Foundation Settlement Repair in El Cerrito, CA

Thursday, August 29th, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Project Overview

A homeowner in El Cerrito, CA, was facing significant structural issues due to foundation settlement. The problems were evident throughout the property, with exterior stucco cracking, brickwork pulling away from the home, an unsecured chimney, and noticeable sinking in the floors. These issues posed a serious threat to the home's structural integrity and required immediate attention.

Challenges

Foundation Settlement: The primary issue was the settling of the foundation, which was causing the home to shift and creating stress on various structural elements.
Exterior Cracking: Cracks had developed in the stucco, indicating movement in the foundation and underlying support systems.
Brickwork Separation: The brick siding was pulling away from the home, further evidence of the settlement and a potential safety hazard.
Unstable Chimney: The chimney had become unsecured, posing a risk of collapse.
Sinking Floors: The floors inside the home were sinking, making living conditions uncomfortable and unsafe.

Solution

Solutions Provided

To address the complex issues caused by foundation settlement, Foundation Repair of CA implemented the following solutions:

Push Pier Installation:

Excavation was carried out to install Push Piers at strategic points around the foundation. Low-profile brackets were used to support the foundation, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding soil. The piers were driven until the reach stable strata to support the home, providing a solid base for lifting and stabilizing the foundation.

Concrete Removal and Replacement:

Small sections of concrete, approximately 2’ x 2’ per pier area, were removed to facilitate the pier installation. After the piers were in place, the concrete was replaced to provided a clean and durable surface.

Decking and Brick Siding Removal:

To gain access for the pier installation, portions of the existing deck and brick siding were removed. Although Foundation Repair of CA was not responsible for replacing or hauling away these materials, careful consideration was given to minimize damage during the process.

Hydraulic Lift System Installation:

A hydraulic lift system was connected to the installed piers in an effort to raise the settled foundation.

SmartJack Assembly Installation:

To address the issue of sinking floors, SmartJack assemblies were installed in the crawl space. These adjustable support posts provided additional support to the floor system, helping to level the floors and improve the overall stability of the home.

Supplemental Steel Beam Installation:

Supplemental steel beams were installed in the crawl space to reinforce the existing floor framing. Where necessary, beams were brought through crawl space vents to ensure they fit properly and could be installed without causing additional disruption.

Rebar-Reinforced Concrete Footings:

New rebar-reinforced concrete footings, measuring 18" x 18" x 8", were poured in the crawl space to provide a strong and stable base for the SmartJack assemblies and steel beams. This ensured long-term support for the floor system above.

Results

Upon completion of the project, the homeowner in El Cerrito experienced a significant improvement in the stability and safety of their home. The foundation was successfully stabilized, reducing the risk of further settlement. The floors were better supported, and while not perfectly level, the improvements were substantial. The homeowner's concerns about the chimney, brickwork, and stucco were also addressed, giving them peace of mind that their home was secure.

Conclusion

Foundation Repair of CA’s comprehensive approach to addressing foundation settlement in El Cerrito demonstrates the importance of thorough analysis and customized solutions. By leveraging advanced techniques and materials, the team was able to restore stability to a home that was experiencing severe structural issues. This project underscores the commitment to excellence and integrity that Foundation Repair of CA brings to every job.