Author: Brenda Walter

If you have noticed cracks in your home’s walls or floors, it is essential to contact a foundation repair contractor right away. If left untreated, the damage will worsen over time.

Foundation Repair isn’t cheap, but it is relatively fast and doesn’t require extensive construction. There are several different methods for repairing your home’s foundation.

Steel piers are a highly effective way to stabilize your foundation when the soil beneath it is failing. They are driven into the soil and have been known to reach bedrock, giving you outstanding stability. Also called resistance piers or push piers, they are the preferred method of many foundation repair specialists.

This support option is ideal for structures that have sunk or settled due to organic soils, shrinking and swelling clays, poor soil compaction, footer embedding, erosion and more. This is a very durable and long-lasting solution that is installed quickly, allowing your foundation to be restored in just days instead of weeks.

Unlike concrete pilings, which require time to set, steel piers are able to be installed much faster. They are also less susceptible to damage from frost and ground movement, which means they will be able to support your home for longer. This system is also more economical than concrete pilings, saving you money in the long run.

When using this method for your foundation repairs, a site survey will be performed to determine where piers should be placed around the structure. The location of underground utilities will also be confirmed. Small excavations will be required at each pier placement location. This allows the piers to be loaded and tested during installation. The load transferred to the piers is carefully monitored during this phase, and the piers are documented with their installation force, depths to verified bearing stratum and final pier working loads after restoration.

After the piers are tested, they will be connected to a manifold lift system that will gently and evenly transfer the weight of the structure to them. This process is incredibly safe, quiet and efficient. The hydraulic jacks are removed once the piers have been safely and securely transferred to their new loads. The soil that was excavated at each pier placement will be replaced and compacted.

One drawback of steel piers is that they do not offer as many aesthetic options as concrete foundations, which can be finished in different ways and made to match your home’s exterior. Additionally, steel piers are more expensive than concrete pilings and may not be the best choice for budget-minded homeowners.

Concrete Pile

Concrete piles are long, slender columns made of concrete that are driven into the ground to serve as a sturdy foundation for various types of structures. They’re a vital component in civil engineering projects that require deep foundations, such as skyscrapers and bridges that span vast water bodies. They’re also often used for foundation repair, as they can help to support sunken sections of a home.

There are several different methods that can be used to install a concrete pile. One technique involves using a hydraulic ram to press the piles into place. This method is typically used to support a foundation that has experienced severe movement. However, it can also be used to stabilize other sunken portions of a home, such as driveways and sidewalks.

Another method of installing a concrete pile uses steel reinforcing rods to create a support system. This method is typically used to support helical piles and can be used in conjunction with other structural repair techniques, such as steel piers or concrete push piers.

One of the most popular forms of a concrete pile is a precast, cast-in-situ, or prestressed pile. These piles are manufactured at a factory and then transported to the construction site where they’re installed with a heavy machine called a pile driver. They’re commonly used in coastal areas, where they’re often a cost-effective alternative to more traditional concrete piles.

The advantage of these piles is their ability to transfer load from a building to the surrounding soil or rock. This makes them an ideal solution for areas where the surface soil has insufficient load-bearing capacity. In addition, their durability and strength make them an excellent choice for supporting structures that require a long lifespan.

Although they offer many advantages, there are some disadvantages to using concrete piles. One of the most significant is their installation process, which can be difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, piles can be damaged by vibrations caused by the driving of pile drivers.

In addition to these issues, concrete piles can be subject to movement from the underlying soil. This movement can occur for a variety of reasons, including climate changes and seismic activity. This can cause the piles to shift and may not be able to provide adequate support for your home. For this reason, it’s important to choose a foundation repair company that knows the area and understands how soils move. Also, beware of companies that quote a 1″ tolerance for their repairs because this is a perspective tolerance that is not defined by City codes.

Poured Concrete Piers

One of the most popular types of foundation pier is made from concrete. These piers are less expensive than steel ones, but they work just as well to end foundation problems. They’re easy to use and they don’t deteriorate quickly. They also redistribute a structure’s weight to a more reliable area under the building, helping to prevent damage and cracking.

Typically, concrete base piers are poured onsite. First, the contractor will excavate a hole 12-24″ in diameter next to the foundation at a depth that has been pre-determined by the geotechnical engineer. The rebar cage is inserted and then fresh concrete is poured to fill the shaft. Once cured, concrete piers are able to resist both vertical and lateral stresses.

Poured concrete piers are a big, solid cylinder of reinforced concrete that can be purchased in prefabricated forms from home improvement stores (one brand is called Sonotube(r)). They are used to stabilize the foundation and extend its life by transferring weight to load-bearing soils under the foundation.

If your pier and beam or crawlspace foundation has settled, this can create gaps around doors and windows, and even affect the structural integrity of the house. This kind of problem is usually caused by expansive soils, differential settling, or erosion. Underpinning, which is the process of installing a system of vertical anchors under a foundation to transfer the weight of the structure to more stable, load-bearing soils, can resolve these issues.

This type of repair will require a full engineering report to be compiled by a geotechnical engineer. This report will detail the soil types under the foundation, their load-bearing capacity, and how the structure is being affected by them. Once the report has been completed, the engineer will recommend the best repair option for your property.

Poured concrete piers and helical piers are both long-term solutions for repairing a foundation, but they will need to be maintained. Regular tweaks, reshims and replacements will ensure that they are able to support your structure for as long as possible. Proper maintenance will help keep them in great shape, and will reduce the amount of time you’ll spend on repairing them.

Steel Pier Supports

When structural repair needs to be performed on large projects like warehouses, high-rise apartment buildings and production facilities, steel piers are a preferred choice for foundation support. This is because they have a higher load capacity than concrete piers and are unaffected by soil shifts. In addition, they are less prone to corrosion, making them ideal for long-term use.

Steel piers are also an effective solution for older houses, especially those with a wood-framed basement. They are able to lift the house and correct issues such as drywall cracks, floor gaps, and separation between door and window frames that have been caused by the foundation shifting.

These piers are installed by trained and certified professionals who will conduct an inspection of the foundation and surrounding soil to determine what is causing the sinking and settling. They can then recommend the number and location of piers needed to restore stability to the structure.

The installation of steel piers can be completed quickly and without disruption to the home. They are also environmentally friendly, reducing the amount of noise and vibration produced during construction. This is a major advantage over traditional concrete foundations that can disturb sensitive environmental conditions and require extensive excavation and curing time.

Unlike other forms of support, steel piers are driven deep into the ground, often through clay, to reach a hard strata of weathered shale or bedrock. This means that the piers will never be subject to changes in water levels and are not susceptible to expansion or contraction of the soil, which can cause further damage to the foundation and house.

In most cases, steel piers are installed using hydraulic equipment that is easy to transport to the site. Once the piers are placed, the hydraulic jacks are used to lift the house onto the piers and stabilize it. The Field Superintendent ensures that interior and exterior elevation readings are taken at regular intervals during the lifting process, so that the piers can be adjusted accordingly.

Once the piers have been installed and loaded, they can be topped with a friction collar to provide additional support for the structure. The piers are then sealed and the job site is backfilled. The piers are monitored for future movement and, once deemed safe, the steel piers can be removed with relative ease.

Keep Your Underarms Fresh With an Aluminum Free Deodorant

April 24, 2024

Brenda Walter

Body Essentials No Comments

Aluminum Free Deodorant aims to keep you fresh without interfering with the body’s natural physiologic processes. These clean alternatives focus on odor control instead of blocking or preventing sweat and reflect a growing trend toward mindful personal care.

You may notice that your pits feel drier in the first week as you adjust to an aluminum-free formula. This is normal and a sign that your body is adapting to its new home.

If you’re looking for a deodorant that’ll keep your underarms dry, look for aluminum free options. But, keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different and you may find that an aluminum-free product gives you a rash or causes other side effects. If you notice any redness, burning or itching, stop using the product immediately and talk to your dermatologist. Those are signs that you might have an allergy or sensitivities to one of the other ingredients in the formula.

You may have heard rumors that aluminum compounds in antiperspirants can cause Alzheimer’s disease and breast cancer, but these claims have been debunked and are not proven true. Instead, a few years ago a new generation of products began popping up called natural deodorants that focus on odor-neutralizing and not blocking pores. These options are also often free of other common irritants like fragrance, talc and artificial dyes.

These products are available in sticks, sprays, gels and even stones that you can rub under your arms. Some contain baking soda and magnesium hydroxide to neutralize odor-causing bacteria, while others use tapioca starch to soak up moisture. Many of these clean beauty products are free of talc, alcohol and phthalates and come in a wide array of scents, including unscented and vegan options.

One of the most popular is Native’s aluminum-free formula, which comes in a stick, spray and gel. The brand’s signature bergamot and lavender scent is one of Bazaar editors’ favorites.

Another option is Le Labo’s quick-drying, plant-based deodorant in a classic cologne-like scent. The brand’s signature grooming fragrance contains eucalyptus and lavender for a masculine aroma.

Of course, if you’re not interested in going the natural route, you can try some of the other countless options out there, which are usually made with ingredients that most people’s skin can tolerate. Just make sure that whatever you choose doesn’t contain sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate, which are known to irritate some skin types.

Reduces Underarm Irritation

Those pesky yellow pit stains on your white shirts are caused by the aluminum salts in standard deodorants. They react with underarm sweat to create the staining effect. Switching to an aluminum free deodorant helps reduce those stains, which will keep your clothes looking fresh and clean.

Aluminum has also been linked to a range of health issues, including breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. The concerns around aluminum have to do with the fact that it plugs up the sweat ducts, which then causes the body to stop sweating entirely. The fear is that this prevents the elimination of potentially harmful toxins, which would otherwise be released through the axillary lymph nodes and into the urine and feces.

The truth is that the vast majority of health professionals have not found any direct link between aluminum and these serious issues. It is more likely that the odor-fighting ingredients in standard antiperspirants—particularly the synthetic group of aluminium salts known as phthalates and propylene glycol—are to blame for these health concerns.

Unlike standard deodorants, clean beauty products that are aluminum-free use natural ingredients like baking soda and magnesium hydroxide to neutralize odor-causing bacteria and tapioca starch to help keep underarms dry. Our aluminum-free deodorant goes on clear, so you don’t have to worry about it leaving any white marks or cakes of talc under your arms.

Another reason to choose an aluminum-free deodorant is that it’s gentle on the skin, whereas standard antiperspirants can irritate it. This is because the chemicals in these products clog the pores and block the sweat ducts, which can cause itchy and abrasive red bumps called prickly heat rash. The best way to avoid a rash when you’re first trying out an aluminum-free deodorant is to apply it gently after shaving, waxing, or other hair removal practices and to moisturize regularly with a soothing product like extra virgin coconut oil or Manuka honey.

You can further reduce irritation when you switch to an aluminum-free deodorant by allowing a few weeks for your body to adjust. If you’re still having trouble, try experimenting with different products and applying them in the morning instead of after shaving.

Reduces Underarm Sweating

The aluminum in antiperspirants plugs your sweat glands, which prevents your body from properly regulating itself and releasing the toxins it naturally needs to. The problem is that your pores may become overloaded with the buildup of aluminum, which can lead to rashes, itchy underarms, and even skin irritation and inflammation. Luckily, switching to an aluminum free deodorant will help your underarms get back to normal.

In the first week or two of using a new aluminum-free deodorant, you’ll probably sweat more than usual. This is because your underarm pores are shedding the aluminum chemicals they’ve stored up for so long. Some bodies process these metals faster than others, which can cause some people to experience a more pronounced detox period than others.

After the detox period, most people don’t notice much of a difference between their regular antiperspirant and an aluminum free deodorant. However, if you’re sweating more than usual, you should try to stay well hydrated and avoid wearing tight or dark clothing, which can make the stains from your old deodorant more visible.

While any product that is slathered on your underarms can technically be considered a deodorant, the type of deodorant that’s growing in popularity is one that does not contain aluminum. Known as natural or safe deodorants, these formulas minimize, neutralize, and mask underarm odor. They also forego harsh chemicals like sulfates, which strip essential oils from the skin; fragrances that can trigger reactions; estrogen mimickers called parabens; and pore-clogging metals.

Instead, they use ingredients like baking soda and shea butter to keep you fresh all day long. And while they don’t offer the same level of protection as antiperspirants, many are just as effective. Some natural deodorants even come with added benefits, like moisturizing your underarms or giving you a light, fresh scent. For example, the Duke Cannon deodorant is designed to keep you dry and smelling good all day, with a masculine, clean, and refined scent. The aluminum-free formula is made with shea butter, aloe, and other natural ingredients that will leave your underarms smooth and healthy.

Reduces Underarm Odor

One of the most common reasons for using deodorant is to reduce underarm odor. Most antiperspirants contain aluminum, which blocks sweat glands and prevents you from sweating. Unfortunately, aluminum is also linked to several health issues including Alzheimer’s and breast cancer. That’s why going aluminum free is the best way to avoid the negative effects of this ingredient.

The good news is that aluminum free deodorants still keep you smelling fresh throughout the day. While they may not block underarm sweating the same way that antiperspirants do, many of these products use natural ingredients to neutralize and mask odor. They’re also free from other irritants like baking soda and talc. These types of ingredients are known to cause white marks or yellow stains on clothes, which can be hard to get out. Aluminum free deodorants avoid these ingredients so you won’t have to worry about unsightly stains on your favorite tops.

When you’re switching to an aluminum free deodorant, it’s important to understand that your body will likely go through a bit of a detox for the first few weeks. This is because your pits will be purging any remaining aluminum from the pores and recalibrating their balance of microscopic bacteria. This is what causes that temporary body odor during the switch.

However, if you stick with your new aluminum free deodorant, it shouldn’t last long. Once your pits adjust, they should be able to fight odor with the help of natural and safe ingredients like zinc oxide and shea butter.

You can also try products that are formulated with tapioca starch, an absorbent powder that works to stop sweat from soaking into the skin. This is a great option for people who have sensitive skin or have to wear a lot of clothing made with wool and other materials that can irritate the underarms. It also works well for those who have a harder time getting used to the feel of a regular aluminum free deodorant. This product from Wild uses this natural ingredient to provide the same amount of odor protection that their other products do.

Different Types of Residential Mortgage Loans

October 17, 2023

Brenda Walter

Real Estate No Comments

If you’re shopping for a mortgage, it’s important to understand the different types of home loans available. Steve Wilcox W/Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. offers unique benefits and may be better suited for certain situations or borrowers.

Conventional mortgages are loans originated, backed, and serviced by private mortgage lenders, not government entities like the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA). These loans can be used to buy a primary, second, or investment property. Conventional mortgages are typically available for borrowers with good credit and enough money for a larger down payment to avoid paying monthly mortgage insurance (PMI).

Unlike some other types of residential mortgages, conventional loans usually require higher credit scores and debt-to-income ratios and often have more stringent requirements than those offered by government agencies. However, they may offer more flexible terms than those provided by FHA or VA loans, including the ability to pay taxes and insurance through an escrow account rather than having them added to your monthly mortgage payment.

Mortgage lenders set the interest rates that conventional mortgages carry based on their credit, financial, and market analyses, their expectations for future inflation, the supply of and demand for mortgage-backed securities, and other factors. Mortgage calculators can help borrowers determine what loan amount, interest rate, and down payments will work best for them based on their circumstances and long-term goals.

A conventional mortgage can be used to purchase any property. Most lenders prefer borrowers to put down 20% or more of the home’s purchase price, which allows them to avoid paying PMI. However, lower down payments may be possible for borrowers with excellent credit and a strong income. Lenders also want to ensure that borrowers have the means to make the monthly mortgage payments so that they will ask for documentation like pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements.

Government-backed loans are mortgages that are insured by a federal agency like the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA), or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These loan programs help borrowers who may not qualify for conventional mortgages due to their debt-to-income ratio or credit score.

The main benefit of these loans is that they have more flexible qualification criteria than traditional mortgages. This includes lower credit score requirements and lower down payment options, such as 0% down on some USDA or FHA loans. Additionally, these programs can offer mortgage interest rates that are slightly lower than conventional loans.

Conventional loans aren’t insured by the government, which means lenders take on more risk. As a result, they typically have stricter loan requirements, higher upfront fees, and mortgage insurance payments.

These loans are typically available for many people and can be a great option for first-time homebuyers needing help qualifying for a conventional loan. However, there are better fits for these types of loans, and it’s important to consider your options before choosing a loan program.

It’s also important to note that although the Federal Housing Administration, Department of Agriculture, and the VA are the backing agencies for these government-backed mortgages, they don’t make them directly available to borrowers. Instead, These mortgages are offered by private lenders approved by the government-backed entities. To find out which lenders offer these types of loans, talk to your mortgage professional or use an online lookup tool. A mortgage professional can provide a more detailed description of government-backed mortgage programs and their requirements. They can also help you compare these programs to traditional mortgages to choose the right one for your needs.

A second mortgage allows homeowners to tap into their home equity without refinancing their primary loan. Borrowers can typically borrow up to 85% of their home’s value minus their prior mortgage loan balance. This type of mortgage is typically more difficult to obtain than a traditional forward mortgage, as lenders require homeowners to retain enough home equity to be eligible for this type of financing. Additionally, second mortgages carry higher interest rates and fees than conventional loans, and defaulting on this type of financing can result in the home being seized by the lender.

Two major types of second mortgages are home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). Home equity loans provide borrowers with lump sum payouts repaid over a fixed term. HELOCs, however, work like a revolving line of credit that you can draw from and repay at any time.

The eligibility requirements for these mortgages can vary, but all lenders expect a high credit score and stable employment history. Lenders also review the home’s property appraisal to ensure it has sufficient value. Those considering a second mortgage should keep a folder of all the necessary documents, including pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, tax returns, and proof of income.

Conventional mortgages are the most popular residential financing option, accounting for over 9.5 million loan originations in 2021 alone. This can be beneficial for borrowers as it helps keep down the cost of borrowing. However, conventional mortgages can be more difficult to qualify for due to the strict underwriting guidelines and high credit score requirements that lenders impose.

Government-backed mortgages, on the other hand, are designed to assist borrowers who may not meet conventional mortgage requirements. The most popular types of government-backed mortgages are FHA loans, USDA loans, and VA loans. FHA loans are often a great choice for first-time buyers, as they have credit and down payment requirements than conventional mortgages.

Home equity loans and HELOCs offer borrowers access to cash based on the value of their home. Unlike a second mortgage, which requires full principal and interest payments, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) works more like a traditional credit card and typically has variable interest rates.

Applying for a home equity loan or HELOC involves submitting financial documents, including W-2s and bank statements, to prove your income, assets, employment, and credit scores. The lender will also want to know how much equity you have built in your home and verify the property’s appraisal value.

During the draw period, usually ten years, homeowners can borrow as much or as little as they want, paying only the interest on the outstanding balance. However, after the draw period, borrowers must begin making principal and interest payments on the balance owed. This is an important consideration because the lender could foreclose on the home if a borrower fails to pay back the balance.

A HELOC can be a helpful source of funds for debt consolidation, home improvement projects, or emergencies. It can also provide access to a lower interest rate than credit cards and personal loans, which makes it a good option for people who struggle with high-interest debt or bad credit.

The biggest downside to a HELOC is that spending more than you have can be easy, creating a cycle of added debt and possibly even putting your home at risk. Many lenders will only allow you to borrow up to 85% of the equity you have in your home, and some may limit access after a certain number of years.

A home equity loan and HELOC ultimately come with significant risks and rewards. Reviewing your options carefully and consulting with a lender to determine the best financing solution is important. When you do, it’s a good idea to compare rates across lenders, including big national banks, community banks, and credit unions, to get the best possible deal on your loan. Remember that your credit score impacts your interest rates, so take steps to improve it before applying.

Types of Piers Used for Foundation Repair