Foundation Repair of CA - Pleasant Hill, CA

Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Homeowner’s Concerns:
The homeowner in Pleasant Hill, CA, reached out to Foundation Repair of CA after noticing several alarming symptoms of foundation issues. Their home was showing signs of structural damage, including cracks in the walls and ceilings, uneven flooring, and windows cracking. The situation escalated when the soil shifted so much that the pipes in their pool cracked, indicating severe ground movement.

Assessment:
Foundation Repair of CA performed a thorough evaluation of the property and identified that the foundation was suffering from settlement due to soil movement. This soil instability had caused the foundation to sink, leading to the visible cracks in the home and the damage to the pool pipes. To prevent further structural damage and address the root cause of the problem, the team recommended installing Push Piers to stabilize and lift the foundation.

Solution

Solution:

Push Pier Installation (Galvanized, Low-Profile Brackets):
The team excavated around the foundation to install Push Piers. These galvanized steel piers were driven deep into the stable soil layer, using low-profile brackets to support the foundation. The Push Piers were installed to the engineer’s specifications and reached bedrock. This system is designed specifically for residential homes and is essential for stabilizing the foundation on flat land.

Concrete Removal and Replacement (Per Pier Location):
During the pier installation, sections of the concrete were removed and replaced. In this project, each pier required a 3’x3’ concrete section to be excavated and re-poured. The replacement concrete had a grey broom finish, with some aesthetic differences from the existing concrete, which is typical for repair projects of this type. Larger sections of concrete were removed as needed, based on the proximity of piers and the engineer’s specifications.

Hydraulic Lift Procedure:
Once the piers were installed, the team utilized a hydraulic lift system to attempt to restore the foundation to its original elevation. This process involved carefully lifting the foundation through the installed piers. While lifting success is dependent on the condition of the home and soil, the lift helped to correct uneven floors and stabilize the foundation, reducing further damage.

Outcome:
The installation of Push Piers stabilized the foundation, addressing the homeowner’s concerns about cracks in the walls, ceilings, and windows. The lift process helped restore the home’s structure, preventing further damage and ensuring the home’s long-term stability. The foundation is now securely supported and protected against future soil shifts. The homeowner also opted for Foundation Repair of CA’s Care Club Membership to ensure annual service maintenance and long-term monitoring of the pier system.

This project demonstrates how comprehensive foundation repair solutions, tailored to the unique conditions of the home, can effectively resolve significant structural issues and provide homeowners with peace of mind.