Foundation Repair
If one or more members of your foundation are failing, it's time to have your foundation repaired. Don't wait for your foundation to collapse. Getting your entire foundation replaced is more expensive than having it repaired. Leaving your failing foundation unrepaired also means jeopardizing the security and well-being of your family.
Why Repair Your Foundation?
Any damage in your foundation should be immediately repaired. During an earthquake, a house with a damaged foundation could (and is likely to) fail.
A damaged foundation puts your investment and your family at risk.
Damaged foundations are usually weaker than they're supposed to be. Unable to carry the weight they bear, damaged foundations could collapse, taking your investment with it and putting your family at great risk.
The damage to your foundation could become worse if left unrepaired.
Damage to your foundation usually leads to further damage. For instance, if you leave foundation cracks unattended, water could get inside. This will widen the cracks, further weakening your foundation.
It is so much cheaper to have a foundation repaired than replaced.
If you don't have your foundation promptly repaired, the damage could worsen and cost you more in repairs. You might even have to replace the entire foundation if your neglect has caused irreparable damage.
What Are Possible Indicators of Foundation Damage?
The following may indicate issues or problems with your foundation:
| On the Building's Exterior | On the Building's Interior | On Crawl Spaces and the Basement |
|---|---|---|
| Improper drainage | Misaligned doors | Walls that are not plumb or are rotating in or out |
| Cracks in the concrete, block or brick | Windows that stick | Visible cracks |
| Gaps around doors and windows | Cracks in the walls | Improper or failing construction |
| Bulging or bowing of foundation stem walls | Cracks in the floor or tile | Water intrusion |
| Sloping of the floor |
What Does Foundation Repair Involve?
Sinai Construction decides on the appropriate course of action depending on the extent of repairs required and the particular nature of the problems encountered. Each foundation presents a unique set of conditions. Thus, we conduct a through inspection and evaluation before we proceed with any repairs; this way, we can tailor our solution to a project's specific needs.
Typical Foundation Repair Procedures
The following are the usual procedures for repairing foundation cracks, damaged piers, posts and girders and continuing foundation settlement.
Repairing Foundation Cracks
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Foundation cracks that are greater than 1/4-inch wide are considered to be structural cracks. It's recommended that they be repaired.
Possible implications of foundation cracks:
- Foundation cracks can indicate significant foundation settlement. Foundation cracks that are wider at the bottom than the top indicate soil settling.
- Foundation cracks can mean the presence of expansive soils. Cracks that are wider at the top than at the bottom indicate expansive soils.
Potential consequences of leaving foundation cracks unrepaired:
- Wet crawl spaces
- Water intrusion in your basement
- Pest infestation
- The above consequences can also lead to further foundation damage; as a case in point, water intrusion can weaken your foundations
Solutions to cracked foundations:
There are various solutions to different types of foundation cracks. We choose a solution depending on the particular needs of a foundation repair project.
If the foundation cracks are repairable, we use an epoxy crack injection which glues the concrete. Then, a "Simpson HST foundation plate" is bolted across the crack. This epoxy system provides structural strength which greatly exceeds the strength of the concrete itself.
Piers, posts and girders are the structural elements beneath the floor. Piers support the posts, while girders are the beams supporting the floor joists. Together, piers, posts and girders are responsible for bearing the weight of interior loads.
Repairing Damaged Piers, Posts and Girders
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Typical issues with piers, posts and girders:
- The piers may be non-reinforced.
- The concrete piers may be crumbling.
- The piers may not be placed deep enough into the soil.
- The posts may be undersized.
- The posts may be out-of-plumb.
- The girders may be split or warped.
Solutions to damaged piers, posts and girders:
Damaged piers, posts and girders are usually replaced to ensure optimal load-bearing capacity.
Stemming Continuing Foundation Settlement
Foundation settlement is natural, and all foundations are expected to have some degree of settlement throughout the years. However, continuing foundation settlement could lead to foundation and structural damage.
Some indicators of continuing foundation settlement:
- Floors that are out of level
- Cracks (in walls and the foundation) that keep getting bigger
- Doors and windows that stick
Solution to continuing foundation settlement:
Underpinning extends the foundation's footing to depths that provide greater bearing capacity. In underpinning, the soil beneath the existing footing is excavated and replaced with concrete.
Underpinning requires special attention to design, methodology and safety procedures. Unskilled personnel could aggravate foundation issues and cause damage in the home's foundation and structure.
"I do not make many recommendations, but I will recommend Sinai Construction to anyone! An honest general contractor who does quality work is a must! I established my relationship with Sinai Construction over 10 years ago and have never been disappointed. I have and would continue to refer them to anyone."
E. Hart, Los Angeles
Sinai Construction, Inc. | (323)655-0960
Address: 4489 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019
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