Frequently Asked Questions

Common warning signs include cracks in drywall or exterior brick, doors and windows that stick or won't close properly, uneven or sloping floors, gaps between walls and ceilings, and bowing or leaning basement walls. If you notice any of these, schedule a free estimate with APS so we can assess the severity.

The most common cause in our service area is expansive clay soil that swells when wet and shrinks when dry, creating movement under the slab or around footings. Heavy rain events, poor drainage, tree root intrusion, and in the Huntsville area, karst limestone geology can also contribute. Each market has its own soil profile, which is why APS engineers evaluate each home individually.

APS uses push pier systems and helical piers to stabilize and lift settling foundations, carbon fiber straps and wall anchors for bowing or cracked basement walls, and polyurethane foam injection for concrete leveling. The right solution depends on your soil conditions, foundation type, and the extent of movement.

Yes. Unresolved foundation issues are a major red flag for buyers and lenders, and can prevent a sale entirely. Repairing the foundation removes that liability and typically recovers most or all of the repair cost at resale. APS provides transferable warranties, which adds further value.

Most residential foundation repairs are completed in one to two days. Larger or more complex jobs may take longer. Your APS project specialist will give you a timeline during your free estimate.

An open, vented crawl space draws in humid outside air, which condenses on cool surfaces and creates the conditions for mold growth, wood rot, and pest activity. Encapsulation seals the space with a heavy-duty vapor barrier, dramatically reducing moisture levels and improving the air quality throughout your home. Unsealed crawl spaces are a major, well-documented source of the air circulating through your home, which is why sealing and conditioning the space improves indoor air quality.

Interior waterproofing manages water that has already entered by installing a drainage system along the interior perimeter that directs water to a sump pump. Exterior waterproofing involves excavating around the foundation to apply a waterproof membrane and install drainage board to stop water before it enters the wall. APS evaluates both options and recommends the most effective solution for your specific situation.

Most sump pumps last 7 to 10 years with regular maintenance. APS recommends annual testing and inspection. We also offer battery backup systems so you are protected during power outages, which are common during the heavy storms that cause the most flooding.

In most cases, yes. Musty odors are almost always caused by elevated moisture and microbial activity. Once the crawl space is sealed and a dehumidifier brings relative humidity below 55%, the conditions that cause odors are eliminated. Existing mold may require remediation before encapsulation.

Polyurethane foam lifting (also called foam jacking) involves drilling small holes in the sunken concrete slab and injecting expanding foam underneath. The foam fills voids, compacts loose soil, and lifts the slab back toward its original position. The holes are patched, and the area is ready to use within 15 minutes. It is faster, less invasive, and more durable than traditional slab replacement or cementitious grouting.

Most slabs can be lifted if the concrete itself is in reasonably good condition. Severely crumbled, heavily reinforced, or slabs over utilities may require replacement instead. APS will assess your slab during the free estimate and give you an honest recommendation.

Polyurethane foam is water-resistant, lightweight, and does not wash away or compress over time. When the underlying cause of settlement (such as poor drainage) is also addressed, results are long-lasting. APS provides a warranty on all concrete lifting work.

Yes, completely free and with no obligation to proceed. An APS project specialist will visit your home, inspect the affected areas, explain what they find, and provide a written estimate. There is no pressure to sign anything that day.

Yes. APS partners with Alabama Power Smart Financing, GreenSky, and Sunlight Financial to offer flexible payment options. Ask your estimator which program fits your project, or visit our Financing page to learn more.

Yes. APS is fully licensed and insured in Alabama and Georgia. Our Mobile, AL operations comply with Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB) requirements. We carry general liability and workers compensation insurance on every job.

Yes. APS serves the Birmingham and Irondale area, Huntsville, Mobile, and Columbus, GA year-round. Foundation and waterproofing issues do not stop in winter, and in many cases wet winter months are the best time to address drainage and waterproofing before spring rains arrive.