Signs Your Home Needs Foundation Repair
Older homes in Los Angeles, typically need some sort of foundation repair.
As building codes have changed and advances in structural engineering have been made, home foundations lacking modern adjustments or repairs are less likely to withstand the shaking of an earthquake and have a greater chance of incurring massive damage or even collapse.
Signs your home foundation may need repair or replacement include:
• Doors and windows that stick, or that do not open and close correctly.
• Cracks in your foundation walls.
• Cracks in exterior walls.
• Cracks in interior walls or ceilings.
• Separation of walls from connecting walls, floors or ceilings.
• Uneven floors.
There are several methods a foundation repair company will use to fix any issues with your home’s existing foundation.
Some contractors may call for a sister foundation – this cost-effective solution is the process of adding a new foundation alongside the property’s existing foundation.
When foundation replacement is recommended, a foundation repair specialist will completely remove the foundation and install a new one. This method is used when the existing home foundation is too weak to hold the home.
If your home has areas that are sagging or sloping, a foundation repair company may suggest a jack and lift. This will raise the floors of the home to create a flat, even surface.
Underpinning is another method a foundation repair company may recommend if there are areas of the home foundation that have deteriorated due to poor soil conditions or settlement.
Underpinning is a method where steel reinforced concrete is added to the foundation to circumvent poor soil conditions and prevent future settlement.
It’s important to have your foundation inspected by a professional foundation repair company at the first signs of damage or deterioration. Putting off an inspection or repair will only cause the problem to worsen and add additional costs.
Not sure if your home needs foundation repair? No problem – give us a call at (323) 733-3377 to schedule your free, no hassle inspection.
Now more than ever it’s important to be proactive about earthquake preparation and safety. Julian De La Torre is an expert in Los Angeles foundation inspection, 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.
