Adding A Sister Foundation to Masonry and Stone Foundations
There are a variety of reasons your Los Angeles-based home may experience foundation issues and need a sister foundation.
Typically, foundation problems occur from poor construction, materials, the age of the home, the climate of the region and seismic activity in the area.
Masonry and stone foundations are some of the most vulnerable structures, especially when it comes to foundation damage because these types of foundations lack modern reinforcements – such as steel rebars – which means they’re more susceptible to failure.
A sister foundation is used to remedy any structural weaknesses when dealing with foundations that have been constructed from masonry or stone. A sister foundation is foundation that is built around an existing, weakend foundation to reinforce the area without having to replace the original foundation.
To do this, a foundation repair company will start by digging a trench around the existing foundation. Once the trench is completed, notches are made into the existing foundation to attach the sister foundation to its perimeter. Next, a rebar is installed in addition to wood frames. After this has been completed, concrete is poured to secure the sister foundation.
While the old foundation is not replaced, the sister foundation takes on the weight of the structure instead of the weaker foundation, which protects the home from foundation failure.
It’s important to repair foundation issues as soon as they occur. Weak foundations are more susceptible to earthquake damage and pose a major threat to occupants who reside there.
When masonry or stone foundations begin to deteriorate, you will see cracks in the walls of the house. Eventually, these unstable foundations can completely crumble, leaving the entire property destroyed,
Whenever there is an earthquake, heavy rainstorms or other natural disasters, it’s a home’s foundation that serves at the structure’s first line of defense from these unpredictable elements.
At Julian Construction, we’ll work with you every step of the way to ensure that your home foundation is repaired, and the sister foundation is installed correctly. From the early planning stages to obtaining permits, we’ll make sure your sister foundation is outfitted and installed to fit your home’s specific foundation requirements.
If you’ve noticed any signs of foundation damage, contact Julian Construction to schedule your free inspection.
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.
