Foundation Stabilization and Repair/Expert Profile


Ask A Question

Expertise

I am the owner of EXPERT BASEMENT REPAIR in Cleveland, Ohio. I can identify the reasons for movement or cracking in home foundations, basements and walls. I am familiar with most waterproofing and water control methods. I am familiar with and have installed Ramjack, Dixie MacLean, and A.B.Chance™ helical and push pier systems, including tiebacks, steel beams, and rod and grout repair and also several carbon fiber stabilization products. I am currently certified to train Fortress carbon fiber installation and perform carbon repair in the greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio region. I have been involved with all aspects slope stabilization for over 10 years. Please remember to tell me what city you live in to help me answer your question up front!

Experience in the area

17 years of structural foundation fault identification and most repair and stabilization methods. I introduced Fortress carbon fiber to this region of Ohio. I have always been on site and involved in order to monitor each project I am responsible for.

Publications

Waterproofing magazine issue #2

Education/Credentials

Associates degree...and the school of hard knocks! Formerly certified by A.B.Chance company from 1993-2005. I have a construction and home improvement background for almost 35 years. I bought, restored and resold distressed property. I worked with 4 different foundation repair companies and am familiar with most methods. I also worked for a waterproofing company for several years. I teach ongoing education classes for home inspectors, adult education and Realtors in foundation fault identification and repair.

Past/Present Clients

Hundreds of residential, commercial and some industrial.

What do you like about this subject?

More often than not solving foundation problems is comparable to solving a big puzzle. You have to take the clues which are given, assemble all the information which is available and then determine a plan of repair or next best plan of action. I really enjoy the fact that being the owner of my own company now I can do the job as I would do it for myself.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I would like to see a home repair and trouble prevention/ awareness program taught in public schools. I find it incredible that most homeowners know very little about problems involving the biggest investment most will ever make. I own my own foundation repair company! see WWW.EXPERTBASEMENTREPAIR.COM for additional information.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

AllExperts didn't have this category until I suggested it! Also... In the greater Cleveland area, almost all homes which are older than 35 years have draintile which is failing or already has. This often leads to much bigger problems than just wet basements. 80% of water issues are due to gutters leaking and improper yard slope!

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

There are many foundation repair "experts" in this field. Most of them claim to be the "best"... Everyone you will talk to is the "best" almost without exception. Hmmmm...???

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
Ben11/24/0910101010Jim, thanks so much for the quick .....
Chris11/24/0910101010Excellent comments to my issue!
Dave11/22/0910101010thank you for fast response
Stan11/21/0910101010 
ciss11/15/0910101010Thank you very much for the info .....

Recent Answers from Jim Hise

2009-11-23 Bowing basement block wall:

Ben, I was certified by AB Chance for many years. Anchors need to by checked/torqued monthly. Some come loose and some don't. Block walls are the wrong application for anchors for all the reasons

2009-11-23 Bowing basement block wall:

Ben, For a solid poured reinforced concrete wall I'd recommend wall anchors about half of the time. For masonry concrete block I would recommend Fortress 95% of the time. The problem with anchors

2009-11-21 rebuild block wall Willowick, Oh:

Dave, I gave this concept some thought a while back and here's what I came up with. Although there would be an obvious time and labor saving advantage to making a repair in this way...there's likely

2009-11-21 foundation heaving:

Stan, Foundation heaving is often caused by the foundation not being installed below the frost line. Add poor drainage and water and you can expect these problems. Installing drainage will help to

2009-11-17 Foundation Repair or Replace:

James, I think you were able to answer your own question. Just remember your roof is a huge rainfall collector which normally takes the surface area of your roof in rainfall and carries it away

 

Ask A Question

All Answers

Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.