Q&A

Saber Foundation Repair Q&A

Can concrete cracks be fixed?

Yes, by using the right products and working with a knowledgeable contractor, cracks in concrete slabs can be permanently repaired.

 

The first step is to diagnose why the concrete is cracking in the first place. Typically, concrete slabs are impacted the most by the conditions of the soil under the slab.

  • Water can soften the soil, causing part of the concrete slab to sink. The uneven weight of the slab then causes it to crack.
  • Water can also wash away some of the soil under the slab. This causes a void under the slab and the lack of support can cause part of the concrete slab to drop, cracking along the way.
  • Dry conditions can also cause concrete slabs to crack. As water evaporates from the soil, the soil shrinks and can also leave voids under the slab.

The next step to fixing concrete cracks is to identify what products are going to address the issues causing the cracking in the first place.

 

PolyLevel, a polyurethane foam, can be injected under concrete slabs. As the foam expands, it fills any voids in the soil. It quickly cures, or hardens, making it an effective solution to level and support the slab. This prevents any cracks from happening in the future.

 

Current cracks, along with joints - planned cuts in the concrete - can be sealed off to prevent water from seeping through. Using a caulking solution like NexusPro, the look of the cracks can also be minimized.

What are the signs of a foundation problem?

Signs of a foundation problem may include cracks in walls, particularly around doors, windows, or where walls meet ceilings. Doors and windows may start sticking or not close properly, while floors might feel uneven. Exterior signs could involve cracks in the foundation or walls, gaps around doors or windows, and bulging walls. In basements or crawl spaces, watch out for dampness, mold growth, or cracks in walls or floors. If you notice any of these signs, it's wise to have a professional inspect your home's foundation to address potential issues asap.

Can a cracked floor slab that is uneven and goes down to the soil be fixed?

Yes. PolyLevel would fill all Voids, and raise uneven slab.

Can a cracked street ruin your house foundation?

Cracked streets near a house typically don't directly damage its foundation. However, vibrations from heavy traffic could potentially affect the soil around the foundation. Improper water drainage due to cracked streets might lead to moisture issues around the foundation, impacting its stability. It's advisable to monitor any changes and seek advice from a structural engineer if concerns arise.

Can a driveway with deep cracks be repaired?

Yes. We can add Epoxy For integral strength, or seal it with Nexus Pro.

Can a house collapse because of foundation problems?

Yes, a house can collapse because of foundation problems. The foundation of a house is what supports the entire structure, and if there are issues with the foundation, it can lead to serious structural problems that can ultimately cause the house to collapse.

Foundation problems can occur due to a variety of factors, including soil movement, poorly compacted fill soil, and natural disasters such as earthquakes. If the foundation of a house is damaged, it can lead to issues such as cracks in the walls and floors, doors and windows that don't open or close properly, and uneven floors.

Over time, these issues can become more severe and can compromise the integrity of the entire structure. In extreme cases, a house with foundation problems can collapse entirely, causing significant damage to the property and posing a serious risk to the safety of anyone inside or nearby.

It's important to address any foundation problems as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse and potentially causing catastrophic damage. If you suspect that your house has foundation issues, it's recommended that you consult with a professional foundation repair specialist to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

Can concrete cracks caused by soil shrinkage be repaired?

Absolutely! Saber Foundation Repair specializes in fixing concrete cracks caused by soil shrinkage. They use advanced carbon fiber stitching systems for this purpose. This technique offers a strong, swift, and cost-effective solution compared to traditional methods.

Can concrete leveling be used on cement?

Yes! Concrete leveling, using a technique like PolyLevel®, can indeed be applied to cement surfaces. It's a fantastic solution for addressing sinking concrete around your home. This method efficiently lifts and restores various cement surfaces like driveways, walkways, patios, pool decks, and slabs. Not only does it eliminate trip hazards and pooling water problems, but it also swiftly revitalizes the appearance and safety of your concrete.

Can structural engineer determine cause of foundational cracks?

Absolutely! Structural engineers are generally equipped to determine the causes behind foundational cracks. At Saber Foundation Repair, our team of foundation repair professionals undergoes comprehensive training to thoroughly evaluate concrete foundations. This includes examining foundation walls, slab floors, and other structural elements to accurately pinpoint any issues and their sources.

Do all small buildings have to anchored to the foundation in California?

Absolutely! In California, most building codes usually require smaller buildings to be anchored to their foundations. This anchoring is a crucial safety measure to ensure stability, especially in areas susceptible to seismic activity or other natural forces.

Do cracks in ceilings and walls usually indicate foundation problems?

Certainly! Cracks in ceilings and walls can sometimes hint at foundation issues, but they might not always directly indicate a problem with the foundation itself. These cracks could arise from various reasons like normal settling, structural movements, temperature fluctuations, or regular wear and tear. While some cracks might be superficial or caused by minor factors, others-such as wide, diagonal, or recurring cracks-could potentially signal underlying foundation concerns like settling or structural shifts. To get a clearer understanding, it's important to consider factors like crack type, size, location, and progression.

How do they stabilize a foundation on a home?

At Saber Foundation Repair, we utilize the Supportworks push pier system to stabilize sinking or settling foundations. This system involves deploying robust steel tubes and brackets to effectively support the foundation. These tubes are hydraulically driven into the ground until they reach stable soil or bedrock, facilitating the transfer of the structure's weight from unstable soil to a more secure base below. To ensure a stable foundation, we drive each pier individually and then distribute the load simultaneously over multiple piers. This method establishes a safety margin against settlement, typically ranging from 1.5 to 3.0, ensuring a secure and lasting foundation for your home!

How long can a building withstand an earthquake?

While the exact duration a building can withstand an earthquake may vary, retrofitting significantly strengthens a building's resilience. It's like providing our homes with an extra layer of defense, ensuring they are better equipped to endure earthquakes and minimizing the risk of severe damage.

How much does it cost to repair foundation damage?

The cost to repair foundation damage can vary significantly based on several factors. The extent of the damage, the type of foundation, the size of the home, and the repair method needed all influence the overall cost. It's essential to have a professional foundation contractor assess the damage to provide an accurate estimate tailored to your specific situation. We offer a free, no-obligation inspection to evaluate and provide the right solution for you. Feel free to reach out!

What does retrofitting do to your house?

Retrofitting a house typically refers to making modifications or upgrades to an existing building to improve its energy efficiency, safety, or functionality.

 

The specific changes made during a retrofit will depend on the goals of the project and the condition of the building, but some common examples of retrofitting include:

  • Insulating walls, floors, and ceilings to reduce energy consumption and lower heating and cooling costs. Upgrading windows and doors to improve insulation and reduce drafts.
  • Installing energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption.
  • Adding earthquake-resistant features to improve the structural stability of the building.
  • Installing safety measures such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire sprinkler systems.

Overall, retrofitting can improve the comfort, safety, and sustainability of a house while also reducing energy costs and environmental impact.

Will seismic retrofitting hurt the sale of my home?

Seismic retrofitting can have different effects on the sale of a home depending on various factors such as location, market conditions, and the extent of the retrofitting. In general, seismic retrofitting is seen as a positive feature that can increase the value of a home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

In areas that are prone to earthquakes, seismic retrofitting can be seen as a necessary safety feature, which can actually make the home more appealing to buyers. It can also help to mitigate the risk of damage during an earthquake, which can give buyers greater peace of mind and reduce the risk of the home being damaged and requiring costly repairs in the future.

However, if the seismic retrofitting is extensive and costly, it could potentially increase the asking price of the home, which may put off some buyers. In addition, if the home is located in an area that is not considered high-risk for earthquakes, some buyers may not see the need for seismic retrofitting, and may not be willing to pay extra for it.

Overall, the effect of seismic retrofitting on the sale of a home will depend on various factors, and it is difficult to predict the exact impact it will have. However, in general, seismic retrofitting is seen as a positive feature that can increase the value of a home and make it more appealing to buyers, especially in earthquake-prone areas.

our service area

We serve the following areas

Our Locations:

Saber
7301 Madison St
Paramount, CA 90723
1-951-797-7754


Saber
1320 Distribution Way Suite B
Vista, CA 92081
1-760-300-1526
Saber Foundation Repair Service Area