Does Your Home Need Foundation Replacement or Foundation Repair?
When it comes to foundation replacement or foundation repair, it’s important to find a solution that you only need to take care of once.
Before any work is started on your home, it’s vital that you’ve found a reliable foundation specialist to diagnose the issues and propose a permanent solution for your property.
There are various factors that cause foundations to fail or need repair. One of the most common issues that contribute to foundation damage is foundation settlement. This is when the soil that lies beneath your home begins to shrink or settle, making it unable to support the weight of your house.
Various natural elements, such as dry or hot weather or oversaturation from rainy seasons, can create foundation settlement and cause the soil to shrink or soften, which creates instability in the home’s foundation.
When your home is suffering from foundation issues, there are a few common warning signs. For example, if you’ve noticed the bowing or buckling of walls in your home, this is usually the result of expansive soil.
When total foundation replacement is required, a foundation contractor will use specialized equipment to completely excavate the soil that surrounds your home, exposing the foundation.
To do this, the contractor will use a jack to raise the house with a temporary support system until the new foundation system has been installed. Once completed, the house will be lowered into place and the soil and landscaping surrounding the property will be restored to its original condition.
While foundation replacement takes longer to be completed, it’s a sound investment if your home’s foundation is lacking the necessary safeguards. Foundation issues greatly affect the value of your home.
When it comes to foundation repair, the foundation contractor will suggest installing specialized materials to strengthen and support the property. When done correctly, and when foundation problems are diagnosed early on, these repairs will create permanent solutions.
Foundation repairs can include a variety of solutions, from adding proper support columns under the home and replacing weakened joists, girders and posts.
Determining whether your home needs foundation replacement or foundation repair depends on how early foundation problems have been identified and diagnosed. Foundation problems – when detected quickly – will result in less expensive and less time-consuming repairs.
It’s important to mention that while older homes – those built in the 1970s and before – do suffer from more foundation problems than newer properties, foundation issues can occur in any house, no matter the age, size and style of the property.
Most structural problems are the result of homes that were built before modern reinforcements were available, sub-par construction, or on land with poorly compacted soil.
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 15,000 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.
