Foundation Repair Terms Glossary: Underpinning, Piers & More Explained
Confused by foundation repair terms like underpinning, piers, helical, and bell-bottom? This quick-reference glossary from Anchor Foundation Repair breaks down what each one means so you can talk to contractors with confidence.
Point of Refusal in Foundation Repair: What It Means for Your Home
Point of refusal in foundation repair explained: what it means, why some contractors emphasize it while others don’t, true vs false refusal, and whether it matters for your Texas home’s long-term stability. Understand the term before choosing a repair method.
What Is Foundation Underpinning? Understanding Industry Terms
Foundation underpinning strengthens your home by extending its support into stable soil. Learn what underpinning, piers, and helical systems mean so you can understand foundation repair terms with confidence.
What Is Soil Heave? (Definition, Causes, Signs, Prevention, Repairs)
What is soil heave and how do you know if it’s affecting your foundation? In this article, we define and describe soil heave and its symptoms. We also discuss whether it can be prevented and fixed if soil heave happens to your foundation.
Foundation Movement vs. Foundation Settlement: What’s the Difference?
What’s the difference between foundation movement and foundation settlement? Or are they the same? This article defines these two slightly confusing and somewhat interchangeable terms so that homeowners understand what they mean when other people or contractors use them.
Pier & Beam Problems: Gaps Between Your Floors and Exterior Walls
Your pier and beam home has a problem with gaps showing up between your floors and exterior walls. What the heck is this issue and how do you fix it? This article will explain what is causing your gapping problem and define its solution i.e. the mud sill.
Crawl Space Foundation Homes: What Is a Main Sill and What Do They Do?
You’re looking at some crawl space foundation repair resources or paperwork and have come across the term main sill. You don’t know what it does, why it’s important, or why you might need it repaired. This article defines the term “main sill” and explains its key functions in a home.
What Even Is Foundation Repair and How Is it Done?
You’re new to the area or to home ownership and you’re wondering what foundation repair even is because you don’t know. Why is it needed and how is it done? This article explains what causes foundation problems and why it is common. Then we discuss what foundation repair is and does for your home.
What Does Seasonal Rebounding Mean for a Home Foundation?
You’ve heard the term seasonal rebounding and wonder what it means for your home’s foundation. This is the what, when, where, why, and how of what it means for your home foundation to experience a seasonal rebound.
What Is the Difference Between a Porch and a Patio?
Are there differences between a porch and a patio? Do the differences affect how a porch or patio needs to be repaired if settlement has occurred? This article explains how porches and patios are constructed, how they are different, and the approach to repair them if slab settlement has occurred.
What Are Weep Holes in Brick For and Why Does My Home Need Them?
What are weep holes on a brick home, and why do we need them? This article will define what weep holes are and explain what purpose they serve. We will also discuss the question of whether weep holes can be filled.
What Is House Leveling and When Does Your Home Need It?
What is house leveling exactly? You’ve been reading and are getting confused about what this term really means or you just want to make sure you’ve got it right. This article will define house leveling so that you can make sure you’re using it correctly and understand what it does for your home.
What Is a Drilled Bell-Bottom Pier in Foundation Repair Terms?
While researching foundation repair, you come across the term “drilled bell-bottom pier” and want to know more about this pier and type of foundation repair. This article will define and describe drilled piers as well as offer some history and pros and cons for this method of foundation repair.
What Is the Purpose of a Home Foundation? 7 Things to Be Grateful For
What is the purpose of your foundation? This article is an ode to foundations everywhere in recognition of the essential roles they play with very little thanks. We will list 7 things that foundations do to make our lives better and apologize for not showing more gratitude to them every day.
What Is Subfloor? (Definition, Purpose, Problems in Crawl Space Home)
You are looking into house leveling for your home and want to understand what subfloor is and how it fits into the structure of your crawl space foundation. This article defines and explains subfloor, and then reviews how to tell if there is something wrong with the subfloor in your home.
What is a Shim Used for In Slab Foundation Repair? (Definition, Types)
You’re talking with prospective foundation repair contractors and you keep hearing the word “shim” but you don’t know what it means. This article will define and explain the purpose of shims as well as explore the different types commonly used.
What Is Seasonal Foundation Settlement and What Should I Do About It?
Sometimes your doors work fine and then less fine through the year but it always gets better. You have been told this is “seasonal foundation settlement” but what does that really mean? This article defines seasonal settlement and whether it is a foundation problem and what to do about it.
What is Cement Slurry and How is It Used in Concrete Repair?
You’re researching methods of concrete repair and/or mud jacking and you come across the term “slurry” and don’t know what that is or means. This article will explain what slurry is, how it’s used for concrete repair, and its benefits over other choices.
Cement vs. Concrete: What’s the Difference for Foundation Repair?
Inquiring minds want to know: What is cement and what is concrete? Are they different or two ways to say the same thing? This article will define and explain cement and concrete, and discuss usage and problems. It’s stuff you never thought you wanted to know about this popular building material.
What is a Foundation Repair Plan? What It Tells You & Why To Care
A foundation repair plan is more than a price tag. Learn what the diagram, symbols, pricing, and terms and conditions actually mean, and what to ask before you sign.
What is Nail Pop? Is it a Sign of Foundation Issues in My Home?
You are seeing round bumps in your sheetrock walls. You might have heard the term nail pop but aren’t sure what it is and what causes it, and wonder if it signals a foundation problem. This article reviews nail pop, its common causes, and addresses whether it means you have foundation issues.
What is Corner Pop? Is it a Sign of Foundation Problems for My Home?
It looks like the concrete corner is popping off your home! You’ve got corner pop and are worried and wondering if it is a sign of foundation problems. This article explains what corner pop looks like, what causes it, and explains why it is not necessarily a sign of foundation issues with your home.
What Does Foundation Repair Mean and How Does it Work?
Foundation repair is a confusing term and not everyone knows exactly what it means or what happens to your foundation during the repair process. This article will review the basic concept of foundation repair and how it works to “fix” your home in three basic foundation project steps.
How Is Slurry Used In Foundation Repair, Concrete Repair, & Under-Slab Tunneling?
What in the world is slurry and what is it used for? Slurry has useful applications in foundation repair, concrete repair, and also in under-slab tunneling. This article explains what slurry is and how it is commonly used in several home repair service types that Anchor Foundation Repair provides to homeowners.
What is Expansive Clay Soil? How Does It Affect My Home’s Foundation?
You have heard people talk about clay, clay soil, or expansive clay soil but you don’t know what it is or why it’s important for your home’s foundation. Knowing more about this soil type will help in your understanding of foundation health and settlement, and also of foundation problems and repair.
What is Foundation Settlement? 7 Types in Foundation Repair Terms
Have you heard the term “foundation settlement” and not really known what it meant? The word “settlement” is industry lingo that can be confusing. This article defines and explains 7 types of foundation settlement and helps you to understand that not all foundation settlement is a problem.