Rock Solid Construction, specializing in modular block retaining walls and foundation repair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are some indications of foundation settling problems?

• Foundation walls that are buckled or bowed
• Doors or windows that stick or don't open properly
• Cracks in foundation walls
• Cracks in exterior walls
• Cracks in interior walls and ceilings
• Sunken or buckled interior concrete floors

Why do I have cracks in my walls and why won't my windows open?

Homes and other structures situated on unstable soils settle when their foundations are subjected to extreme moisture conditions or lack proper drainage. These problems are faced annually by some quarter-million homeowners and a shifting foundation may result in structural damage to your home and a loss of your investment.

How does Rock Solid Specialty Construction stop my structure from settling?

We drill the Chance helical pier through the soft, unstable soil to the bedrock underneath. This transfers the weight of the structure from the unstable soil to the load bearing soil below. The weight of your home is then shifted to the piles. In the process, the foundation, walls and floors are repositioned and retained from further movement.

My chimney is separating from my house, as is my front porch. Can you help with these?

Yes. These problems are occurring because many times the chimney and front porch are added after the initial structure has been built and the soil underneath has not been fully compacted. These problems can be easily fixed with Chance helical piers.

Will there be heavy, loud machines tearing up my yard?

No. There is very limited excavation, the site is minimally disturbed and there is no heavy equipment required.

Do you use products other than Chance for foundation support?

No. The Chance Civil Construction Foundation System offers a technically superior and cost-effective alternative to other remedial systems. Their system is backed by more than 80 years of structural engineering experience and they use the finest quality materials. We have been fully trained and certified in installation procedures and are supported by the extensive technical-support services of Chance. All of their products are hot-dip galvanized to increase product life in aggressive soils. Chance also offers training and field supervision of certified installers, geotechnical engineering guidance for any job, and computer-assisted design capability through interactive software programs and a field manual bringing design theory to practical field application.

What are Segmental Retaining Walls (SRW's)?

Segmental Retaining Walls (SRWs) are dry-stacked, mortarless walls made of 100%, low-absorption, high-strength concrete units. SRWs are more economical and easier to install than poured-in-place concrete or traditional masonry walls. Their rugged, rock-solid durability enables them to outlast railroad ties and timbers while remaining environmentally safe.

Are the blocks environmentally safe?

Yes, they are made of high-strength, low-absorption concrete. The block units do not create an environmental hazard like some chemically-treated products. Concrete is the sustainable building material preferred by architects, designers, engineers and other design professionals. The National Concrete Masonry Association has more information on sustainable building using concrete.

What types of block do you use for your retaining walls?

We generally use Rockwood, Geostone or Versa-Lok block, but have many other types available to us. Please let us know if you have a preference.

Can you install lighting in a retaining wall?

Yes, lighting can enhance any landscape project! There are a variety of different products available.

Can you raise steps, chimneys or concrete slabs?

Yes, we can repair steps just like new, settling chimneys can be pushed back against the house and slabs can be raised to original position.

Is your company certified and insured?

Yes, we take an exam by Foundation Technologies, Inc every 2 years to keep us up to date on new products and solutions for foundation problems, and we are fully insured.

What type of equipment is used to install helical piers?

It depends on several aspects of the job; type of pier, soil conditions, working space, etc. We have a mobile hand unit for piers that are installed to hold up to a maximum load of 25,000 lbs, and we have several hydraulic heads of various sizes that are fixed to excavators for larger jobs.

Are your foundation repair products backed by engineers?

Yes, all products with the Chance name have been tested and inspected several times before leaving the factory. We also work closely with Foundation Technologies, Inc engineers on jobs that require professional engineering. Helical piers can also be load tested on site after installation.

Are your retaining walls backed by engineers?

When required, all retaining walls come with designed and engineered stamped drawings. Generally, residential retaining walls do not require professional engineering, but it is available. We work closely with the engineers at Rockwood, Versa-Lok, and Geostone block as well as various other block companies.