Benz and Associates LLC

Your home literally depends on the quality structure of its foundation. If you're even remotely concerned about the foundation in which your home sits on, you're better off having it professionally inspected. Even if there are minor issues or damage to your home's foundation, this could lead to larger issues down the road. Rather than attempting to fix the issues on your own, and possibly making the damage worse or causing more expense to you, here are several reasons why you should hire a St. Louis foundation repair specialist to address your foundation repair needs: EXPERIENCE When dealing with foundation issues, you should hire a contractor who services houses and commercial properties that has experience, training, and knowledge. Just as you’re an expert in your own field, you need to hire a company that can diagnose foundation damage and quickly create solutions. We’re contractors who are well known for doing an excellent job fixing foundations, and we know how ...

The foundation of a home or building is essential to the value and safety of the structure. At a minimum, a foundation must do three things well: 1) Support the structure above, 2) Keep out groundwater, and 3) Act as a barrier to water and soil vapor. That being said, Benz & Associates wants to share with you some common issues that are seen in residential and commercial building foundations in the Greater St. Louis Area , as well as some tips for identifying them. Warning Signs from Inside Your Home All homes settle over time, and this typically isn't cause for panic. However, you’ll want to still pay attention to these warning signs that could mean that there are bigger problems. If you notice that your doors begin to have problems closing properly or are not latching when you shut them, this could be an indication of foundation settlement. If cracks appear in walls, especially over doorways and windows or where walls meet the ceiling, that could also mean you have...

Your parking lot creates one of the first impressions for your place of business. As the focal point for passersby and visitors, an attractive and well-kept parking lot with curb appeal adds value to your investment. By far the two most popular parking lot materials in the U.S. are concrete and asphalt. But, for many reasons, concrete should be the number one choice when it comes to creating a long lasting and low maintenance parking lot for any St. Louis business . Take a look at the 10 reasons why we feel concrete is the best option for all business owners. 1. Up-Front Cost Concrete parking lots are increasingly cost effective compared to asphalt parking lots due to rising petroleum prices, and asphalt shortages. 2. Lifetime Cost Concrete parking lots require very little maintenance.  Resealing is recommended every 3-4 years, and can be done very economically with virtually no down time. 3. Longer Installation Season Concrete can be installed at lower temperatures tha...

We may be nearing the fall season, but some of you might already be thinking about your spring home improvement projects and what you’d like to cross off your to do list. A new concrete patio, sidewalk, or steps might be on your list, so here are a few things to look out for when hiring a concrete contractor in St. Louis and the surrounding areas. Ask Around the Neighborhood If any of your neighbors or friends have had concrete work done recently, ask them about the St. Louis concrete contractor they used. Get some word of mouth recommendations, which is almost always the best way to find a service provider like a concrete contractor. And when you contact one to start inquiring about services and prices, ask if the contractor has any testimonials. Look Online for Reviews The internet is a great place to do some research about your concrete contractor. Check websites like Yelp, Angie’s List and Google+ Local to see what kind of reviews your concrete contractor got from previo...

Who doesn't strive to have the best looking house in the neighborhood? Of course, you want all your neighbors doing double takes of your gorgeous landscaping and wishing they had a great looking curb appeal like your home does. Well, that dream to be the envy of the neighborhood isn't too far from reality. We've got 4 concrete ideas to strengthen your home's appeal. Check them out! 1. Dress Up The Driveway If your driveway is an eye sore and even worse to drive on, it may be time to think about replacing it with a more sturdy, longer lasting one. By installing a concrete driveway , not only will you prolong the life and use of your driveway, but you'll create a beautiful eye-catching addition to your home's landscaping. You can even get a stamped design done to add definition and style that will have your neighbors envious! 2. Build a Walkway When you invite family, friends, and neighbors over you don't want them tripping over their own feet whil...

Concrete can be used to add style and expression to any property. While it's mainly used as an exterior substance for building and designing, it is affordable for the average homeowner to use for both indoor and outdoor design. Steps, walkways, and staircases can all be constructed from concrete because concrete is a substance that conforms to any figure or structure. Practically any design can be constructed into a physical structure made of concrete, especially walkways and steps. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose concrete for your steps, stairways and walkways. Durable The durability of concrete, along with the very low maintenance required, make the choice of having concrete stairs over wood stairs an easy one. Concrete stairs will not warp, fade, splinter or rot. To keep a concrete stairway looking like new all you have to do is pressure wash and re-seal them. It also offers longevity compared to many other materials, and concrete is waterproof, so flo...

Concrete landscapes have become quite popular recently. And why wouldn't they? Not only do they make your landscaping look great, but it also makes home owning much more enjoyable because it saves time on lawn maintenance. Concrete landscaping has various advantages over other materials in terms of looks, designs, strength as well as price. Check out these 3 benefits of having concrete in your landscape design. 1. Durable Hardscaping Concrete is an extremely durable product that is perfect for high foot traffic areas such as your backyard patio. It can hold up against a variety of weather conditions from thunderstorms to hail. You will also not have to worry about constant maintenance with concrete in your land and hardscaping design. The concrete is a hard material and can’t be damaged easily. It serves as an excellent barrier. The curb prevents grass and weeds from growing in between your walkway joints, so it is very easy to clean by occasional hosing it down. So your ...