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2 United Structural Systems, Inc. built from the ground, up In 1994, Michael E. Smith, the founding owner of United Structural Systems, established a permanent presence in Middle Tennessee offering the same quality services as did its sister company throughout Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Northern Illinois. Today, our hands-on owner Chris Smith creates a bridge between his father s rich experience and modern technology. The expertise of co-owners Kenny Williams and Shannon Carter (2nd generation), assisted by a dedicated management team, reinforces our commitment to providing permanent repair solutions. Our work is performed with the future in mind. Our company is structured on the premise that we must learn, teach, and apply technical applications to foundation stabilization and earth retention systems. Our management staff and technicians exercise this premise for residential repairs and high profile commercial projects throughout the region. Learn: We are students of industry. A contributing factor to our steady growth is the inclusion of advanced technology into our existing systems. Teach: We train and take care of our own employees. Not only do our owners continue to learn state-of-the-art industry techniques, but they also return to train our employees in the same procedures. Our goal is to provide safe, reliable service offered efficiently and proficiently. Our crews attend weekly safety meetings and follow OSHA standards. Every person on our team is an employee of USS and has been drug-screened in accordance with our participation in the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Program. Quite frankly, we take extreme pride in our team! Apply: We understand that one size doesn t fit all. Since we have extensive knowledge of the mid south s varying soil conditions, terrains, and rock, we understand that one particular procedure doesn t fit every situation. Our experience, application, and equipment are matched with our region s specific soil conditions ensuring the proper customized repairs to your home. And, because our equipment is compatible with the scope of the work, minimal damage is done in the repair process. The USS Difference USS is a design/build company. Because we re a specialty contractor and independently owned, we don t use "cookie cutter" products like some franchised companies. Therefore, we are not bound by, or at the mercy of standard equipment, traditional methods and inexperienced subcontractors. Our owners have more than 26 combined years of experience in engineering design, masonry, waterproofing, foundation stabilizing, and earth retention. Our expertise, combined with our diversified systems, result in a structural design/repair method that is guaranteed. We routinely work with homeowners, architects, engineers, contractors, home inspectors, property managers, and realtors. And, in fact, referrals from these groups account for over 75 percent of our business. Building on our reputation for care in installation, and in general site clean up, we ll treat your property as if it is our own. Shannon (Smith) Carter, customer service manager Chris Smith, president Our Mission To create an environment for our employees to expand their technical and leadership skills, meeting customers satisfaction and industry s standards Mike Smith, founder Kenny Williams, vice president USS also regularly handles commercial projects and enjoys a solid and long-standing reputation with public agencies and private industry. You can trust us to take care of your home when you consider that many of the mid south s top businesses, schools, and churches have already trusted us with their structures: Ford Glass Plant Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nissan of North America Grand Ole Opry House U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Center Hill Lake Dam) Turney Center Prison MTSU and Lipscomb, Fisk universities Nashville Electric Service U.S. Postal Service (Brentwood & Antioch) Thomas Nelson Publishers Jimmy Dean Plant Davidson, Williamson, and Sumner county schools Metropolitan Transit Authority Numerous area churches

3 VERTICAL SETTLEMENT Degree of lift monitored with laser level Symptoms of a Failing Foundation Windows and doors sticking Roof or basement leaking Bricks or walls cracking Walls bowing, bulging, or leaning Drywall separating Stair step cracks in masonry mortar joints Space between basement wall and floors Chimneys tilting or leaning Gaps in caulking at windows or doors Corner stabilization achieved Structure ready for lift Why is my foundation settling? Extreme moisture and drought conditions are the main cause of foundation failure. Soil swells during the wetter months, and shrinks during drier months. This differential settlement can create voids, thus allowing settlement under the foundation walls. Other possible causes can be attributed to poor drainage, plumbing leaks, non-compacted soils, and aggressive terrain. Why use steel piers? We understand the geology of our region. We have found the "jack-down" steel pile system for shoring or underpinning to be highly successful. This process involves excavation to expose the footing, then a steel bracket is permanently installed to "cradle" the footing. The steel pier is then hydraulically driven through the bracket and into the soil until load-bearing strata is encountered. An alternative is the drilled pile method. A drilled pile is capable of drilling though any strata to ensure that the end-bearing has successfully reached permanent refusal. Will the cracks completely close? We strive for maximum closure of every crack. If the structural integrity is jeopardized, our experienced foremen will monitor and stabilize the foundation to prevent further settlement. Cosmetic repairs (remortaring/caulking) aid greatly in the restoration process. Will this repair be permanent? Although the earth s movement below your house cannot be predicted, our stabilization system can! USS warrants the stability of your repaired foundation for the lifetime of the structure. Our reputation and work ethic precede us! We take pride in our reputation and work ethic. If geotechnical and structural engineers in Middle Tennessee have long trusted our commercial applications as a "sure-footing" for notable landmark structures, then you can also be assured that your residential structure will be successfully stabilized.

4 LATERAL MOVEMENT Wall Tiebacks, Realignment, and Earth Retention For retention projects, tiebacks are calculated to match the lateral loads of retained soils. Typical applications include retaining walls, soilcuts, and deep excavations. Tiebacks at retaining wall Lateral support drilling On-site fabrication The USS Solution to Lateral Movement I-Beam installation has proven to be the most reliable method of stabilizing a basement wall that is experiencing lateral deflection. The steel wall reinforcing beams provide continuing support, strengthening the wall to resist the earth s pressure. Alternative methods of lateral stabilization include core-filling, shotcrete, and tieback applications. Call or click

5 Specialized Services Call on the specialized services of USS to stabilize your home and restore your equity! Hi-Definition Concrete Carving Foundation failure is both seen and hidden. USS, as general contractors, use specialized remediation skills to restore damages incurred as a result of foundation failure. We offer these all-inclusive services: Masonry Services If the brick and/or block above your repaired footing is fractured (needs more than remortaring in between cracks), we will re-lay that portion of damaged brick and/or block. Otherwise, cosmetic repair (i.e., tuckpointing, caulking) is routinely performed. Pressure Grouting Voids This process involves pumping grout to fill voids created by wall realignment. This eliminates bridging by providing contact between the soil and footing. Waterproofing Waterproofing may be required as a result of foundation failure. Shotcrete and Other Concrete Services Shotcrete (pneumatically applied concrete) is used around the world on retaining walls, basement walls, canals, slope stabilizations, and in concrete repair. It s highly useful in remote sites when access is limited or forming is atypical or costly. Structural Support Systems We offer this custom design service for any unusual settlement situation. Fabricating special structural components for on-site repair may be required. Yes! We can make even concrete beautiful! USS takes pride not You ll be amazed at the striking difference this hands-on only in our ability to art form makes in your outdoor living area. stabilize your home, but to make our work aesthetically pleasing when appropriate. Using shotcrete we can create geologically specific, custom-designed rock and water features; retaining walls, and hardscapes shaped to replicate trees, mudbanks, dirtbanks, seacliffs, and rocks.

6 We ve been keeping Middle Tennessee homes on a sure foundation for over a decade Customer quality audits remind us of the vital importance of our responsiveness, courtesy, cleanliness, price, and value. That s why more than 2,000 homeowners have made us their choice for foundation repair. You made a horrible experience into a much more tolerable one. Your company really cared about the job they were doing. Franklin, Tennessee We got more than we paid for and would not hesitate recommending your company. Franklin, Tennessee I was really pleased with your extra efforts to achieve maximum closure of the cracks in my garage walls. Smyrna, Tennessee It is such a pleasure to work with people that know the value of customer service very rare in today s market. Thanks! Chapmansboro, Tennessee Work was excellent and personnel very professional and careful. I ve worked with construction companies for over 20 years this work was outstanding! Murfreesboro, Tennessee I spoke with many past customers who all gave your company high marks and strong recommendations. Murfreesboro, Tennessee The project was handled from start to finish as it was explained to me and done in a timely, professional manner. Your on-the-job crew exceeded my expectations. Nashville, Tennessee I have never seen two people work so hard. Your crew virtually worked nonstop all day in 90º weather. The next day when it was raining, thundering, and lightning, they still showed up on time and completed the work one day early. Greenbrier, Tennessee In today s society it is nice to find a company that does what it says it will do. Your crew always arrived on time and showed pride in their work. Clarksville, Tennessee Your company is tops in professionalism and in the way you apparently maintain your equipment. Nashville, Tennessee You saved our sanity! When a home is literally collapsing, it creates a feeling of helplessness. You and your company stood behind work contracted by previous owners of the home, and later this was the only part of the house that did not move. Franklin, Tennessee As one crew member completed a task, another immediately moved in for the next segment. Very refreshing to witness the way their moves and actions were smooth and synchronized. Gallatin, Tennessee

7 UNITED STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS, INC. Lifetime Warranty Property This certifies that the structure located at the above address is warranted for life against vertical settlement in the area piered. This warranty is completely transferable to future owners at no cost. _ USS Authorized Signature Completion Date 2111 Boat Factory Road Pleasant View, Tennessee (615)