Frequently Asked Questions
Foundation Problems & Causes
How do I know if I have a foundation or basement problem?
Common warning signs include:
- Cracks in basement walls (vertical, horizontal, or stair-step)
- Bowed or leaning foundation walls
- Water seepage or damp basement conditions
- Doors and windows sticking
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Gaps at trim, ceilings, or garage slabs
- Separation in brick or mortar joints
Foundation and waterproofing issues rarely improve on their own. Early evaluation can prevent more extensive and costly structural repairs later.
What causes foundation problems in the St. Louis area?
The St. Louis region is dominated by expansive clay soils that:
- Expand when saturated
- Shrink during dry conditions
- Create voids beneath foundations
- Exert lateral pressure against basement walls
Over time, this soil movement leads to vertical settlement or horizontal wall displacement. Permanent solutions must bypass unstable soils and transfer structural loads to competent bearing material below.
Are foundation cracks normal?
Hairline shrinkage cracks in poured concrete can be common. However, horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in block and brick foundations, cracks wider than one-eighth inch, and cracks that leak water may indicate structural or water management concerns and should be evaluated.
Settlement & The Perma Jack System
What is the Perma Jack System?
Our proprietary Perma Jack System is engineered to permanently stabilize vertical foundation settlement.
Our steel piers are:
- Driven to bedrock or verified load-bearing strata
- Installed using hydraulic equipment with calibrated gauges
- Locked out at approximately 4,000 PSI
- Designed to transfer structural loads past unstable upper soils
Once installed, the weight of the structure is transferred to stable strata below. This work is backed by our transferable Lifetime of Structure Warranty.
Can you lift my home back to its original level?
In many cases, yes.
After stabilization, we can often lift settled areas partially or significantly toward original elevation. The achievable lift depends on:
- Structural integrity
- Duration of settlement
- Soil conditions
- Risk tolerance for cosmetic cracking
Our System Design Specialists explain realistic expectations during your inspection.
How do you know when the pier reaches solid bearing material?
We use hydraulic drive equipment equipped with pressure gauges. As resistance increases, we monitor the load capacity to confirm the pier has reached bedrock or competent load-bearing strata before locking it into place.
Will foundation repair damage my interior drywall or finishes?
When lifting occurs, minor cosmetic cracking can sometimes appear as the structure re-adjusts. We review these possibilities during the consultation so homeowners can make informed decisions.
Basement Waterproofing
What basement waterproofing services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive interior water management systems, including:
- Full perimeter interior drain systems
- Partial drain systems
- Below-footer drainage systems
- Sump pump installation
- Battery backup systems
- Polyurethane crack injection
- Carbon fiber crack repair yielding a water tight barrier
- Downspout and exterior drainage improvements
Our below-footer systems require more labor and materials but offer significantly greater water interception capacity than above-footer systems commonly installed by competitors.
How does your interior drain system work?
Our interior drain system:
- Is installed below the basement floor along the footing
- Captures groundwater before it reaches the surface
- Directs water into a sump basin
- Discharges water safely away from the foundation
Because it is installed below the footer, it captures water at the lowest possible point. Many of our interior drain systems are backed by our Lifetime of Structure Warranty.
What sump pumps do you install?
We install high-quality sump pump systems designed for long-term reliability and performance.
Our systems include:
- Pro Series 1/3 HP primary sump pumps (assembled in the USA)
- Battery backup sump pump systems for protection during power outages
- Combination sump pump systems that integrate both a primary pump and a battery backup pump in a single, coordinated unit
- High-capacity discharge configurations designed to move water efficiently away from the foundation
Our combination sump pump system provides two layers of protection:
- A primary 1/3 HP pump that handles normal groundwater conditions
- A secondary battery-powered backup pump that activates automatically if:
- The primary pump fails
- Electrical power is lost
- Water levels exceed primary pump capacity
This dual-pump design ensures continued basement protection during severe storms and power outages when water management is most critical.
Extended manufacturer warranties provide additional peace of mind.
Do interior drain systems require maintenance?
Like any mechanical system, sump pumps should be periodically tested. We recommend annual inspection of:
- Pump operation
- Discharge lines
- Battery backup systems
Bowed Wall Repair
How do you repair bowed walls?
We offer engineered solutions depending on severity:
Plate Anchors
- Steel interior wall plate connected by a threaded rod to an exterior anchor plate
- Exterior anchor plate is embedded in stable soil away from the foundation
- Once installed, the rod is tightened to counteract soil pressure and stabilize the wall
Helical Tiebacks (Helical Anchors)
- Steel shaft with helical plates is driven into stable strata
- Screwed into the soil horizontally through a small hole in the wall
- Once installed they stabilize the wall by anchoring it into stable soil
Steel Soldier Beams
- Provide immediate stabilization
- Vertical steel members anchored to the footing
- Braced at the top
Carbon Fiber Reinforcement
- Unidirectional carbon fiber fabric
- Bonded with structural epoxy
- Restores tensile strength and prevents further cracking
Wall Realignment
- Soil pressure is relieved by external excavation of the entire wall
- Jacks and shoring are used for structural repositioning
- More expensive and comprehensive than interior bracing
How do you determine which wall repair system is best?
Our recommendation depends on:
- Degree of wall movement
- Type of foundation (i.e., poured concrete, stone, block, etc.)
- Access to exterior soil
- Budget considerations
Every solution is tailored to the specific structure.
Will bowed walls get worse if I wait?
In most cases, yes. Soil pressure and seasonal movement typically cause progressive displacement. Early intervention is often less invasive and more cost-effective.
Egress Window Installation
Do you install egress windows?
Yes.
We install code-compliant egress windows that:
- Provide an emergency exit
- Increase natural light
- Improve ventilation
- Add legal bedroom space
- Enhance property value
Installation includes precision cutting, proper drainage integration, sealing, and finishing to prevent water intrusion.
Will installing an egress window cause water issues?
When installed properly with correct drainage integration, it should not.
We incorporate:
- Window well drainage
- Tie-ins to interior drain systems when needed
- Professional waterproof sealing techniques
Our structural and waterproofing expertise ensures long-term performance.
Does installing an egress window increase home value?
Yes. Adding a legal basement bedroom with egress can:
- Increase usable square footage
- Improve resale appeal
- Enhance appraisal value
When combined with proper waterproofing, it is a strong investment in the home.
Commercial Expertise & Residential Benefit
Do you perform large-scale commercial work?
Yes.
We regularly work with:
- Schools
- Municipalities
- Hospitals
- Churches
- Office buildings
- Industrial facilities
- General contractors prior to construction
Engineers and contractors frequently turn to us when reliable, engineered structural solutions are required.
How does your commercial experience benefit homeowners?
Commercial projects demand strict load verification, engineered systems, and precise execution. The same standards, hydraulic verification methods, and structural discipline are applied to every residential project.
When professionals need dependable structural stabilization, they call us. That same expertise protects homeowners.
Project Timeline & Expectations
How long do jobs normally take?
Most residential projects are completed in:
- 1 day for crack repair
- 1–2 days for partial waterproofing or egress installation
- 1–3 days for pier installations
- 2–4 days for larger stabilization projects
Commercial timelines vary based on scope.
What can I expect during the project?
You can expect:
- Clear communication
- Careful excavation
- Landscaping protection
- Concrete replacement
- Daily cleanup
- Final walkthrough
Many customers say it looks like we were never there.
Foundation Health & Home Value
How does foundation health impact my home’s value?
A foundation’s condition directly affects:
- Appraisal outcomes
- Buyer confidence
- Mortgage approval
- Negotiation leverage
Unresolved structural issues can reduce selling price or delay transactions. Conversely, documented repairs backed by a transferable Lifetime of Structure Warranty often strengthen buyer confidence and protect resale value.
Should I repair my foundation before selling?
In many cases, yes. Addressing structural issues proactively often prevents price reductions or delayed closings during buyer inspections.
Is foundation repair covered by homeowner’s insurance?
Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover damage caused by soil movement or hydrostatic pressure. However, coverage varies by policy. We recommend contacting your insurance provider for clarification.
Warranty & Long-Term Protection
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes.
Many of our structural solutions are covered by our transferable Lifetime of Structure Warranty. Most other services or products carry fixed-term warranties or extended manufacturer warranties.
Is your warranty transferable to a new homeowner?
Yes. Our Lifetime of Structure Warranty is transferable, which can provide added resale value. Our fixed-term warranties and extended manufacturer warranties remain in effect for the full stated term, even if the property is sold during that period.
There is no need for you or the new buyer to contact us to notify us of the sale. It’s that easy.
Pricing, Payment & Financing
Can you provide pricing or price estimates over the phone?
No.
Each solution is custom engineered to the specifics of that structure, which is based on our jobsite analysis. Providing pricing without a thorough on-site evaluation would not be accurate or responsible. Our no-cost inspection ensures you receive a properly engineered solution and clear written proposal.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept:
- Checks
- Electronic payments
- Financing through approved lenders
- Major credit cards, including:
- American Express
- Discover
- MasterCard
- Visa
Please note: a credit card usage fee may apply.
Do you give discounts?
No.
We do not offer closing incentives, time-sensitive discounts, or pricing gimmicks. We believe foundation repair is too important to be treated like a retail promotion.
Instead, we provide honest, upfront pricing based on a thorough jobsite evaluation. Our recommendations are based strictly on what your structure requires, nothing more and nothing less. We will never suggest work that isn’t necessary.
Our goal is long-term structural stability, not high-pressure sales tactics.
Is a down payment required, and if so, why?
Yes. A 20% deposit is due at the time the contract is signed.
This deposit allows us to:
- Acquire the necessary materials
- Schedule equipment and crew time
- Secure your position on our project calendar
The deposit is refundable pursuant to Missouri law, specifically §407.937 (Right to Cancel Contract). We fully comply with all state requirements regarding cancellation rights.
When is payment due?
The remaining balance is due upon completion of the work.
Before final payment, we conduct a walkthrough to ensure the contracted scope of work has been completed properly and that you are satisfied.
Upon completion of the project and receipt of final payment, we provide a lien waiver for your protection and peace of mind.
Do you offer financing options?
Yes.
We offer financing options to qualified homeowners, including flexible terms and monthly payment plans.
Inspections & Scheduling
Is your inspection really free?
Yes. We provide free, no-obligation inspections performed by experienced System Design Specialists, along with written proposals and clear explanations of recommended solutions.
After I have contacted you, when will the System Design Specialist contact me to schedule the no-cost inspection?
Usually the same day (depending on the time of day that you contacted us), but nearly always within 24 hours. Response times may vary slightly if we have experienced a major weather event.
What is the background of your System Design Specialists?
Our System Design Specialists have decades of combined experience in foundation repair and basement waterproofing analysis.
They are highly trained professionals who:
- Understand soil mechanics and structural behavior
- Conduct detailed on-site evaluations
- Provide technically sound recommendations
- Answer in-depth structural questions competently
They are true experts in their field, not salespeople transitioning from unrelated industries. Their knowledge and experience are evident during every inspection.
Company Practices
Are your crews Perma Jack of St. Louis employees or subcontractors?
All of our crew members are direct employees of Perma Jack of St. Louis. They are not subcontractors.
Our crew members:
- Receive employee benefits directly from the company
- Are covered under the company’s workers’ compensation insurance
- Participate in ongoing safety training
- Receive specialized equipment training specific to foundation repair and waterproofing systems
This structure allows us to maintain complete control over the quality of workmanship, training standards, jobsite safety procedures, customer communication, and cleanup expectations.
Because our crews are company employees, not third-party subcontractors, we ensure consistency, accountability, and professionalism on every project.
Are permits required?
Permit requirements vary by municipality. Many municipalities require permits for structural foundation repair and basement waterproofing systems, while smaller jobs such as crack repair may not require permits. When required, we handle the permitting process in accordance with local regulations.
If you don’t offer a service, what do you do?
If a service falls outside our expertise, we can recommend a known and reputable company that can offer that service.
We never receive financial compensation from those companies and we only recommend companies that we know and would have work on our own homes.
Is Tim Tucker still the owner?
No.
Tim was the second owner and guided the company for 35 years. In 2021, the company was sold to Chris Jackson, who had over 30 years of experience in business ownership.
Responsibility for all previous warranties was transferred during the sale, and today, Perma Jack of St. Louis continues to honor those warranties, many of which are Lifetime of Structure.
Why Choose Perma Jack of St. Louis?
Choosing a foundation repair company is a significant decision. Here is what sets us apart:
- Over 52 years in business
- Locally owned and operated
- Tens of thousands of foundations repaired
- Patented stabilization systems
- Transferable Lifetime of Structure Warranty
- Commercial-level expertise applied to residential projects
- Trusted by engineers, contractors, and facility owners
- BBB Accredited with an A+ rating
We encourage prospective customers to review our Google ratings, BBB profile, and BBB ratings to see what homeowners and commercial clients write about their experiences with us.
Our reviews and review responses reflect more than just star ratings. Among other things, they describe:
- The scope of work performed
- The technical solutions installed
- The communication throughout the project
- The friendliness and competence of our crews
- The cleanup and restoration process
- The long-term confidence our warranty provides
We believe transparency builds trust. That is why we take the time to respond in detail to customer reviews so prospective clients can clearly understand what was done, why, and how it solved the problem.
Our goal has always been simple: provide permanent solutions, stand behind our work, and treat every property with professionalism and respect.
Contact Us
Contact us today for a free inspection of your wet basement and free consultation. You may not need extensive or expensive repairs, and if you do, we can suggest which basement waterproofing system offers the best results and is most cost effective for your particular needs.