Foundation Repair and Crawlspace Enhancement for Catie's Home in Los Angeles, CA

Challenge

Catie has been a resident of Los Angeles, CA, since 2012, living in a home built in 2004. Over the years, she began to notice unsettling signs of foundation issues, such as sagging floors, unsettling noises, and cracks forming both inside and outside her home. While the signs first appeared in 2012, they became more pronounced by 2020, prompting Catie to seek a permanent solution.

Problem Overview

Catie’s home was experiencing significant settlement issues, with multiple areas of the foundation sinking by one to two inches. The settling foundation had caused:

• Exterior Cracks: Cracks on the patio and driveway.
• Interior Damage: Cracks on the floors and walls inside the home.
• Operational Issues: Windows and doors that wouldn’t close properly.
• Auditory Disturbances: Concerning noises associated with the shifting foundation.

These issues were not only affecting the structural integrity of the home but also Catie’s peace of mind. She knew that fixing the problem was crucial but wanted to ensure she found the right solution at a fair price.

Solution

After evaluating the situation, Saber Foundation Repair proposed a comprehensive approach to stabilize and restore Catie's home. The proposed solution included the following:

1. Helical Piers Installation:

   • Scope: Due to the widespread settlement, Saber recommended installing eight helical piers around the entire perimeter of the home.
   • Execution: Despite the tight spaces, the installation team successfully placed the helical piers to stabilize the foundation and prevent further settling.

2. Concrete Lifting and Leveling:

   • PolyLevel® Injection: To address the sinking concrete on the patio and driveway, Saber used PolyLevel®, a polyurethane foam, to lift and level the concrete slabs. This solution restored the appearance and safety of the exterior areas.
   • Joint Sealing: To prevent water intrusion and further settlement, Saber also sealed the joints in the concrete.

3. Crawlspace Improvements:

   • Sump Pump Installation: To manage water drainage effectively, the team installed a SmartSump™ system in the crawlspace.
   • SmartSump Installation: A SmartSump™ system was also added to enhance moisture control and protect against future water damage.
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The project was led by Foreman Sammy Molina, with Jorge providing critical support to ensure the successful completion of all tasks. The installation team worked efficiently, overcoming the challenges posed by tight spaces and ensuring that all elements of the solution were implemented with precision.

The comprehensive approach addressed all of Catie's concerns, stabilizing the foundation, leveling the concrete, and enhancing the crawlspace. The unsettling noises caused by the settling foundation were eliminated, and the home was restored to a safe and secure state. Catie was thrilled with the outcome, particularly appreciating the care and attention to detail that Sammy and his crew brought to the project