Foundation underpinning involves repairing and/or rehabilitating the foundation for a building. This increases the strength of the existing foundation, which allows it to stabilize if it has been having structural problems.
In addition, foundation underpinning is often done when a building is being altered, such as adding floors or adjacent structures. This increases the overall weight, which can create stress for the existing foundation. In essence, foundation underpinning involves adding support to the foundation of a building, often by increasing foundation depth or increasing its load-bearing abilities.
When you have foundation underpinning done on your house, it can provide a host of benefits. Most noticeably, it will stabilize a foundation that has undergone settling, that has been affected by erosion, that has moved due to unstable slopes.
In addition, foundation underpinning can stabilize a foundation that has been affected by vibration or heaving, such as from an earthquake. Finally, if you are having other work done on your house, such as repairs to an upper floor or a new building added, the underpinning can strengthen the existing foundation to accommodate the new, heavier load.
There are variations in how long foundation underpinning can take based on the size of the building’s foundation, the extent of the issue (stabilizing or strengthening the foundation), and which process is used. Generally speaking, it will take 2-4 weeks to finish. Keep in mind that inclement weather such as heavy rain can lengthen the amount of time that’s needed to complete the project.
The result from a foundation underpinning project is that your foundation can now bear a heavier load, or deal with shifting ground much better than before. The underpinnings will not only support your home’s foundation, but they will also prevent it from settling and will provide improved stability overall.
You may be concerned that the foundation of your home is not as stable as it should be, particularly if you’re planning to add buildings, your home is on a slope, or there have been environmental factors affecting it. One of the leading foundation repair companies in Los Angeles for the past 25 years, Alpha Structural has the expertise and experience to resolve your Foundation Underpinning needs. If you’re interested in learning more about Foundation Underpinning Los Angeles based foundation experts Alpha Structural can be reached by phone or email today to set up a consultation.
If you notice common signs of foundation problems (sloping floors, cracks wider than ¼ of an inch, trouble opening/closing doors or windows, etc…) you should give Alpha Structural a call to assess your foundation. After their assessment they will be able to tell you if you need foundation underpinning or not.
The cost of foundation underpinning will change depending on a few important factors, including the size of your house, the ground that your house is built on, how level your home is, the extent of any current damage, and the type of foundation already in place. For a more precise quote, schedule an appointment for inspection with Alpha Structural.
A foundation is more than just the bottom floor of your property. It is the base that supports everything you work so hard to protect. At Alpha Structural, Inc., we treat each project with that level of responsibility and respect. That’s why families and businesses across Los Angeles choose us to protect the structures that protect them. If you want your foundation built to the Alpha Standard, contact us today to schedule an inspection.