Boulder County Foundation Excavation Services: Tools & Machines Used

Foundation Excavation in Boulder Colorado:  Automated Trenching

Folks who need Foundation Excavation services in Colorado may want to familiarize themselves with the variety of equipment, which is utilized for excavation projects in Boulder and the surrounding areas.  Automated trenchers are heavy excavation machines designed to dig trenches as quickly and efficiently as possible. They come in several sizes, shapes and configurations, depending on the Boulder excavation job at hand.

Boulder, CO Excavation Services:  The Trenchers

Several automated trenching machines include the wheel trencher, chain trencher, micro trencher, and tractor trencher. All of these are quite distinct and can handle different projects, it is good to familiarize one’s self with these machines prior to beginning your Boulder County foundation excavation project in the Colorado Rocky's. Let’s begin with the wheel trencher.

Boulder County excavation services may utilize a wheel trencher, or rock wheel trencher.  This excavation machine is so named, because it relies on a toothed metal wheel which rotates and tears apart soil. Its efficacy is first and foremost economical, as It is cheaper to operate and maintain than chain-type trenchers, which break down much more frequently. Excavators in Boulder, Colorado may utilize this excavation machine to work in hard or soft soils, either homogeneous (compact rocks, silts, sands) or heterogeneous (split or broken rock, alluvia, moraines). This is because, unlike chain trenchers, an excavator's cutting wheel works by clearing the soil with bucket wheels which shovel up the dirt, as opposed to the chain trencher which tear the soil apart. Because of this it is less sensitive to the presence of blocks in the soil and can also be used to cut pavement for road maintenance and to gain access to utilities under roads. Due to its wheel design the tool may reach variable cutting depths with the same tool, as well as keeping a constant soil working angle with a relatively small wheel diameter. This Boulder County excavator's tool works by placing the cutting elements around the wheel, which is removable, and adjusting the tooth diameter, which are made more or less dense depending on the ground they will encounter.

The teeth are placed in a semi-spherical configuration on the wheel in order to increase the removal of the materials from the trench. The downside to this is that the teeth wear out quickly and need to be replaced fairly consistently, which an be costly. Wheel trenchers can be mounted on either tracks or rubber tires. This assists your Boulder County excavator with tackling diverse terrain and taking on jobs that have little ease of access.

Boulder Colorado excavators may also utilize a chain trencher. This machine operates exactly how it sounds, by removing soil with the aid of a digging chain or belt that is driven around a rounded metal frame, often times called a “boom”. In this way it resembles a giant chainsaw. This type of trencher is perfect for cutting ground that is too hard to cut with a bucket-type excavator, and this excavator can also be used to cut very precise, narrow, and deep trenches. In addition, the angle of the boom can be adjusted to control the depth of the cut. The chain trencher is used for digging wider trenches (telecommunication, electricity, drainage, water, gas, sanitation, etc.) especially in rural areas.

The excavated materials are removed by conveyor belt that is reversible, either on the right or on the left side. In terms of excavating in rock, nothing beats the chain trencher, except perhaps blasting. It is suggested that the advantages of using chain trenchers in suitable rock outweigh the limitations. This is especially true for the environmentally minded excavator, as the chain excavator has the least impact of the environment.

Boulder County excavators also utilize the "micro trencher" and the "tractor trencher". As you can see the world of trenching and excavation can be quite complex, even in terms of the tools designed to make the job easier. It is important to consider the applications of each of these excavation tools and inform yourself well. Being well informed in this area can make the difference in terms of selecting the proper tool, and thus, saving yourself time, trouble, and most certainly money. This is especially true if you are trying to tackle an excavation project yourself without the services of professionals in Boulder County.

Boulder County Excavation Services:  Microtrenchers

When excavators in Boulder, CO utilize a micro trencher, they do so because this is a much smaller version of the rock wheel design that is specifically designed for work in compact, urban environments. This excavation service tool is fitted with a much smaller cutting wheel that cuts a micro trench with smaller dimensions than the standard trencher. These micro trench widths range from about 30 to 130 mm (1.2 to 5.1 in) with a depth of 500 mm (20 in) or less. These excavation service trenchers also come in a radio-controlled variety which can be managed from a handheld console in order to be able to reach even tighter spaces. As mentioned before, these are perfect for trenching out areas that have very tight nooks and crannies, like the areas to be found in compact, cityscape environment.

The micro trencher is by far the most refined of these trenchers, able to cut very precise lengths and depths. With a micro trencher, the structure of a road can be maintained, for example, with great precision and no associated damage to the road. Owing to the reduced trench size, the volume of waste material excavated is also reduced. Micro-trenchers can also be used used to minimize traffic or pedestrian disturbance during excavation service on your property. A micro trencher can work on sidewalks or in narrow streets of cities, and this excavation service tool can cut harder ground than a chain trencher, including cutting through solid stone. They are also used to cut pavement for road maintenance and to gain access to utilities under roads.

Boulder, CO Excavation Services:  The Tractor Trencher

The final Colorado Excavator's tool explored in this piece will be the tractor trencher. The tractor trencher is exactly what it sounds like. It is an external apparatus that is purchased and then attached to a tractor and pushed or drug using the tractor’s momentum. These tractor trenchers come in several flavors, most of which come under the chain trencher variety. They can be used in a variety of environments, but the most widely seen is on farms or rural areas where they are commonly used to dig out fields for crops. These excavation service tools can be fitted with a variety of styles and blades for different jobs and can be quite versatile.  However, they are also a little clunky from being mounted on a tractor. They can be easily attached and detached and then stored for safekeeping, which opens up the tractor for other uses. This versatility can be great for farms and homesteads operating on a budget that can’t necessarily afford standalone excavation equipment. They also make great paperweights, although the oil can really mess up your tax papers. All joking aside, these can be a great addition to your farm and can be utilized for a plethora of different projects at a fraction of the cost of buying larger equipment. They are easy to attach to a hitch or front mount and can be utilized for years, if serviced and stored under proper conditions.

Thus concludes our article on excavation services, which utilize automated trenchers.  As always if you are seeking to start any sort of excavation project, make sure that you are differing to local laws and regulations. Do not make costly mistakes that can be easily avoided. Make sure that you follow all indications and cautions on the equipment, as well as reading the manual and following proper procedure. These are very dangerous pieces of equipment that can cause serious injury or death if used improperly. Be careful out there…

Foundation Problems in Colorado 80301

Time Can be a Foundation Problem in Boulder, Colorado (80301)

One of the biggest problems with Home Foundations in the Boulder Colorado area is time. Time is one of the largest contributing factors to how buildings develop wear and tear, which will ultimately require foundation excavation and repair. Time, when combined with the Colorado environment, is even more difficult to work with in home ownership.  Living in an arid climate like Colorado can wreak havoc on your homestead, especially if you live in a rural area near the Front Range.

Foundation problems in Boulder Colorado constitute issues with the foundation upon which your home rests. Foundation problems can become serious very quickly, so it is important to address them rapidly and efficiently when they arise. In addition to the problem with foundation entropy in general (Entropy describes the tendency for matter to lose it's order and become more chaotic with time), there are also issues with foundations that are specific to Colorado.  Colorado is an arid desert climate with a lot of dryness and difficult soil to manage, particularly when rainfall or snow-melt suddenly impacts soil with low levels of plant root penetration (Plant roots assist with preventing erosion). Colorado home-owners must expect that foundation issues are going to be a part of the normal wear and tear, and excavation may be required to assist with repairs.

Foundation Problems and Excavation Services in Boulder, Colorado

First, you must look into overall tell tale signs that your foundation might be weakening. By knowing what to look for in terms of possible foundation problems, you can address your foundation's changes before they become much larger problems. The first thing that you want to look out for is uneven or cracked flooring. Floors that are sinking in, upraised, or uneven are a telltale sign that your foundation is developing a problem. In addition to this, cracks or separations in the floors is also a huge warning sign that something drastic has shifted in your Boulder, Colorado home's foundation. In addition to cracked floors, also pay attention to your walls. Cracks in the walls are also an indicator that something has moved around within your foundation.

Therefore, make certain to routinely inspect your Boulder home's floors and walls, inside and out, to verify that you aren’t missing anything. The next thing to look out for when assessing foundation problems are your home's doors and windows. Separation between door jams and doors, gaps in windows, doors and windows that won’t close properly may suggest that you have problems with your Colorado home's foundation.  Also, pay attention to specific rooms and how they interact in terms of the rest of your Colorado home. Pay attention to molding and seals, which may be cracked or warped. Cracked molds or seals can also indicate foundation problems in Colorado. Pay attention things to plumbing problems that remain consistent despite multiple repairs, visible unevenness in walls or frames, problems with shelving or other furniture in staying level, and changes to your property topography in the land itself.

Check-list for Foundation Problems in Colorado Homes

A good method for working with these things is to make a bi-yearly checklist of all of the things mentioned above and making sure that you check it yourself.  Additionally, make sure that you employ the services of a professional Colorado foundation excavator or repair person. A professional foundation excavator will be able to discern things that you might otherwise miss. The name of the game here is diligence and attention to your Colorado foundation problems. 

Part II:  Foundation Problems in Colorado

The next subject that we want to look in terms of a Colorado foundation's soil composition context is clay. Clay is the enemy of foundations, excavations, and gardening alike. Clay is a very densely packed soil type, which lends itself to extreme difficulties in excavating it for foundation installation and moving the clay soil around. This is particularly true when moisture is added to clay in Colorado. There is a reason that clay has been the go to material for pottery all over the world for hundreds of thousands of years. When made wet, or compressed, clay becomes very difficult to break apart. It is also doubly difficult in the context of Colorado for the opposite reason - That clay expands when it is too dry. It expands, cracks, and moves. This makes things particularly difficult for Coloradan home owners and excavators, because foundations built on expansive clay tend to need foundation repair and excavation fairly frequently, due to the clay expanding and stressing the foundation's integrity. This is also true for other soil types which can be improperly compressed during the installation of your Colorado foundation excavation project. Building on these foundations on clay creates problems when the soil inevitably shifts and creates damage to the foundation.

Factors Contributing to Colorado Foundation Problems:  Weather Changes

Another factor to look at for your foundation is weather. The weather in Colorado is notoriously unpredictable, which may impact your foundation excavation project as well as contributing to your foundation's problems. In Colorado, we can literally go from a heavy snowstorm to clear blues skies and seventy-degree temperatures the next day. When the weather is in frequent flux, particularly with regard to surrounding temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric moisture, what you get is a lot of expansion and contraction of your soil, which can cause foundation problems for your Boulder home. It is important to pay attention to the changing weather and the effects it can have on your home.

Whatever the cause, foundation problems can destroy the value of structures and even render them unsafe. If you see signs of foundation problems in Colorado, you need to make sure that you handle the problem quickly and efficiently through the use of an excavator and engineering team. The longer you wait, the more your foundation problems will progress and the higher the cost of repair.

Repairing and Excavating Foundations in Colorado

Whether your Colorado home's foundation has sunk just a few inches or nearly a foot, a foundation repair contractor needs to be employed. It is noteworthy to mention that contractors have different areas of specialization, much like any other field, so it is important to employ someone with a background in foundation repair. Call professional foundation repair contractors for an assessment. They will be able to assess any damage that has occurred and determine the best plan for your situation.

There are two common methods for lifting a sunken concrete foundation in Colorado and beyond: Piering and Slabjacking. Piering fixes concrete foundations in Colorado by placing supports underground that lift and support the concrete.  Meanwhile, slabjacking fills the space under the slab with a grout mixture that floats the foundation back to its original position. A professional will be able to asses which repair method is best suited for your Colorado home's foundation problems.

Thus concludes our piece on foundation problems in Colorado. It is our hope that these articles serve you in becoming a more conscientious homeowner. Your home is one of the greatest investments you will ever make and it requires a lot of upkeep and repair. Make sure you are proactive about this and you will find yourself able to live in the home of your dreams, with a solid…foundation. (See what I did there).

Colorado Excavators with Compact Excavation Equipment

Colorado Excavation Service Providers must bring multiple tools to your construction project.

The compact excavator, also known as a mini excavator, is an excavating tool that sits on a treading or wheeled platform. It comes equipped with a backfill blade and an extending hydraulic arm, or a “boom” arm.  If you are considering a new excavation services contractor in Colorado, you must ensure that the company you hire makes use of these tools.

These excavators operate on a system of hydraulics, oiled pistons and housing designed to offer and large range of motion, similar to a human joint and its musculature. These systems of pistons and joints not only offer mobility to your Colorado excavation services contractor, but also a lot of resistance which is required to address the opposing resistance of the dirt that is being moved. These hydraulic excavators have three distinct components, these being the house, the undercarriage, and the workgroup.

Colorado excavation providers utilize this machine's housing structure, or “house” as the operator's compartment.  Meanwhile, the Colorado excavator's engine housing, hydraulic pump and distribution components lead to and from the boom arm. The excavator's house structure is attached to the top of the undercarriage via a rotating bearing known as the “swing”. This enables the house to use this swing to rotate upon the undercarriage without limits to range of motion - This is critical for excavation services in tight spaces. The excavator's 360-degree design of the swing, in addition to a hydraulic distribution valve, supplies oil to the undercarriage components and keeps them rotating smoothly.

Typically, the Colorado excavator's undercarriage consists of rubber or steel tracks and treads, or a traditional wheeled support frame. The undercarriage is literally what it sounds like, it is the underneath of the vehicle which supports the housing structure and the workgroup.

The "workgroup" of a compact hydraulic excavator consists of a “boom” arm with an attachment which is typically a bucket, auger, or blade. It is connected directly to the front of the Colorado excavator's housing via a “swing frame” or a system of hydraulics that allows the workgroup to be moved left or right for maximum mobility and ability to do nuanced digging, such as trenching, or elevation. Another purpose of the boom arm is for digging around obstacles or along rigidly defined boundaries, like walls, molds, and sides. Another perk is that this Colorado excavator is able to reach into areas too narrow for the housing and undercarriage to enter. This Independent boom swing with, full rotation and reach, is one of the key advantages of a compact excavator over other excavation equipment.

The next component of the compact Colorado excavator is the digging blade, or “backfill” blade. This piece is the direct interface with the dirt, the thing that does the digging. It can be used for grading services, leveling services, backfilling services, trenching services, and general dozer work. The blade can also be used to increase the depth of the dig, depending on its position in relation to the excavator's workgroup. This, again, makes it very versatile and much more maneuverable than other equipment for Colorado excavators.

Hydraulic Colorado excavator capabilities, in general, have expanded far beyond simple excavation tasks in recent years. This is especially true for the compact excavator. With the invention of hydraulic powered attachments such as a tilt-rotator, breaker, or an auger. This Colorado excavator is frequently used in many applications other than excavation. Many excavators feature quick attachment mounting systems for simplified attachment mounting, dramatically increasing the machine's versatility as its own entity, as opposed to having to rely on multiple tools.

It is worth mentioning here that there are two distinct types of compact excavator. These being conventional tail swing, and zero tail swing. Conventional tail swing units have a rear counterweight that extends beyond the tracks when the house rotates. The zero-tail swing, on the other hand, allow operators to focus on digging and not looking at where they are swinging and are intended for operation in limited spaces, like next to a wall, or in a narrow corridor.

The capacity of these Colorado excavators to be both versatile and effective has increased by an incredible amount over the last 100 years. We are capable of completing much more precise excavation projects in half the time, and with half of the equipment that was previously needed. This allows Colorado excavation service contractors construction firms to take on twice the contracting, in half the time, which is truly auspicious for the industry.

Colorado Excavation Contractor Services: Backhoe Excavation

Colorado Excavation Contractor Services typically utilize a Backhoe during your excavation projects.

The development of the backhoe excavator began in 1947 by the engineers and inventors at the Wain-Roy Corporation of Hubbardston, Massachusetts. In April 1948, Wain-Roy Corporation sold the very first all hydraulic backhoes, mounted to a Ford Model 8N tractor chassis.

The Backhoe Excavator, or backhoe loader, is a heavy equipment vehicle that consists of a housing, platform, and chassis fitted with a loader-style shovel blade on the front, and a backhoe blade on the back of the housing for excavation in Boulder Colorado. The Backhoe excavator is smaller and provides more versatility for your excavation service needs.  The backhoe loader is very common in urban engineering and small construction projects in Boulder County. This type of machine is similar to and derived from what is known as a tractor-loader-backhoe, or an agricultural tractor fitted with a front loader and rear backhoe attachment.

Backhoe loaders are very common sights on Boulder County construction projects, and they can be used for a wide variety of tasks including: construction, small demolitions, light transportation of building materials, powering building equipment, digging holes/excavation, landscaping, breaking asphalt, and paving roads. In addition to this, modern backhoes excavators can also be retrofitted with powered attachments such as a breaker, grapple, auger, or a stump grinder.

Most backhoes feature quick attachment mounting systems in which tools can be removed and added with quickness and ease. Some loader buckets also have a retractable bottom or "clamshell", enabling it to empty its load more quickly and efficiently.  Excavators in Boulder County must include the use of a backhoe excavator in order to provide a full range of services for your home construction, commercial excavation, or septic installation project.

For Boulder County residents who need an excavation services contractor whose machines include stabilization for steep inclines, the backhoe is excellent.  The backhoe uses hydraulic outriggers or stabilizers at the rear when digging and has the ability to lower the loader bucket for additional stability. That being said, this also means that the bucket must be raised and the outriggers retracted when the vehicle needs to change positions, reducing efficiency. Because of this, Boulder County excavation contractors often pair this machine with a compact excavator that is able to maneuver quickly around the site and work on more nuanced jobs. These two machines make for an excellent pair, with the backhoe handling heavy digs, that utilize its capability to dig itself in and offer stability vs. the precision of the compact excavator for more precise jobs in Boulder.

Their relatively small frame and precise control make backhoe-loaders very useful and common in urban engineering projects near Denver, including construction and repair projects in areas that are too tight or small to employ larger equipment such as on your mountainous Boulder County residence. Their versatility and compact size make them ideal for excavation services in multiple environments like cities, neighborhoods, or areas with lots of obstacles and tight spaces. They are the perfect combination of maneuverability and capacity to move a lot of dirt very quickly.  Through utilizing a backhoe, your Boulder County excavator will provide the ability to fit into tighter spaces with precision.

For example: Small compact tractors from excavation equipment manufacturers have become very popular with private homeowners who need excavation contractors due to their ability to be stored on site and used for small projects.

Subcompact tractors typically accompany your Boulder county excavation contractor's suite of tools, which includes a backhoe loader setup.  These excavation service machines sometimes with a belly-mounted mower for extending beyond excavation services and into heavy brush trimming. These tractors offer private homeowners the ability to perform minor excavation projects independently or through the use of a Boulder County excavation contractor.

These machines ensure that excavation services are versatile, and this has been the result of many developments during the past 100 years.  Excavation service contractors are now are capable of creating much more exact and precise projects in half the time, and with half of the equipment needed. This allows Colorado construction firms to take on twice the contracting, in half the time, which is truly auspicious for the industry.

In addition, the development of this technology has also made it possible for private  homeowners hire excavation service contractors for brief, small projects, which may be completed within 1 - 2 days!

Planning for a Trenching & Excavation Project in Boulder Colorado

Boulder County home-owners, builders, and excavation researchers: 

Whether you are doing a trenching project yourself, or engaging the services of a Boulder County excavation contractor; there are several key steps and precautions you should take before tackling any sort of trenching project. Through ensuring that you have covered all of your bases beforehand, you can ensure a much more smooth and effective project when the time comes.

Before anything else make sure you call the local Boulder County government utilities office. They have an arm called the “utility location service” for excavation services, which is exactly what it sounds like. Before you begin any digging project, they will locate underground gas, electric, water, and communications pipes and cables in the area in order to ensure that your Boulder County excavation contractor begins their excavation safely. This is essential in order to protect yourself from legal or direct dangers that result from damaging a utility pipeline, electrical pipeline, or otherwise - Excavation in Boulder County must begin with securing your 'Utility Locates'.

Damaging a gas pipe during excavation can be a very dangerous affair, not to mention very
inconvenient.  Furthermore, in the US, by law, you must call Digline before beginning any excavation or trenching project. This can be easily accessed through 811.

Next, your Boulder County excavation contractor must meticulously plan a route that is going to maximize efficiency and avoid any cables or pipes, as mentioned above. Take extreme caution and care with this phase in order to make sure that you are able to plan the proper route. Another thing to consider at this phase is using the planning to figure out exactly how much of each material you need in order to finish the excavation and trenching project.

In this way you can make sure you have adequate materials for the job, whilst avoiding paying too much for materials you won’t use during trenching and excavation. After careful planning,
make sure to attend to any obstacles above the surface.

Small plants, even grass and sod, can be removed and stored for replanting, thus avoiding the added cost of having to repurchase these things.

The next step is to carefully consider the depth of the excavation and trenching project. This is not merely a mater of guessing how much depth you will need for a pipe or cable - There are actual legalities involved in the predetermined depth of different kinds of trenching and excavation installation projects. These depth requirements are a significant factor in choosing the correct excavation services, and your Boulder County excavation contractor must subsequently select the correct excavation equipment and other materials for your trenching or excavation project.

There is also added complexity in determining sloping for trenching and excavation projects (i.e. The 'Slope' or 'Grade' of the incline angle of the surface of your property). For example: some plumbing systems are gravity operated and require a slope so the wastewater will flow unaided to the sewage gather point or the septic tank. For this example, consider that a proper level of decline is essential in determining your dig during gravity operated wastewater projects.

Next, you must determine the type of soil you will be digging in prior to beginning your trenching or excavation project with a Boulder County contractor. Soils composed of sand, gravel / stony soils, and wet material will make excavating or trenching any sort of deep ditch difficult and potentially dangerous. In these cases, you may have to plan additional measures to complete your Boulder County trenching or excavation project successfully.

A few examples of this are as follows:

Benching: This involves digging a trench in literal steps or “tiers”. This is useful because the banks of the trench are supported and don’t have to carry more weight than is necessary. This can avoid collapse or cave ins.  These benches are usually at intervals of about 3 feet deep and twice as wide.

De-watering:  This process removes the excess water from the soil through the use of a pump, or sometimes buckets and manual labor. After this you should wait for several hours to day for the soil to become more sturdy prior to trenching or excavating in Boulder County.

Shoring: As opposed to benching, this process utilizes actual support structures for the sides of your ditch so they do not cave in or collapse during trenching and excavation in Boulder, CO. For shallower depths of about 3 feet you can use plywood as a support structure. Anything deeper than that and you are looking at using steel support beams.

Proper observation of these protocols can save you a lot of danger in the long run. Plan your Boulder County trenching and excavation projects carefully and meticulously.

Boulder County Excavation: History of Tools & Methods

Boulder County's Excavation Services: A History

This article will focus on the history of excavation equipment frequently used for Boulder County Excavation services.  This will address excavation's implementation in many industries, most notably the railroad system.

The history of Boulder County excavation services and equipment is rather rich and varied and points directly towards the old maxim of “necessity is the mother of invention. Boulder County excavation is, quite literally, back breaking labor and was incredibly time consuming and costly. This was unacceptable in Boulder, CO at a time when industries were expanding rapidly and needed for technology to be able to meet the drive of that expansion.

Before the modern Boulder County excavation machines, Boulder excavators utilized shovels, forks, pickaxes, and spades. These tools required extensive personal and strength in order to excavate any sort of large Boulder County project and were incredibly cost prohibitive and arduous.

The only great leap forward in the technology, up through the early 1800’s for this workforce was the invention of a wider shovel that suited the purposes of moving larger quantities of dirt. While this certainly helped, it also pointed toward a greater need for machinery to be able to take on the Boulder County excavation workload of a large and overworked labor force.

That being said, It wasn’t until 1839 that William Otis invented an actual mechanical apparatus to work with deeper holes and greater projects. This excavation system was simple, but elegant in design with a mechanical arm which could be maneuvered with a bucket attached to the end.  Boulder County excavation professionals utilize similar tools.

Originally this arm was mounted on a railway chassis and had very limited mobility in terms of placement and maneuverability. The reasoning behind this was because Otis designed this exclusively for national railroad projects, as the railroads were one of the largest suppliers of excavation contracts at that time. This was inherently problematic for other industries in Boulder County and beyond, because the need for digging, blasting, and excavation that occurred outside of railway lines still fell upon the need of a mobile workforce and manual labor.

This would not be addressed for several more years until the invention of hydraulic machinery and mobile platforms, which are frequently used in Boulder County excavation service projects.

The next iteration down this line of excavation equipment was the steam shovel, which Otis
finalized and patented through his original design in 1839. This shovel was powered by coal and the resulting steam and operated on a series of hydraulics that could maneuver the shovel into position. This was still limited, however, to running off of a railway chassis, and the mobility was still difficult to work with. That being said, this design was still a large leap forward in terms of excavation methodologies and started a trending towards increasing automation of the workforce for manual labor.

The excavator was the next design to come into fruition for Boulder County excavators.  This was directly descended from the steam shovel. The first type to be implemented was called a cable excavator, a complex tool that used a series of cables or wire ropes to raise and lower the arm and bucket close. The cables were pulled and hoisted manually in order to collect and excavate a hole. Even though this implement addressed a lot of the mobility issues of the steam shovel, the cable excavator was typically cost inefficient, difficult to maneuver, and slow. Because of this, resources were poured into the excavation tools industry in order to create a more effective tool for the job.  What came of this investment was the hydraulic excavator, which are frequently utilized by Boulder County professional excavator service providers.

This brings us into the present of Boulder County Excavation services (so to speak) where we will talk about the efforts overseas to create better excavating technology, and how these pieces of history informed the development of contemporary excavation technology utilized for new home construction in Boulder Colorado today.

Hydraulic excavators are frequently used in Boulder Colorado, but they first came into use in Britain in 1883 by Sir W.G. Armstrong & Co.

This excavation technology was actually not first implemented for foundations and landscaping services in Boulder, but was in fact used for the construction of hull docks in the shipyards around London, as well as different dockyards in the British Isles.

The leap from the docks to a modern Boulder County excavation services did not begin to take shape, outside of a few contracts here and there, until the 1940’s in Italy. In Turin
two brothers, Carlo and Mario Bruneri, created a wheeled version of the hydraulic excavator, which are now typically used for Boulder county excavation services.

The creation of this new excavation technology was revolutionary for the excavation services industry in Boulder, CO, because it created the first truly mobile platform that was independent of railways. Could you imagine building a railroad to your home simply because you need excavation services on your property for landscaping, driveways, or foundations? 

The modern excavation services platform with wheels could move faster in Boulder, CO, dig faster, and was much easier and safer to operate than the traditional cable excavator. It also greatly improved upon the clumsy and awkward movements of the earlier excavation services.  The new excavation services streamlined the operating mechanisms for ease of access.

This vastly expanded the number of digging applications for which the excavator
could be utilized - Such as your new Boulder County home's construction projects, septic installation, landscaping, driveway excavation, and more.

After this incredible leap forward, there was a boom in excavator technology and services, as many new excavators began to flood the market. Excavators in Boulder Colorado now utilize, customizable arms, buckets, heads, and chassis due to these innovations. The invention of the excavator's caterpillar tread, as well new tires made for many different types of terrain are now managed by excavation teams in Boulder Colorado.

This also led to a more nuanced approach to Boulder County excavation, because excavation methodologies began to catch up with the new technology.  Excavators in Boulder County were now far more mobile, which enabled back-filling, leveling, and trenching services for residential and commercial markets.  This, in turn, allowed for projects of increasing difficulty and complexity, informing a lot of our modern understanding of drafting, construction, and even the science of architecture in Boulder!

For example, in pipeline construction or trenching applications, excavation contractors started using precise tools, like pipelayers or trenchers. These are machines that are able to dig deep, narrow, and long trenches for continuous excavation service.

You can really begin to see the nuance developing in these excavation processes, and as a result the industry began to flourish. These Boulder County excavation services can be directly correlated to everything from skyscrapers to the meticulous construction of modern suburbia.

From the genius and fortitude of these early pioneers, Boulder County residents may benefit, because we are able to tackle stronger and more difficult projects with relative ease.

This concludes a brief history on the creation, implementation, and maintenance of modern
excavation equipment in Boulder County. This a powerful example of what happens when necessity for new excavation services in Boulder dictates technological development, as countless examples can be seen across the ebbs and flows of history.

Foundation Excavation in Boulder, Colorado (Part 1)

Preparation for Foundation Excavation Project

Any sort of excavating procedure can be a daunting task for a Boulder, CO homeowner. The following two-part series is designed to be able to offer a little insight into the process of excavation before any action is undertaken. As they say: Those who fail to plan, plan to fail. Nowhere is this more true than in the process of excavating on your beautiful Boulder, CO property, whether personal or business.

That being said, before any sort of Boulder foundation excavation procedure can commence, working on preparing the site itself may be necessary. The layout of the entire area needs to be taken into account and access needs to be mapped in Boulder County. For example: Does your property contain any gardens, plants, shrubs, or other vegetation that you need to remove and put in temporary housing so they can be reintroduced later? Are there any physical obstacles in the way of the large excavating machinery? Are there cars, gas grills, Patio furniture, etc? Does there need to be any extensive work done to the structure itself? Do you need to dismantle a deck? Move a storage shed? If there’s a tree in the way, you’ll need to arrange for a Boulder, CO tree removal service to excavate the tree and remove the stump. The environment external to the site is also a factor to consider - Are any Boulder County permits required? Are your Colorado neighbors aware of the excavation? What is the layout of the pipes and sewer system? What is your street layout, and is it going to accommodate the equipment?

Securing a Foundation Excavation Contractor

After initial preparations are made the next step in this process will be to employ the services of a Boulder County foundation excavation contractor to do an initial plan for the job site. This includes marking off the area, setting boundaries, and separating different dig areas into sections. This is also known as a “plot plan”. The plot plan is foundational (pun intended) in the process of creating a clear, concise, and physical layout for the project and its dimensions on the property itself.

The Boulder, CO plot plan will operate as the guide for further contractors doing work in the area. Typically, for an excavation project, project managers and surveyors will come onsite and use specialized instruments to establish dimensions. This includes elevations, levels, and points. This will allow the contractors to create further precision in mapping out exactly how the project is going to look. This area will then be carefully marked and leveled using different signs and symbols. The area will also be cordoned off using string, cord, or sometimes lines of lime or chalk in order to offer exact dimensions for the project. These are then used to guide the folks operating the heavy equipment and digging implements.

Verify Your Foundation Excavation Contractor's Measurements

From this point it would behoove you to take a second look at everything in terms of your project thus far. Make sure to go back over the site and makes sue that everything has been removed and stored properly. Talk with the Boulder, CO foundation excavation contractors and second check all of the measurements, even going as far as to check the lengths and depths yourself with a good old-fashioned tape measure. Go back over your paperwork and clarify exactly what is going to happen, what team is going to be used, how many people, what types of equipment, etc. Check on all of the contracts and all of the legal logistics in terms of coding and municipal or city regulations. At this phase of the game it makes much more sense to be able to double check all of these things, rather than when you have already started digging!

Now that you have everything in place, you can rest easy knowing that your Boulder County foundation excavation project is well organized, calculated and ready for the actual excavation to commenece, In part two of this series we will explore the process of excavation and what to expect in terms of process, time, and obstacles.

Why You Should Consider Poured Concrete Walls Foundation in Boulder

Why You Should Consider Poured Concrete Walls Foundation

Choosing the right foundation is imperative to ensure that your new home starts on a sturdy and stable base. One option is poured concrete walls. You want to learn more about why these are advantageous so that you can determine if this foundation type is best for your upcoming home.

High Resistance to Water

If you are building in an area that tends to get a lot of precipitation throughout the years, including snow and rain, this is a great choice because the concrete walls are not going to rot like wood or absorb moisture like certain other materials. This foundation type does not have wooden joints and the overall strength and density are superior. This can help to keep your foundation stable and keep your basement dry, should you opt for a basement foundation. Just make sure that waterproofing is done so that you have the highest level of protection.

Resistance to Fire

When you opt for this type of foundation, you can take advantage of it being no less than twice as resistant to this type of disaster. This level of resistance is especially true when you compare it to hollow core concrete blocks, wood and other materials that might be flammable. This means that there is a chance of less damage should a fire occur.

Flexibility With the Design

When you are designing your dream home, you want it to be exactly as you envision. Not all foundation types are flexible, but this option is. You can adapt it to almost all types of designs and home shapes. You can also opt to use it to create a basement, allowing you to get the most space possible for your home. You also get a number of aesthetic options with this choice since it can be done utilizing a smooth finish or it can be poured in brick.

This is a Strong Foundation Type

One of the most important things to consider when choosing the foundation for your new home is its strength and durability. Few things are stronger than concrete when it is utilized in the right way. This specific technique and foundation type has high strength with both the flexural and compressive aspects of it. It far exceeds the needed safety factor for a foundation and it is multiple times stronger compared to blocks.

Low Maintenance

Owning a home means taking care of the necessary maintenance on a regular basis. One of the best things about this type of foundation is that it is virtually maintenance free. Your contractor will let you know about any needed maintenance or inspections. Just ensure that these are done on time and you can be confident your foundation will remain in good condition.

You can see that this type of foundation can be the right choice for a number of reasons. Once you are ready to have the foundation planned and built, make sure that you work with a reputable contractor so that everything goes as planned.

Exploring the Pros and Cons of a Basement Foundation in Boulder

Exploring the Pros and Cons of a Basement Foundation

If you are thinking about having a basement foundation for your new home, you want to know what the pros and cons are. This helps you to make the right decision so that once your home is built, you are getting the most out of the entire space.

Pros of a Basement Foundation

When it comes to a basement foundation, there are a number of benefits associated with it. It is important to know what these are because it ensures that you are informed and can properly plan for the foundation that your new home is going to sit on. The pros of a basement foundation include:

·         You are increasing the overall living space in your home without having to expand it outward onto your property. This ensures that you are able to have adequate yard space while also making sure that your family can grow without overcrowding your home. A basement can be used for a variety of space ideas, from extra bedrooms to a space, such as a family room.

·         If the site you are building on is sloping, a basement allows you to best take advantage of it. It ensures that the foundation that you build the home on is going to be more stable and firm compared to other foundation types.

·         On some sites, a deep foundation is necessary to make sure that the structure built on it is stable. A basement foundation is deeper than almost any other option, making this possible. You will also get usable space out of it.

·         A basement foundation is a good choice when you want a home that is built with sustainability and eco-friendliness in mind. This is because there are fewer external walls that are directly exposed, ensuring better insulation to reduce energy needs inside your home.

Cons of a Basement Foundation

If there happens to be a high water table in the area you want to build, a basement foundation is not considered to be a good choice. This could result in excess pressure on the walls of the basement foundation. Over time, this can result in damage that can allow water to get into your home. The foundation damage could also cause your house to start to shift, resulting in a wealth of other problems.

The only other primary con is that not all contractors have the expertise and knowledge needed to do a great job with building this type of foundation. Because of this, it is important to look into the background of the contractors that you are interested in. This helps to ensure that your basement foundation is built to last.

You can see that while there are a few drawbacks with a basement foundation, there are a number of advantages too. You can learn more about this type of foundation by talking to an experienced contractor in your area. They will evaluate the site and determine if this foundation type is a good choice.

Go Green With Your Home Foundation and Construction in Boulder

Go Green With Your Home Foundation and Construction

When you want to maintain your greener lifestyle, one of the first places to start is with your home. If you are considering building one, there are a few ways to help ensure that the materials and construction are eco-friendly. This helps to ensure that your home starts off with a low carbon footprint.

Start With the Right Plan

You have to determine the type of foundation, your budget and the materials that you are going to use. Make sure to consider the climate in the area so that your materials and methods will be able to withstand all four seasons. There are many recycled materials on the market that work well for areas that experience both hot and cold weather. The technology available today makes it relatively easy to build a house in a way that is sustainable. Just check with local contractors to determine who knows the right methods for this purpose.

Consider the Construction Site

You want to have the entire site analyzed to look at elements, such as plant life and the soil composition. This will determine the type of foundation that you are able to have since certain foundation types work best with certain types of soil. If the soil is relatively stable, you might also have some extended options that are even more eco-friendly than recycled traditional materials. For example, there is a type of straw-bale constructions that is among the greenest of options, but your site has the have the right conditions to accommodate it.

Consider the Cost

When you create your plan, you have to determine your budget. However, it is important to go over this again once you choose your construction site. Once your site is evaluated, you will have a better idea about the materials and methods that can be sued. Some of the most common green materials are recycled or reclaimed woods, but these are not ideal in areas with a lot of precipitation. In these instances, you want to consider materials that are a bit sturdier. You can ask your contractor if treated wood is able to be used.

Learn About the Available Methods

Certain foundation construction methods are more sustainable than others, so you want to explore the options available for the construction site and choose the one that happens to be the greenest. Reducing overall energy usage during the process is a great place to start. Construction equipment that is efficient is another thing that you want to explore. Check out the construction companies in your area and talk to them about your desire to be green during the building process. They will be able to tell you if their methods and equipment help you to accomplish your goals.

With this information, you can get started making your plans for a green home. Once you are ready to get started with building, you want to work with a contractor who has knowledge and experience to ensure everything goes smoothly.

5 Residential Home Foundations to Consider in Boulder

5 Residential Home Foundations to Consider

If you are thinking about building a home, the first element is the foundation. There are actually multiple options that you can consider and all have their pros and cons. Learning a little more about each will help you to determine which option is going to be the best for you.

Footing and Stem Wall Foundation

The footings can vary greatly in terms of their width and depth, starting at about 12 feet by 18 inches and ranging all the way up to 36 feet by 48 inches. The flooring system and terrain at the site where you are building the structure will ultimately determine the height of the stem wall. You can install either a crawl space or a slab foundation on top of a footing and stem wall. It works well in areas with up to a moderate frost.

Slab on Grade That Has a Turned-Down Edge Foundation

While most often used in areas with low frost, it is an option for areas with other climates too. When utilizing this design, the use of post tension cables is a very effective option. In many cases, a monolithic pour is used during the construction process.

Drilled Shaft Concrete Grade Beam and Piers Foundation

This is most often seen when building industrial and commercial structures. However, if a residential home is large, this could be a relatively cost-effective option. If the clay soil on the lot where the structure is being built has high plasticity, this is going to be the best option for building the foundation. For the design and soil analysis parts of the process. Additional structural engineering is generally required.

Basement Foundation

This involves utilizing a hollow sub-grade structure. A basement is a great way to add square footage to a home without building out onto the property. The functional requirements will determine the structural design. When working to design and build this type of foundation, those doing the work have to determine the external earth pressure and hydrostatic pressure. It must be built in a way to ensure that the foundation is able to resist both.

This foundation type is typically constructed using either cast-in-place concrete or cinder blocks. To ensure moisture is not able to infiltrate and cause issues, waterproofing is a critical part of the process.

Permanent Wood Foundation

This type of foundation is ideal in just about every part of the country, including areas where the temperature can range greatly depending on the season. Pressure treated wood is used to frame the basement foundation. A poured concrete floor is where the wood sits when it is put into place. If a crawl space foundation is used, driven timber is used to build onto a footing. Pressure treated wood is used for constructing stem walls.

You can see that with these five choices, it is important to do your research before coming to a final decision. Once you are ready to move forward with the build, make sure to talk to an experienced contractor to get the work completed.

What You Need to Know About Crawl Space Foundation Encapsulation in Boulder

What You Need to Know About Crawl Space Foundation Encapsulation

If you have a crawl space foundation, encapsulation is something that you need to know about. This method can help you to avoid moisture issues inside your home. To utilize this method, you will fully cover your crawl space using a heavy-duty polyurethane barrier. It is important that all elements are covered, including the walls, floors and even the ceiling of the foundation. To connect the barrier pieces, use a high-quality sealing tape so that the encapsulation is airtight.

Why You Should Think About Crawl Space Encapsulation

Without encapsulation, excess moisture and water vapor can cause an array of problems in your home. Moisture and water vapor from the ground can move through cement that is porous. This can result in moisture from the ground getting into your home. There are signs that will let you know that you need to seal your crawl space foundation:

·         Mold

·         Separating or soft floors

·         Wet insulation

·         Insect problems

·         Musty or mildew smell in the basement

·         High cooling or heating costs

·         Sweating windows

Getting Prepared for Encapsulation

While all crawl space foundations are different in terms of moisture issues and challenges, there is a typical process that ensures that the space is ready for this process. This includes:

·         Make sure that the crawl space foundation is completely cleaned out. Everything that is not necessary below your home, such as appliance parts and dirt, should be removed. Remember that rocks and similar items can pierce the vapor barrier and if this happens, moisture can get in.

·         Measure the foundation walls and any other areas that are going to be covered with the barrier. You also want to measure the size of the floor. When it comes to the walls, you want to get measurements for the length and the height.

·         Once you have accurate measurements, it is time to get the job done. It is best to hire a professional for this. This will come out, assess your crawl space and give you an accurate quote.

Exploring the Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation

When you encapsulate your crawl space, you will enjoy a variety of benefits. These include:

·         Breathe easier: When you encapsulate this area, it can help to improve indoor air quality.

·         Better comfort: No matter the season, the internal temperature of your home will be more comfortable.

·         Reduced HVAC work: Since your home temperature will be better controlled, this puts less stress on your HVAC system.

·         Better floor condition: Keeping moisture out of your crawl space reduces the risk of hardwood floors rotting.

·         Reduced energy bills: When you are using less heat and air in your home, this reduces your energy bills by up to 20 percent.

While it is technically possible to do your own crawl space foundation encapsulation, it is best that a professional tackle the job. This ensures that it is done right and that all seals are complete. When this is done correctly, you can extend the life of your foundation.

Tips to Prevent Mold With a Basement Foundation in Boulder

Tips to Prevent Mold With a Basement Foundation

If you have a basement foundation, you know that it is not uncommon for moisture to get in and cause problems. It is important that you know how to control the mold because it can quickly grow out of control. The good news is that with the right efforts, you can keep your basement free from mold.

Use a Dehumidifier

Humidity and moisture are the two primary factors that drive the growth of mold. Darkness is a close third and basements are naturally darker than other areas of the home. Because of this, you want to control the environment as much as possible and a dehumidifier makes this possible.

Keep an Eye on Humidity Levels

You want to keep an eye on how much humidity is in the basement environment. You can measure humidity with a handy tool referred to as a hygrometer. You want to keep levels under 40 percent. Any number above 45 percent is considered to be too high and ideal for mold growth.

Do Not Put Plants in Your Basement

Indoor plants can be great in other areas of your home, but in the basement, they operate as a food source for mildew and mold. You want to make sure that all plants are in an area that is airy and sunny. Any cultivation in the basement will not have the proper conditions.

Reduce Basement Clutter

When you have a lot of clutter in the basement, this interrupts the flow of air and makes ventilation poor. You want to ensure air is able to flow freely so that it does not become too humid and stale. You also want to be sure about the items you keep down there since some, such as books and clothing, act as food for mold.

Do Not Store Wood in the Basement

Wood is a great place for mold to grow because it can hold onto moisture for a long period of time. If you have a fireplace, you want to keep the wood outside of your home until you are ready to use it. It is best to put it in a location that is airy and open. A covered area makes it easier for mold to grow.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

If there is a lot of humid and stale air in the basement, this can create the perfect storm for mold growth. You want to ensure that fresh air is able to move in and out. If you have windows in the basement that you can open, you should do this as often as possible. Just be mindful when it is raining or snowing since this can allow moisture in. You might also consider an exhaust fan for constant circulation.

Mold can cause major health issues, so it is important that you keep it under control. These methods will help you to prevent it. However, if it is already present, you might need help from a professional to get it removed.

Get the Facts About House Leveling in Boulder

Get the Facts About House Leveling in Boulder

A level home is critical to make sure it maintains its structural integrity. This also keeps your furniture, appliances and other items in place. It is important to know the facts about leveling to ensure you are taking care of your investment.

What is House Leveling?

When a house is level, the foundation is straight across. It is not sagging and it carries the same depth in all areas. When a home is not level, this must be corrected quickly before bigger issues present themselves. The professional will usually determine the highest elevation of the foundation and ensure that all areas that are lower are brought up to this level. This could involve several different methods and tools, such as piers, steel shims and hydraulic jacking. The goal is to get it back to its original position, or as least as close to this position as possible. Since professional equipment and methods are needed, a professional should perform the work.

Why Might a Foundation Become Unlevel?

The ground beneath your foundation is usually to blame for this issue. Over the years, it can start to shift and your home’s foundation is going to shift with it. All foundation types have the potential to shift and become unlevel. When it comes to pier foundations specifically, they usually sink when the soil starts to shift. When it sinks it just one area, this can eventually result in the house becoming unlevel. If different areas sink, the unlevel areas can differ throughout your home.

There is a major risk to your foundation when your home is not level. Remember that your home’s foundation is responsible for supporting the entirety of the rest of your home. If the ground below it is not offering the right level of support, your foundation could be in trouble. Foundation issues can quickly become worse and the worse they are, the more they cost.

What Are the Signs of a House That is Not Level?

When a house is not level, even if you cannot see it with the naked eye, there are usually other signs that are evident. You want to look out for the following signs and if you notice them, have a professional come out and inspect your foundation as soon as possible:

·         Sloping floors

·         Sticking windows

·         Cracked drywall

·         Sticking doors

·         Hairline cracks in doorways, floors and tile

These issues can happen for other reasons, such as your foundation sinking. However, no matter the cause, it is important that you figure out what it is. This ensures that the issue can be properly repaired before it is allowed to get worse and become even more costly.

Now you have the important information pertaining to house leveling that you need to know. If you need to have an inspection performed or you need leveling work done, it is imperative that you are working with a reputable contractor. This will ensure that the inspection or work is done right to keep your home in excellent condition.

Choosing the Best Material for Crawl Space Foundation Insulation in Boulder

Choosing the Best Material for Crawl Space Foundation Insulation

If you have a crawl space foundation, you have to use insulation to keep your home warm. However, not all insulation types are created equal. Learning more about insulating this type of foundation ensures that your home is comfortable all year long.

Is Your Crawl Space Properly Insulated?

A crawl space foundation is a viable option for many reasons, but it is important that it is properly insulated. When the insulation is not sufficient, it is generally easy to tell by noticing the following:

·         You might notice that from below the floors at the lowest level of the home there is a musty odor

·         The floors directly above the foundation can be cold in the winter months

What Type of Insulation Should Be Used?

It is common to turn to fiberglass batt for insulation because it is readily available and inexpensive. However, this material has a tendency to support mold, sag or fall, absorb moisture and harbor mice. All of these issues can be damaging to your home as a whole. Since a crawl space is an area that is prone to moisture, you need a material that is able to resist it.

For this type of foundation, you want to look at rigid foam insulation board. This material is not going to absorb water, so this eliminates the risk of you having to deal with mildew or mold growth in the future. It also will not allow air to get through as long as you are using the right tape to properly seal the joints between the boards.

How to Properly Apply the Insulation

You have to start by determining if your crawl space foundation is insulated or not. When it has the right level of insulation, this helps to keep it dry by helping moisture to evaporate. In this case, you can simply put in the insulation between the floor joists below the subfloor. Make sure to use a vapor barrier to cover the insulation. It is also critical to make sure that it is secured. This makes sure that moisture is not able to penetrate and sit so that you can prevent issues with mold.

If there is no ventilation in your crawl space, you want to skip placing the insulation below the subfloor, and instead, insulate the walls in the area. This ultimately requires the usage of less insulation. You also will not have to separately insulate the pipes and the ducts in the space.

No matter which option you choose, you can gain further protection by installing a vapor barrier made of polyurethane over the dirt floor. To prevent the barrier from getting damaged, you can put basic sand on top of it.

You can see that it is important to make the right choice when you are insulating your crawl space foundation. To have the insulation done, talk to a professional. This is imperative because if it is not done correctly, this will be more costly over time and will result in your home being too cold or too hot, depending on the season.

Common Crawlspace Foundation Repairs That Are Problematic in Boulder

Common Crawlspace Foundation Repairs That Are Problematic

If you have a crawlspace foundation, you know that there are a number of associated benefits. However, like all types of foundations, there can also be problems. These often come in the form of repairs that people do which are actually more problematic than they are effective with solving issues.

Adding More Foundation Vents

This is something that was common when people followed old building codes. It was done to try and alleviate the high moisture level of a crawlspace. However, over time, contractors discovered that this might actually make the crawlspace hold onto more moisture as a result of humid outdoor air having greater access to the area due to the increased number of vents. It is important to ensure the crawlspace is properly encapsulated to reduce high levels of moisture.

Using Spray Foam for a Foundation Wall That is Damp or Wet

This is certainly an energy-efficient method, but it is not a good idea for a number of reasons too. This is because a crawlspace is rarely a dry space. Using this type of insulation can cause the retention of moisture, and over time, this can cause the structural components to experience dry rot. The only time this insulation method might work is if the following are also present:

·         External footing drains

·         Foundation sealant

·         Downspout extensions

·         Foundation waterproofing membrane

·         Positive grade

Using Fiberglass Insulation for a Damp Crawlspace

Insulating the space is fine, but you have to utilize the right materials or else you could have some major issues on your hands. Fiberglass, when it gets wet and absorbs moisture, is very susceptible to allowing for the growth of mold. It can also get very heavy and eventually fall to the ground. There is a chance that it could start to rot the wood if the insulation is stapled to it since the fiberglass will trap moisture against the wooden elements of a crawlspace.

Venting a Dryer Into Your Crawlspace

This can cause gallons of water to be pumped into the air of your crawlspace. Since warm air rises, this can then move upward into the wood parts of your crawlspace and foundation. Speaking of ducts, you also want to avoid using fiberglass to insulate the heat ducts. This can cause the fiberglass to essentially soak up the excess water as a result of condensation. Over time, this can result in the growth of mold in the fiberglass around the duct.

Improperly Installing Drainage Systems

After heavy rains, it is not uncommon for there to be standing water on the ground floor. It is important that this water is properly removed or prevented. A sump pump by itself is not able to properly remove all of the pooling water in the middle of the crawlspace or around the perimeter. You also want to ensure that a perimeter drain is properly installed.

With this information, you can see why proper foundation repairs are so important. Always work with an experienced contractor to ensure that everything is fixed properly. They will have experience with this type of foundation and will know what the proper fixes are for the issues you are having.

What Might Cause a Slab or a Foundation to Sink in Boulder?

Your foundation is what keeps your home above ground, but there are times when it starts to sink. It is important to know what causes this so that you are able to notice it, as well as take the right preventative measures.

Causes of Foundation Sinking

There are many factors that might cause foundation settlement and movement that all homeowners need to be aware of. These can include:

·         Building on expansive clay

·         Building on improperly compacted fill soils

·         Building on compressible fill soils

·         Improper maintenance around foundations

When it comes to most expansive soil problems, water is the primary culprit. Specific properties of certain soils might shrink or swell when the moisture levels start to vary. How much movement this causes is different among different types of soil.

In general, the soils that are the most susceptible to this issue are those that have a high clay content. This also means that the least affected soils are those that have the lowest clay content. No matter how much clay, when soil is the cause of the movement, it is not always even. There might be areas where the movement is quite pronounced and others where it is more significant.

When the base of a foundation is comprised of soils that are unstable, there is a tendency for the movement of the soil to be transmitted to the foundation. It is rare for soil movement to be uniform, so the foundation is then subjected to an upheaval or a differential. This problem can occur in slap, beam type and pier foundations.

If the soil below a foundation swells in a uniform way, there is often not a problem. However, when only a part of the foundation settles after swelling, issues are relatively common. Damage, such as cracks, happen after the differential movement. Related issues might include:

·         Structural damage

·         Lost real estate value

·         Potential accidents

·         Tripping hazards

·         Unsightly cracks

·         Poor drainage

·         Rough floors

·         Equipment malfunctions

Warning Signs of Slab or Foundation Failure

When movement and sinking happen, your house will usually tell you, both inside and out. The interior warning signs of this can include:

·         Cracked sheetrock

·         Misaligned windows and doors

·         Cracks in the floor

You might also notice certain warning signs when you take a look at the outside of your home. The exterior warning signs of this can include:

·         Wall rotation

·         Cracked bricks

·         Displaced moldings

·         Separation visible around your windows, walls or garage door

·         Cracked or broken foundation

The value of your structure can be negatively impacted by settlement and sinking, so it is imperative that you get it taken care of quickly. In some instances, this can also make the structure too dangerous to inhabit.

If you feel as though your foundation is starting to sink, it is important that you do not delay having it inspected by a professional. Make sure to have them come out as soon as possible since issues that are minor can become worse fast. All repairs should be done by someone with experience to ensure they are done right.

Common Questions About Fixing Foundation Problems in Boulder

If your home has issues with the foundation, this can be a major issue for you as a homeowner. If the issues are allowed to continue without repair, they can become worse and eventually result in major structural damage. There are some questions you want to have the answer to so that you know how to tackle this issue in the easiest and most cost-effective way possible.

What Can Cause a Foundation Problem?

Foundation problems can result from a number of factors. In some cases, the ground that the foundation is built on might be too soft and this could cause the foundation to start to sink over time. Not maintaining the foundation or the area around it can also play a role.

It is a good idea to check your foundation at least once a year. Immediately alert a contractor if you notice that something is not right. It can quickly become a costlier issue if you allow needed repairs to go without a fix.

How Do I Inspect for a Foundation Problem?

Over time, all foundations will settle and this is not always a problem. However, if this happens to be extreme or uneven, issues can result. You want to look for the following:

·         Cracked or uneven floors

·         Windows or doors closing improperly

·         Visible foundation cracks

·         Gaps between the ceiling or floor and the walls

·         Cracked walls

·         Separation around windows, doors or the garage

·         Cracked or displaced moldings

Who Should Fix Foundation Problems?

When you have a foundation problem, it is imperative that it is fixed by a professional with a good reputation or else you could end up with even more problems. Check out the contractors in your area and read reviews to see who is known for providing superior work. They will come out and determine the extent of your foundation damage. From there, the contractor will let you know what needs to be done and will create a plan for the work.

What is the Best Foundation Repair Method?

There are two primary methods that might be used to fix the majority of foundation problems. These include:

·         Piering: This involves underground supports that are placed to support and lift the concrete of the foundation.

·         Slabjacking: This involves goes beneath the slab and fills the space using a grout mixture. This puts the foundation back into its original position by floating it.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair Foundation?

The cost ultimately depends on the work that needs to be done. You can contact a contractor in your area and have them come out to assess what needs to be done. They can give you an estimate so that you can get an idea of what it will cost to get the issue repaired.

Now you have more information about foundation problems and what goes into getting them fixed. If you do need to get work done, make sure that you hire an experienced contractor to ensure that it is done correctly.

Learn More About the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Slab Foundation in Boulder

If you are considering a slab foundation, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages that come with it. This makes it easier to pick the right foundation when you are working on building a home. Here you will get the basic information you need to make an informed decision.

Exploring the Advantages

There are multiple advantages associated with this type of foundation that you need to know about, including:

·         Excavation, labor and forming costs are generally lower compared to other foundation options. This is due to the slab being placed over undistributed soil on grade.

·         It typically takes less time to get the project completed due to not needing extensive excavation. As long as the underlying soil has the right level of stability, the topsoil is removed and the slab is ready to be poured without the contractor having to dig further.

·         Pests, such as wild vermin and rates, are not able to nest below a house with this type of foundation because it is a solid slab of concrete.

·         A slab is not going to be affected if plumbing starts to leak like foundations that utilize wood. This ensures that your foundation remain stables and no joists will rot.

·         You can reduce your overall cooling and heating bills with this type of foundation. This is because it acts as a solid insulator.

·         In most cases, homes with this type of foundation are located closer to the ground. This can make it easier to access for those with mobility issues.

·         The risk of flooding is reduced when you have this type of foundation. There is also a lower risk of mildew and mold accumulating below your home can causing problem. It is also less prone to gas leaks.

Checking the Disadvantages

It is also important that you know about the few disadvantages that are associated with this type of foundation:

·         There is usually limited access to HVAC components when you have this type of foundation. Without a crawlspace or basement, the pieces and parts are usually put below the floors of the home.

·         Un-level floors are possible if great care is not taken when the concrete is poured. Because of this, it is critical that an experienced professional put the slab down so that you can rest assured it will be level and even.

·         If repairs are needed for certain utilities that are located below the home, there is a change that the slab will need to be removed in order to access them. This can cause the integrity of the foundation to be lessened even if it is repaired properly. This can also be a very costly process.

You can see that there is a lot to know concerning slab foundations. With this information, you will be able to determine if a slab foundation best matches your building needs. Once you are ready to proceed with the building, just ensure that you choose a high-quality contractor.

Examining the Three Primary Concrete Foundation Types in Boulder

When you are planning for a foundation, there are several choices to be made. Once you decide on concrete, you have three primary options to pick from. Getting the basic information about each will help to make it a bit easier to choose the one that is right for you.

T-Shaped Foundation

This is a traditional type of concrete foundation. If you live where the ground freezes at any part of the year, this is a solid choice. The footing of this foundation goes below the frost line, helping to protect it when the weather gets cold. The wall goes on top, but it is not as wide as the footing. This ensure that at the foundation’s base, there is a little extra support. Once this foundation is put into place, it is important that it is able to cure before the walls are constructed. Then, between the walls, the slab is poured.

Slab-On-Grade Foundation

This is pretty much the same as the name implies. It is several inches thick, but it is a single layer of concrete. At the edges, it will be a bit thicker to ensure that the footing is strong. At the thickened edge, the contractor will insert reinforcing rods to ensure even greater strength. To improve drainage so that the foundation lasts for a long period of time, the concrete is usually poured onto a bed of crushed gravel. Cracking risk is decreased by utilizing a wire mesh inside the concrete.

This type of foundation is best when you live in an area where the ground never freezes. However, it can be used in freezing areas as well as long as it is properly adapted with insulation. Just ensure that the insulation is sufficient and applied properly.

Frost Protected Foundation

You will need a heated structure for this type of foundation to work. The contractor will utilize polystyrene insulation and it will be applied in two sheets. It is important that each layer of this insulation is rigid. One of the sheets of this insulation will go on top of a bed of gravel. This will be placed by the wall at the base. The second sheet of insulation goes outside of the wall that is associated with the foundation. Both of these sheets work together to help in preventing freezing. This is crucial if you are building a foundation in an area where frost can occur at any time of the year.

The insulation will work to hold feat that comes from the structure. This is held below the footings in the ground. From the edge of the slab, this insulation will also prevent heat loss. Overall, the heat will ensure that the ground that is surrounding the footings remains above freezing.

Think about the property you are looking to build and compare what is needed to the benefits of the different concrete foundation types. Once you settle on a type of concrete foundation, you want to ensure that a reputable contractor does the work to build it.