Much like brick foundations, river rock foundations also fall under the category of unreinforced masonry.
While homes with river rock foundations are scattered throughout Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, this type of foundation is decreasing in popularity owing to its unstable nature. Despite its curb appeal, river rock foundations are not cut out to resist seismic activity and other calamities. Mostly found in properties built before 1920, river rock foundations are held together with mortar. This leaves them vulnerable and prone to damage as the mortar deteriorates over time to the point that stones may start falling out. Naturally, the structural integrity of the house is compromised and it suffers extensive damage. If neglected, a distressed river rock foundation not only affects the cosmetic appeal of the home but also puts its residents at great risk.
River rock foundation issues manifest themselves in a number of signs both in the exterior and the interior of the building. Looking out for these signs and treating them at an early stage can prevent large-scale damages and restore the structural integrity of the property. If you think you are in need of river rock foundation repair Los Angeles and Southern California residents should check for the following signs:
If you notice any of the above signs in your home, it would be wise to book an inspection with Alpha Structural immediately to have these issues quickly and effectively addressed.
A river rock foundation cannot be adequately repaired by patching it up. While this might be a short-term solution, it is hardly of any use in the long run.
There are many different ways of repairing a river rock foundation, but we highly recommend installing a concrete sister foundation along its inside. In some cases, it may be necessary to completely replace the foundation instead. Installing a sister foundation improves the structural integrity of the building while keeping repair costs down.
River Rock Foundation replacement or repair may seem to be a difficult undertaking but it is every bit worth the time and effort. An unstable or shifting foundation is injurious to the overall health of your home and can seriously compromise its structural integrity. Cracks on walls or bowing walls resulting from foundation issues not only affect the aesthetics of the property but also put its residents at risk. It is strongly advised that foundation issues be addressed as soon as they come to your attention.
Alpha Structural, in addition to having been in business for over 25 years, has upwards of 850 years of combined technical experience. Our in-house engineers and technicians are among the most experienced in Los Angeles and all of Southern California. If you would like to know more about river rock foundation repair for your home, call, or email today to schedule a consultation.
In order to determine whether or not your property truly needs foundation repair, it is important that you look for signs that point towards a distressed foundation. This includes cracks in exterior, interior, or foundation walls, uneven floors, and doors or windows that do not open and shut properly, among others. It is always recommended to get a second opinion from a professional for a more accurate assessment.
The approximate cost of repairing a river rock foundation depends entirely on the extent of its damage and what caused it. If you are interested in learning more, email or call Alpha Structural to set up an inspection and get an estimate.
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.