Foundation Repair of CA Restores Stability for a Livermore Homeowner

Thursday, October 31st, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Overview:
A homeowner in Livermore, CA, reached out to Foundation Repair of CA with a concerning issue—sagging and uneven floors throughout their residence. The homeowners were unsure of the root cause and were worried about potential long-term effects on the structural stability of their home. They requested a complimentary inspection to identify and address the problem. Foundation Repair of CA conducted a thorough assessment, uncovering that the underlying issue was foundation settlement, which was compromising the levelness and integrity of the floors.

Inspection and Diagnosis:
During the free home inspection, Foundation Repair of CA's specialists identified that the home was indeed experiencing foundation settlement. This issue was leading to visible sagging in the floors, which not only affected the home’s aesthetics but also presented potential safety hazards. To restore the stability and levelness of the floors, a comprehensive solution involving several advanced products and procedures was recommended.

Solution

Solution and Scope of Work:
Foundation Repair of CA designed a multi-faceted plan tailored to the Livermore home’s specific needs, ensuring a long-lasting, stable foundation.

Push Pier Installation (Galvanized, Low-Profile Brackets):
The first step involved excavating up to 3 feet to install galvanized Push Piers, using low-profile brackets designed for flat land structures. These piers were driven to depths up to 80 feet, reaching load-bearing strata to provide stable support for the foundation. Push Piers are ideal for residential applications and help lift and stabilize foundations affected by settlement.
Hydraulic Lift System:
After the Push Piers were installed, a hydraulic lift system was connected to select piers. This allowed the foundation to be carefully lifted in an attempt to restore the home to a more level position. Following industry standards, this lift aimed to achieve an acceptable level for floors as per the “Residential Construction Performance Guidelines” by the National Association of Home Builders.
Helical Pier Installation (Galvanized, Low-Profile Brackets):
In addition to Push Piers, Helical Piers were vertically installed in designated areas to provide additional support. These piers are ideal for areas with soft soil conditions, helping to further stabilize the foundation. Each pier location was selected based on field conditions, ensuring optimal support distribution.
SmartJack System Installation:
To address sagging within the floor system itself, SmartJack assemblies were installed at strategic points. These adjustable steel supports are designed to stabilize floor joists and beams, adding further stability to the floor structure. Although floor leveling is not guaranteed, SmartJacks provided significant reinforcement to prevent additional sagging.
Concrete Removal and Replacement:
As part of the restoration project, a portion of the existing concrete walkway was removed and replaced to allow for the push pier installation and ensure a level entryway that complemented the newly stabilized foundation.

Outcome:
The installation of Push Piers, Helical Piers, and the SmartJack system successfully stabilized the foundation and mitigated further settlement. Though restoring floor elevations to their original levels is not always guaranteed, this comprehensive solution brought the floors to within industry-accepted standards. Additionally, the new concrete walkway provided a fresh, safe, and durable entryway for the homeowner.

Recommendations and Maintenance:
To maintain the stability of their foundation, the homeowner was advised to enroll in Foundation Repair of CA’s Care Club Membership for annual maintenance. This service ensures the longevity and performance of the installed products and gives the homeowner peace of mind knowing their foundation will be inspected regularly.

Conclusion:
Foundation Repair of CA’s expert team provided the Livermore homeowner with a thorough solution, addressing not only the immediate concerns of sagging floors but also reinforcing the foundation against future settlement. By leveraging advanced foundation repair techniques and high-quality materials, the team restored the home’s stability and ensured the safety of the structure for years to come.