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Foundation Repair, home contractor, home foundation repair

What You Should Look for in a Home Foundation Repair Contractor

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You just recently inspected your home foundation repair. It is desperately in need of repair. You look up local home foundation repair contractors in your area. Now, you have found a list of possible contractors you can hire. Now, what do you do? 

There are several essential criteria you should look for in a home foundation repair contractor. So, before you hire one, consider these points: 

  1. Understand the basics of home foundation repair: This will assure you that you locate a quality contractor. If you don’t understand the basics of your home’s foundation and potential issues, you may fall for the charlatans (and I know them well) and you won’t be able to accurately assess whether the contractor can solve your home foundation issues. Research how a strong foundation works and how they are repaired. Find out why foundations crumble and learn whether it is water damage, age, or terrain. Find out why your home foundation is cracking or settling. Once you find out this important information, you can find a credible contractor to do the work. 
  2. Find out if they have the proper licenses. Make sure that your home foundation contractor has the correct licenses to do the repairs. An unlicensed home foundation contractor can cause even more damage! Their mistakes and negligence could cost you much more money and add stress. In Maryland, the home foundation contractor must have an MHIC. The Maryland Home Improvement Commission licenses and regulates home improvement contractors. According to the commission, “Home improvement work includes alteration, remodeling, repair or replacement of a building or part of a building used as a residence.” *** Never hire a home foundation contractor who doesn’t have an MHIC license that is current and in good standing.
  3. Liability and Workman’s Comp Insurance. Confirm that your home foundation contractor has general liability insurance to cover any injuries that may occur to the workers and you. If they do not have liability coverage, then you could be responsible for damages. (Although, this is not a given as most homeowners policies will not cover contractors working on a home.) Your home foundation contractor should also carry a workman’s compensation. It is required in Maryland. Before you hire them, have them show you all the insurance documents. They should have them readily available in their portfolio.
  4. Establish a budget. Even if they are reliable home foundation contractors, they may not be affordable. So, set up a budget and let the contractor know that this is the money you can spend. Understand the average cost of a foundation repair to get started. It may cost on average $6,000, but prices vary in the DMV area. If you understand the damage to your home foundation, you can set up a reasonable budget. You can also find lenders for that amount.
  5. Get references. Your prospective home foundation contractor should have pages of references. There should also be references on their social media channels. If they have no references, stay away. 
  6. Schedule an inspection with the home foundation repair contractor that you have chosen. The home foundation contractor should analyze the issue, recommend an action, quote the cost of the repair, and give you a timeline. 

Finding a home foundation repair contractor, especially if this is the first time you’ve had to do it, can be intimidating. If you follow the above steps, you should be able to find the best and most qualified contractor who will do the job correctly.

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any issues. Call our home foundation repair and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

*** For more information on the MHIC, visit the State of Maryland Department of Labor website.  

Foundation Repair, helical piers

Home Foundation Repair: How Much Home Foundation Movement is Too Much?

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One inch for every two feet. 

That’s how much the home foundation movement is acceptable. Home foundations move and as we will see in this blog, there is acceptable movement and unacceptable movement. 

But, first, there are two forms of foundation movement that most homes experience: uniform and differential settlement.

  1. Uniform settlement. The home foundation settles slightly into the ground after construction. It should be the same across the entire home. An uneven settlement should cause concern. 
  2. Differential settlement. Sections of your home settle at uneven rates. Signs of this include drywall cracks, cracked floors, foundation cracks, and windows and doors that are sticking. 

Causes of the home foundation movement include 

  1. Extensive digging. Too much soil is removed around the foundation. Thus, it has very little support. This mainly occurs in basements. 
  2. Weather changes. Extreme weather conditions from dry soil to wet soil cause it to sink in sections. Flooding can disperse soil from under the foundation.
  3. Expansive soil. This soil expands and shrinks based on how much water saturates the dirt. 

There are ways to conduct home repair foundations when this type of settlement occurs. Here are a few different ways to fix the home foundation movement.

  1. Helical piers. These lift settling foundations. They are pushed into the soil around the foundation and twisted until they reach their highest load-bearing limit.
  2. Helical tieback anchors. Beams are twisted into the dirt from inside the basement. When twisted, they pull the wall back outward. 
  3. Carbon fiber repair. Carbon is used to straighten bowing walls and close foundation cracks. It’s a strong material and is almost unbreakable.
  4. Steel push piers. These are pushed under the foundation soil until they are strong enough to support the home’s weight. Then, hydraulic jacks are attached to the foundation sides and pushed down on the piers. This pressure lifts the home.
  5. Compaction grouting. Polyurethane foam is injected into loose soil underneath the foundation. The foam expands and hardens. It forms balls or columns of dense structural supports. The process compacts the weak soil.
  6. Permeation grouting. Cement is injected underneath the foundation. This injection fills gaps in the soil and compacts the weak soil into a solid mass. 
  7. Wall plate anchors (for concrete block walls). If the basement and foundation walls are bowing, home foundation repair technicians use wall plate anchors that are inserted inside the bowing wall. The anchor is placed in a trench and the steel beam is slipped through the plate, wall, and dirt until it meets with the anchor outside. Once they connect, the plates are torqued, pulling the wall out and stopping to correct the movement.

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any basement waterproofing issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince Georges, MD, and Howard County, MD.

 

basement waterproofing, concrete repair, home structural repair

How to Use Carbon Fiber Straps to Repair Foundation Cracks

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As winter approaches, you may have noticed that there are cracks in and around your home foundation. They may be hairline cracks or large cracks. Regardless, they will increase in size and cause problems with your home as we have covered in previous blogs. 

However, your home foundation cracks may be at the point of no return. Now, maybe the time to contact a home foundation repair company to have those cracks repaired. Your home foundation repair contractor may recommend using carbon fiber straps to improve the foundation. 

How do these cracks occur? Home basement foundations are exposed to many hazards underground. Water can be the most significant hazard. Living in a low water table region, the soil gets saturated with water. That water pools around the foundation walls. The water pressure eventually pushes against the foundation. Soil also can be an issue as it expands. It absorbs a lot of water. The water pressure pushes against your basement walls and causes them to bow. Water must be kept from soaking into the dirt near the home foundation.

Carbon Fiber Strips are four times stronger than steel and typically outperform most forms of foundation repair tools. They are smart home foundation repair solutions for the following reasons: 

  1. Carbon fiber strap: Being four times stronger than steel, carbon fiber straps are lighter, more efficient, and less expensive. The epoxy rivet technology makes sure the strap will adhere to the wall and stay attached for many years.
  2. Top anchor: The top of the carbon fiber strap connects to the rim joist. This is where the foundation wall meets the first or main floor. It’s post-tensioned for maximum strength.
  3. Bottom anchor: The bottom of the carbon fiber strap is anchored into the foundation floor, so the wall won’t slide inward. 
  4. Carbon fiber dowels/pins may also be installed inside basement corners to “pin” the wall together. They may also be used against the flat face of a wall to keep the structure together as additional support. These are not as commonly used as other carbon fiber home foundation repair tools. 
  5. Carbon fiber straps are fastened to compromised basement walls and corners. If the crack is in the corner of the basement, it’s possible that both walls can move inward or even collapse. Most home foundation repair contractors install straps horizontally around the corner, four feet in either direction so the wall is structurally secure.

Installation of these carbon fiber straps can be completed efficiently, often in only a few hours. So, you would not have to vacate your home, nor would your daily lifestyle be inconvenienced. If you are considering solutions to your home foundation cracks, and soon before the snow and ice hits Western Maryland.  

If you need carbon fiber foundation repair or basement waterproofing, M Taylor Enterprise home foundation repair contractors can consult in Prince George, Montgomery County, and Howard County, MD. If you have seen any of these cracks in your home foundation, call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. 

We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

 

basement waterproofing, crawl space repair

Reasons You Should Winterize Your Crawl Space

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It’s not even officially winter yet, but the chilly days and nights have already hit Maryland. The forty-degree days and thirty-degree nights have people wrapping up and staying indoors. ***

There is someplace else that is also quite cold this time of year. Your home’s crawl space. As we have covered in previous blogs, your crawlspace is an integral part of your home.

Now that winter is only a few weeks away, you may want to consider winterizing your crawlspace. Here are a few things that you can do:

  1. Add insulation: Insulation will soak in the moisture and make your home more comfortable. Adding a layer of insulation will make a big difference in the warmth of your home. It will also reduce the moisture from condensation on the walls so your home will be warmer during the winter. 
  2. Check for leaks. As the temperature drops, rain may turn to sleet or snow. Snow runs off into the crawl space creating a constant presence of moisture. This leads to cracks, mildew, and home foundation damage. Water may also drain from it causing a myriad of home structure issues. 
  3. Air vents should be closed. If air vents are open, they can freeze pipes and water lines. To prevent this, close the air vents. The air vents send warm air into the home which circulates cold air pulled through the air vents in the crawl space. 
  4. Insulate the pipes. If your pipes freeze, you are in trouble.  Check your pipes to see if they are cold and moist. The pipes closest to the walls need to be protected. Wrap them with blankets so they are protected from the cold. 
  5. Rodents are everywhere. Inspect your crawlspace for mice and rats. They will leave feces trails. When cold weather arrives, these rodents will make a home in your crawlspace to keep warm. Holes need to be plugged to prevent rodents from entering and staying.
  6. Add a vapor barrier. Crawl spaces with dirt floors may increase in humidity. Moisture gets trapped in the dirt and will evaporate. A vapor barrier will help. Vapor barriers block moisture. They will stop mold from forming. They prevent insects from burrowing in and also stop wood from dry rot. Depending on the floor in your crawl space, you can choose from several different types of vapor barriers. 

These are not expensive things to do but your crawl space will be protected. It will make your home more comfortable and protect the home from structural damage.

If you are having issues with your home comfort, you may need crawl space repair. Contact M. Taylor Enterprise for an inspection. We will analyze it and make recommendations. Our experienced crawl space repair team can make the necessary repairs. Call (301) 649-3406 or at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com for a free consultation. 

We serve the Montgomery County, Maryland area.

*** You can find out more about summer weather on the State of Maryland website. 

 

 

home structural repair

Important Things You Need to Know About Home Structural Repair

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Your home’s structure keeps it together and standing. It is that simple. Unfortunately, so many customers I have worked for over many years have told me that they don’t plan for home structural repairs. Eventually, the worst happens, and the repairs become even more costly.

So, when we talk about home structural repair, what do we mean exactly? These repairs would include basic structural repairs such as the home foundation, frame, beams, and other types of repairs. You need to get these repaired if your home begins to move, sink, or large cracks are seen. These may need to be repairs made on older homes that don’t meet safety and code standards. While home structural repairs don’t have a huge cosmetic impact on the property, so it doesn’t add to the value of the property. However, if these repairs are not made, it will be difficult to sell the home as home inspectors will cite this in their reports. 

So, you may need a home structural repair for any number of reasons if your home is several decades old. A licensed, qualified home structural engineer can inspect the structure to find out if any repairs are needed. 

Home structural repairs require skilled repair teams as you are working with the most important parts of a home. An experienced and professional home structural engineer can make sure that it is secure and safe. 

Additionally, if you do suspect a structural issue, we recommend that you contact a home structural repair company as soon as possible. Delays mean that the home will deteriorate further and could be unsafe for occupancy. 

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any home structural issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

home drainage system

Protect Your Home Foundation With French Drains

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Rains, snow, and ice in Central Maryland can cause flooding and water damage. ***

As we have discussed in my previous blogs, you must make sure that water is directed away from the home foundation. If water is allowed to pool around the home foundation or leaks into the basement, it can cause significant damage to the foundation, walls, and interior. It can be costly to repair. 

French Drains, which can be built around the perimeter of the home, direct water away from the home foundation. French drains, using gravity and sump pumps, remove the water and keep it away from the foundation so that it doesn’t erode the home foundation. 

Drains move water away from one area to another. A French drain is a ditch lined with gravel and a perforated pipe. It makes it easy for water to flow through the gravel and into a drainage pipe. The perforated pipe is set at a downward-sloping angle allowing gravity to work. It can also be used to prevent basement flooding and protect the home foundation from water damage. A weeping tile French drain protects the home structure against hydrostatic pressure. These weeping tile French drains are placed around the home perimeter to draw water away from the foundation.

There are three main reasons that you may want to install a French drain in your home:

  1. It redirects moisture. As mentioned earlier, the French drain uses gravity to redirect the water away from the home foundation. Water has to be removed so that it and moisture won’t weaken the concrete foundation. That water will freeze and thaw during the winter. The French drain resolves this as it can direct the moisture to another part of the yard, including the garden or yard, making it an environmentally smart method of improving the yard’s appearance. 
  2. Keeps the soil together. It prevents or mitigates soil erosion. After heavy rains, soil can erode quickly. An inefficient drainage system will not deal with erosion problems in your yard. Decay means plants will have fewer nutrients and moisture. Erosion also ruins the landscape look. French drains prevent soil erosion. It prevents water saturation and keeps a balanced moisture level in garden soil. 
  3. Barely see them. Since a French drain is underground, it can barely be seen. Pipes and gravel can be covered by grass, pavers, and pebbles. 
  4. Cost-effective. French drains can be quite affordable depending on the length of pipe needed and other installation factors. 

If you are concerned about the coming snow and ice that we see in Central Maryland, you may want to consider having French drains installed around your home. These drains will go a long way toward preserving your home foundation. 

If you want a French Drain installed, contact M. Taylor Enterprise for an inspection. We will analyze it and make recommendations. Our experienced basement waterproofing team can install it. Contact us at (301) 649-3406 for a consultation.

We serve the Montgomery County, Maryland area.

*** For more on Central Maryland weather, visit the Maryland Weather website. 

 

Foundation Repair

Concrete Repair 101: What Causes Sidewalks to Deteriorate and Crack Over Time?

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The life and durability of the sidewalks around your home vary. If they are quality materials, they may not crack or deteriorate for a very long time. However, if the materials are not quality or if the weather has extremes, then your sidewalks may have hairline cracks or breakage. 

Concrete is also not perfect. It breaks, cracks, and deteriorates like anything else.  So, because of that, sidewalks will have to be repaired. When the extreme Maryland weather, winter ice to summer humidity, the materials in the concrete contract and expand, causing the concrete to deteriorate. ***

These extreme weather events on concrete crack, break, and sink. Rain, dew, and moisture also seep into the sidewalk cracks, expanding them. Eventually, the concrete looks worn out and unsightly.  

So, what other factors besides weather can cause sidewalk cracking?  

  1. One factor that many people don’t know is that concrete has weight limitations. It can withstand limited weight, but over time it will begin to deteriorate due to these factors:   
  2. People walking on concrete sidewalks. 
  3. Heavy equipment that is rolled across the sidewalks may cause it to crack or break. 
  4. Poor installation damages the concrete before the expected time.  
  5. Air pockets. Empty spaces in the soil below the concrete slab may cause cracking. This usually occurs when the concrete slab sits on uneven ground and has not solidly compacted, creating air pockets. After a while, soil settles into these pockets. Soil is not strong enough to hold it, causing the slab to sink and crack.
  6. Substances like HCL, Sulphur and salt trigger the deterioration, creating deep cracks in the concrete slab.

It’s not difficult to find out if your sidewalks are falling apart. You can just look at them. Their appearance will tell you if it needs to be repaired or replaced. If you see that your sidewalk is damaged or cracked, contact a licensed and experienced concrete repair contractor. 

When it gets even worse, and it will, it may cause injuries. So, now it is a liability risk. Don’t delay in getting this repaired.  

If you are seeing cracks in your sidewalks, contact M. Taylor Enterprise for an inspection. We will analyze it and make recommendations. Our experienced concrete repair team will make the necessary repairs. We specialize in all types of concrete and masonry. When we do masonry repairs to an existing structure, we go out of our way to match the mortar color. Contact us at (301) 649-3406 for a consultation.

We serve the Montgomery County, Maryland area.

*** For more information about concrete, visit the Popular Mechanics website.  

home drainage system

The Basics of a Home Drainage System

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Your home drainage system is key to your home working correctly. When it is failing, the rest of your home will feel it. Your toilets, baths, showers, and sinks all are interconnected. If there is a failure in the chain, it affects all of it.   

As the owner and employee of M. Taylor Enterprises, I have worked on thousands of home drainage systems in Central Maryland for many years. I have seen every possible issue and breakdown. And, I certainly understand why my customers panic when it does break down.

Often, I will explain how their home drainage works and what we need to do to repair the link in the chain. Many of my customers want to understand how it works. Though admittedly, other customers are desperate and just want it repaired. I get that, too.

Anyway, here are the basic structures and functions of a typical home drainage system:

  1. The supply and drainage subsystems work together. They have bridges between the supply and drainage subsystems called “fixtures.” 
  2. Fixtures draw in freshwater and also release wastewater. Fixtures include kitchen and bathroom sinks, bathtubs and showers, washing machines, toilets, and outside faucets. These fixtures work together to keep supply and wastewater apart. 
  3. A trap is a curved pipe that keeps water inside and prevents sewer gasses from coming into your home. They are found inside kitchen cabinets or underneath the kitchen or bathroom sink plumbing.
  4. Drain lines are in each kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixture. Drain lines are found under sinks, bathtubs, and showers, and the toilet ties into a larger main line. Then, the main line runs water out of the home. Water comes from the local municipality. The wastewater then drains back into a sewer system with septic tanks. Septic tanks are cleaned every 10 years to prevent backup, which prevents major problems with a home’s drainage system. Toilets are self-trapped. However, bathtubs use drum traps to seal sewer gas and collect hair and dirt so drains don’t get clogged. 
  5. Vent Pipes allow water to drain. Vents are made of rubber, lead, or sheet metal on the roof. It holds the vent pipe in place.
  6. Nut and Ferrule connect the traps. They are connected using a threaded fitting. The ferrule forms the seal, as the nut screws down over the ferrule forming a watertight seal preventing sewer gasses from entering your home.
  7. Pitch is the angle at which water flows without needing gravity. It’s essential as all sewer or septic system drainpipes, in the wall or underground, have some type of pitch and are sloped releasing wastewater to drain out of the home. 
  8. Shutoff valves are there to close the main shutoff to repair them. The water supply to the fixture or the main shutoff must be closed to do any plumbing repairs.

Well, now you know the basics of your home drainage system. They all work together so you can live comfortably. 

If you are having problems with your home drainage system, contact M. Taylor Enterprises for a consultation. M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home drainage system to see if you have any issues. Call our home drainage repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County and parts of Prince George’s and Howard Counties.

crawl space repair, home foundation repair

Should I Care About My Crawl Space This Summer?

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Summer is here and it is going to be a scorcher in Central Maryland this year. ***

And, of course, as a home foundation repair contractor, I’m thinking about your crawl space. The summer can bring damp conditions which means mold growth. This could be harmful to both your home and your health.

So, before the summer gets hotter, you may want to get your crawl space inspected as there are three things to consider. 

  1. Dirt and moisture cause wood rot which is a hotbed for mold growth and threatens the health and safety of your family. High humidity also causes porous concrete to absorb moisture from the air.
  2. Moisture also damages the insulation in the crawl space and will stop the crawl space from being warm, particularly if it’s fiberglass. Fiberglass soaks up moisture as the insulation material soaks water and becomes weighed down. Soon, it will sag and fall off. 
  3.  Warm air rises and enters the crawl space during the summer months. Once the air moves, a vacuum begins, and air moves to replace it. About half of this air gets into your home. So, if your crawl space air is musty and has mold spores, dust mites, or pollutants, your indoor environment will be adversely affected. Many people experience allergies, coughing, asthma, and itchy eyes.
  4. Moisture damages the insulation in the crawl space. It may not be warm then. The fiberglass becomes heavy as it is soaked with water. It sags and eventually falls off. 
  5. When the crawl space is damp, the wood becomes wet, it rots, bends, and breaks. Thus, the entire support structure fails.
  6. The Central Maryland summer humidity also causes moisture levels to rise. The crawl space becomes a hotbed for condensation as warm and hot air collides with the cool air. Water droplets form on the crawl space floor and walls. Thus, the humidity levels increase to scorching hot levels. 

In spite of all the problems your crawl space could have, there are some basic solutions you and your crawl space repair contractor can do to mitigate it. They can install sealing vents and/or insulating it may keep your home living conditions comfortable. You can also keep your south-facing windows closed. Additionally, close your curtains and/or blinds. A dehumidifier cleans and filters the air, too. 

If you are having issues with your home comfort, you may need crawl space repair. Contact M. Taylor Enterprise for an inspection. We will analyze it and make recommendations. Our experienced crawl space repair team can make the necessary repairs. Call (301) 649-3406 or at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com for a free consultation. 

We serve the Montgomery County, Maryland area.

*** You can find out more about summer weather at the State of Maryland website. 

 

 

concrete repair

Concrete Repair 101: Why Your Concrete Walkway Is Uneven

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No matter how old your house may be, it is deteriorating. I know that sounds common-sensical, but it’s a fact of life. You will always have some repair coming or one going on now. 

One part of your home that you may not notice at first is your concrete walkway. It is used every day and takes a pounding from weather and usage. Eventually, the walkway will deteriorate and become uneven. There are several reasons why this has occurred:

  1. Tree roots: Trees and bushes can have large roots. These roots grow under the walkway and push up against both the driveway and the sidewalk. Roots can even break through thick pipes and cables. Depending on the soil and drought conditions, tree roots push up concrete slabs. They become uneven and can also crack or shift. This is a tripping and falling hazard. If it’s the driveway, the shifts and breaks may make it difficult to park or safely drive in and out of the driveway. 
  2. Weather: The sidewalk and driveway are daily exposed to the elements. Weather can be brutal from extreme heat to extreme cold. We see both in Maryland from ice to floods to droughts. We see it all. That variation in extremes causes the soil under the walkway to be washed away. Water can also drag particles out of the soil. The walkway may sink or settle unevenly. shed away. 
  3. Changes in the soil. Though concrete is strong, it will not hold its weight unless it’s reinforced. Most concrete used in sidewalks and driveways is placed directly on the soil. Once the soil shifts, expands, contracts or washes away, this can cause major damage to your sidewalk or driveway. During the drier seasons, the soil shrinks while during the wetter months, the soil expands. Movement occurs in the soil during these extremes, making the concrete sit unevenly or tilt.
  4. Weight. Driveways and sidewalks are designed for parking and walking. They get used often and will wear out. Excessive weight will make driveways and walkways sag. But it isn’t just automobiles and people. Moving pods, storage containers, and packed vehicles can also tilt and crack. The longer these vehicles or containers sit on the driveway, the more likely they will crack. 

If these cracks and tilts are not repaired, they can be a major hazard. Your home foundation repair contractor should be contacted. They may mud jack it. This process is where holes are made in the concrete, down to the base, and the space is filled with a slurry compound. This compound lifts the base of the concrete back to its original position. It’s not always successful if the cause of the uneven walkway is soil issues. 

If you are seeing cracks in your walkway or driveway, contact M. Taylor Enterprise for an inspection. We will analyze it and make recommendations. Our experienced concrete repair team will make the necessary repairs. We specialize in all types of concrete and masonry. When we do masonry repairs to an existing structure, we go out of our way to match the mortar color. Contact us at (301) 649-3406 or at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com for a free consultation.

We serve the the Montgomery County, Maryland area.