Examining Sloping Floors for Underlying Settlement

Examining Sloping Floors for Underlying Settlement

* Evaluating Soil Issues Affecting Foundation Stability

* Understanding foundation settlement and its causes in residential buildings.


Okay, so you've got a sloping floor in your house. Expert contractors use specialized techniques to stabilize shifting foundations foundation repair service market entrance stairs. That's never a good sign, is it? But before you panic and start imagining the whole place collapsing, let's talk about what might be going on underneath. Chances are, we're dealing with settlement – that's when the ground beneath your foundation shifts, compresses, or even washes away, causing the foundation to sink unevenly.

Think of your house like a giant Lego structure. It's all nicely connected, but if one of the Lego bricks underneath starts to sink, the whole thing is going to tilt, right? That's essentially what's happening with your foundation.

Now, why does settlement happen? There are a bunch of potential culprits. The soil itself could be the problem. Some soils, like clay, expand and contract dramatically depending on how wet or dry they are. Others might be poorly compacted to begin with. Then there's water – too much or too little. Heavy rains can saturate the soil, making it weak and unstable. A drought can cause it to shrink, leaving gaps under the foundation.

Also, consider what's been happening around your house. Did you recently have a tree removed? Roots can suck up a lot of moisture, and when they're gone, the soil can become overly saturated. Are there any leaky pipes nearby? That constant moisture can weaken the soil over time. Even nearby construction can vibrate the ground and cause soil compaction.

The important thing is to understand that sloping floors are usually a symptom of a bigger problem. It's not just about leveling the floor; it's about figuring out why it's sloping in the first place. Getting a professional foundation inspection is really the best way to go. They can assess the situation, identify the underlying cause of the settlement, and recommend the appropriate repairs to stabilize your foundation and prevent further problems down the road. Ignoring it won't make it go away, and it'll likely just get worse (and more expensive!) over time.

* How to identify sloping floors and other related symptoms indicating settlement.


Okay, so you think your floor might be sloping. It's a worry, right? Because a sloping floor isn't just a quirk; it often whispers (or sometimes shouts) about settlement issues going on beneath your feet. Settlement, simply put, is when the ground under your house shifts or compacts, causing the structure to sink unevenly. Let's talk about how to spot the signs, because catching it early can save you a whole heap of trouble and money down the line.

The most obvious sign, naturally, is the sloping floor itself. Grab a level – the longer the better – and place it on the floor in various spots around the room. If the bubble stubbornly stays off-center, you've got a slope. Don't just check one room; walk around the entire house. The problem might be localized, or it could be affecting a larger area.

But it's more than just the floor itself. Think of it like a detective case. You're looking for clues. Do doors and windows stick? Maybe they're difficult to open or close, or perhaps they're rattling in their frames even when there's no breeze. This is because the frames themselves are being warped by the shifting structure. Look closely at the walls, too. Are there cracks appearing? Small hairline cracks are common in most houses, but pay attention to larger cracks, especially those that are diagonal or stair-step patterns. These are often telltale signs of movement.

Another subtle symptom can be wallpaper or paint that's starting to wrinkle or tear, particularly around door and window frames. You might also notice gaps appearing between the wall and the ceiling or the wall and the floor. Don't dismiss these seemingly minor issues; they can be indicators of a bigger problem brewing.

Finally, take a look outside. Are there cracks in the foundation of your house? Is the ground sloping away from the foundation? Are there any signs of water pooling near the foundation? These exterior clues can provide valuable insight into what's happening underneath your home.

Remember, a single sloping floor or a minor crack might not be cause for alarm. However, if you're noticing multiple symptoms, it's time to call in a professional. A structural engineer or a qualified foundation specialist can assess the situation, determine the cause of the settlement, and recommend the appropriate repairs. Ignoring these signs won't make them go away; it'll only lead to more significant and costly problems in the future. So, be observant, be proactive, and keep your home safe and sound.

* Tools and methods used by foundation repair professionals to assess sloping floors.


So, you've noticed a little slant in your living room floor, huh? That's never a good feeling, and it often whispers (or shouts!) "settlement problems!" But before you panic and start picturing your house sliding into the abyss, let's talk about how the pros figure out exactly what's going on. Foundation repair specialists don't just eyeball it; they use a bunch of tools and methods to get a real understanding of the situation.

One of the first things they'll do is take precise level readings. Think of it like a fancy, high-tech level. They use instruments like a digital level or a laser level to map out the elevations across your floor. This gives them a clear picture of how much the floor is sloping and where the lowest points are. It's way more accurate than just rolling a marble across the floor, trust me!

Beyond just the floors themselves, they'll also be looking at the walls and ceilings. Are there cracks appearing? Are doors and windows sticking? These can be tell-tale signs that the whole structure is shifting. They might use a crack monitor to measure if cracks are widening over time - a definite red flag.

Then comes the detective work outside. The foundation itself is the prime suspect. They'll inspect it for cracks, crumbling concrete, or signs of water damage. They might even use a soil probe or conduct a soil test to understand the type of soil around your foundation and its moisture content. Soil that's too wet or too dry can cause all sorts of problems.

Finally, they often combine all this visual and technical data with something called a floor flatness survey. This involves taking numerous elevation readings across the entire floor and then using software to create a detailed contour map. This map essentially shows a bird's-eye view of the sloping and unevenness, making it easier to pinpoint the exact areas that need attention.

Ultimately, assessing sloping floors is about more than just seeing a slant. It's about using the right tools and methods to understand the underlying cause and develop a plan to get your foundation back on solid ground. So, if your floors are looking a little tipsy, call in the experts. They've got the knowledge and the gadgets to diagnose the problem and help you keep your house standing tall.

* The connection between sloping floors and the need for foundation repair services.


Okay, so you've noticed a slope in your floor. That little dip, that subtle lean that makes your marble roll downhill. It might seem like a quirky characteristic, but it's often a flashing red light pointing to a much bigger problem: your foundation.

Think of your foundation as the bedrock of your house, literally. It's supposed to be level and stable, supporting the entire structure above. Now, imagine that bedrock starts to shift, to sink unevenly. This is settlement, and it's often the culprit behind those sloping floors.

The connection is pretty direct. As the foundation settles, it pulls and twists the house above. Walls can crack, doors and windows stick, and yes, floors start to slope. The degree of the slope often reflects the severity of the settlement. A slight, barely noticeable incline might indicate a minor issue, while a dramatic slant could be a sign of serious structural damage.

Ignoring a sloping floor is like ignoring a toothache. It might start small and annoying, but it will likely get much worse and more expensive to fix if you don't address it. Foundation repair services are essentially about stabilizing the foundation and, in some cases, lifting it back to its original position. This can involve underpinning, soil stabilization, or other techniques depending on the cause and extent of the settlement.

So, if you're walking around feeling like you're perpetually on a slight incline, don't just shrug it off. Investigate. A professional foundation inspection can pinpoint the cause of the sloping floor and recommend the best course of action before a quirky characteristic becomes a major, house-threatening problem. Your house – and your sense of level – will thank you.

* Common foundation repair solutions for homes with sloping floors due to settlement.


Okay, so you've got a sloping floor. Not ideal, right? Feels like you're living on a gentle incline. And chances are, that slope isn't just a quirky design feature. Often, it's a sign of settlement, meaning your house is slowly sinking in certain areas. That sinking can be caused by all sorts of things: shifting soil, poor drainage, even tree roots sucking moisture from under your foundation. But the good news is, there are solutions.

Now, the exact fix depends on the severity and the cause of the settlement, but let's talk about some common approaches. One of the most widely used is underpinning. Think of it like adding extra support beams under your existing foundation. This usually involves installing concrete piers or steel push piers deep into the ground, reaching stable soil or bedrock. These piers then lift and stabilize the foundation, hopefully leveling out those sloping floors. It's a pretty involved process, but often necessary for significant settlement.

Another option, often used for less severe cases, is slabjacking, also known as mudjacking or pressure grouting. This involves pumping a mixture of concrete slurry under the sunken slab to lift it back into place. It's a bit like filling a void under the floor. It's generally less expensive than underpinning and can be a good solution for smaller areas of settlement.

Sometimes, the problem isn't the foundation itself, but rather the soil around it. In these cases, soil stabilization techniques might be necessary. This could involve compacting the soil, adding chemical stabilizers, or improving drainage to prevent further shifting and erosion. Think of it as strengthening the ground beneath your house.

Finally, don't underestimate the power of good old-fashioned drainage improvements. Water is a major culprit in foundation problems. Making sure rainwater is properly diverted away from your foundation with gutters, downspouts, and proper grading can go a long way in preventing further settlement and potentially even reversing some of the damage.

The key takeaway is that you shouldn't ignore a sloping floor. It's a signal that something is going on with your foundation. Get a professional inspection to determine the root cause and the best course of action. Ignoring it will only lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

* Preventing future settlement issues and maintaining a level foundation.


Okay, so you've noticed your floors are a little, well, *off*. That subtle lean, that gentle slope – it's not just a quirk of an old house; it could be a sign of settlement. And while a little settling is normal, excessive or uneven settling can lead to headaches down the road. We're not just talking about aesthetics here; we're talking about the structural integrity of your home. That's where the phrase "preventing future settlement issues and maintaining a level foundation" comes in.

Think of it like this: your foundation is the anchor of your entire house. If it's shifting and sinking unevenly, everything built upon it is going to suffer. Doors and windows might stick, cracks might appear in your walls, and, of course, your floors will start to resemble a funhouse. Addressing the underlying settlement isn't just about fixing the symptom (the sloping floor); it's about treating the cause.

By carefully examining the sloping floors, we can get clues about what's happening beneath the surface. Is the soil compacting? Is there water damage weakening the foundation? Is there a drainage problem exacerbating the issue? Once we've diagnosed the root cause, we can implement solutions like soil stabilization, underpinning, or drainage improvements. These measures are crucial for preventing further settlement and, ultimately, maintaining a level, stable foundation.

In essence, tackling settlement issues isn't just about fixing a crooked floor; it's about safeguarding your investment and ensuring the long-term health and stability of your home. Ignoring the problem only allows it to worsen, potentially leading to more extensive and costly repairs down the line. So, that gentle slope on your floor? It's worth investigating. It could save you a lot of trouble – and money – in the long run.



Facebook about us:

Residential Foundation Repair Services

Strong Foundations, Strong Homes


Redirect to:

  • Structural integrity and failure

 

Hoffman Estates is located in Illinois
Hoffman Estates
Hoffman Estates
 
Hoffman Estates is located in the United States
Hoffman Estates
Hoffman Estates
 
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Village
Hoffman Estates scenery
Hoffman Estates scenery
Flag of Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Flag
Official seal of Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Seal
Motto: 
"Growing to Greatness"
Location of Hoffman Estates in Cook County, Illinois
Location of Hoffman Estates in Cook County, Illinois
Hoffman Estates is located in Chicago metropolitan area
Hoffman Estates
Hoffman Estates
 

Coordinates: 42°03′50″N 88°08′49″W / 42.06389°N 88.14694°W / 42.06389; -88.14694CountryUnited StatesStateIllinoisCountiesCookTownshipsSchaumburg, Palatine, Hanover, BarringtonIncorporated1959 (village)Government

 

 • MayorWilliam D. McLeod[citation needed] • Village ManagerEric J. Palm[citation needed]Area

[1]
 • Total

21.25 sq mi (55.03 km2) • Land21.07 sq mi (54.56 km2) • Water0.18 sq mi (0.47 km2)  0.86%Elevation

[2]

824 ft (251 m)Population

 (2020)
 • Total

52,530 • Density2,493.71/sq mi (962.82/km2)Zip Code

60169, 60010, 60192

Area code(s)847 / 224FIPS code17-35411GNIS feature ID2398519[2]Websitewww.hoffmanestates.org

Hoffman Estates is a village in Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is a suburb of Chicago. Per the 2020 census, the population was 52,530.[3]

The village previously served as the headquarters for Sears and is one of the American headquarters for Mori Seiki. Now Arena, home of the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League is part of the village. Between 2006 and 2009, the village hosted the Heartland International Tattoo, one of the largest music and dance festivals of its kind in the Midwest.

History

[edit]
Sunderlage Farm Smokehouse[4](National Register of Historic Places) in Hoffman Estates

Prior to the 1940s, German settlers moved into the area west of Roselle Road and north of Golf Road, then known as Wildcat Grove. The area was sparsely populated until farmers purchased land in the area in the 1940s.

In 1954, Sam and Jack Hoffman, owners of a father-son owned construction company, bought 160 acres of land in the area.[5] The pair constructed homes and began the development of the region which now bears their name. As residents moved in, they voted to incorporate the area, and the Village of Hoffman Estates was incorporated on September 23, 1959.[6][5][7] In 1973, six former town officials, including mayors Edward F. Pinger (1959−1965) and Roy L. Jenkins (1965−1969) were indicted on bribery and tax charges.[8]

Once the Northwest Tollway opened, Schaumburg Township became more attractive to Chicago commuters. In the early 1960s, land annexations north of the tollway and in other neighboring regions more than doubled Hoffman Estates' land area.[9]

The opening of the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg to the east in 1971 made the area a major business center. An attempt to change the name of the village to East Barrington, among other names, was made in the early 1980s but failed upon a residential vote.[10]

In the 1990s, the Prairie Stone Business Park began development. This 750-acre (3.0 km2) planned multi-purpose business park[11] is bounded by Illinois Route 59 on the east, Interstate 90 on the south, Illinois Route 72 on the north, and Beverly Road on the west. The business park came to fruition in 1993 when Sears, Roebuck and Company relocated from the Sears Tower in Chicago to a sprawling headquarters in the northwest part of Prairie Stone.[12][11] That was followed in by Indramat and Quest International, which in 1995 also opened facilities in the park.[13][14][15] Throughout the 1990s, a health and wellness center and child care facility were developed, as well as other smaller office buildings, and a branch of Northern Illinois University. Development of the business park is still ongoing, and recent additions in the 2000s include the 11,000-seat Now Arena; office buildings for Serta, WT Engineering, I-CAR, and Mary Kay; a Cabela's outdoor outfitters store; a 295-room Marriott hotel; and the 400,000-square-foot (37,000 m2) Poplar Creek Crossing Retail Center, which is anchored by Target and numerous other big-box retailers. Future development will include further office buildings and retail development, Sun Island Hotel and Water Park, an amphitheater, and restaurants.

In 2011, the Village of Hoffman Estates took over ownership of the Now Arena.[16] On June 23, 2020, the Village of Hoffman Estates approved an $11.5 million deal to rename the Sears Centre Arena to the "NOW Arena".[17]

In the fall of 2016, papers and artifacts from President Barack Obama's administration began to arrive in town, where they are being stored in a building on Golf Road. The site is their temporary home while construction takes place on the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, Chicago, and is not open to the public.[18]

In January 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the second U.S. case of COVID-19 in a Hoffman Estates resident. The patient, a woman in her 60s returning from Wuhan, China, was treated at St. Alexius Medical Center.[19] Her husband was later infected in the first case of human-to-human transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the United States.[20]

Geography

[edit]

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Hoffman Estates has a total area of 21.25 square miles (55.04 km2), of which 21.07 square miles (54.57 km2) (or 99.15%) is land and 0.18 square miles (0.47 km2) (or 0.85%) is water.[21]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
Census Pop. Note %±
1960 8,296   —
1970 22,238   168.1%
1980 37,272   67.6%
1990 46,363   24.4%
2000 49,495   6.8%
2010 51,895   4.8%
2020 52,530   1.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[22]
2010[23] 2020[24]
Hoffman Estates village, Illinois – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[25] Pop 2010[23] Pop 2020[24] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 33,789 29,357 26,014 68.27% 56.57% 49.52%
Black or African American alone (NH) 2,141 2,393 2,472 4.33% 4.61% 4.71%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 54 60 69 0.11% 0.12% 0.13%
Asian alone (NH) 7,429 11,701 13,733 15.01% 22.55% 26.14%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 10 4 2 0.02% 0.01% 0.00%
Other race alone (NH) 73 70 183 0.15% 0.13% 0.35%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 801 1,013 1,579 1.62% 1.95% 3.01%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 5,198 7,297 8,478 10.50% 14.06% 16.14%
Total 49,495 51,895 52,350 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

As of the 2020 census[26] there were 52,530 people, 18,110 households, and 14,048 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,472.58 inhabitants per square mile (954.67/km2). There were 19,160 housing units at an average density of 901.86 per square mile (348.21/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 52.08% White, 26.26% Asian, 4.87% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 7.51% from other races, and 8.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.14% of the population.

There were 18,110 households, out of which 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.71% were married couples living together, 11.97% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.43% were non-families. 18.07% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.43% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.16 and the average family size was 2.77.

The village's age distribution consisted of 23.1% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $92,423, and the median income for a family was $103,641. Males had a median income of $56,210 versus $42,288 for females. The per capita income for the village was $40,016. About 3.3% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.9% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

[edit]

Employers

[edit]

Many Japanese companies have their U.S. headquarters in Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg[27] but the largest employers in Hoffman Estates as of 2023[28] are:

No. Employer No. of employees
1 St. Alexius Medical Center 2,500
2 Siemens Medical Systems 400
3 Claire's[29] 400
4 Village of Hoffman Estates 370
5 FANUC America[30] 350
6 Vistex 350
7 Leopardo Companies, Inc. 300
8 Wells Fargo 300
9 The Salvation Army 270
10 Tate & Lyle 220

Education

[edit]

The village is served by several public school districts. The majority of residents who live in Schaumburg Township attend:

  • Township High School District 211 (9–12)[31]
  • Community Consolidated School District 54 (K–8)[32]

North Hoffman Estates (north of I-90) residents are served by:

  • Township High School District 211
  • Community Consolidated School District 15 (K–8)[33] (East of Huntington Blvd)
  • Barrington School District 220 (K–12) (Unit District) (West of Huntington Blvd).[34]

Residents west of Barrington Road primarily attend Unit School District, Elgin Area U46.

High schools

[edit]

Schools located in the Hoffman Estates village limits:

  • Hoffman Estates High School
  • James B. Conant High School

Other high schools in the same township high school district:

  • Schaumburg High School
  • William Fremd High School
  • Palatine High School

Community college

[edit]

Most of the village is served by Harper College Community College District 512.

Miscellaneous education

[edit]

The Xilin Northwest Chinese School (simplified Chinese: 希林西北中文学校; traditional Chinese: 希林西北中文學校; pinyin: XÄ«lín XÄ«bÄ›i Zhōngwén Xuéxiào) holds its classes at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates.[35] It serves grades preschool through 12.[36] The school predominately serves mainland Chinese families. In 2003 the school held its classes in Palatine High School in Palatine. In 2000 the school had served around 300 students. This figure increased almost by 100%, to almost 600 students. This made it one of the largest of the Chinese schools in the Chicago area.[37]

Library

[edit]
  • Barrington Area Library
  • Schaumburg Township District Library
  • Gail Borden Public Library District
  • Palatine Township Library

Sister city

[edit]

Hoffman Estates has one sister city:[38]

  • Angoulême, Charente, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Transportation

[edit]

Pace provides bus service on multiple routes connecting Hoffman Estates to Elgin, Rosemont, and other destinations.[39]

Notable people

[edit]
  • Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Senator from Illinois (2016–present)[40]
  • Rob Valentino (b. 1985), former soccer player who is an assistant coach for Atlanta United[41]
  • William Beckett, lead singer of the band The Academy Is...

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Hoffman Estates, Illinois
  3. ^ "Hoffman Estates village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  4. ^ "The Sunderlage Smokehouse: Hoffman Eestates' National Register Landmark". History of Schaumburg Township: A Blog of the Schaumburg Township District Library. February 21, 2010. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  5. ^ a b Collins, Catherine (August 24, 1986). "Hoffman Estates Plans a Revamp of Future Image". Chicago Tribune.
  6. ^ "Hoffman Estates, IL". The Encyclopedia of Chicago. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  7. ^ "HR0614 96th General Assembly". State of Illinois.
  8. ^ Davis, Robert (October 27, 1973). "U.S. indicts builder, seven ex-officials in suburb bribe". Chicago Tribune.
  9. ^ "History of Hoffman Estates". Village of Hoffman Estates. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  10. ^ "Name history of Hoffman Estates". Falcon Living. Retrieved November 26, 2017.
  11. ^ a b Sulski, Jim (May 11, 2000). "Versatile Network Brings Workers to Prairie Stone Business Park". Chicago Tribune.
  12. ^ Bernstein, David (May 16, 2020). "The Sears Headquarters Deal Cost Taxpayers $500 Million. 30 Years Later, There's Little to Show for It". ProPublica.
  13. ^ Russis, Martha (December 28, 1994). "PRAIRIE STONE GETS ELECTRONIC FIRM FOR TENANT". Chicago Tribune.
  14. ^ Kerch, Steve (October 30, 1994). "GETTING THE NOD". Chicago Tribune.
  15. ^ "Village of Hoffman Estates: History of Hoffman Estates". Hoffmanestates.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2012. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  16. ^ Manson, Ken (December 23, 2009). "Suburb takes over Sears Centre". Chicago Tribune.
  17. ^ Zumbach, Lauren (June 23, 2020). "Sears name disappearing from another Chicago-area building. Hoffman Estates arena gets a new name this fall". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  18. ^ Skiba, Katherine (October 21, 2016). "Military Soon to Start Moving Obama's Papers to Hoffman Estates". Chicago Tribune. Washington DC. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  19. ^ "Coronavirus Confirmed In Chicago; Woman In Her 60s Being Treated For Symptoms". CBS Chicago. Chicago. January 24, 2020. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  20. ^ Hauck, Grace (January 30, 2020). "Chicago man is first US case of person-to-person coronavirus spread". USA Today. Chicago. Retrieved February 13, 2020.
  21. ^ "Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  22. ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". US Census Bureau.
  23. ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Hoffman Estates village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau.
  24. ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) –Hoffman Estates village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau.
  25. ^ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Hoffman Estates village, Illinois". United States Census Bureau.
  26. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
  27. ^ Selvam, Ashok. "Asian population booming in suburbs". Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois). March 6, 2011. Retrieved on June 19, 2013.
  28. ^ "Village of Hoffman Estates Comprehensive Annual Financial Report". June 25, 2024.
  29. ^ " FAQ Archived July 13, 2014, at the Wayback Machine." Claire's. Retrieved on December 25, 2011. "Claire’s Stores, Inc. has its investor relations and customer service located in Pembroke Pines , Florida . The buying, marketing and distribution offices are located in Hoffman Estates, a suburb of Chicago . Please visit Contact Us if you would like to send correspondence to our corporate headquarters."
  30. ^ "Village of Hoffman Estates Top Employers". Hoffmanestates.org. March 21, 2012. Archived from the original on April 22, 2012. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  31. ^ "d211.org". d211.org. Archived from the original on May 4, 2012. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  32. ^ "sd54.k12.il.us". sd54.k12.il.us. April 19, 2012. Archived from the original on February 1, 1998. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  33. ^ "ccsd15.net". ccsd15.net. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  34. ^ "cusd220.lake.k12.il.us". cusd220.lake.k12.il.us. Archived from the original on July 3, 2006. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  35. ^ "School Location." Northwest Xilin Chinese School. Retrieved on February 24, 2014. "School Address 700 East Cougar Trail,Hoffman Estates,IL 60194 Located at Conant High School campus."
  36. ^ "About Us." Northwest Xilin Chinese School. Retrieved on February 24, 2014.
  37. ^ Ray, Tiffany. "Schools connect students to China." Chicago Tribune. March 2, 2003. Retrieved on February 24, 2014.
  38. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on April 5, 2017. Retrieved April 4, 2017.cite web: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  39. ^ "RTA System Map" (PDF). Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  40. ^ "Endorsement: Duckworth for U.S. Senate". Daily Herald. October 8, 2022.
  41. ^ "Rob Valentino Biography". ESPN. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
[edit]
  • Village of Hoffman Estates official website
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

For the novel by Liz Rosenberg, see Home Repair (novel).
For other uses of "repair", see Maintenance.
A mobile home being repaired in Oklahoma
A person making these repairs to a house after a flood

Home repair involves the diagnosis and resolution of problems in a home, and is related to home maintenance to avoid such problems. Many types of repairs are "do it yourself" (DIY) projects, while others may be so complicated, time-consuming or risky as to require the assistance of a qualified handyperson, property manager, contractor/builder, or other professionals.

Home repair is not the same as renovation, although many improvements can result from repairs or maintenance. Often the costs of larger repairs will justify the alternative of investment in full-scale improvements. It may make just as much sense to upgrade a home system (with an improved one) as to repair it or incur ever-more-frequent and expensive maintenance for an inefficient, obsolete or dying system.

Worn, consumed, dull, dirty, clogged

[edit]

Repairs often mean simple replacement of worn or used components intended to be periodically renewed by a home-owner, such as burnt out light bulbs, worn out batteries, or overfilled vacuum cleaner bags. Another class of home repairs relates to restoring something to a useful condition, such as sharpening tools or utensils, replacing leaky faucet washers, cleaning out plumbing traps, rain gutters. Because of the required precision, specialized tools, or hazards, some of these are best left to experts such as a plumber. One emergency repair that may be necessary in this area is overflowing toilets. Most of them have a shut-off valve on a pipe beneath or behind them so that the water supply can be turned off while repairs are made, either by removing a clog or repairing a broken mechanism.

Broken or damaged

[edit]

Perhaps the most perplexing repairs facing a home-owner are broken or damaged things. In today's era of built-in obsolescence for many products, it is often more convenient to replace something rather than attempt to repair it. A repair person is faced with the tasks of accurately identifying the problem, then finding the materials, supplies, tools and skills necessary to sufficiently effect the repair. Some things, such as broken windows, appliances or furniture can be carried to a repair shop, but there are many repairs that can be performed easily enough, such as patching holes in plaster and drywall, cleaning stains, repairing cracked windows and their screens, or replacing a broken electrical switch or outlet. Other repairs may have some urgency, such as broken water pipes, broken doors, latches or windows, or a leaky roof or water tank, and this factor can certainly justify calling for professional help. A home handyperson may become adept at dealing with such immediate repairs, to avoid further damage or loss, until a professional can be summoned.

Emergency repairs

[edit]

Emergencies can happen at any time, so it is important to know how to quickly and efficiently fix the problem. From natural disasters, power loss, appliance failure and no water, emergency repairs tend to be one of the most important repairs to be comfortable and confident with. In most cases, the repairs are DIY or fixable with whatever is around the house. Common repairs would be fixing a leak, broken window, flooding, frozen pipes or clogged toilet. Each problem can have a relatively simple fix, a leaky roof and broken window can be patched, a flood can be pumped out, pipes can be thawed and repaired and toilets can be unclogged with a chemical. For the most part, emergency repairs are not permanent. They are what you can do fast to stop the problem then have a professional come in to permanently fix it.[1] Flooding as a result of frozen pipes, clogged toilets or a leaky roof can result in very costly water damage repairs and even potential health issues resulting from mold growth if not addressed in a timely manner.

Maintenance

[edit]

Periodic maintenance also falls under the general class of home repairs. These are inspections, adjustments, cleaning, or replacements that should be done regularly to ensure proper functioning of all the systems in a house, and to avoid costly emergencies. Examples include annual testing and adjustment of alarm systems, central heating or cooling systems (electrodes, thermocouples, and fuel filters), replacement of water treatment components or air-handling filters, purging of heating radiators and water tanks, defrosting a freezer, vacuum refrigerator coils, refilling dry floor-drain traps with water, cleaning out rain gutters, down spouts and drains, touching up worn house paint and weather seals, and cleaning accumulated creosote out of chimney flues, which may be best left to a chimney sweep.

Examples of less frequent home maintenance that should be regularly forecast and budgeted include repainting or staining outdoor wood or metal, repainting masonry, waterproofing masonry, cleaning out septic systems, replacing sacrificial electrodes in water heaters, replacing old washing machine hoses (preferably with stainless steel hoses less likely to burst and cause a flood), and other home improvements such as replacement of obsolete or ageing systems with limited useful lifetimes (water heaters, wood stoves, pumps, and asphaltic or wooden roof shingles and siding.

Often on the bottom of people's to-do list is home maintenance chores, such as landscaping, window and gutter cleaning, power washing the siding and hard-scape, etc. However, these maintenance chores pay for themselves over time. Often, injury could occur when operating heavy machinery or when climbing on ladders or roofs around your home, so if an individual is not in the proper physical condition to accomplish these chores, then they should consult a professional. Lack of maintenance will cost more due to higher costs associated with repairs or replacements to be made later. It requires discipline and learning aptitude to repair and maintain the home in good condition, but it is a satisfying experience to perform even seemingly minor repairs.

Good operations

[edit]

Another related issue for avoiding costly repairs (or disasters) is the proper operation of a home, including systems and appliances, in a way that prevents damage or prolongs their usefulness. For example, at higher latitudes, even a clean rain gutter can suddenly build up an ice dam in winter, forcing melt water into unprotected roofing, resulting in leaks or even flooding inside walls or rooms. This can be prevented by installing moisture barrier beneath the roofing tiles. A wary home-owner should be alert to the conditions that can result in larger problems and take remedial action before damage or injury occurs. It may be easier to tack down a bit of worn carpet than repair a large patch damaged by prolonged misuse. Another example is to seek out the source of unusual noises or smells when mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems are operating—sometimes they indicate incipient problems. One should avoid overloading or otherwise misusing systems, and a recurring overload may indicate time for an upgrade.

Water infiltration is one of the most insidious sources of home damage. Small leaks can lead to water stains, and rotting wood. Soft, rotten wood is an inviting target for termites and other wood-damaging insects. Left unattended, a small leak can lead to significant structural damage, necessitating the replacement of beams and framing.

With a useful selection of tools, typical materials and supplies on hand, and some home repair information or experience, a home-owner or handyperson should be able to carry out a large number of DIY home repairs and identify those that will need the specialized attention of others.

Remediation of environmental problems

[edit]

When a home is sold, inspections are performed that may reveal environmental hazards such as radon gas in the basement or water supply or friable asbestos materials (both of which can cause lung cancer), peeling or disturbed lead paint (a risk to children and pregnant women), in-ground heating oil tanks that may contaminate ground water, or mold that can cause problems for those with asthma or allergies. Typically the buyer or mortgage lender will require these conditions to be repaired before allowing the purchase to close. An entire industry of environmental remediation contractors has developed to help home owners resolve these types of problems.

See also

[edit]
  • Electrical wiring
  • Handyperson
  • Housekeeping
  • Home improvement
  • Home wiring
  • HVAC
  • Maintenance, repair, and operations
  • Plumbing
  • Right to repair
  • Smoke alarm
  • Winterization

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Reader's Digest New Complete Do-it-yourself Manual. Montreal, Canada: Reader's Digest Association. 1991. pp. 9–13. ISBN 9780888501783. OCLC 1008853527.

 

Photo
Photo
Photo
Photo

Things To Do in Cook County

Photo

Sand Ridge Nature Center

4.8 (96)
Photo

River Trail Nature Center

4.6 (235)
Photo

Palmisano (Henry) Park

4.7 (1262)

Driving Directions in Cook County

Driving Directions From Palmisano (Henry) Park to
Driving Directions From Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens to
Driving Directions From Navy Pier to

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Navy+Pier/United+Structural+Systems+of+Illinois%2C+Inc/@41.8918633,-87.6050944,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1sunknown!2m2!1d-87.6050944!2d41.8918633!1m5!1m1!1sChIJ-wSxDtinD4gRiv4kY3RRh9U!2m2!1d-88.1396465!2d42.0637725!3e0

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Lake+Katherine+Nature+Center+and+Botanic+Gardens/United+Structural+Systems+of+Illinois%2C+Inc/@41.6776048,-87.8010774,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1sunknown!2m2!1d-87.8010774!2d41.6776048!1m5!1m1!1sChIJ-wSxDtinD4gRiv4kY3RRh9U!2m2!1d-88.1396465!2d42.0637725!3e2

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Palmisano+%28Henry%29+Park/United+Structural+Systems+of+Illinois%2C+Inc/@41.8429903,-87.6490151,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1sunknown!2m2!1d-87.6490151!2d41.8429903!1m5!1m1!1sChIJ-wSxDtinD4gRiv4kY3RRh9U!2m2!1d-88.1396465!2d42.0637725!3e1

Reviews for

Jeffery James

(5)

Very happy with my experience. They were prompt and followed through, and very helpful in fixing the crack in my foundation.

Sarah McNeily

(5)

USS was excellent. They are honest, straightforward, trustworthy, and conscientious. They thoughtfully removed the flowers and flower bulbs to dig where they needed in the yard, replanted said flowers and spread the extra dirt to fill in an area of the yard. We've had other services from different companies and our yard was really a mess after. They kept the job site meticulously clean. The crew was on time and friendly. I'd recommend them any day! Thanks to Jessie and crew.

Jim de Leon

(5)

It was a pleasure to work with Rick and his crew. From the beginning, Rick listened to my concerns and what I wished to accomplish. Out of the 6 contractors that quoted the project, Rick seemed the MOST willing to accommodate my wishes. His pricing was definitely more than fair as well. I had 10 push piers installed to stabilize and lift an addition of my house. The project commenced at the date that Rick had disclosed initially and it was completed within the same time period expected (based on Rick's original assessment). The crew was well informed, courteous, and hard working. They were not loud (even while equipment was being utilized) and were well spoken. My neighbors were very impressed on how polite they were when they entered / exited my property (saying hello or good morning each day when they crossed paths). You can tell they care about the customer concerns. They ensured that the property would be put back as clean as possible by placing MANY sheets of plywood down prior to excavating. They compacted the dirt back in the holes extremely well to avoid large stock piles of soils. All the while, the main office was calling me to discuss updates and expectations of completion. They provided waivers of lien, certificates of insurance, properly acquired permits, and JULIE locates. From a construction background, I can tell you that I did not see any flaws in the way they operated and this an extremely professional company. The pictures attached show the push piers added to the foundation (pictures 1, 2 & 3), the amount of excavation (picture 4), and the restoration after dirt was placed back in the pits and compacted (pictures 5, 6 & 7). Please notice that they also sealed two large cracks and steel plated these cracks from expanding further (which you can see under my sliding glass door). I, as well as my wife, are extremely happy that we chose United Structural Systems for our contractor. I would happily tell any of my friends and family to use this contractor should the opportunity arise!

Chris Abplanalp

(5)

USS did an amazing job on my underpinning on my house, they were also very courteous to the proximity of my property line next to my neighbor. They kept things in order with all the dirt/mud they had to excavate. They were done exactly in the timeframe they indicated, and the contract was very details oriented with drawings of what would be done. Only thing that would have been nice, is they left my concrete a little muddy with boot prints but again, all-in-all a great job

Dave Kari

(5)

What a fantastic experience! Owner Rick Thomas is a trustworthy professional. Nick and the crew are hard working, knowledgeable and experienced. I interviewed every company in the area, big and small. A homeowner never wants to hear that they have foundation issues. Out of every company, I trusted USS the most, and it paid off in the end. Highly recommend.

View GBP

Check our other pages :