The old adage, “a house must be built on a solid foundation if it is to last”, rings all to true when you begin to notice the signs of foundation problems. Cracks in the walls, windows and doors begin to stick or won’t open at all, floors begin to settle and become uneven. Finally you notice your foundation sinking into the ground, seemingly being swallowed up by the ground you home is built upon. You may be thinking your home is falling apart at the seams. The Truth is, it may very well be due to a failing foundation.
Foundation Repair Services
Cracks in walls and ceilings
Doors and windows sticking
Sloping or uneven floors
Noticeable foundation cracks
Separation between walls and floors
Warranty Information
Foundation Repair Socal offers Extended and Lifetime Warranties on our products and services. Push and Helical piers are installed with a lifetime warranty against defects. We offer warranties of up to 20 years on below-grade waterproofing, including foundation and basement walls.
Detailed warranty information is provided with all repair proposals.
Some warranties are offered at additional expense.
Why is My Foundation Sinking?
In many cases, the expansion or consolidation of the soil that supports your house results in foundation movement. In general, differential settlement, (sinking), occurs when soil under a footing, compresses. The cause of soil compression could be either;
Inadequate drainage of surface water, either from rain or irrigation, away from the home often contributes to subgrade soil saturation. This is the number one cause for foundation problems in Southern California.
Other Causes of Settlement
- Roots intrusion underneath your foundation.
- Sewer or water supply line leaks, including irrigation lines, pool plumbing, and even city supply lines.
- New heavier roof replacements- Yes, even installing a much heavier new roof can cause settlement issues. Its rare but it does happen more than you think.
What Happens When My Foundation Starts to Settle?
- Walls begin to crack. Floors become uneven.
- Windows and doors begin to stick and become out of square.
- Cosmetic repairs tend to return quickly.
- Gaps and voids can appear.
- Water intrusion in areas that never leaked before.
FOUNDATION REPAIR METHODS
Underpinning
Concrete pads of push and helical piers, are the most recognized methods of foundation stabilization for both residential and commercial. Each method is recommended based on a thorough investigation of your foundation problems.
Polyurethane Foam
Mud-jacking is a process of pumping concrete or ‘mud’, once used to lift or stabilize concrete slabs or foundations. A new simpler technology using polyurethane geotechnical foam, injected deep into the soil below your foundation can now be used to stabilize and even lift sinking foundations. It is most often used for shallow footings or to lift and stabilize a concrete slab.”
So, What’s the Best Repair Method for My Foundation Settlement Problem?
There is no right answer to this question without a thorough investigation of the problems, the cause, and often financial consideration of you the homeowner. Key elements to consider are;
When did the settlement or foundation problems, (listed above) occur?
Is the problem getting worse?
Did you stop the cause, or is the cause ongoing?
How much are you willing to invest to provide a permanent repair solution?
With that in mind, it’s time to consult with a foundation repair professional that understands not only what to look for, in determining the cause or multiple causes, but also can offer you enough information so you can make the best decision for your needs and requirements. You see, there are many options and methods to either repair a foundation back to its original condition or stop the settlement to reduce potential future damage. Which one is right for your foundation problem? We don’t know, not yet, but in many cases, what was perceived as a foundation issue, turned out to be something completely different. The key is, hiring the right profession that can work within your budget, to provide the best repair option for every dollar you spend.
In closing, we would like you to consider Foundation Repair Socal as your trusted advisor, to provide you with the best repair solution for your foundation problems.
Sinking or Settling Foundation
Foundation settlement is most often caused by changes in moisture levels, expansive soils, poor compaction during construction, and poor drainage or extreme weather cycles. Sewer or plumbing leaks can also pose significant settlement problems
Concrete, Stucco, and Mortar Cracks
Minor cracks in your stucco or mortar are usually caused by temperature fluctuations or poor construction techniques. Prominent cracks that tend to grow are more often caused by foundation problems that should be addressed by a professional. knowing the difference early can save you thousands in repair costs.
Gaps and Cracks
Gaps and cracks in floors, (or the concrete below your floor covering) are typical. Minor settlement is inevitable. To avoid costly repairs, you should know what the difference between a foundation problem and a minor settlement. Hiring a professional to determine potential problems before they actually are, is always a good practice.
Foundation Cracks
Small cracks in you foundation is expected and are result of the concrete drying out during construction. Larger cracks and cracks with differential movement are often a sign of potentially costly foundation problems. Expansive soils, tree roots, water/sewer leaks, or erosion can cause serious foundation problems.
Sticking Doors and Windows
Humidity is the usual suspect for most doors and windows sticking as the wood swells or shrinks, but when they are combined with visual misalignment, cracks in walls, or uneven floors, this is a clear sign of something more serious. If this occurs, you should have your foundation inspected by a professional.
Bowing or Leaning Basement Walls
Southern California homes don’t usually have basements, but many hillside homes are constructed with large crawlspaces that experience the same problems. When your cripple wall is bowing, it indicates potential structural weakness or a potential problem called ‘downhill slip’, where your foundation is slowly sliding downhill. This is a serious problem that should be immediately resolved by a professional.
Our Promise To You
Areas We Serve
Foundation Repair Socal Service Areas – We proudly service residential customers in cities throughout Los Angeles, Kern, Orange, and Ventura Counties. We have an extended service area and travel throughout CA, NV, and AZ for commercial projects.
We offer consulting services worldwide, and government projects nationwide. We take pride in the long-standing relationships built within the respective communities we serve.
We are a partnering contractor with ECP or Earth Contact Products, an industry leader in manufacturing foundation repair solutions.
Since we’re right in your backyard, you can call us today at (661)-2940-1313 and schedule your free, no-obligation foundation inspection!
Our repair professionals provide permanent engineered solutions to your foundation settlement problems, concrete corrosion, structural deficiencies, and rehabilitation needs.
WE ARE ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY FROM SOLVING YOUR FOUNDATION PROBLEMS
Call (661)-294-1313
