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Should I Buy a House with Foundation Problems?

In Residential Blog Posts by John Topa

Before you finalize plans to buy your dream home in Tampa, Orlando, or other Florida communities, you need to get a firm understanding of the home’s actual condition. The unfortunate reality is that foundation problems are common throughout the state. Even minor foundation problems can impact the construction and overall condition of the structure, and repairs could cost a small …

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How Helical Pier Foundation Repair Works

In Commercial Blog Posts, Residential Blog Posts by John Topa

Do you own residential or commercial buildings that could benefit from the installation of helical piers? There are several telltale signs that your structure is experiencing foundation problems due to soil shifts that piers could correct. In this post, we will detail how helical piers work. Retaining Wall Collapse When your Florida contractor added a retaining wall to the property, …

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Helical Piers: Residential Luxury Pool, Holiday, FL

In Deep Foundations, Featured Projects, Helical Piers, Residential Blog Posts, Residential Projects by John Topa

Luxury Pool Helical PiersHoliday, FLCLIENT: Ryan Hughes Design ENGINEER: RE&A Engineering Solutions MARKET: Residential SOLUTION: Deep Foundation SERVICE: Helical PiersDeep foundation for a luxury residential pool57 helical piers installed to support poolPiers installed ranging from 17-23.5 ft deepProject PDFProjectThe project is a residential luxury pool in need of pre-construction helical piers for the main pool, wading pool, pool deck area, …

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How Soil Expansion and Contraction Affect Your Foundation

In Residential Blog Posts by John Topa

Unless you are an avid gardener, you probably do not concern yourself too much with the soil’s makeup on your property. Even then, you may mostly worry about drainage for the vegetable plants and nutrients for the herbs. However, Florida’s granular soils have a dark side. Sometimes, they cause soil expansion and lead to the ground shifting, and when your …

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Why Are My Doors and Windows Sticking?

In Residential Blog Posts by John Topa

While Florida is known for its heat and humidity, there are times when you want to open your home’s windows for some fresh air. If your home feels a bit stuffy, a gentle breeze blowing in from an open window is the perfect way to improve the ambiance. Unfortunately, you cannot enjoy the benefit of fresh air circulating throughout your …

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Underpinning: Royal Arms Condominiums, Altamonte Springs, FL

In Compaction Grout, Featured Projects, Ground Improvement, Residential Blog Posts, Residential Projects by John Topa

Royal Arms CondominiumsAltamonte Springs, FLCLIENT: Royal Arms Condo Association ENGINEER: Award Engineering MARKET: Residential SOLUTION: Foundation Repair SERVICE: UnderpinningFoundation Stabilization Program132 Pressure Piers InstalledPiers installed ranging from 20-78 ft deepProject PDFProjectThe project is a residential condominium complex that was in need of foundation stabilization. The Geotechnical Engineer of Record recommended a solution of pressure pier underpinning to safely and permanently …

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The Benefits of Using Micropiles to Repair a Foundation

In Residential Blog Posts by John Topa

Before we get into the benefits of using micropiles to repair a foundation, we will first explain what micropiles are. A micropile is a drilled and grouted friction pile that consists of cement grout, centralized rebar, steel pipe pile, and a high-strength steel casing. Other names that are used for a micropile include a drilled micropile (DMP), root pile, pin …

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Moisture Around Your Home Foundation Can Lead to Big Problems

In Residential Blog Posts by John Topa

When is the last time you looked at the foundation that your home sits on? Many related issues can be prevented altogether if you act today. If moisture problems have already started developing, professional repairs completed promptly can minimize the extent of the damage. The Impact of Moisture on Your Home’s Foundation A quick visual inspection of the soil surrounding …

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Compaction Grout: Hidden Brook Condominiums, Palm Harbor, FL

In Compaction Grout, Featured Projects, Ground Improvement, Residential Blog Posts, Residential Projects by John Topa

Hidden Brook CondominiumsPalm Harbor, FLCLIENT: Hidden Brook Condo Association ENGINEER: SEI Inc. MARKET: Residential SOLUTION: Ground Improvement SERVICE: Compaction Grout, UnderpinningLow Mobility and High Mobility Compaction Grout ApplicationsGrout points placed approximately 8-10 foot on center in two phasesGrout pipes drilled 1.5 ft to 3 ft off structuresProject PDFProjectThe project is a residential condominium complex that experienced sinkhole activity. The Geotechnical Engineer …