Can foundation cracks be repaired
Yes, foundation cracks can definitely be repaired! There are many solutions for repairing foundation damage, and Los Angeles homeowners, especially those who live in homes built in the 1950s or earlier, can benefit from basic crack repair methods which typically involve filling the cracks with epoxy that solidifies and connects the concrete back together again. In many cases, metal straps can also be also used to bind the separated concrete portions to one another.
How common are foundation problems in Los Angeles
This is a great question, which deserves a great answer! The thing is, homes in the Greater Los Angeles region typically have foundations that are built on soft clay soil which expands during our rainy season and contracts during our dry season. This back-and-forth movement often causes concrete foundations to shift and crack. Moreover, we live in “Earthquake Country”, and so the strong seismic activity and violent shaking that is so common to Southern California puts incredible stress on the already-brittle foundations of so many Los Angeles homes, easily cracking them in multiple places.
Finally, other local geographical natural forces, for example the torrential rains Los Angeles has received in the last few years, causes water runoff, which also damages many vulnerable foundations. If you own a home that was subjected to earthquakes and water runoff, you may need basement waterproofing, leaky basement repair, basement wall sealing, or basement wall cracks repair!
Do all old houses have foundation problems
Some of our clients ask us whether their homes, which were built in the last decade or two, have a foundation which is better off than the foundation found in an older home. The answer is often, yes! Foundation damage is most common in older homes. For example, foundations built earlier than the 1950s are very susceptible to cracking and damage, as they were typically made out of unreinforced concrete, bricks, or river rocks, which were held together with simple mortar. Moreover, foundations built during the building booms of the 1950s and 60s are also very fragile, as they were also made from unreinforced concrete slabs as thin as two inches that were poured over unstable top soil that was not properly compacted. As a result, many old foundations are often found damaged today. If you live in an older home, you must inspect the condition of your foundation regularly!
Is foundation repair in Los Angeles expensive
Virtually all of our clients want to know whether foundation repair is expensive, and we love telling them that in fact, foundation repair costs can be reasonable, especially if they are caught early, and the damage is not too extreme! Many foundations can be repaired quite easily at a cost of about 1% – 3% of the value of the home. Homeowners who inspect their home’s foundation and catch damage early may just need to repair a few cracks and improve the drainage around their house to funnel rainwater away from their property! A foundation that has cracks up to a ¼ inch wide can have those cracks filled with epoxy that solidifies and reconnects the concrete, and structural strength can then be increased by anchoring in-place reinforced steel rods.
What is more expensive, repairing a foundation or replacing it completely?
Basic crack repair methods, which typically involve filling the cracks with epoxy that solidifies and connects the concrete back together again, as well as metal straps to bind separated concrete portions together, can cost about 1% – 3% of the value of the home. But if the cracking in a foundation is very extensive, a portion (or all) of the foundation may need to be replaced. In that case, if a foundation needs to be completely replaced, the cost can be 5% – 10% of the value of the home. One thing is certain, and that is that early repairs of minor damage are always, always going to be quicker and cheaper than waiting for the damage to become more severe. This is one area where early warning and maintenance is important, and as such, homeowners should have their foundations inspected regularly, to evaluate their condition. This is a safety matter, as a strong earthquake can cause a damaged foundation to fall apart, and for the home above to slide completely off!
Can you live in a house during a foundation repair or replacement
Our clients are always asking us, can I continue living in the house during a foundation repair or replacement project? We typically explain to our clients that a full foundation is replaced only when the foundation is on its “last legs” and when undertaking a repair is no longer an option. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen very often! We typically see a home needing a full foundation replacement only when landslides, flooding, or a strong earthquake caused a sudden erosion of soil under the foundation. But, when replacing a foundation is warranted, the experts at Weinstein Construction can replace a foundation without lifting the house, and even while folks continue to live inside of the home!
How do I know if my foundation needs replacing
At this point in the blog, you are probably wondering how can you tell if your home’s foundation needs replacing? That is a great question! While you won’t always know if your foundation is damaged just from walking around your home, there are some warning signs that, if you see them, should alarm you enough to call a foundation professional to come have a look. These warning signs include sloping, sagging, or cracking floors, gaps appearing between walls and floors, walls that begin to lean and bow, or sticking windows and doors. If you see any of these warning signs, give us a call immediately!
Can any contractor repair or replace a foundation
No, not at all! Not every contractor is skilled enough to remove an old foundation and pour a new one! Unfortunately, some contractors hold themselves out as foundations experts even when they don’t have the right tools and experience to do this work. At the end of the day, foundation work must be done carefully, according to strict codes, and using correct, top-quality materials. This is not an easy process and if the job is not done right, the entire home can be seriously damaged. If you’re now asking, “are there foundation specialists near me” then the answer is yes! The professionals at Weinstein Construction are deeply experienced in foundation repair and replacement and are leaders in their field. We are all committed to helping you with all your foundation work!
Weinstein Construction’s foundation repair specialists have the right foundation solution at an affordable price! call Weinstein Construction today at (818) 855-5752 for a free, no obligation inspection and review of your home’s foundation needs! We are also experts at basement waterproofing, leaky basement repair, basement wall sealing, French drain installation, and waterproofing a basement wall!
