Educational Articles

Bowed Wall Repair in St. Louis: Causes, Warning Signs, and How Perma Jack Fixes Them
What Are Bowed Foundation Walls? Bowed walls are one of the most common and concerning signs of foundation stress—especially in areas like St. Louis, where clay soils and fluctuating moisture levels are a constant threat. A bowed wall is a basement or foundation wall that is bulging or curving inward

How Downspout Extensions Help Prevent Foundation Damage in St. Louis
One of the Easiest Ways to Protect Your Foundation? Redirect the Water If you’re dealing with foundation cracks, bowing walls, or water in the basement, you might think the problem starts underground—but it often starts above it. One of the most overlooked causes of foundation damage is poor roof drainage,

How Does Winter Weather Affect Foundations in St. Louis?
If you’ve lived through a few St. Louis winters, you know the wild temperature swings and wet-to-frozen soil cycles aren’t just tough on roads, they’re tough on your foundation, too. Winter weather introduces a perfect storm of conditions that can damage foundations: freeze-thaw cycles, expanding soils, hydrostatic pressure, and shifting

What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
If you’ve ever walked into your crawl space and felt the humidity hit your face or noticed a musty odor drifting up into your living space, you’re not alone. Crawl spaces are often the most overlooked part of a home, yet they can have a major impact on indoor air

What Is a Sump Pump and How Does It Work?
Water in your basement or crawl space isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a major threat to your home’s structural integrity and indoor air quality. That’s where sump pumps come in. At Perma Jack of St. Louis, we believe homeowners deserve to understand the tools that protect their homes from flooding

How Foundation Piers Work: Push Piers vs. Helical Piers for Stabilizing Your Home
Foundation problems in St. Louis homes—whether due to expansive soils, seasonal moisture shifts, or poor construction—can lead to serious structural issues over time. If you’ve noticed cracks in your drywall, sloping floors, or doors that stick, you may need more than a patch—you may need foundation piering. At Perma‑Jack of

How Excess Moisture in Your Crawl Space Causes Structural & Health Problems
Do You Have Moisture in Your Crawl Space? Moisture is one of the biggest threats lurking beneath your home—and it doesn’t take much to cause lasting damage. In the St. Louis area, where humidity levels can rise sharply and groundwater problems are common, moisture in your crawl space can lead

How To Protect Your Home From Foundation Damage in the Fall
As the leaves begin to fall and temperatures drop, it’s time to start thinking about protecting your home—not just from cold weather, but from seasonal foundation damage. Fall brings a unique combination of moisture, temperature shifts, and soil changes that can silently compromise your home’s structural stability. At Perma-Jack of

7 Warning Signs You Have Foundation Settlement
Foundation issues can creep up quietly—but the longer they go unchecked, the worse (and more expensive) the damage can get. At Perma Jack of St. Louis, we believe in educating homeowners about what to watch for. If you’re seeing cracks in your walls or doors that don’t close properly, you