Foundation underpinning in Los Angeles is done to strengthen and stabilize existing building foundations. It involves reinforcing or extending the foundation to support the structure’s weight and counteract subsidence, settlement, or structural damage. This ensures the safety and longevity of your property in cases of soil instability or structural deficiencies.
Enhance the Stability &
Durability of Your Property
Foundation underpinning is a structural repair method used to enhance the stability and durability of your building’s foundation. This process is typically undertaken when a foundation has experienced subsidence or settlement or shows signs of structural weakness due to soil movement, water infiltration, or inadequate initial construction. By extending or reinforcing the existing foundation, underpinning redistributes and deepens the structural load, typically bedrock is the desirable bearing material, preventing further damage and ensuring your building’s long-term safety and integrity.
Your Property May Need Foundation Underpinning If:
- The walls or floors display cracks or uneven settling
- The doors and windows become difficult to open or close
- The structure displays visible leaning or sagging
- Soil movement, erosion, or water damage affect the foundation of your property
- Your building’s original foundation is inadequate for current needs
- You plan on adding floors or adjacent structures to your building
Has Your Foundation Undergone Settling?
Foundation settling refers to the gradual sinking or shifting of a building’s foundation. This can occur due to various factors, including soil compaction, moisture changes, insufficient footing depth or poor construction. Hillside homes, especially older hillside homes, are prone to settlement due to the gradual downhill creep of the soil. Signs of settling include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and jammed doors. If you notice signs of foundation settling, you may need foundation underpinning in Los Angeles to restore stability by deepening the foundations to competent material i.e. bedrock, preventing further damage and ensuring the structural integrity of your property.
Necessary When Adding Floors or Structures
Foundation underpinning may become essential when expanding your property vertically or horizontally, i.e., adding extra floors or structures. The existing foundation might not be designed to support the increased load, potentially leading to structural problems. Underpinning ensures the stability of your entire building, preventing settlement, cracks, and other damage that could arise from inadequate support. Before adding floors or structures to your home, consult our contractors to determine if you need foundation underpinning.
Benefits of Foundation Underpinning:
- Enhanced structural stability
- Prevention of further damage
- Increased property value
- Mitigation of settlement issues
- Extended building lifespan
- Improved safety and comfort
- Potential for additional floor space
- Resilience against soil instability
- Cost-effective compared to major renovations
The Results of Foundation Underpinning
Foundation underpinning increases structural stability and eliminates cracks, tilting, or uneven floors. This process restores your property’s safety, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, underpinning can extend your building’s lifespan and significantly boost its market value. And, of course, there’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing your foundation is secure and resilient against future settling.
How Foundation Underpinning Is Done
Foundation underpinning in Los Angeles starts with a thorough inspection of your property by our staff. During the inspection phase, our staff will assess the condition of your foundation and identify specific areas requiring underpinning. Next is the design phase where we coordinate a soils report with a geotechnical firm and then the plans, structural engineering and permitting phase.
Once permits are obtained, construction begins. Caissons that extend down into bedrock are generally the preferred method of underpinning. The caissons are excavated, steel reinforcing bars (rebar) installed and then concrete is poured. The caissons are then connected to the home’s foundation using steel reinforced, concrete grade beams that span across the caissons, thus supporting the home.
Foundation Underpinning FAQs
What is foundation underpinning, and why is it necessary?
Foundation underpinning in Los Angeles is a construction technique to strengthen and stabilize a building’s foundation. It becomes necessary when the existing foundation is compromised due to factors like settling, soil instability, or structural damage. Underpinning prevents further settlement and ensures the structural integrity of the building.
How do I know if my property needs foundation underpinning?
Signs such as cracks in walls, uneven floors, or difficulty opening doors and windows can indicate foundation issues. We will assess your property and determine the true problem and whether you need foundation underpinning.
What is the typical duration of a foundation underpinning project?
The duration varies depending on the scope of work, the extent of foundation issues, and the size of your buildings. The permitting process can take 4-6 months when soils reports and engineering is required. In terms of construction, smaller projects might take two weeks, while larger undertakings can take four to six weeks.
Schedule an Inspection
Foundation Repair LA Inc. specializes in professional foundation underpinning in Los Angeles and restoration to secure your property. If you’ve noticed signs of foundation issues like cracks or settling, please schedule an inspection with our licensed foundation experts and contractors. We will thoroughly examine your property and provide a fair, transparent estimate based on the scope of the project. Choose us to protect your home.
