Danville Piering Project

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Background

When the homeowners in Danville, CA, purchased their property, they discovered a significant issue: a joist in the foundation had to be replaced. During this process, it became evident that the existing jacks were also in need of replacement. Over time, the house exhibited a noticeable slope in the floor towards the back and continued to settle, leading to cracks in the foundation and walls. Recognizing the need for professional intervention, the homeowners sought the expertise of Foundation Repair of CA.

Solution

Problem Diagnosis

Foundation Repair of CA conducted a thorough inspection of the property to assess the extent of the damage and identify the root causes of the settlement. The primary issues were:

Foundation Settlement: The foundation was settling unevenly, causing the floors to slope and leading to structural instability.

Inadequate Support Jacks: The existing support jacks were insufficient to maintain the integrity of the structure, contributing to the ongoing settlement and structural issues.

Cracking in Foundation and Walls: The uneven settlement was causing visible cracks in both the foundation and the walls, indicating significant movement and stress within the structure.

Proposed Solution

To address these issues comprehensively, Foundation Repair of CA recommended the following interventions:

Installation of 18 Push Piers: These piers would be driven to bedrock or load-bearing strata to stabilize the foundation and prevent further settlement. The piers would also be used to attempt to lift and level the foundation back to its original position.

Replacement of 8 Steel Jacks with SmartJacks: The existing steel jacks would be removed and replaced with adjustable SmartJacks. These SmartJacks are designed to provide a more reliable and adjustable support system for the foundation, ensuring long-term stability.

Concrete Repair: Concrete around each pier placement would be removed and repaired as necessary to ensure a clean and stable installation.

Implementation

Push Piers Installation:

Preparation: The work area was prepared by marking the locations for the 18 push piers.

Excavation: Soil was excavated around each marked location to expose the foundation.

Pier Installation: Push piers were driven deep into the ground until they reached bedrock or a load-bearing stratum. This ensured that the piers could provide maximum support and stability.

Foundation Lift: Once all piers were installed, hydraulic jacks were used to lift the foundation slowly and evenly, aiming to return it to its original level.

SmartJacks Installation:

Removal of Old Jacks: The old, inadequate steel jacks were carefully removed.

Installation of SmartJacks: New SmartJacks were installed in their place. These jacks were adjusted to provide optimal support and could be fine-tuned over time to maintain the foundation's stability.

Concrete Repair:

Concrete Removal: Concrete around each pier placement was removed to allow for proper installation.

Concrete Repair: After the piers were installed and the foundation was lifted, the removed concrete was repaired, ensuring a smooth and clean finish.

Outcome

The intervention by Foundation Repair of CA successfully stabilized the foundation, significantly reducing the risk of future settlement. The floors in the back of the house were lifted and leveled, alleviating the slope and restoring the structural integrity of the home. The installation of SmartJacks provided a durable and adjustable support system, ensuring that the foundation would remain stable over time. The homeowners were satisfied with the results, noting a marked improvement in the overall stability and appearance of their home.

Conclusion

Foundation Repair of CA's expert diagnosis and tailored solutions effectively addressed the significant foundation issues faced by the homeowner in Danville, CA. Through the installation of push piers and SmartJacks, and meticulous concrete repair, the company was able to restore the foundation's stability and prevent further structural damage, providing peace of mind and a safer living environment for the homeowners.