Foundation Replacement is when an existing foundation is no longer structurally sound due to deterioration and is removed and replaced with a brand-new foundation in order to help protect your home from loss or damage in the case of seismic activity. Foundation deterioration or sinking can occur due to multiple reasons such as poorly compacted soil base, low-quality concrete mix used in pouring, hollow spots, extended moisture exposure, and more.
STEP ONE:
We shore up the house. This is done carefully to prevent unwanted cracks to walls and ceilings. We transfer the weight of the structure to the temporary shoring so that the existing foundation is supported throughout the process.
STEP TWO:
A trench is dug underneath the house to allow space for a new footing installation. The depth of this footing will ultimately depend on the size of the house, the type of soil present, the weight of the materials used in constructing the house, and how many stories it has.
STEP THREE:
New lumber, also known as sill plate, is installed to provide firm anchoring material for new foundation bolts.
STEP FOUR:
New rebar steel, bolts, and wooden forms are reinforcements that are installed throughout the trench are built to receive the concrete. Concrete is pumped directly into the forms and must be allowed time to fully cure, before the wooden forms are removed. Once the forms are removed, the structure is attached to the new foundation and the stucco is installed.
Soft-story retrofit
A soft-story is a typical multi-story building with weak/open front wall lines, such as