Restoring Stability to a Foundation in Oakland, CA

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

The Problem: A homeowner in Oakland, CA, noticed significant cracking in the stucco exterior of their home. As time went on, cracks also began appearing on the interior walls. These unsettling changes were compounded by doors and windows that became increasingly difficult to open and close, signaling potential structural issues. Concerned about the integrity of their home, the homeowner reached out to Foundation Repair of CA for help.

Inspection and Diagnosis: Upon receiving the call, Foundation Repair of CA promptly dispatched a structural consultant to perform a thorough inspection. The team carefully examined the home's foundation, walls, and surrounding soil conditions. It was determined that the cracks and malfunctioning doors and windows were due to foundation settlement. As the soil beneath the home shifted, it caused the foundation to sink unevenly, leading to the observed structural damage.

Solution

The Solution: To address the foundation settlement and restore the home's stability, Foundation Repair of CA recommended the installation of Push Piers with low-profile brackets. These galvanized steel piers would be driven deep into stable soil or bedrock beneath the home, effectively bypassing the weaker, shifting surface soils.

The following steps were taken to implement the solution:

Excavation for Push Pier Installation: Small sections of concrete were removed to allow for the installation of the piers. Each concrete section removed was approximately 2’ x 2’, just large enough to provide access for the pier installation without unnecessary damage to the surrounding areas.
Push Pier Installation: Push Piers were carefully positioned and driven deep into stable soil layers. Low-profile brackets were attached to the home's foundation to secure the piers in place and provide long-term support.
Concrete Removal and Replacement: Once the piers were installed, the removed concrete sections were replaced, ensuring a clean and professional finish.

The Result: With the Push Piers installed, the foundation was successfully stabilized, and the home was lifted to its original position. The cracks in the stucco and interior walls stopped progressing, and the functioning of the doors and windows was restored. The homeowner was relieved to have a permanent solution in place, and their home was once again on solid ground.

Conclusion: Foundation Repair of CA’s expertise and proven Push Pier system provided a permanent fix to the foundation settlement problem. The team’s professional and efficient approach not only solved the immediate issues but also gave the homeowner peace of mind knowing their home’s structural integrity was restored for the long term.