FAQs

RaiseRite Concrete Lifting

How long will it take to get my work done?
How many holes will there be?
What kind of material do you use?
Will there be heavy trucks on my lawn?
How do you fill the holes?
Is there any maintenance needed?

RaiseRite Foundation Pier Systems

Why do walls bow?
How do you know the number of piers to use?
What if my wall is cracked?
How do you keep the soil from pushing on the wall again?
Will my foundation raise back to original height?
Is this a permanent solution?
Can I still live in my house while the work is being performed?
How far down will the piers be pushed?
Are the piers strong enough to support the structure?
What is the major difference between piers?

RaiseRite Concrete Lifting

How long will it take to get my work done?

After an estimate is requested, we will have our seasoned estimator look at your project and provide you with a proposal to complete your mudjacking work. Provided the area is accessible to our estimator, it is not even necessary to be present at the time of the estimate. After the proposal is accepted RaiseRite requires a signed copy of the estimate before scheduling the work to be complete which can be roughly 2-4 weeks after your acceptance. For your convenience, it is not necessary to be home when the work is completed.

How many holes will there be?

On the day of your work, holes are strategically drilled every 3-5 feet in the settled area.

What kind of material do you use?

This is a sand based grout that will not lose its density. Combined with portland cement this non-organic mixture is pumped under the slab of concrete. Different from organic material, RaiseRite’s slurry will not decompose or breakdown.

Will there be heavy trucks on my lawn?

The RaiseRite truck remains parked on the street while the mudjacking crew maneuvers the pump to the site requiring repair. The hydraulic mudpump is roughly the size of a riding lawn mower. Armed with many lengths of hose, the mudjacking crew can reach just about anywhere.

How do you fill the holes?

After the mudjacking is completed, a foam plug is inserted into the hole, and is patched over with cement. The concrete is ready for use immediately, it is however recommended to allow the patch material to set up before use which is typically a couple of hours.

Is there any maintenance needed?

Now that the work is completed it is the homeowner’s responsibility to caulk the seams of the sections that were repaired, or backfill against any exposed areas to prevent future sinking. Self leveling cement caulk can be purchased at any home improvement store and works great for sealing joints.

RaiseRite Foundation Pier Systems

Why do walls bow?

Most Wisconsin homes have basement walls below grade. Over time the settling of ground, clay swelling, the plugging of drain tile, extensive rains, and plumbing leaks can cause a basement wall to bow, tilt inwards, and crack. To repair a bowed wall the first step to this process is to eliminate the problem by excavating and removing the earth pressure against the wall. In most cases this highly expansive clay is the main cause of the foundation bowing.

How do you know the number of piers to use?

Spacing is often determined by the weight of the structure or the weight of the soil pressure along the foundation. Other considerations will be the construction of the foundation (i.e. poured or block foundation). The quantity of piers is determined by the linear footage of the effected area.

What if my wall is cracked?

In most cases cracks are a sign that your foundation is settling or bowing in. RaiseRite’s experienced staff will help you determine if this cracking is cosmetic, or if foundation repair is necessary.

How do you keep the soil from pushing on the wall again?

A non expansive granular fill is used to backfill, typically a 3/4” clean stone. A geo-fabric is placed over the fill and the top 2’ is filled with topsoil and graded to drain away from the structure. This helps with drainage and relieves pressure from the wall.

Will my foundation raise back to original height?

In most cases the structure is raised to the point where it is not visually detectable. It usually is not a matter of raising it higher, but how high the owner wants the structure. When you raise a structure it may cause new cracks or open old ones. The process of raising it is a team effort between the owner and piering crew.

Is this a permanent solution?

Yes! Since the piers are pushed through the layer of soil that affects your foundation, it takes the variable of soil condition out of the equation.

Can I still live in my house while the work is being performed?

Yes, most of the work is performed around the outside of the home with minimal disruption to the homeowner. In some projects, it may be necessary to work from the inside. Even in those conditions, it will not cause the homeowner to vacate the structure.

How far down will the piers be pushed?

The piers have to be imbedded into a hard stratum. We will not stop at a predetermined depth, the piers have to be able to support the two or three times the weight of the structure. This depth will vary based on different soil conditions across the state.

Are the piers strong enough to support the structure?

Yes, we have installed these piers under three story buildings, huge machine bases, and large tanks. The maximum capacity of the piers probably will not be reached, which allows for a higher factor of safety.

What is the major difference between piers?

Some piers have a smaller shaft, which may cause the piers to bend or fail. The larger in diameter the stronger the lateral load on the pier. A 3 to 4 inch in diameter pier is the best for raising structures because of the load capacities.