Lower Ownership Costs
Avoid costly foundation repairs down the road.
ACTIVE SOILS REQUIRE A PROACTIVE SOLUTION
Tella Firma is an evolved, hybrid commercial foundation process that costs less to install and is less susceptible to timing, labor and weather uncertainties. This patented process elevates a slab-on-grade foundation above active soils to protect the slab from damaging soil swells, contractions, and movement.
TESTED. PROVEN. COST-EFFECTIVE.
Commercial developers who see the immediate benefits in time and cost savings quickly understand why Tella Firma is earning a reputation as the new standard in foundations on active soils.
Patented Tella Firma Commercial Lifting Mechanisms
Tella Firma lifting mechanisms are the cornerstone of its patented technology. The system reduces the typical number of piers required for commercial foundations, and consist of:
- A load-bearing plate that sits atop a pile
- A lifting bolt that bears against the embed plate
- A threaded puck (cast in the bottom of the slab) that accepts the lifting bolt
- A sleeve and cap to prevent concrete from fouling the puck threads
See how Tella Firma is utilizing Helical Piers in its suspended foundation designs for residential and commercial applications.
Minimal Maintenance
No special watering requirements are needed.
Better Resale Value
Future homebuyers find value in certainty.
Green Design
No chemical soil injections are necessary at installation.
Foundation problems are caused by continuously changing soil conditions. Many areas have “active soil” conditions. Clay soils expand as they absorb moisture and contract as they dry. This can cause concrete slab foundations to move, settle, and eventually crack over time, leading to costly damage to both the interior and exterior of a building.
While a Tella Firma Foundation is not the only foundation for a new home, it is the most effective system to reduce long-term risk of foundation damage and protect yourself from volatile soils.
About Traditional Foundations
Many traditional foundation options exist, but none deliver the quality and reassurance of a Tella Firma foundation.
Slab-on-Grade
This common foundation might be the cheapest, but it is extremely susceptible to foundation movement. It depends heavily on soils near the surface for support and is commonly associated with foundation problems such as cracks in walls and masonry, uneven floors and walls, and windows and doors that stick.
Pier and Beam or Structurally Suspended Floor with a Crawl Space
This foundation system provides isolation from the active soils similar to a Tella Firma foundation, but construction is labor intensive and is very expensive to build and takes significantly longer to construct. In addition, if wooden flooring is used, it can be susceptible to mold or rot.
Structurally Suspended Slab using Carton Forms or Void Boxes
The suspended slab system does provide isolation from active soils, but it often requires expensive carton forms and is labor intensive. Most importantly, cardboard carton forms are susceptible to moisture and must be replaced at high expense should they get wet before the slab is poured.
Emphasis On Quality
From The Ground Up
Over fifty years of established engineering practices are leveraged in a high-quality solution that matches the performance of widely used commercial standards. Whether it’s a helical pier system or concrete pier foundation, we ensure a solid start for your construction project.
Cost-Effective Without
Compromising On Efficiency
Tella Firma is more cost-effective to install than remediation options or suspended foundations using carton forms or crawl spaces. For example, our helical pier solution provides faster installation, less dependence on weather, and a reduction of labor-related errors, all while requiring less concrete.
Defy
Nature
Weather cannot be controlled, but the risks of unforeseen rainfall can be mitigated. During construction, Tella Firma Foundations can utilize its helical piles installation. This is a more weather-tolerant construction process and allows foundation installation much sooner in wet conditions.
Eliminate
Uncertainties
Tella Firma holds 12 patents on a process developed specifically to save time and money while minimizing risk.
Testimonials
For Residential Homebuilders
Reduced Uncertainties
By applying 50 years of commercial engineering principles to the residential building process, builders can avoid future foundation and warranty expenses—and preserve their reputations as quality builders.
Increase Home Values
Homebuyers understand the foundation risks and problems that exist throughout Texas and other states. Provide the peace-of-mind they deserve, all while helping the homebuyer to avoid future foundation problems and to secure resale values down the road.
Experienced Turnkey Foundation Contractors
FraserCon
“Concrete Experts”
2425 Parker Road, Bldg 3A
Carrollton, TX 75010
Office: 972-939-9888
Golesco Inc.
Matt Goles
4819 FM 482
New Braunfels, TX 78132
Office: 830-632-6301
DFW Concrete, Inc.
James Southerland
2711 Blue Mound Road
Fort Worth, TX 76179
Mobile: 817-439-3220
Office: 817-308-3680
JBL Construction, Inc.
Jay Hangartner
1880 Lonestar Drive
Celina, TX 75009
Mobile: 214-668-3358
Kaufman Concrete
Steve Kaufman
4088 FM 1461
McKinney, TX 75071
Mobile: 214-926-5051
Office: 972-985-1604
Proficient Concrete, LLC
Oscar Munoz
10704 CF Hawn Freeway
Dallas, TX 75217
Mobile: 214-837-7192
Office: 214-522-9480
Pennington Concrete, Inc.
Leland Pennington
13350 Euless Street
Euless, TX 76040
Mobile: 817-917-4999
Office: 817-571-6300
Marshall Bailey Construction
Marshall Bailey
P.O. Box 240
Melissa, TX 75454
Mobile: 214-914-8020
Ramer Concrete
Philip Johnson
2404 Tarpley Road
Carrollton, TX 75006
Office: 972-416-1518
Platas Concrete, Inc.
411 E. Jones Street
Lewisville, TX 75057
Mobile: 214-232-3304
Office: 972-219-5987
Seelye Construction, LLC.
Scott Seelye
212 N Oklahoma Street
Celina, TX 75009
Office: 469-202-2503
Rick Williams Co.
Rick Williams
4446 Brookview Drive, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75220
Office: 214-538-1189
Huntsman Walker Construction
David Huntsman
357 Quail Run Road
Sherman, TX 75090
Mobile: 903-821-3887
Rog’s Concrete Texas, Inc.
Dawn Ottman
2000 Whitley Road, Suite U
Keller, TX 76248
Office: 817-379-6626
Potter Concrete
Rusty Potter
1111 Lagoon
Dallas, TX 75207
Mobile: 214-686-0191
Office: 214-920-2164
Experienced Plumbing Contractors
DJ’s Plumbing & Backflow
Donnie Black
4208 Wild Plum Drive
Carrollton, TX 75010
Office: 214-507-7441
NCT Plumbing
Scotty Kidd
1078 Katy Road
Fort Worth, TX 76244
Office: 817-431-5952
BMH Plumbing
Scott Swinson
3000 Custer Road, Suite 140
Plano, TX 75075
Mobile: 214-674-7564
Circle H Plumbing
Bob Holland
P.O. Box 173968
Arlington, TX 76003
Mobile: 214-587-3079
Riddell Plumbing
Scotty Riddell
3700 US Hwy 80 E
Mesquite, TX 75149
Office: 972-682-4860
Dallas Plumbing Company
Mike Downs
11055 Plano Road
Dallas, TX 75238
Office: 214-340-6300
R&J Plumbing
Robert Jacks
604 Castleman Court
Keller, TX 76248
Office: 817-313-7753
Enterprise Plumbing of Texas
Jack Underwood
900 Alpha Drive, Suite 430
Richardson, TX 75081
Office: 972-231-2860
Cathedral Plumbing of Texas
Luis Uriarte
1451 Halsey Way
Carrollton, TX 75007
Office: 972-362-0780
JS Plumbing
James Sellman
621 Edgewood Drive
Corsicana, TX 75110
Office: 903-874-6342
Mobile: 903-654-1384
Conger Construction Services
Richard and Mary Conger
11480 FM 744
Barry, TX 75102
Office: 903-467-1297
Builders and Engineering Firms Using Tella Firma
Frequently Asked Questions
about Tella Firma Residential Foundations
What is a Tella Firma Foundation?
ANSWER: The Tella Firma foundation is an innovative and patented system that provides all the benefits of a pier-and-beam or other suspended foundation system, yet is much more affordable and takes less time to install when compared to most traditionally-suspended foundations. The patented foundation system was created in an effort to prevent costly foundation damage by withstanding the notorious volatility of active clay soil and gives the structure a foundation that can be trusted.
Are foundation problems a concern in Texas?
ANSWER: Yes. Every year builders and homeowners in Texas (and other parts of the US) spend tens of millions of dollars on foundation repair. You can gauge the amount of foundation problems by the number of foundation repair advertisement on Google, TV, radio, and billboards.
How can I get a Tella Firma Foundation System in my new home?
ANSWER: We recommend Tella Firma foundations in any new building project, especially if the area is prone to volatile soil conditions. To have your new structure built on a Tella Firma Foundation, simply tell your architect, engineer or homebuilder to contact our offices today and we’ll assist in every way possible throughout the building process.
How expensive is a Tella Firma Foundation System?
ANSWER: Tella Firma foundations are a more affordable alternative to pier-and-beam foundations, and typically less expensive than other commercial grade suspended foundations. While slab-on-grade foundations are traditionally cheaper, they put your home’s structural integrity at risk and have been prone to damage over time, rendering any cost savings meaningless.
Who can install Tella Firma Foundations?
ANSWER: Any licensed professional concrete installer with foundation experience and training by Tella Firma is able to install a Tella Firma Foundation. We regularly train general contractors, builders and concrete subcontractors, and the training process is quick, easy, and free.
Is a Tella Firma Foundation System difficult to install?
ANSWER: No. Tella Firma foundations are no more difficult than any engineered suspended foundation system. The system can be easily installed by a licensed concrete installer. Our support team is ready to assist with any training necessary to get the job done right, and in an expedient manner.
Do Tella Firma Foundations use chemicals during installation?
ANSWER: No. Tella Firma foundations follow a green installation process, without the need of chemical or water injections to the surrounding soil.
Do I have to water my Tella Firma Foundation to maintain it?
ANSWER: We always advise proper maintenance and care to the inside and outside of the home, but unlike traditional slab-on-grade foundations, Tella Firma foundations are designed to withstand the swelling and contracting caused by changes in temperature and moisture. Therefore, watering your foundation to the extent that you would a traditional slab-on-grade is not necessary.
Which customers use Tella Firma Foundations in their homes today?
ANSWER: Dozens of today’s leading custom and luxury homebuilders have been using the Tella Firma system for years, including: Ventura Custom Homes, Ron Davis Custom Homes, Victory Custom Homes, Thomas Signature Homes, and Cooper Custom Homes to name a few. See more here.
Does Tella Firma provide a warranty?
ANSWER: Yes. Tella Firma provides a warranty and indemnifies its customer for 10 years on the lifting mechanism. The builder or concrete installer typically provides a warranty on the installation and workmanship of the slab itself.
Are Tella Firma Foundations available regionally or throughout the country?
ANSWER: Tella Firma foundations are most commonly found throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Colorado, but are applicable throughout the country wherever soil movement is found. If you’re interested in a Tella Firma foundation in your area, please contact us.
Why is the company called Tella Firma?
ANSWER: “Tella” is Latin for castle or structure, as in “a person’s home is their castle,” and “Firma” is Latin for solid or stable, so the name stands for solid or stable home or structure.
When did Tella Firma begin?
ANSWER: Tella Firma Foundations began in 2015. The foundation system itself has been used with great success in homes throughout North Texas beginning in 2005 and using commercial engineering principles that have been in practice for over 50 years.