You only need to check the inlets, outlets, and coverings every six months for any blockages.
When checking the drains, be on the lookout for leaves, grass, soil, or anything else that could clog the drain and prevent water from passing through it. Dirt can also accumulate at the exit and interfere with proper drainage, so make sure to remove it if necessary. If there’s a blockage in the middle of the drain, you might need to use a mechanical cleaning snake to clear it out. You can check if it’s coming out at the same rate at the bottom by using a hose at the top of the drain.
Sub-surface drains can get crushed if heavy trucks drive over the area where they’re located, which reduces water flow and causes dirt to build up in the pipe. Also, as your yard settles over time, it can cause the pipe to crush. So, it’s important to check the flow periodically.
If you ever need to take corrective action, you’ll want to know where the clean-outs and discharge lines are located. To make things easier, draw a map of these things during installation and keep it in a safe place for future reference.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IRRIGATION AND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
It’s important to regulate how much water you use to maintain consistent moisture content under the foundation, even when you’re watering trees or shrubs.
Different sides of your home will need different amounts of water, especially the sides that get more sunlight. It’s recommended to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Be careful not to overwater with sprinkler systems, as this can be just as damaging to the foundation as underwatering. Electronic sprinkler systems should incorporate all of these factors into their programming, but you’ll still need to visually check for adjustments.
Many types of watering systems are available to customize to your needs. Bubble sprays, side sprays, and angle sprays are just a few examples. If evaporation is a concern, a drip system can provide very efficient watering. Inspecting your system at least twice a year to ensure everything is working properly and providing even watering is important.
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Thurs: 8am – 5pm
Fri: 8am – 5pm
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