Utilizing Moisture Meters for Accurate Measurements

Utilizing Moisture Meters for Accurate Measurements

Overview of different types of moisture meters available in the market. Moisture levels should be monitored to prevent future foundation issues foundation repair service near me power tool.


Certainly! When it comes to utilizing moisture meters for accurate measurements, understanding the different types available in the market is crucial. Moisture meters are essential tools used across various industries, from construction and woodworking to agriculture and food processing, to ensure materials are at the optimal moisture level. Let's delve into the main types of moisture meters and their applications.

Firstly, there are pin-type moisture meters. These meters use two pins that are inserted into the material being tested. By measuring the electrical resistance between the pins, the meter can determine the moisture content. Pin-type meters are particularly useful for materials like wood, drywall, and plaster. They provide a direct measurement, making them highly accurate for these specific applications.

On the other hand, pinless moisture meters offer a non-invasive alternative. These devices use electromagnetic waves to scan the surface of the material without any physical contact. Pinless meters are ideal for scanning large areas quickly, such as walls or floors, without causing any damage. They are commonly used in construction and restoration projects where preserving the integrity of the material is important.

Another type worth mentioning is the hybrid moisture meter, which combines both pin and pinless technologies. This versatility allows users to switch between methods depending on the specific needs of the project, offering both accuracy and convenience.

For food and grain industries, specialized moisture meters are available. These meters are designed to measure moisture content in products like grains, flour, and other dry goods. They ensure that products are stored at the correct moisture levels to prevent spoilage and maintain quality.

Lastly, there are digital moisture meters, which have become increasingly popular due to their ease of use and accuracy. These meters often come with additional features like data logging, wireless connectivity, and the ability to measure other parameters like temperature and humidity.

In conclusion, the market offers a wide range of moisture meters, each designed for specific applications and materials. Whether you're working with wood, drywall, grain, or other materials, selecting the right type of moisture meter is essential for accurate measurements and ensuring the quality and integrity of your work.

Explanation of how moisture meters work and their principles of operation.


Moisture meters are essential tools used across various industries to measure the moisture content in materials such as wood, concrete, soil, and grain. Understanding how these devices work and their principles of operation is crucial for ensuring accurate measurements and maintaining quality standards.

At the core, moisture meters operate on two primary principles: resistive (or pin-type) and capacitive (or pinless). The resistive method involves inserting pins into the material being tested. These pins conduct an electrical current through the material, and the resistance to this current is measured. Higher moisture content typically results in lower resistance because water is a good conductor of electricity. By correlating the resistance levels with moisture content, the meter provides a reading that indicates how much moisture is present.

On the other hand, capacitive moisture meters do not require physical contact with the material. Instead, they use electromagnetic waves to measure moisture. When the meter is placed on the surface of the material, it sends out a low-frequency electromagnetic signal. This signal penetrates the material and interacts with the water molecules present. The meter then measures the changes in the signal's properties, such as its speed and strength, to determine the moisture content. This non-invasive method allows for quick and continuous scanning of large areas without causing any damage to the material.

Both types of moisture meters are calibrated to provide accurate readings specific to the material being tested. Calibration ensures that the meter accounts for the unique properties of different materials, such as their density and composition, which can affect moisture readings. Regular calibration is essential to maintain the accuracy of the meter over time.

In summary, moisture meters are invaluable tools that rely on resistive and capacitive principles to measure moisture content accurately. Whether using pins for direct contact or electromagnetic waves for non-invasive scanning, these devices help professionals across various fields maintain quality and prevent issues related to excess moisture. Proper calibration and understanding of the underlying principles ensure that moisture meters deliver reliable and precise measurements.

Discussion on the benefits of using moisture meters for accurate measurements in foundation repair.


Certainly! Let's delve into the advantages of incorporating moisture meters into the realm of foundation repair.

Utilizing moisture meters in foundation repair is akin to equipping a surgeon with a precision scalpel. These instruments offer a plethora of benefits that significantly enhance the accuracy and efficacy of repair processes.

Firstly, moisture meters provide precise readings of moisture content in materials such as soil, concrete, and wood. This precision is paramount in foundation repair, where even slight variations in moisture levels can have profound effects on structural integrity. By accurately gauging moisture content, professionals can make informed decisions regarding the best repair methods and materials to employ.

Moreover, moisture meters facilitate proactive identification of moisture-related issues. In the context of foundation repair, excess moisture is often a precursor to more severe problems such as mold growth, wood rot, and structural instability. By detecting elevated moisture levels early on, professionals can intervene before these issues escalate, thereby preventing costly and extensive repairs down the line.

Additionally, moisture meters streamline the repair process by minimizing guesswork and trial-and-error approaches. In traditional methods, assessing moisture levels may involve subjective judgments or reliance on visual cues, which can be unreliable. With moisture meters, professionals obtain quantifiable data that guides their repair strategies, leading to more efficient and targeted interventions.

Furthermore, the use of moisture meters promotes transparency and accountability in foundation repair projects. By providing tangible evidence of moisture levels, these instruments enhance communication between contractors, clients, and stakeholders. This transparency fosters trust and confidence in the repair process, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all parties involved.

In conclusion, the integration of moisture meters into foundation repair practices offers a multitude of benefits, ranging from enhanced accuracy and proactive issue detection to streamlined processes and improved transparency. As technology continues to advance, embracing tools like moisture meters will undoubtedly contribute to more effective and reliable foundation repair solutions.

Step-by-step guide on how to use a moisture meter effectively for foundation assessments.


Sure! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a moisture meter effectively for foundation assessments:

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When it comes to assessing the health of a foundation, one of the most valuable tools you can use is a moisture meter. This device helps you detect moisture levels that could indicate issues like leaks, poor drainage, or even structural problems. Here's a straightforward guide to using a moisture meter effectively for foundation assessments.

**Step 1: Choose the Right Moisture Meter**
First, select a moisture meter that suits your needs. There are two main types: pin-type and pinless. Pin-type meters are more accurate but can damage surfaces, while pinless meters are non-invasive but may not be as precise. For foundation assessments, a pin-type meter is usually preferred for its accuracy.

**Step 2: Prepare the Area**
Before you start, make sure the area around the foundation is clear of any debris. This will give you better access and ensure more accurate readings. Also, if possible, try to assess the foundation at different times of the day to account for any variations in moisture levels.

**Step 3: Calibrate the Meter**
Most moisture meters come with calibration settings. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to calibrate the meter correctly. This ensures that the readings you get are accurate and reliable.

**Step 4: Take Baseline Readings**
Start by taking readings from areas of the foundation that you know are dry. This will give you a baseline to compare other readings against. Note these down for reference.

**Step 5: Begin Testing**
Insert the pins of the moisture meter into the foundation material. Hold the meter steady for a few seconds to get a stable reading. Take multiple readings in different spots, especially around cracks, gaps, or areas that seem damp to the touch.

**Step 6: Interpret the Readings**
Compare the readings you've taken against your baseline. Higher readings indicate higher moisture levels. If you find consistently high readings in one area, it could signal a problem like a leak or poor drainage.

**Step 7: Document Your Findings**
Take notes or photographs of the areas where you found high moisture levels. This documentation can be crucial for further assessment by a professional or for keeping records over time.

**Step 8: Consider Environmental Factors**
Remember that environmental factors like recent rain, humidity, or even the time of year can affect moisture levels. Try to take these into account when interpreting your readings.

**Step 9: Seek Professional Help if Needed**
If you find significant moisture issues, it's a good idea to consult a professional. They can provide a more detailed assessment and recommend the best course of action.

By following these steps, you can effectively use a moisture meter to assess the condition of a foundation, helping you identify potential problems early and take the necessary steps to address them.

Common challenges and troubleshooting tips when using moisture meters in residential settings.


Certainly! When it comes to utilizing moisture meters for accurate measurements in residential settings, there are several common challenges and troubleshooting tips that homeowners and professionals alike should be aware of. First and foremost, one of the most frequent challenges is ensuring the moisture meter is calibrated correctly. Calibration is crucial because it guarantees that the readings are accurate. Over time, moisture meters can become less accurate, so regular calibration against known standards is essential.

Another challenge is understanding the different types of materials that moisture meters are designed to measure. Residential settings often include a variety of materials such as wood, drywall, concrete, and even flooring materials like tile or carpet. Each material has different moisture absorption and retention properties, which can affect the readings. It's important to select the appropriate setting on the moisture meter for the material being tested to ensure accurate results.

Additionally, environmental factors can significantly impact moisture meter readings. Temperature and humidity levels in the environment can alter the moisture content in materials. For instance, high humidity can cause materials to absorb more moisture from the air, leading to higher readings that may not accurately reflect the true moisture content within the material. Conversely, low humidity can lead to lower readings. Therefore, it's advisable to take environmental conditions into account when interpreting moisture meter readings.

One practical troubleshooting tip is to perform multiple readings in different locations. This helps to identify patterns and anomalies. For example, if you're checking for moisture in a wall, take readings at various heights and distances from suspected water sources to get a comprehensive understanding of the moisture distribution.

Moreover, it's essential to clean the probes of the moisture meter before and after each use. Dirt, dust, and residues can accumulate on the probes, leading to inaccurate readings. A simple wipe with a clean, dry cloth can make a significant difference in the reliability of the measurements.

Lastly, understanding the limitations of your moisture meter is key. No meter is perfect, and each model has its range of accuracy and specific applications. Reading the user manual thoroughly and familiarizing yourself with the capabilities and limitations of your specific moisture meter model will help in troubleshooting and interpreting the results more effectively.

In conclusion, while utilizing moisture meters in residential settings can be straightforward, being aware of common challenges and applying troubleshooting tips can greatly enhance the accuracy and reliability of your measurements. Regular calibration, understanding material properties, accounting for environmental conditions, performing multiple readings, maintaining clean probes, and knowing your meter's limitations are all critical practices for effective moisture measurement.

Case studies showcasing successful utilization of moisture meters in foundation repair projects.


In the realm of construction and civil engineering, the integrity of a building's foundation is paramount. A stable foundation ensures the longevity and safety of a structure. One critical aspect of foundation repair is accurately assessing moisture levels, as excessive moisture can lead to a myriad of problems, including weakened materials, mold growth, and structural instability. This is where the utilization of moisture meters becomes indispensable. Several case studies have demonstrated the successful application of moisture meters in foundation repair projects, highlighting their importance in achieving accurate measurements and effective solutions.

One notable case study involves a historic building in a coastal region that was experiencing significant foundation issues. The building, constructed in the early 1900s, had shown signs of settling and cracking, prompting a thorough investigation. Traditional methods of assessment were inconclusive, leading the engineers to employ advanced technology. By using a high-precision moisture meter, they were able to pinpoint areas of excessive moisture infiltration beneath the foundation. This data allowed them to implement targeted repairs, including the installation of drainage systems and moisture barriers, which effectively stabilized the foundation and preserved the building's historical integrity.

Another compelling example is a modern residential complex that faced unexpected foundation problems shortly after construction. Residents reported cracks in walls and uneven floors, raising concerns about the building's safety. Engineers utilized moisture meters to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the soil and foundation materials. The meters revealed pockets of high moisture content, indicating poor drainage and inadequate soil compaction during construction. Armed with this precise data, the team was able to redesign the drainage system and reinforce the foundation, ensuring the long-term stability of the complex and restoring confidence in the residents.

In yet another case, a commercial warehouse encountered issues with its concrete slab foundation. The warehouse, located in an area prone to heavy rainfall, began showing signs of deterioration, including spalling and efflorescence. By employing moisture meters, the inspection team identified elevated moisture levels within the concrete, suggesting water ingress from the surrounding soil. This critical information guided the decision to install a waterproof membrane and improve the site's grading to redirect water away from the foundation. The proactive measures not only rectified the existing problems but also prevented future moisture-related issues, ensuring the warehouse's continued operational efficiency.

These case studies underscore the invaluable role of moisture meters in foundation repair projects. By providing accurate measurements of moisture levels, these devices enable engineers and contractors to make informed decisions, implement targeted solutions, and ensure the structural integrity of buildings. The successful outcomes of these projects highlight the importance of integrating advanced technology into traditional construction practices, ultimately leading to safer, more durable structures.



 

Soil with broken rock fragments overlying bedrock, Sandside Bay, Caithness, Scotland
Soil profile with bedrock labeled R

In geology, bedrock is solid rock that lies under loose material (regolith) within the crust of Earth or another terrestrial planet.

Definition

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Bedrock is the solid rock that underlies looser surface material.[1] An exposed portion of bedrock is often called an outcrop.[2] The various kinds of broken and weathered rock material, such as soil and subsoil, that may overlie the bedrock are known as regolith.[3][4]

Engineering geology

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The surface of the bedrock beneath the soil cover (regolith) is also known as rockhead in engineering geology,[5][6] and its identification by digging, drilling or geophysical methods is an important task in most civil engineering projects. Superficial deposits can be very thick, such that the bedrock lies hundreds of meters below the surface.[7]

Weathering of bedrock

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Exposed bedrock experiences weathering, which may be physical or chemical, and which alters the structure of the rock to leave it susceptible to erosion. Bedrock may also experience subsurface weathering at its upper boundary, forming saprolite.[8]

Geologic map

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A geologic map of an area will usually show the distribution of differing bedrock types, rock that would be exposed at the surface if all soil or other superficial deposits were removed. Where superficial deposits are so thick that the underlying bedrock cannot be reliably mapped, the superficial deposits will be mapped instead (for example, as alluvium).[9]

See also

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  • icon Geology portal
  • icon Geography portal
  • Maps portal
  • Minerals portal

References

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  1. ^ Jackson, Julia A., ed. (1997). "Bedrock". Glossary of geology (4th ed.). Alexandria, Virginia: American Geological Institute. ISBN 0922152349.
  2. ^ Jackson 1997, "Outcrop".
  3. ^ Jackson 1997, "Regolith".
  4. ^ Allaby, Michael (2013). "Regolith". A dictionary of geology and earth sciences (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199653065.
  5. ^ Price, David George (2009). "The Basis of Engineering Geology". In de Freitas, Michael H. (ed.). Engineering Geology: Principles and Practice. Springer. p. 16. ISBN 978-3540292494.
  6. ^ McLean, A.C.; Gribble, C.D. (9 September 1985). Geology for Civil Engineers (Second ed.). CRC Press. p. 113. ISBN 978-0419160007.
  7. ^ Swinford, E. Mac (2004). "What the glaciers left behind  – the drift-thickness map of Ohio" (PDF). Ohio Geology. No. 1. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological Survey. pp. 1, 3–5. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  8. ^ Lidmar-Bergström, Karna; Olsson, Siv; Olvmo, Mats (January 1997). "Palaeosurfaces and associated saprolites in southern Sweden". Geological Society, London, Special Publications. 120 (1): 95–124. Bibcode:1997GSLSP.120...95L. doi:10.1144/GSL.SP.1997.120.01.07. S2CID 129229906. Retrieved 21 April 2010.
  9. ^ "Digital Geology – Bedrock geology theme". British Geological Survey. Archived from the original on 13 December 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2009.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Rafferty, John P. "Bedrock". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 29 July 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  • Harris, Clay (2013). "Bedrock". In Lerner, K. Lee; Lerner, Brenda Wilmoth (eds.). The Gale Encyclopedia of Science. Vol. 1 (5th ed.). Farmington Hills, MI: Cengage Gale. pp. 515–516.
[edit]
  • Media related to Bedrock at Wikimedia Commons

 

Merchandise on display in a hardware store
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The concept of home improvement, home renovation or remodeling is the process of renovating, making improvements or making additions to one's home.[1] Home improvement can consist of projects that upgrade an existing home interior (such as electrical and plumbing), exterior (masonry, concrete, siding, roofing) or other improvements to the property (i.e. garden work or garage maintenance/additions). Home improvement projects can be carried out for a number of different reasons; personal preference and comfort, maintenance or repair work, making a home bigger by adding rooms/spaces, as a means of saving energy, or to improve safety.[2]

Types of home improvement

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Man painting a fence

While "home improvement" often refers to building projects that alter the structure of an existing home, it can also include improvements to lawns, gardens, and outdoor structures, such as gazebos and garages. It also encompasses maintenance, repair, and general servicing tasks. Home improvement projects generally have one or more of the following goals:[citation needed]

Comfort

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  • Upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
  • Upgrading rooms with luxuries, such as adding gourmet features to a kitchen or a hot tub spa to a bathroom.
  • Increasing the capacity of plumbing and electrical systems.
  • Waterproofing basements.
  • Soundproofing rooms, especially bedrooms and baths.

Maintenance and repair

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Maintenance projects can include:

  • Roof tear-off and replacement.
  • Replacement or new construction windows.
  • Concrete and masonry repairs to the foundation and chimney.
  • Repainting rooms, walls or fences
  • Repairing plumbing and electrical systems
  • Wallpapering
  • Furniture polishing
  • Plumbing, home interior and exterior works
  • Shower maintenance

Additional space

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Additional living space may be added by:

  • Turning marginal areas into livable spaces such as turning basements into recrooms, home theaters, or home offices – or attics into spare bedrooms.
  • Extending one's house with rooms added to the side of one's home or, sometimes, extra levels to the original roof. Such a new unit of construction is called an "add-on".[3]

Saving energy

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Homeowners may reduce utility costs with:

  • Energy-efficient thermal insulation, replacement windows, and lighting.
  • Renewable energy with biomass pellet stoves, wood-burning stoves, solar panels, wind turbines, programmable thermostats,[4] and geothermal exchange heat pumps (see autonomous building).

Safety, emergency management, security and privacy

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The need to be safer or for better privacy or emergency management can be fulfilled with diversified measures which can be improved, maintained or added. Secret compartments and passages can also be conceived for privacy and security.

  • Interventions for fire protection and avoidance. Possible examples are fire sprinkler systems for automatic fire suppression, smoke detectors for fire detection, fire alarm systems, or passive fire protection (including some wildfire management strategies).
  • Technical solutions to increase protection from natural disasters, or geotechnical and structural safety (e.g. hurricane or seismic retrofit).
  • Interventions and additions to increase home safety from other hazards, like falls, electric injuries, gas leaks or home exposure to environmental health concerns.
  • Physical security measures:
    • Access control systems and physical barriers, which can include fences, physical door and window security measures (e.g. grilles, laminated glass, window shutters), locks;
    • Security lighting, security alarms and video surveillance.
  • Safes and vaults.
  • Spaces for emergency evacuation, like emergency exits and rarer escape tunnels.
  • Spaces which provide protection in the event of different emergencies: areas of refuge, storm cellars (as protection from tornadoes and other kinds of severe weather), panic rooms, bunkers and bomb shelters (including fallout shelters), etc.
  • Home renovations or additions used to increase privacy can be as simple as curtains or much more advanced, such as some structural surveillance counter-measures. They may overlap with physical security measures.
  • Public utility outage preparedness, like backup generators for providing power during power outages .

Home improvement industry

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Screws and bolts in an OBI home improvement store in Poland

Home or residential renovation is an almost $300 billion industry in the United States,[5] and a $48 billion industry in Canada.[6][full citation needed] The average cost per project is $3,000 in the United States and $11,000–15,000 in Canada.

Professional home improvement is ancient and goes back to the beginning of recorded civilization. One example is Sergius Orata, who in the 1st century B.C. is said by the writer Vitruvius (in his famous book De architectura) to have invented the hypocaust. The hypocaust is an underfloor heating system that was used throughout the Roman Empire in villas of the wealthy. He is said to have become wealthy himself by buying villas at a low price, adding spas and his newly invented hypocaust, and reselling them at higher prices.[7]

Renovation contractors

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Perhaps the most important or visible professionals in the renovation industry are renovation contractors or skilled trades. These are the builders that have specialized credentials, licensing and experience to perform renovation services in specific municipalities.

While there is a fairly large "grey market" of unlicensed companies, there are those that have membership in a reputable association and/or are accredited by a professional organization. Homeowners are recommended to perform checks such as verifying license and insurance and checking business references prior to hiring a contractor to work on their house.

Because interior renovation will touch the change of the internal structure of the house, ceiling construction, circuit configuration and partition walls, etc., such work related to the structure of the house, of course, also includes renovation of wallpaper posting, furniture settings, lighting, etc.

Aggregators

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Aggregators are companies that bundle home improvement service offers and act as intermediary agency between service providers and customers.

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Home improvement was popularized on television in 1979 with the premiere of This Old House starring Bob Vila on PBS. American cable channel HGTV features many do-it-yourself shows, as does sister channel DIY Network.[8] Danny Lipford hosts and produces the nationally syndicated Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford. Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete co-host the nationally syndicated The Money Pit Home Improvement Radio Show.

Movies that poked fun at the difficulties involved include: Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House (1948), starring Cary Grant and Myrna Loy; George Washington Slept Here (1942), featuring Jack Benny and Ann Sheridan; and The Money Pit (1986), with Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. The sitcom Home Improvement used the home improvement theme for comedic purposes.

See also

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  • Home repair
  • Housekeeping
  • Maintenance, repair and operations

References

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  1. ^ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/home-improvement
  2. ^ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/home-improvements
  3. ^ "Add-on". English Oxford Living Dictionary (US). Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on February 21, 2017. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  4. ^ Use a Programmable Thermostat, Common Sense, to Reduce Energy Bills Archived July 19, 2009, at the Wayback Machine, Brett Freeman, oldhouseweb.com
  5. ^ "Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, 2007" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on August 7, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2014.
  6. ^ "Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation - Société canadienne d'hypothèques et de logement". Archived from the original on October 23, 2007. Retrieved October 23, 2007.
  7. ^ "Canada Homeowners Community - Example of Low-Cost Advices used by Canadian Homeowners (Community) for Home Improvement that boost the sale of your Home". Canada Homeowners Community. January 12, 2020.
  8. ^ Cerone, Daniel (September 17, 1991). "Tim Allen's Power Tools : Television: The comic who had Disney and cable executives abuzz parlayed his luck to develop 'Home Improvement". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on June 22, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2015.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Richard Harris, Building a Market: The Rise of the Home Improvement Industry, 1914-1960. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2012.
  • Michael W. Litchfield (2012). Chip Harley (ed.). Renovation (4th, Completely revised and updated. ed.). Newtown, Conn.: Taunton Press, Incorporated. ISBN 978-1600854927.
[edit]
  • Media related to Home improvement at Wikimedia Commons

 

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Very happy with my experience. They were prompt and followed through, and very helpful in fixing the crack in my foundation.

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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.

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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!

Chris Abplanalp

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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

Dave Kari

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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.

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