Do You Need Foundation Underpinning?
One of the largest sources of home foundation issues is settlement. Foundation underpinning is a technique used to workaround sub-standard soil conditions – which cause settlement – to strengthen the existing foundation.
When foundation settlement occurs, a structure can experience a variety if issues. Damages can range from minor problems such as cracks and/or drainage issues to foundation failures.
Some of the cause of settlement include inadequate footings, poor soil compaction, leaky underground utilities and drainage problems, decaying materials, overly saturated soils or overly dry soils.
Not only will foundation issues make your home less safe for those who reside there, these issues significantly affect the property’s value.
Thanks for Los Angeles’s variety of climate conditions, foundation settlement is a huge issue; and one that shouldn’t be ignored.
There are several underpinning methods available for a foundation contractor to use in cases of foundation settlement or foundation failure.
Julian Construction works with structural engineers to design foundation underpinning systems that are unique to each home they inspect and the property’s fundamental needs.
Some of the most common types of foundation underpinning are caissons, which are steel reinforced concrete piles and grade beams, which are steel concrete beams that are that are installed below grade level.
The first step in repairing your home foundation with underpinning is to have a foundation inspection of the property.
Upon inspection by a foundation repair company, like Julian Construction, the type of foundation damage and repair options available will be assessed and diagnosed.
When total foundation replacement isn’t needed, installing underpinning pads is an excellent method for reinforcing a specific area of the foundation without having to replace the entire system.
At Julian Construction, we’ll help you find the best solution for your foundation problems. First, we’ll conduct a (free) inclusive home inspection, followed by a detailed consultation, and at the end of our discussion we’ll provide you with a quote for repair.
Julian De La Torre is an expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, foundation contractors, earthquake retrofitting, foundation repair and foundation replacement. Julian’s company, Julian Construction, has inspected over 30,000 structures, working with engineering firms and local departments of building & safety. The company has done more foundation repair and earthquake retrofitting in Los Angeles than any other company in the area over the last five years.
