Cracks to watch include:

• Stair-step cracks in brick or block walls
• Horizontal cracks along foundation walls
• Vertical cracks wider than about 1/4 inch (6 mm)
• New or growing cracks around door and window frames
• Gaps between walls, ceilings, or floors

If you notice cracks increasing in size, doors sticking, or sloping floors, schedule a professional evaluation.

Common foundation repair approaches include:

• Underpinning with steel push piers or helical piers to transfer the load to competent bearing strata
• Slab lifting (polyurethane foam or mudjacking) for sunken concrete slabs
• Wall anchors or carbon fiber reinforcement for bowing walls
• Drainage and grading improvements to manage water
• Soil stabilization and root/moisture management

The right method depends on your structure, soil conditions, and the cause of movement.

Helpful terms:

• Settlement: downward movement of a structure due to soil compression or loss of support
• Heave: upward movement from expanding soils or frost
• Underpinning: strengthening a foundation by extending it to deeper, more stable soil or bedrock (often with piers)
• Footing: the concrete base that spreads loads from the foundation to the soil
• Kip: a unit of force equal to 1,000 pounds-force, used to describe pier capacities and loads

Typical causes include:

• Moisture changes in expansive clay soils
• Poorly compacted fill beneath the foundation
• Plumbing leaks or poor drainage eroding supporting soils
• Tree roots drawing moisture and drying the soil
• Seasonal freeze–thaw and long-term consolidation

A site-specific inspection can identify the root cause and the most effective repair.

You can start by requesting an evaluation. We'll connect you with a qualified local contractor who can inspect your home and provide a written plan. Use the "Find a contractor" button below or visit our Contact page.

Expect a professional assessment, a clear repair proposal, and installation of engineered steel piers that transfer your foundation load to stable strata. Installations are designed to minimize disturbance, and crews document elevations and capacities during the process. For technical details, see our Engineering Portal and ICC Evaluation Report.

Rocky soils aren't inherently a problem. In some cases, shallow bedrock provides excellent bearing. Installation may require pre-drilling or specialized equipment to reach the required depth and capacity. Your contractor will adapt the method to the site conditions.

"Kip" (often misspelled "kipp") means 1,000 pounds-force. It's a standard engineering unit used to describe loads and pier capacities. Higher verified kip values generally indicate more load can be supported by each pier.

Typical applications include:

• Underpinning settling homes and additions
• Pre-construction piers for new foundations
• Stabilizing porches, chimneys, and interior slabs
• Commercial and industrial foundations
• Remediation where soil movement has occurred

Your contractor will recommend the right pier configuration for your project.