Stabilizing a Settling Foundation in Monterey, CA

Friday, August 9th, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Project Overview: A homeowner in Monterey, CA, noticed troubling signs of foundation settlement, including cracks in the interior and exterior walls and sloping floors. Concerned about the long-term stability of their home, they sought out the expertise of Foundation Repair of CA to provide a permanent solution.

Challenges: The primary issues faced by the homeowner were indicative of foundation settlement—a common problem in California due to varying soil conditions. The challenge was to stabilize the foundation effectively and, if possible, restore the original floor elevations.

Solution

Solution Provided:

Push Piers Installation (Flat Land): Foundation Repair of CA first excavated around the foundation to install Push Piers using low-profile brackets. These piers were driven deep into the ground to reach stable soil or bedrock, ensuring long-term support for the foundation.

Concentric Push Piers Installation: In addition to the standard Push Piers, Concentric Push Piers were installed to provide further stabilization. These piers require a minimum of 24 inches of vertical clearance in the crawl space, allowing for precise placement.

Hydraulic Lift Procedure: Once the piers were securely in place, a hydraulic lift system was installed to all the piers. This system was used in an attempt to lift the foundation and restore the floor elevations to their original positions.

Additional Support with Angle Iron: To further reinforce the foundation, an Angle Iron (6"x6"x3/8") was installed at the footing, per the engineer’s recommendation. This additional steel support at the pier bracket locations provided extra strength and stability to the foundation structure.

Outcome: The comprehensive foundation repair solutions provided by Foundation Repair of CA successfully stabilized the homeowner's property. The combined use of Push Piers, Concentric Push Piers, and the hydraulic lift system addressed the settlement issues and provided peace of mind to the homeowner. Although restoring the floor elevations to their original position was not guaranteed, the foundation is now permanently stabilized, preventing further damage and ensuring the longevity of the home.