The Importance of Foundation Repair in the Event of Seismic Activity

If you’re one of the lucky residents who get to call the greater Los Angeles area your home, then there are a lot of things to be happy about. However, one of the downsides of residing in Southern California is the unpredictable seismic activity. While not all earthquakes carry the same power, unfortunately all it takes is a minor earthquake to upset your foundation if it is not properly secured. Fortunately, you can ease worries out of your mind by taking the proper steps to secure your foundation. In order to fortify your home in the wake of unpredictable seismic activity, it’s crucial to have your foundation repaired so that it is in top shape no matter what the future has in store. 

Related: Understanding the Causes of Foundation Damage

Though earthquakes can vary significantly in degree, the scary truth is that damage can occur in any situation that involves the ground shifting beneath your home. That means that your home’s foundation can become unsettled by even a seemingly small earthquake if your foundation isn’t properly fortified. For this reason, the number one thing you can do for your home is focus on foundation stabilization. Foundation repair is key for stabilizing your home, since structural integrity depends on a strong foundation. When the next earthquake hits, you want to make sure that your house won’t buckle or budge. One of the key ways in which foundation can become damaged over time is through changes in the soil. 

Excess moisture during wet periods and lack of moisture during spells of dryness can respectively cause the soil to expand and contract. Likewise, compacting errors during construction can contribute to soil issues. Overall, issues with the soil can lead to foundation instability. Therefore it is key to spot the damage warning signs as early as possible so that you can get your foundation in top state before the next quake strikes. 

Related: How Expansive Soils Can Affect Your Hillside Home

Know the Signs 

Preventative and early action steps are always going to offer homeowners the most cost-effective solutions for their foundation. That’s why it’s crucial for homeowners to be vigilant for checking their homes for signs of foundation damage. This process should be done routinely in order to catch damage signs as early as possible and address any problems. Though some signs of foundation damage may appear invisible to the naked eye and require a professional inspection, there are other signs of damage that the average homeowner can spot. Look out for doors or windows that don’t fit their frames properly or have difficulty opening or closing. Cracks in the walls, ceilings, or tiles —including especially wide cracks, large clusters of cracks, and horizontal cracks— are often strong indicators that something is amiss with the foundation. You should also be wary of uneven floors or warped walls, any signs of water intrusion, and the appearance of the home “sinking,” shifting, or moving.    

Related: Reasons Los Angeles Homes Need Foundation Inspections

If you have concerns about your foundation, you can rest easy knowing stabilization can almost always be achieved through foundation repair. While more serious cases might require complete foundation replacement, catching your issues early on will lead to easier solutions. Each repair process is unique, depending on individual factors in the home. In order to secure the foundation and keep it in top health, floor leveling, pier and beam reconstruction, and preventative support installation is often needed. There are two main methods for foundation stabilization, depending on whether the foundation is constructed with piers and beams or concrete slab. 

Pier and beam foundation stabilization is a dual step process that involves first installing supportive piers to concrete beams and then adjusting the piers that are used to support the home’s interior. Steel is then used to reinforce the concrete in a relatively simple repair process. On the other hand,  concrete slab foundation stabilization offers the more complicated repair route. Addressing concrete stab damage can be done in a variety of ways, including using steel or concrete pressed pilings, concrete piers, masonry patches and sealants, or high-density polyurethane foam.

Related: When Should You Get a Foundation Repair? 

Emphasize Safety 

Securing your foundation through necessary repairs and seismic retrofitting steps is ultimately necessary for protecting both your loved ones and your property value. While many buildings in the greater Los Angeles area have received mandatory seismic retrofitting orders, this is a process that all Southern California buildings can benefit from. This personalized process takes into account many factors, such as the location of the home, the condition of the foundation, the current strength of the structure, any existing damage, the original construction design, and more. While repairs and retrofittings might not seem like the most exciting way to spend your hard earned money, investing in the stability of your building will guarantee its health and duration for many years to come.

Related: Earthquake Effects and the Need for Seismic Retrofitting

Is you house properly retrofitted? Is your structure in need of repair? Secure your foundation today in order to guarantee the lasting security of your structure for many years to come. Don’t allow the next earthquake to jeopardize the stability of your home.

Call California Foundation Works today to get started on your foundation repair. No matter the scale of the project, we’re here to help you sleep soundly with the knowledge that your loved ones are secured.