IT'S ALL IN THE SOIL

Inadequate drainage of surface water, either from rain or irrigation, away from the home often contributes to subgrade soil saturation. This is the number one cause for foundation problems in Southern California.” Inadequate drainage occurs when the topography is flat, topography slopes toward the house, irrigation volume is unnecessarily high, torrential rains create ponding conditions, water has no escape route (bathtub scenario), or drains are blocked. The adjacent yards/planter areas are flat or drains towards the house. For many houses, water may have saturated the soil adjacent to this foundation due to inadequate surface drainage during irrigation, past torrential rains, or an excessive use of the hose along the backyard wall. One of the most prevalent scenarios we see, is rain gutters draining directly adjacent to the foundation, and often into a planter that creates pooling. Proper drainage is important to keep water away from perimeter foundations to prevent foundation movement. Water percolates through the topsoil to saturate the subgrade soil under the foundation. In such conditions, the soil under the foundation becomes more compressible.
A SINKING FOUNDATION
When looking at the outside of your home you may notice that one side appears higher than the other. You can also have a home that is buckling in the middle. Maybe when you look at your front porch it seems to be sinking in the middle.
FOUNDATION DISTURBANCE
A foundation disturbance is the opposite of a sinking foundation. A slab foundation can move a lot over time. This can cause an upheaval of your foundation and affect the inside of your home as well as the perimeter.
DIFFICULTY OPENING AND CLOSING DOORS
The exterior doors to your home may start to stick when you open or close them. You can probably see that the alignment is off when looking at the door and door jam. You will need to look at them carefully ....
COUNTER TOPS CRACKING OR SEPARATING FROM THE WALL
Look at the counters in your kitchen and bathrooms. Counters that have started to pull away from the walls can be a sign of serious foundation issues. You may also see cracks starting to form in your countertops.
WINDOWS THAT ARE OUT OF ALIGNMENT
Inspect your windows on a regular basis. Are the windowsills pulling away from the wall? Maybe the windows will not open or close properly.
Contact Us

Our sales engineering and estimating experts are here to tackle any foundation or concrete problem you may be experiencing. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and requirements.

Standard Business Hours

Monday – Friday 8:00 – 6:00 PST

Emergency Contact

661-294-1313

TOP