A location’s geographical conditions can play an important role in determining how foundation professionals approach repairs. This means that the skills and methods used to solve foundation problems are often determined by the environment. When you are searching for Louisiana foundation repair companies, it helps to understand the foundation repair methods best suited to your area. Learn more about some of the differences between New Orleans and Baton Rouge foundation repair companies with WCK Foundation Repair.
New Orleans Foundation Repair and Shoring
Louisiana foundation repair companies serving the New Orleans area rely on specialized methods and equipment suited to the soil conditions of the region. The water table in New Orleans is much higher than it is in the Baton Rouge area and the I-12 corridor along the Northshore (Hammond, Covington, Slidell, etc.). The top layer of soil is also much softer. In order to repair foundations and prevent movement, these companies often use pressed piers that are designed to find rock and firm soil that are typically found much deeper in the New Orleans area.
These pressed piers don’t work well in the Baton Rouge and Northshore areas due to their denser soils. Pressed piers are designed to go deep into the ground. North of New Orleans, the soil is dense enough that solid ground can typically be found within the first four feet. When pressed piers push through this dense layer of soil, they reach a much softer layer that provides little to no stability. If these pressed piers are placed too shallowly to avoid softer soil, they become much less effective.
Baton Rouge and Northshore Foundation Repair
In the Baton Rouge and Northshore areas, homes are built on denser, clay-laden soil. The water table is also much lower. The ideal method for foundation repair in these conditions is the drilled-pier method. This method requires very little movement from the structure and can be very effective in dense soil. However, it is not suited for most New Orleans areas since the piers do not move far enough below the home to anchor in a solid layer of soil.
Franchised Foundation Repair Companies and Louisiana
These unique and differing soil conditions are major factors when choosing between Louisiana foundation repair companies, especially franchises. Many large companies sell their franchising rights to inexperienced business owners. They are trained at a corporate center on soil conditions that are quite different from the unique types of soil across Louisiana.
One reason these franchises are attractive to the owners is that they don’t have to hire or train employees. Instead, they can simply subcontract labor. Again, this labor force is rarely familiar with the conditions causing foundation damage in our area. And if they are, they don’t have access to the appropriate resources to effectively repair the damage.
What Should Louisiana Homeowners Looking for Foundation Repair Companies Do?
Ultimately, if you live in Louisiana, you want to choose a foundation repair company that understands the soil beneath your home best. If you live in New Orleans or a nearby community, it helps to seek the expertise of a local foundation repair company. The same is true if you live in the Baton Rouge area or along the Northshore. When it comes to your home’s foundation, choosing a local foundation repair company can be the right move.
For over 30 years, WCK Foundation Repair has been repairing and restoring the safety and value of homes and businesses across Baton Rouge and the Northshore. This family-owned foundation repair company remains a locally focused operation. This allows us to maintain our full-time, expert staff while remaining committed to our communities and customers.
WCK only works with local engineers to get the best information for our unique conditions. And we create a customized solution for each project. Call 225-664-5956 to get started or reach out to us online for a free estimate. When you want the job done right, you want WCK Foundation Repair.