Recognizing the Role of Poor Grading in Soil Settlement

Recognizing the Role of Poor Grading in Soil Settlement

Seasonal Soil Changes: Explanation of how various seasons contribute to soil expansion and contraction.

Understanding soil grading and its impact on construction is crucial for anyone involved in building or land development. Soil grading involves the process of altering the surface of a landscape to ensure proper slope and drainage, which is essential for the stability and longevity of any structure built upon it. Recognizing the role of poor grading in soil settlement is particularly important because it can have significant consequences, leading to structural damage and increased maintenance costs.


Poor soil grading often leads to uneven distribution of weight across a foundation, which can cause differential settlement. Differential settlement occurs when different parts of a structure settle at different rates, resulting in cracks, tilting, or even collapse in severe cases. This typically happens because water accumulates around the foundation due to inadequate drainage caused by improper grading. Uneven floors may signal hidden foundation issues Retrofit Foundation Services construction. When water infiltrates the soil beneath a structure, it can lead to changes in soil volume and consistency. Expansive soils may swell with moisture while other types might shrink when dry, both scenarios contributing to an unstable base.


Additionally, poor grading can exacerbate erosion problems. Erosion removes topsoil that supports vegetation and contributes to further instability. As erosion progresses, it can undermine foundations and alter landscapes dramatically over time. Without proper intervention, this cycle continues to degrade the structural integrity of any affected buildings.


To prevent these issues, it's essential for engineers and builders to conduct thorough site assessments before construction begins. Understanding the natural topography and soil composition helps inform effective grading plans that promote adequate drainage away from structures. Implementing retaining walls or terraces where necessary can also help stabilize slopes and control erosion.


Moreover, regular monitoring after construction ensures that any signs of settlement are detected early. Addressing minor issues promptly prevents them from becoming major problems later on. Incorporating these practices not only safeguards investments but also contributes significantly to sustainable development by preserving natural landscapes and minimizing environmental impact.


In conclusion, recognizing the importance of proper soil grading cannot be overstated when it comes to preventing soil settlement issues in construction projects. By prioritizing effective site evaluation and implementing strategic solutions tailored to specific conditions, we can build resilient structures that stand the test of time while respecting their surrounding environment.

When discussing the factors contributing to poor grading practices, especially in the context of soil settlement, it is crucial to recognize the multifaceted nature of this issue. Grading, which involves the manipulation and leveling of land, plays a critical role in construction and landscaping projects. However, when executed improperly, it can lead to severe consequences such as soil settlement.


One significant factor contributing to poor grading practices is inadequate planning and assessment before the commencement of a project. Proper soil analysis is essential to understand its composition and stability. Unfortunately, this step is often overlooked or inadequately performed due to time constraints or cost-cutting measures. Without a thorough understanding of soil characteristics, such as its type and moisture content, grading efforts may inadvertently weaken the soil structure rather than stabilize it.


Another critical factor is the lack of skilled personnel involved in grading operations. The expertise required for effective grading goes beyond simply moving earth; it encompasses knowledge about how different soils respond under various conditions and how they interact with water and other environmental factors. When untrained workers undertake these tasks without adequate supervision or guidance from experienced professionals, the risk of poor grading increases exponentially.


Moreover, equipment limitations can also play a role in suboptimal grading outcomes. Sometimes projects are executed with outdated or inappropriate machinery that cannot achieve the precise leveling needed for long-term stability. This technological shortcoming can lead to uneven surfaces that exacerbate settling issues over time.


Environmental factors also contribute significantly to poor grading results. Climate variations-such as unexpected heavy rains or prolonged dry spells-can alter soil conditions rapidly. If not accounted for during the planning phase, these changes can undermine even well-executed grading efforts by shifting soil unexpectedly after completion.


Lastly, economic pressures often push contractors to prioritize speed over quality. In an industry where deadlines are tight and budgets constrained, there may be an inclination to cut corners on grading processes to save time and money. This short-term thinking neglects the potential long-term costs associated with fixing issues arising from poor initial work.


In conclusion, recognizing the role of poor grading in soil settlement requires attention to several interconnected factors: inadequate planning and assessment, lack of skilled labor, equipment limitations, environmental influences, and economic pressures. Each element plays a part in compromising land stability if not properly managed within an integrated approach that prioritizes sustainability over expedience. Addressing these issues holistically will help mitigate risks associated with poor grading practices and promote more stable construction outcomes overall.

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Recognizing the Role of Poor Drainage in Foundation Cracks

Recognizing the Role of Poor Drainage in Foundation Cracks

Regular maintenance and inspection play a vital role in safeguarding the structural integrity of any building.. Among the numerous factors that threaten this integrity, poor drainage is often overlooked yet significantly contributes to foundation cracks.

Posted by on 2024-12-31

Impact of Climate on Soil and Foundations: Discussing the influence of weather patterns and climate change on soil stability.

The connection between poor grading and soil settlement is a crucial consideration in the field of construction and civil engineering. As we delve into this topic, it becomes apparent that the role of grading in ensuring structural stability cannot be understated. Grading refers to the process of leveling or sloping land to ensure proper drainage and support for structures. When this process is inadequately executed, it can lead to significant issues, one of which is soil settlement.


Soil settlement occurs when the ground beneath a structure shifts or compresses over time, leading to a downward movement of the foundation. This phenomenon can cause severe damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructures if not addressed appropriately. One primary factor contributing to soil settlement is poor grading practices during initial site preparation.


Inadequate grading often results from a lack of proper planning or understanding of the site's natural topography and soil composition. For instance, if the land is not correctly leveled or sloped away from the structure, water can accumulate around foundations. This excess moisture may increase soil weight and reduce its load-bearing capacity, causing it to compact under pressure.


Moreover, poor grading might involve insufficient compaction of fill material used to level uneven terrain. Without adequate compaction techniques-such as using rollers or vibrating plates-voids can remain within the fill material. These voids eventually collapse under structural loads, leading to differential settlement where parts of a building sink more than others.


Another aspect linking poor grading with soil settlement involves erosion control. Sites that are improperly graded often experience increased surface runoff during rainfall events due to lack of effective drainage paths like swales or ditches. This runoff erodes unprotected soils around foundations at an accelerated rate compared with well-graded sites equipped with appropriate erosion control measures such as retaining walls or vegetation cover.


Furthermore, recognizing different types of soils present on-site plays an essential role in preventing future settlements caused by improper grading decisions made beforehand without conducting thorough geotechnical investigations about their characteristics like density levels among others which could affect how they behave under stress conditions imposed by structures built atop them later down line after completion phases have been reached successfully thus far already too late then unfortunately enough already sometimes even resulting catastrophic consequences thereafter inevitably so tragically also sadly enough indeed yet again here now once more still nevertheless though ultimately finally overall all things considered truly speaking sincerely honestly really genuinely authentically purely simply genuinely naturally just quite literally absolutely positively completely utterly entirely wholly fully unreservedly altogether comprehensively thoroughly exhaustively extensively intensively profoundly deeply fundamentally basically essentially primarily chiefly predominantly mainly generally typically usually normally customarily habitually regularly consistently constantly continually perpetually incessantly ceaselessly always forever eternally infinitely endlessly timelessly boundlessly immeasurably incalculably limitlessly beyond measure outstripping surpassing exceeding transcending eluding escaping evading avoiding shunning sidestepping dodging ducking fleeing running away hiding concealing veiling masking cloaking camouflaging covering shielding guarding protecting defending preserving safeguarding watching over keeping an eye on monitoring tracking observing checking scrutinizing examining inspecting investigating probing exploring studying researching analyzing reviewing assessing evaluating appraising considering contemplating pondering reflecting meditating musing ruminating deliberating thinking reasoning speculating hypothesizing theorizing supposing assuming presuming conjecturing imagining envisioning visualizing dreaming fantasizing wishing hoping longing desiring craving yearning aspiring aiming targeting intending planning plotting scheming devising designing crafting creating inventing engineering fabricating constructing assembling manufacturing producing generating making building erecting raising uplifting lifting hoisting elevating promoting advancing progressing moving forward going ahead proceeding continuing carrying on

Impact of Climate on Soil and Foundations: Discussing the influence of weather patterns and climate change on soil stability.

Methods for Monitoring Soil Movement: Techniques and tools used to track soil shifts around foundations.

Identifying signs of foundation cracks due to soil settlement is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of any structure. One significant factor contributing to soil settlement is poor grading. Understanding the role of grading in soil settlement can help homeowners and builders take preventive measures to protect their properties from potential damage.


Grading refers to the slope or incline of the ground surrounding a building's foundation. Proper grading ensures that water drains away from the structure, preventing moisture accumulation around the foundation. However, when grading is inadequate or improperly executed, it can lead to several problems, including soil erosion and increased pressure on the foundation walls. Over time, these issues may result in uneven settlement and visible cracks in the foundation.


One of the most common signs of foundation cracks due to soil settlement is vertical or diagonal fissures along the walls or floors. These cracks often indicate that parts of the foundation have sunk or shifted because of uneven support from beneath. Homeowners might also notice doors and windows misaligning or becoming difficult to open and close as a result of this movement.


Poor grading exacerbates these issues by allowing water to pool near the base of a building, further destabilizing already compromised soil. This accumulation increases hydrostatic pressure on basement walls, leading them to bow inward or crack under stress. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure to such conditions can even cause sections of a house's framework to separate at joints.


To prevent these issues from arising, property owners should prioritize proper site preparation before construction begins. This involves ensuring that land slopes away from all sides at an angle sufficient enough typically about six inches within ten feet so rainwater naturally channels away without causing undue saturation around foundations.


Additionally, regular inspections are essential for early detection if problems do arise despite best efforts during initial setup phases; catching symptoms early allows prompt intervention before damages escalate beyond simple repair solutions like installing French drains or re-grading landscapes accordingly.


In conclusion, recognizing poor grading's role in promoting detrimental soil settlements highlights its importance not just during build stages but throughout ongoing maintenance routines too: vigilance now safeguards investments against future adversities stemming directly back towards foundational integrity being compromised through negligence initially unaddressed until later stages unfortunately reached past easier remediation possibilities once previously available had timely attention been given earlier instead when first needed most importantly so!

Repair Solutions for Foundation Cracks: Different strategies and technologies available for repairing cracks in foundations due to shifting soils.

Assessing the extent of damage in structures affected by soil settlement is a critical task that requires a comprehensive understanding of various factors contributing to the issue. One significant factor that often plays a pivotal role in soil settlement is poor grading. Recognizing the impact of inadequate grading practices is essential for engineers, builders, and property owners alike to mitigate potential risks and ensure structural integrity.


Poor grading refers to the improper leveling and compaction of soil during construction or landscaping activities.

Recognizing the Role of Poor Grading in Soil Settlement - Nashville

  1. structural failure
  2. Nashville
  3. space
This can lead to uneven surfaces, insufficient drainage, and ultimately, soil settlement. When the ground beneath a structure settles unevenly, it can cause a multitude of problems ranging from minor cosmetic issues like cracks in walls or floors to severe structural damages such as foundation failure.


To assess the extent of damage caused by poor grading-induced soil settlement, professionals must first conduct a thorough site investigation. This involves examining both surface conditions and subsurface characteristics to identify signs of distress. Visual inspections can reveal obvious symptoms like tilting or sinking structures, while more detailed evaluations might include geotechnical surveys using tools such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR) or borehole sampling.


Once potential areas of concern are identified, it's crucial to determine whether poor grading is indeed the root cause. This involves analyzing historical data about the site's development and comparing it with current conditions. Factors such as changes in water drainage patterns due to improper slopes or lack of adequate compacting techniques during initial construction could be contributing factors.


Understanding how poor grading contributes to soil settlement helps professionals develop effective remediation strategies. Solutions may include regrading the site to improve water runoff management or employing underpinning techniques to stabilize foundations affected by differential settlement. In some cases, installing drainage systems such as French drains might be necessary to prevent further saturation and movement within problematic soils.


Moreover, recognizing poor grading's role in soil settlement emphasizes the importance of preventive measures during initial site preparation stages. Proper planning and execution can significantly reduce future risks associated with soil movement. By ensuring adequate compaction levels are achieved and maintaining appropriate slope gradients for drainage purposes from the outset, builders can help safeguard structures against potential settling issues down the line.


In conclusion, assessing damage extent in structures impacted by poor grading-induced soil settlement requires an integrated approach combining careful site evaluation with knowledge about potential causative factors like inadequate leveling techniques or ineffective water management practices during construction phases. By acknowledging these elements' influence on structural stability early on-and implementing necessary corrective actions-stakeholders involved at every level from planning through maintenance processes will better protect investments into built environments while promoting long-term durability across diverse settings globally today!

Preventative Measures: Tips for homeowners to minimize the risk of foundation damage from seasonal soil changes.

Foundation cracks are a homeowner's nightmare, often indicating underlying issues that require prompt attention. One of the most common culprits behind these structural concerns is soil settlement, exacerbated by poor grading. Understanding how inadequate grading contributes to soil settlement and subsequently to foundation damage is crucial in both preventing and addressing these issues effectively.


Poor grading refers to the improper leveling or sloping of land around a building, which can lead to water mismanagement. Ideally, the ground should slope away from the foundation to ensure proper drainage.

Recognizing the Role of Poor Grading in Soil Settlement - structural failure

  1. crawl space
  2. wall
  3. leak
When water accumulates near the foundation due to poor grading, it seeps into the soil, increasing its moisture content and causing it to expand. Over time, as conditions dry out, the soil contracts. This continuous cycle of expansion and contraction leads to uneven settling of the foundation-a process known as differential settlement.


Recognizing poor grading as a precursor to soil settlement provides an opportunity for preventative action. Homeowners should regularly inspect their properties for signs of improper drainage such as pooling water or erosion channels. Corrective measures might include regrading the landscape by adding or removing soil to create a slope that directs water away from the house. In some cases, installing drainage systems like French drains can further mitigate water accumulation and reduce pressure on the foundation.


When foundation cracks caused by soil settlement do occur despite preventive measures, several repair methods can be employed. Epoxy injections are commonly used for minor cracks; this involves injecting epoxy resin into cracks under pressure, bonding them together and restoring structural integrity. For more severe cases where settling has resulted in significant movement or instability, underpinning might be necessary. This involves extending the foundation downwards using piers driven into stable soil layers below or expanding footings with additional concrete support.


Moreover, mudjacking-or slab jacking-can be utilized to correct sunken concrete slabs by pumping a slurry beneath them to restore their original level. Though primarily used for sidewalks and driveways, this method can also stabilize foundations under certain circumstances.


In conclusion, recognizing poor grading's role in contributing to soil settlement is essential for maintaining home stability and safety. Proactive management through proper grading practices not only prevents costly repairs but also preserves property value over time. Should cracks develop due to settled soils despite best efforts at prevention, various repair techniques-from simple epoxy injections to complex underpinning-are available options tailored to address specific degrees of damage while ensuring long-lasting solutions for homeowners grappling with foundational challenges triggered by inadequate drainage strategies.

Case Studies and Real-Life Examples: Examination of past incidents where shifting soils led to significant foundation issues and subsequent repairs.

Proper soil grading is an essential aspect of construction and landscaping that often goes unnoticed until problems arise, such as soil settlement. Understanding preventive measures and best practices for soil grading can help mitigate these issues, ensuring stability and longevity for structures and landscapes alike.


One of the primary roles of proper soil grading is to manage water flow. Poor grading can lead to inadequate drainage, which results in water accumulation around foundations or other critical areas. This excess moisture can cause the soil to become saturated, leading to erosion or settling over time. To prevent these issues, it is crucial to establish a slope away from buildings or structures. Generally, a slope of 5% over the first ten feet from the foundation is recommended to direct water away efficiently.


Compaction is another vital practice when addressing soil grading. Proper compaction increases soil density, reducing air pockets that might later collapse under pressure or moisture changes. Using mechanical compactors ensures uniform compaction across the graded area, providing a stable base for construction projects or landscaping features.


Additionally, selecting appropriate fill material plays a significant role in preventing poor grading outcomes. The fill should be free of organic matter and debris that may decompose over time, causing voids and subsequent settling. Utilizing well-graded aggregates with various particle sizes can enhance compaction effectiveness and overall stability.


Vegetative cover is also an important component in maintaining effective grading practices. Plants help stabilize the soil with their root systems while absorbing excess moisture that could otherwise contribute to erosion or settling. Selecting native plants suited to local climate conditions will ensure they thrive with minimal maintenance, providing long-term stabilization benefits.


Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary steps in managing proper soil grading over time. Even well-graded sites may experience shifts due to environmental factors or ongoing usage impacts. Periodic checks allow for early detection of potential issues such as pooling water, eroded areas, or vegetation decline-enabling timely intervention before significant problems develop.


Furthermore, understanding local regulations and codes regarding site preparation and grading ensures compliance while promoting best practices tailored to regional needs. These guidelines are often based on extensive research into local soil types and climate conditions, offering valuable insights into effective strategies for minimizing settlement risks.


In conclusion, recognizing the role of poor grading in soil settlement highlights the importance of preventive measures and best practices in this field. By focusing on proper slopes for drainage, adequate compaction techniques, suitable fill materials, vegetative stabilization methods, regular maintenance routines, and adherence to local regulations-construction professionals can significantly reduce the likelihood of settlement-related issues while enhancing project durability and success rates overall.

Waterproofing conducted on the exterior of a freeway tunnel

Waterproofing is the process of making an object, person or structure waterproof or water-resistant so that it remains relatively unaffected by water or resisting the ingress of water under specified conditions. Such items may be used in wet environments or underwater to specified depths.

Water-resistant and waterproof often refer to resistance to penetration of water in its liquid state and possibly under pressure, whereas damp proof refers to resistance to humidity or dampness. Permeation of water vapour through a material or structure is reported as a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR).

The hulls of boats and ships were once waterproofed by applying tar or pitch. Modern items may be waterproofed by applying water-repellent coatings or by sealing seams with gaskets or o-rings.

Waterproofing is used in reference to building structures (such as basements, decks, or wet areas), watercraft, canvas, clothing (raincoats or waders), electronic devices and paper packaging (such as cartons for liquids).

In construction

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In construction, a building or structure is waterproofed with the use of membranes and coatings to protect contents and structural integrity. The waterproofing of the building envelope in construction specifications is listed under 07 - Thermal and Moisture Protection within MasterFormat 2004, by the Construction Specifications Institute, and includes roofing and waterproofing materials.[citation needed]

In building construction, waterproofing is a fundamental aspect of creating a building envelope, which is a controlled environment. The roof covering materials, siding, foundations, and all of the various penetrations through these surfaces must be water-resistant and sometimes waterproof. Roofing materials are generally designed to be water-resistant and shed water from a sloping roof, but in some conditions, such as ice damming and on flat roofs, the roofing must be waterproof. Many types of waterproof membrane systems are available, including felt paper or tar paper with asphalt or tar to make a built-up roof, other bituminous waterproofing, ethylene propylene diene monomer EPDM rubber, hypalon, polyvinyl chloride, liquid roofing, and more.

Walls are not subjected to standing water, and the water-resistant membranes used as housewraps are designed to be porous enough to let moisture escape. Walls also have vapor barriers or air barriers. Damp proofing is another aspect of waterproofing. Masonry walls are built with a damp-proof course to prevent rising damp, and the concrete in foundations needs to be damp-proofed or waterproofed with a liquid coating, basement waterproofing membrane (even under the concrete slab floor where polyethylene sheeting is commonly used), or an additive to the concrete.

Within the waterproofing industry, below-ground waterproofing is generally divided into two areas:

  • Tanking: This is waterproofing used where the below-ground structure will be sitting in the water table continuously or periodically. This causes hydrostatic pressure on both the membrane and structure and requires full encapsulation of the basement structure in a tanking membrane, under slab and walls.
  • Damp proofing: This is waterproofing used where the water table is lower than the structure and there is good free-draining fill. The membrane deals with the shedding of water and the ingress of water vapor only, with no hydrostatic pressure. Generally, this incorporates a damp proof membrane (DPM) to the walls with a polythene DPM under the slab. With higher grade DPM, some protection from short-term Hydrostatic pressure can be gained by transitioning the higher quality wall DPM to the slab polythene under the footing, rather than at the footing face.
Waterproofing with two component system

In buildings using earth sheltering, too much humidity can be a potential problem, so waterproofing is critical. Water seepage can lead to mold growth, causing significant damage and air quality issues. Properly waterproofing foundation walls is required to prevent deterioration and seepage.

Another specialized area of waterproofing is rooftop decks and balconies. Waterproofing systems have become quite sophisticated and are a very specialized area. Failed waterproof decks, whether made of polymer or tile, are one of the leading causes of water damage to building structures and personal injury when they fail. Where major problems occur in the construction industry is when improper products are used for the wrong application. While the term waterproof is used for many products, each of them has a very specific area of application, and when manufacturer specifications and installation procedures are not followed, the consequences can be severe. Another factor is the impact of expansion and contraction on waterproofing systems for decks. Decks constantly move with changes in temperatures, putting stress on the waterproofing systems. One of the leading causes of waterproof deck system failures is the movement of underlying substrates (plywood) that cause too much stress on the membranes resulting in a failure of the system. While beyond the scope of this reference document, waterproofing of decks and balconies is a complex of many complimentary elements. These include the waterproofing membrane used, adequate slope-drainage, proper flashing details, and proper construction materials.

The penetrations through a building envelope must be built in a way such that water does not enter the building, such as using flashing and special fittings for pipes, vents, wires, etc. Some caulkings are durable, but many are unreliable for waterproofing.

Also, many types of geomembranes are available to control water, gases, or pollution.

From the late 1990s to the 2010s, the construction industry has had technological advances in waterproofing materials, including integral waterproofing systems and more advanced membrane materials. Integral systems such as hycrete work within the matrix of a concrete structure, giving the concrete itself a waterproof quality. There are two main types of integral waterproofing systems: the hydrophilic and the hydrophobic systems. A hydrophilic system typically uses a crystallization technology that replaces the water in the concrete with insoluble crystals. Various brands available in the market claim similar properties, but not all can react with a wide range of cement hydration by-products and thus require caution. Hydrophobic systems use concrete sealers or even fatty acids to block pores within the concrete, preventing water passage.

Sometimes the same materials used to keep water out of buildings are used to keep water in, such as a pool or pond liners.

New membrane materials seek to overcome shortcomings in older methods like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Generally, new technology in waterproof membranes relies on polymer-based materials that are very adhesive to create a seamless barrier around the outside of a structure.

Waterproofing should not be confused with roofing, since roofing cannot necessarily withstand hydrostatic head while waterproofing can.

The standards for waterproofing bathrooms in domestic construction have improved over the years, due in large part to the general tightening of building codes.

In clothing

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A wax coating makes this Manila hemp waterproof

Some garments, and tents, are designed to give greater or lesser protection against rain. For urban use raincoats and jackets are used; for outdoor activities in rough weather there is a range of hiking apparel. Typical descriptions are "showerproof", "water resistant", and "waterproof".[1] These terms are not precisely defined. A showerproof garment will usually be treated with a water-resisting coating, but is not rated to resist a specific hydrostatic head. This is suitable for protection against light rain, but after a short time water will penetrate. A water-resistant garment is similar, perhaps slightly more resistant to water but also not rated to resist a specific hydrostatic head. A garment described as waterproof will have a water-repellent coating, with the seams also taped to prevent water ingress there. Better waterproof garments have a membrane lining designed to keep water out but allow trapped moisture to escape ("breathability")—a totally waterproof garment would retain body sweat and become clammy. Waterproof garments specify their hydrostatic rating, ranging from 1,500 for light rain, to 20,000 for heavy rain.

Waterproof garments are intended for use in weather conditions which are often windy as well as wet and are usually also wind resistant.

Footwear can also be made waterproof by using a variety of methods including but not limited to, the application of beeswax, waterproofing spray, or mink oil.[2]

In other objects

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Waterproofing methods have been implemented in many types of objects, including paper packaging, cosmetics, and more recently, consumer electronics. Electronic devices used in military and severe commercial environments are routinely conformally coated in accordance with IPC-CC-830 to resist moisture and corrosion but encapsulation is needed to become truly waterproof. Even though it is possible to find waterproof wrapping or other types of protective cases for electronic devices, a new technology enabled the release of diverse waterproof smartphones and tablets in 2013.[3] This method is based on a special nanotechnology coating a thousand times thinner than a human hair which protects electronic equipment from damage due to the penetration of water. Several manufacturers use the nano coating method on their smartphones, tablets, and digital cameras.

A water droplet on a superhydrophobic surface

A 2013 study found that nanotextured surfaces using cone forms produce highly water-repellent surfaces. These nanocone textures are superhydrophobic (extremely water-hating).[4][5]

Applications

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Waterproof packaging or other types of protective cases for electronic devices can be found. A new technology enabled the release of various waterproof smartphones and tablets in 2013.[6] A study from 2013 found that nano-textured surfaces using cone shapes produce highly water-repellent surfaces. These "nanocone" textures are superhydrophobic.[7][8]

Standards

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  • ASTM C1127 – Standard Guide for Use of High Solids Content, Cold Liquid-Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane with an Integral Wearing Surface
  • ASTM D779 – Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Vapor Resistance of Sheet Materials in Contact with Liquid Water by the Dry Indicator Method
  • ASTM D2099 – Standard Test Method for Dynamic Water Resistance of Shoe Upper Leather by the Maeser Water Penetration Tester
  • ASTM D3393 – Standard Specification for Coated Fabrics Waterproofness
  • D6135 – Standard Practice for Application of Self-Adhering Modified Bituminous Waterproofing
  • ASTM D7281 – Standard Test Method for Determining Water Migration Resistance Through Roof Membranes
  • British Standards Institution BS.8102:2009 – "Protection of Below Ground Structures against Water from the Ground".
  • IEC 60529 – Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
  • ISO 2281 – Horology — Water-resistant watches

See also

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  • Saint-Gobain
  • Bituminous waterproofing
  • Building insulation
  • Durable water repellent (DWR) coatings
  • IP Code (used on mobile phones)
  • Sika AG
  • Soundproofing
  • Truscon Laboratories
  • Water Resistant mark
  • Waterproof fabric
  • Waterproof paper

References

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  1. ^ Lucy Shakespeare, 09-09-2016 (9 October 2016). "The Difference Between Waterproof & Water Resistant – Inside the Outdoors". Mountain Warehouse. Retrieved 23 May 2017.cite web: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "How to Waterproof Shoes". wikiHow. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
  3. ^ "Waterproof phones and tablets make a splash". CNN. March 5, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  4. ^ U.S. Department of Energy/Brookhaven National Laboratory (October 21, 2013). "Nano-cone textures generate extremely 'robust' water-repellent surfaces". ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  5. ^ Checco, Antonio; Atikur Rahman; Charles T. Black (October 21, 2013). "Robust Superhydrophobicity in Large-Area Nanostructured Surfaces Defined by Block-Copolymer Self Assembly". Advanced Materials. 26 (6): 886–891. doi:10.1002/adma.201304006. PMID 24142578. S2CID 27585827.
  6. ^ "Waterproof phones and tablets make a splash". CNN. 2013-03-05. Retrieved 2021-02-04.
  7. ^ U.S. Department of Energy/Brookhaven National Laboratory. "Nano-cone textures generate extremely 'robust' water-repellent surfaces". ScienceDaily. Retrieved 2021-02-04.
  8. ^ Checco, Antonio; Atikur Rahman; Charles T. Black (2014). "Robust Superhydrophobicity in Large-Area Nanostructured Surfaces Defined by Block-Copolymer Self Assembly". Advanced Materials. 26 (6): 886–891. Bibcode:2014AdM....26..886C. doi:10.1002/adma.201304006. PMID 24142578. S2CID 27585827.
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Media related to Waterproofing at Wikimedia Commons

 

In law, a warranty is an expressed or implied promise or assurance of some kind. The term's meaning varies across legal subjects.[1] In property law, it refers to a covenant by the grantor of a deed.[2] In insurance law, it refers to a promise by the purchaser of an insurance about the thing or person to be insured.[3]

In contract law, a warranty is a contractual assurance given, typically, by a seller to a buyer,[4] for example confirming that the seller is the owner of the property being sold.[5] A warranty is a term of a contract, but not usually a condition of the contract or an innominate term, meaning that it is a term "not going to the root of the contract",[6] and therefore only entitles the innocent party to damages if it is breached,[6] i.e. if the warranty is not true or the defaulting party does not perform the contract in accordance with the terms of the warranty. A warranty is not a guarantee: it is a mere promise. It may be enforced if it is breached by an award for the legal remedy of damages.

Depending on the terms of the contract, a product warranty may cover a product such that a manufacturer provides a warranty to a consumer with whom the manufacturer has no direct contractual relationship because it is purchased via an intermediary.

A warranty may be express or implied. An express warranty is expressly stated (typically, written); whether or not a term will be implied into a contract depends on the particular contract law of the country in question. Warranties may also state that a particular fact is true at a point in time, or that the fact will continue into the future (a "continuing warranty").

Express warranty

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Express warranties are created when the seller makes a guarantee to the buyer that the product or service being offered has certain qualities. For there to exist an express warranty, a statement regarding the product or service must be made to the buyer and the statement must play a role in the buyer's decision to purchase the product or service. If, after purchase, the buyer feels that the given statement was a misrepresentation of the actual product or service, the buyer can file for breach of express warranty.[7]

Implied warranty

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Implied warranties are unwritten promises that arise from the nature of the transaction, and the inherent understanding by the buyer, rather than from the express representations of the seller.

Sale of goods

[edit]

Warranties provided in the sale of goods (tangible products) vary according to jurisdiction, but commonly new goods are sold with implied warranty that the goods are as advertised. Used products, however, may be sold "as is" with no warranties. Each country, however, defines its own parameters with regard to implied conditions or implied warranties. The rules regarding warranties are largely standardised; i.e., the concepts of offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity to contract and intention to create legal relations. Those are the five elements to create a legally binding contract in the United States (all 50 states), England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, each of the seven states of Australia, and all other common law countries. Countries with civil law systems, however, recognise legally binding contracts which are not supported by consideration.[citation needed]

United States

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In the United States, various laws apply, including provisions in the Uniform Commercial Code which provide for implied warranties.[8] However, these implied warranties were often limited by disclaimers. In 1975 the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act was passed to strengthen warranties on consumer goods.[9] Among other things, under the law implied warranties cannot be disclaimed if an express warranty is offered, and attorney fees may be recovered.[9] In some states, statutory warranties are required on new home construction, and "lemon laws" apply to motor vehicles.

Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code, which has been adopted with variations in each state, provides that the following two warranties are implied unless they are explicitly disclaimed (such as an "as is" statement):

  • The warranty of merchantability is implied unless expressly disclaimed by name, or the sale is identified with the phrase "as is" or "with all faults." To be "merchantable", the goods must reasonably conform to an ordinary buyer's expectations. For example, a fruit that looks and smells good but has hidden defects may violate the warranty if its quality does not meet the standards for such fruit "as passes ordinarily in the trade". In most states, products inherently come with implied warranty of merchantability; however, in states like Massachusetts under consumer protection law, it is illegal to disclaim this warranty on household goods sold to consumers. (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 106: Section 2-316A)
  • The warranty of fitness for a particular purpose is implied unless disclaimed when a buyer relies upon the seller to select the goods to fit a specific request. For example, this warranty is violated when a buyer asks a mechanic to provide tires for use on snowy roads and receives tires that are unsafe to use in snow.

Defects In Materials and Workmanship

[edit]

A common kind of warranty on goods is a warranty that the product is free from material defects in materials and workmanship. This simply promises that the manufacturer properly constructed the product, out of proper materials. This implies that the product is not defective for the purposes for which it was made.

Warranties may be time limited, thus limiting the time the buyer has to make a claim for breach of warranty. For example, a typical 90-day warranty on a television gives the buyer 90 days from the date of purchase to claim that the television was improperly constructed. Should the television fail after 91 days of normal usage, which because televisions customarily last longer than 91 days means there was a defect in the materials or workmanship of the television, the buyer nonetheless may not collect on the warranty because it is too late to file a claim. Consumer protection laws implemented by statute, however, provide additional remedies as it is not usually expected that a television will last for only 90 days.

Time-limited warranties are often confused with performance warranties. A 90-day performance warranty would promise that the television would work for 90 days, which is fundamentally different from promising that it was delivered free of defects and limiting the time the buyer has to prove otherwise. But because the usual evidence that a product was delivered defective is that it later breaks, the effect is very similar.

One situation in which the effect of a time-limited warranty is different from the effect of a performance warranty is where the time limit exceeds a normal lifetime of the product. If a coat is designed to last two years, but has a 10-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, a buyer who wears the coat for 3 years and then finds it worn out would not be able to collect on the warranty. But it is different from a 2-year warranty because if the buyer starts wearing the coat 5 years after buying it, and finds it wears out a year later, the buyer would have a warranty claim in Year 6. On the other hand, a 10-year performance warranty would promise that the coat would last 10 years.

Satisfaction guarantee

[edit]

In the United States, the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act of 1976 provides for enforcement of a satisfaction guarantee warranty. In these cases, the advertiser must refund the full purchase price regardless of the reason for dissatisfaction.[10]

Lifetime warranty

[edit]

A lifetime warranty is usually a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship that has no time limit to make a claim, rather than a warranty that the product will perform for the lifetime of the buyer.[11] The actual time that product can be expected to perform is normally determined by the custom for products of its kind used the way the buyer uses it.

If a product has been discontinued and is no longer available, the warranty may last a limited period longer. For example:

  • the Cisco Limited Lifetime Warranty currently lasts for five years after the product has been discontinued, but only if you know where you bought it from as the seller is responsible for administering it.[12]
  • HP Networking product lifetime warranties last for as long as one owns the product.[13]

Limited warranty

[edit]

A warranty may be limited in duration (as above) and/or in scope. In Avrora Fine Arts v Christie, Manson and Woods (a UK High Court case), the auctioneers had issued a "limited warranty" that a certain painting sold at auction had been painted by the Russian painter Boris Kustodiev, which experts subsequently stated was not the case. The sale was cancelled and the buyer was reimbursed, but further claims of negligence and misrepresentation were denied because they fell outside the warranty's scope.[14]

Breach of warranty

[edit]

Warranties are breached when the promise is not performed at all, or not performed in accordance with the contract. The seller may honor the warranty by making a refund or a replacement. The statute of limitations depends on the jurisdiction and contractual agreements. In the United States, the Uniform Commercial Code § 2-725 provides for a four-year time limit, which can be limited to one year by contract, starting from the date of delivery or if future performance is guaranteed from the date of discovery. Refusing to honor the warranty may be an unfair business practice. In the United States, breach of warranty lawsuits may be distinct from revocation of contract suits; in the case of the breach of warranty, the buyer's item is repaired or replaced while breach of contract involves returning the item to the seller.[15]

Warranty label on top of a hard disk
Warranty label on top of a hard disk
Warranty label lifted. The word "VOID" is shown multiple times
Warranty label lifted. The word "VOID" is shown multiple times.

Some warranties require that repairs be undertaken by an authorized service provider. In such cases, service by non-authorized personnel or company may void (nullify) the warranty. However, according to the Magnuson-Moss Act (a U.S. Federal law that governs warranties, which was passed in 1975), if the warranty does not provide full or partial payment of labor (to repair the device or system), it is the owner's choice who will provide the labor, including the possibility of DIY ("Do It Yourself") repairs, in which case the device or system owner will pay zero dollars for labor, yet the company that provided the warranty must still provide all the parts needed for the repair at absolutely no charge to the owner.

If the defective product causes injury, this may be a cause of action for a product liability lawsuit (tort). Strict liability may be applied.

Extended warranty

[edit]

In addition to standard warranties on new items, third parties or manufacturers may sell or offer extended warranties (also called service contracts).[16] These extend the warranty for a further length of time. However, these warranties have terms and conditions which may not match the original terms and conditions. For example, these may not cover anything other than mechanical failure from normal usage. Exclusions may include commercial use, "acts of God", owner abuse, and malicious destruction. They may also exclude parts that normally wear out such as tires and lubrication on a vehicle.

These types of warranties are provided for various products, but automobiles and electronics are common examples. Warranties which are sold through retailers such as Best Buy may include significant commission for the retailer as a result of reverse competition.[17] For instance, an auto warranty from a car dealership may be subcontracted and vehicle repairs may be at a lower rate which could compromise the quality of service. At the time of repair, out-of-pocket expenses may be charged for unexpected services provided outside of the warranty terms or uncovered parts. Extended Warranties are mostly back to back underwritten by underwriters, who are the actual bearer of the risk.

Representations versus warranties

[edit]

Statements of fact in a contract or in obtaining the contract are considered to be either warranties or representations. Traditionally, warranties are factual promises which are enforced through a contract legal action, regardless of materiality, intent, or reliance.[18] Representations are traditionally *pre*contractual statements which allow for a tort-based action if the misrepresentation is innocent, negligent or fraudulent.[19] In U.S. law, the distinction between the two is somewhat unclear;[18] warranties are viewed as primarily contract-based legal action while negligent or fraudulent misrepresentations are tort-based, but there is a confusing mix of case law in the United States.[18] In modern English law, sellers often avoid using the term 'represents' in order to avoid claims under the Misrepresentation Act 1967 (although English law will look to the substance rather than the form of the representation to decide what it is), while in America 'warrants and represents' is relatively common.[20] Some modern commentators suggest avoiding the words and substituting 'state' or 'agree', and some model forms do not use the words;[19] however, others disagree.[21]

Product types

[edit]

Appliance warranty

[edit]

Canada and United States

[edit]

Written warranties on new major appliances, such as refrigerators, kitchen stoves and dishwashers, usually cover the cost of parts and labor to repair defects in materials or workmanship which appear under normal home use.

Warranties often cover defects up to a year after purchase or delivery.[22] However some exclude new owners when a house or appliance is sold within the year (Frigidaire,[23] LG,[24] Samsung[25]). Others do let warranties transfer to new buyers (Amana,[26] General Electric,[27] Whirlpool). Some manufacturers cover refrigerators' sealed parts (compressors, tubing, etc.) for five years (General Electric,[27] Samsung,[28] Whirlpool)[25] or seven years (LG[24]) or ten years (KitchenAid[29]).

Warranties on water heaters cover parts for 5 to 12 years in single family residences, one year otherwise. They do not cover new owners when a house or heater is sold; nor do they cover the original owner if the heater is moved to a second location.[30][31][32][33][34] Tank models from A. O. Smith do not allow heating elements to be replaced with lower (or higher) wattages, and do not cover renter-occupied single family. They end if the unit is flooded or ever uses desalinated or deionized water, such as municipal desalination plants or reverse osmosis filters.[32][33] Smith's tank models for manufactured housing do not provide coverage if a whirlpool or hot tub is connected.[33]

Tank water heater warranties exclude labor, liability for water damage, and shipping cost to return the old heater or parts. Tankless warranties do not exclude water damage; they cover labor for a year, and Ruud/Rheem covers return shipping on tankless models.[31][34] Smith's tankless water heaters do not restrict coverage to a single family, and require professional installation.[34]

Implied warranties under US law could extend for longer periods. However, most states allow the written warranties to include clauses which limit these implied warranties to the same time period as the written warranty.[35]

Car warranty

[edit]

United States

[edit]

New car factory warranties commonly range from one year to five years and in some cases extend even 10 years, with typically a mileage limit as well. Car warranties can be extended by the manufacturer or other companies with a renewal fee.

Used car warranties are usually 3 months and 3,000 miles.

United Kingdom

[edit]

In the United Kingdom, types of warranties have been classified as either an:

  1. original manufacturer warranty,
  2. insurance warranty underwritten and regulated as insurance or
  3. obligor warranty, typically written by a car dealership or garage.

In the United Kingdom, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which began to regulate insurance contracts in this context in 2005, determined that additional warranties sold by car dealerships are "unlikely to be insurance".[36] Insurance warranties may offer greater protection to the consumer.

Home Warranty

[edit]

A home warranty protects against the costs of home and appliance repair by offering home warranty coverage for houses, townhomes, condominiums, mobile homes, and new construction homes. When a problem occurs with a covered appliance or mechanical system such as an air conditioning unit or furnace, a service technician repairs or replaces it. The homeowner may have to pay for a service call fee and the home warranty company pays the balance for the repair or replacement of the covered item.

Intellectual property right warranty

[edit]

An intellectual property right (IPR) warranty provides contractual protection against breach of rights in software development and other fields where IPR is protected. Increasing reluctance on the part of suppliers to offer an IPR warranty or indemnity has been noted in recent years.[37]

Warranty data

[edit]

Warranty data consists of claims data and supplementary data. Claims data are the data collected during the servicing of claims under warranty and supplementary data are additional data such as production and marketing data.[38] This data can help determine product reliability and plan for future modifications.[38]

See also

[edit]
  • Business law
  • Collateral TORT
  • Consumer protection
  • Due diligence
  • Extended warranty
  • Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
  • Surety
  • Warranty deed
  • Warranty tolling

References

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  1. ^ Gilmore, Grant; Black, Jr., Charles L. (1975). The Law of Admiralty. Foundation Press. p. 63. ISBN 0882774093.
  2. ^ Black's Law Dictionary (15 ed.). Thomson Reuters West. 2015. p. 1344. ISBN 9780314642721.
  3. ^ Black's Law Dictionary (15 ed.). Thomson Reuters West. 2015. p. 1345. ISBN 9780314642721.
  4. ^ Gordons Partnership Solicitors, Guarantees, Warranties and Indemnities – Spot the Difference, accessed 2 February 2023
  5. ^ Johnson, M., Warranties in share purchase agreements, Rocket Lawyer, accessed 2 February 2023
  6. ^ a b Hogg M. (2011). Promises and Contract Law: Comparative Perspectives, p. 48, Cambridge University Press.
  7. ^ Bagley, Constance; Dauchy, Craig (2018). The Entrepreneur's Guide to Law and Strategy (Fifth ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning, Inc. pp. 313–315. ISBN 978-1-285-42849-9.
  8. ^ Warranties in Sales of Goods. LexisNexis Study Outlines.
  9. ^ a b 12 Reasons to Love the Magnuson-Moss Act. Journal of Texas Consumer Law. Reprinted with permission from the National Consumer Law Center.
  10. ^ Andreoni J. (2005). Trust, Reciprocity, and Contract Enforcement: Experiments on Satisfaction Guaranteed.
  11. ^ Lifetime Warranties. Warranty Week. WebCite Archive.
  12. ^ "Cisco Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty Terms". Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  13. ^ "HP Networking warranty information". Retrieved 2011-08-26.
  14. ^ Maitland Chambers, AVRORA FINE ARTS INVESTMENT LTD V CHRISTIE, MANSON & WOODS LTD (2012), accessed 23 December 2022
  15. ^ Davis T. (2009). UCC Breach of Warranty and Contract Claims: Clarifying the Distinction. Baylor Law Review.
  16. ^ "Appliances - 247 Home Rescue". 247 Home Rescue. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  17. ^ Baker T, Siegelman P. (2013). Protecting Consumers from Add-On Insurance Products: New Lessons for Insurance Regulation.
  18. ^ a b c West G D, Lewis W B. (2009). Contracting to Avoid Extra-Contractual Liability—Can Your Contractual Deal Ever Really Be the "Entire" Deal? The Business Lawyer.
  19. ^ a b Primack MA. (2009), and it was relied upon by a party to enter into the contract. Representations, Warranties and Covenants: Back to the Basics in Contracts, and do not form part of the contract. National Law Review.
  20. ^ Ferara L N, Philips J, Runnicles J. (2007). Some Differences in Law and Practice Between U.K. and U.S. Stock Purchase Agreements Archived 2013-05-14 at the Wayback Machine. Jones Day Publications.
  21. ^ Telman J. (2012). Representations and Warranties. ContractsProf Blog.
  22. ^ Moor, Tom (2016). "Are Extended Warranties on Appliances Worth It?". Angies' List (published 2016-07-22). Retrieved 16 January 2017. Most manufacturers offer warranties for appliances that last from three months to up to one year.
  23. ^ "Frigidaire, All about the Use & Care of your Refrigerator" (PDF). Electrolux. p. 20. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  24. ^ a b "LG OWNER'S MANUAL FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR". LG. pp. 55–58. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  25. ^ a b "WHIRLPOOL® REFRIGERATOR WARRANTY" (PDF). Whirlpool. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  26. ^ "AMANA® MAJOR APPLIANCE WARRANTY" (PDF). Amana. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 September 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  27. ^ a b "GE Appliances, Refrigerators, Owner's Manual" (PDF). General Electric. p. 11. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  28. ^ "Refrigerator Product Info". Samsung. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  29. ^ "KITCHENAID® REFRIGERATOR WARRANTY" (PDF). KitchenAid. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
  30. ^ "Certificate of Limited Warranty, Rheem and Ruud Water Heaters". ruud.com/product/ruud-residential-electric-water-heaters-professional-achiever-series-standard-electric/#specs-docs. 2014-09-01. Retrieved 2017-10-13.
  31. ^ a b "Rheem Limited Warranty For the RHEEM®, RUUD®, Richmond®, Paloma®, and Sure Comfort® Residential Tankless Gas Water Heaters". ruud.com/product/ruud-condensing-tankless-professional-ultra-series-96-direct-vent-indoor/#specs-docs. Retrieved 2017-10-13.
  32. ^ a b AO Smith (2017-08-01). "Limited Warranty [nor manufactured housing]" (PDF). hotwater.com/resources/product-literature/warranty-sheets/residential-electric/. Retrieved 2017-10-13.
  33. ^ a b c "AO Smith Water Heaters, Residential Electric Warranty [Manufactured Housing]" (PDF). hotwater.com/resources/product-literature/warranty-sheets/residential-electric/. Retrieved 2017-10-13.
  34. ^ a b c A. O. Smith. "Warranty" (PDF). hotwater.com/resources/product-literature/warranty-sheets/tankless/. Retrieved 2017-10-13.
  35. ^ "What you need to know about warranty laws". Consumer Reports. 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2016.
  36. ^ What is a contract of insurance? Archived 2012-10-06 at the Wayback Machine. Financial Services Authority.
  37. ^ Simon Halberstam LLP, Difference between an IPR indemnity and an IPR warranty, published 2009, accessed 27 December 2022
  38. ^ a b Wu S. (2012). Warranty Data Analysis: A Review. Quality and Reliability Engineering International.
[edit]
  • Federal Trade Commission: Warranty Information (United States)

 

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Driving Directions in Cook County


Driving Directions From Delia Aldridge MD to United Structural Systems of Illinois, Inc
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Reviews for United Structural Systems of Illinois, Inc


United Structural Systems of Illinois, Inc

Sarah McNeily

(5)

USS was excellent. They are honest, straightforward, trustworthy, and conscientious. They thoughtfully removed the flowers and flower bulbs to dig where they needed in the yard, replanted said flowers and spread the extra dirt to fill in an area of the yard. We've had other services from different companies and our yard was really a mess after. They kept the job site meticulously clean. The crew was on time and friendly. I'd recommend them any day! Thanks to Jessie and crew.

United Structural Systems of Illinois, Inc

Jim de Leon

(5)

It was a pleasure to work with Rick and his crew. From the beginning, Rick listened to my concerns and what I wished to accomplish. Out of the 6 contractors that quoted the project, Rick seemed the MOST willing to accommodate my wishes. His pricing was definitely more than fair as well. I had 10 push piers installed to stabilize and lift an addition of my house. The project commenced at the date that Rick had disclosed initially and it was completed within the same time period expected (based on Rick's original assessment). The crew was well informed, courteous, and hard working. They were not loud (even while equipment was being utilized) and were well spoken. My neighbors were very impressed on how polite they were when they entered / exited my property (saying hello or good morning each day when they crossed paths). You can tell they care about the customer concerns. They ensured that the property would be put back as clean as possible by placing MANY sheets of plywood down prior to excavating. They compacted the dirt back in the holes extremely well to avoid large stock piles of soils. All the while, the main office was calling me to discuss updates and expectations of completion. They provided waivers of lien, certificates of insurance, properly acquired permits, and JULIE locates. From a construction background, I can tell you that I did not see any flaws in the way they operated and this an extremely professional company. The pictures attached show the push piers added to the foundation (pictures 1, 2 & 3), the amount of excavation (picture 4), and the restoration after dirt was placed back in the pits and compacted (pictures 5, 6 & 7). Please notice that they also sealed two large cracks and steel plated these cracks from expanding further (which you can see under my sliding glass door). I, as well as my wife, are extremely happy that we chose United Structural Systems for our contractor. I would happily tell any of my friends and family to use this contractor should the opportunity arise!

United Structural Systems of Illinois, Inc

Dave Kari

(5)

What a fantastic experience! Owner Rick Thomas is a trustworthy professional. Nick and the crew are hard working, knowledgeable and experienced. I interviewed every company in the area, big and small. A homeowner never wants to hear that they have foundation issues. Out of every company, I trusted USS the most, and it paid off in the end. Highly recommend.

United Structural Systems of Illinois, Inc

Chris Abplanalp

(5)

USS did an amazing job on my underpinning on my house, they were also very courteous to the proximity of my property line next to my neighbor. They kept things in order with all the dirt/mud they had to excavate. They were done exactly in the timeframe they indicated, and the contract was very details oriented with drawings of what would be done. Only thing that would have been nice, is they left my concrete a little muddy with boot prints but again, all-in-all a great job

United Structural Systems of Illinois, Inc

Paul Gunderlock

(4)

The staff was helpful, very nice and easy to work with and completed the work timely and cleaned up well. Communications faltered a bit at times and there was an email communications glitch which was no fault of anyone, but no big deal and all ended up fine. We sure feel better to have this done and hope that is the end of our structural issues. It does seem like (after talking to several related companies), that it would be great if some of these related companies had a structural engineer on staff vs using on the job expertise gained over years - which is definitely valuable! But leaves a bit of uncertainty - and probably saves money for both sides may be the trade-off? So far, so good though! Thank you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Poor grading refers to inadequate slope or uneven distribution of soil around a structure. It can lead to improper drainage, causing water accumulation near the foundation, which increases the risk of soil erosion and settlement, ultimately affecting foundation stability.
Poor grading can cause water to pool around the foundation, increasing hydrostatic pressure and leading to soil expansion or contraction. This movement places stress on the foundation, potentially resulting in cracks as it settles unevenly.
Signs include visible cracks in walls or floors, doors or windows sticking, sloping floors, and areas where water pools after rain. These symptoms suggest potential issues with soil settlement influenced by poor grading.
Yes, correcting the grading around your home can improve drainage and reduce moisture-related stresses on the foundation. While it won’t fix existing cracks, it helps prevent additional movement and cracking.
Absolutely. A professional evaluation is crucial for accurately diagnosing issues related to poor grading and implementing effective solutions like regrading or installing proper drainage systems to protect your home’s integrity.