Foundation Repair Los Angeles
Ask any homeowner what the most important part of their home is and they might say that it is the roof or the walls. While both of those elements are important, one of the most important parts of any home is actually the foundation. It is the bedrock upon which the house sits and if the foundation suffers any problems, it can have a knock-on effect on other parts of the house.
Foundation problems can affect the integrity of the walls and floor of the house, so they should not be taken lightly. If there is the slightest suspicion that there is a problem with the foundation, then it should be inspected as soon as possible. Once a problem has been detected and you need a foundation repair, then Los Angeles residents can contact Pacific Green Homes to fix any foundation problems that are present. We will make sure that your home is on solid, stable ground.
The Different Types of Foundation
There are four different types of foundations:
- Slab – This is the most common type, and as the name suggests, it is a slab of concrete on which the house sits. This kind of foundation is very simple to install and is best for warmer climates like Los Angeles.
- Basement – These are built using a concrete perimeter of pillars used to support the rest of the structure above. The benefit of a basement foundation is, of course, the extra space, but it is more suitable for colder, wintry climates.
- Crawl Space – These act like miniature basements, and are built similarly to basement foundations, just on a smaller scale. The crawl space is about three to four feet high and is great for areas that are flood-prone.
- Pier and Beam – This type of foundation is constructed using small circular or square pads that are strategically placed around the perimeter of the house. They are inserted into the ground using wood or steel posts, which are then attached to the house. This is an easily built, relatively inexpensive type of foundation, but it is more suited for smaller structures.
Common Foundation Problems
Foundation Cracks
Certain types of cracks are normal as the foundation settles over the years; it is common for small, vertical, hairline cracks to occur as the foundation settles. Horizontal fractures are more serious because they are an indication that the foundation is experiencing intense pressure. This could be caused by water and can be very serious, if the crack increases to the point where it could be infiltrated by insects or more water, then they could weaken the foundation even further.
Sinking or Settling of the Foundation
Foundation settling is usually a normal process that occurs over time. However, in some cases, the settling can be excessive and result in one side of the house being lower than the other. Over time, the other sides will become out of level as well, a process that happens when one part of the foundation settles before the others. This is called differential movement and a foundation repair service is needed to fix it.
Foundation Upheaval
This is the opposite of foundation settling, it is when a part of the foundation moves in an upward direction. This can be caused by excess moisture in the soil that causes it to expand and contract. This can be caused by torrential rainfall or a plumbing leak. This can result in problems like doors and windows falling out of alignment so that they stick or do not open or close properly.
Foundation Assessment and Repair Costs
A house inspector can check for problems in the foundation but you will most likely need to hire a structural engineer to perform a more thorough assessment. Doing so can cost $500 to $700, for more complicated problems, you may consider hiring them by the hour, which costs about $100 to $200.
- Cracked Foundation – If the crack is less than ? of an inch, then it can be repaired using epoxy or polyurethane foam. If the crack is wider, then that is a sign of more serious problems.
Cost: $250 – $800 - Foundation Leaks – A leaking foundation will have to be sealed and then waterproofed to prevent the problem from recurring. This is a laborious process, but one that offers a good solution to the leak.
Cost: $2000 – $6000 - Settling or Sinking Foundation – This is fixed using a process called mudjacking, which is when a mixture of grout is poured beneath the foundation to raise it back to its original level. This is an affordable fix, but it is only right for certain situations.
Cost: $500 – $1300 - Foundation Underpinning – This is an extensive repair that requires excavation, raising the foundation, and installing hydraulic piers. This method can be expensive, but it is permanent, so it only has to be done once.
Cost: $1000 – $3000 per pier
Keep Your Foundation in Check
If you suspect that there might be a problem with your foundation, do not hesitate to have it checked out. Hiring a structural engineer to inspect the damage may be expensive, but not as expensive as allowing the damage to progress. If that happens, repairs can become even more expensive than if they were nipped in the bud early.
Be sure to contact Pacific Green Homes if you discover that you need a foundation repair. Los Angeles homeowners can sleep safe and sound knowing that our foundation fix will offer a permanent solution to the stability of their home.
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