San Diego Specific Foundation Problems

The average homeowner might be surprised to know that there are many different types of foundations and problems that can come up with those foundations. There are slab foundations, basement foundations, pier and beam foundations, crawl space foundations, and more. Each of these types of foundations is predisposed to particular types of foundation damage due to their construction and the surrounding environment. Knowing what type of foundation your San Diego home uses can help you know what signs of damage to look for, and when you might need foundation repair services.

What types of foundations are most common in San Diego?

The most common foundation types used for residential homes in San Diego are crawl space foundations and slab foundations. It is common for older homes to have a crawl space foundation. Homeowners familiar with other states may know that basement foundations are less common in California in large part due to mild weather negating the extra benefits basements provide.

Common crawl space foundation problems

Crawl space foundations use a small dug-out space below the home to build the foundation. This space can often be used for easy addition of plumbing and HVAC for the home. However creating such a space makes the foundation more susceptible to damage from pests like termites, as well as water damage from humidity. San Diego’s proximity to the coast in particular makes it more common to find water damage in crawl space foundations.

If you have a crawl space foundation it is also likely your San Diego home is an older generation home. This fact alone means your foundation is more likely to exhibit signs of wear and tear or damage. Unfortunately, foundation damage in older homes is common because they were built at a time when foundation techniques and safety codes were not as advanced as they are today. The good news is that Sure Safe can repair such foundations and bring them up to present-day standards.

If you have a San Diego home with a crawl space foundation, or your home is an older home, Sure Safe will be happy to have a certified engineer perform a foundation inspection and check for water or pest damage to your home’s foundation.

Common foundation problems for both slab and crawl space foundations

Unlike crawl space foundations, slab foundations are simply placed on level soil with the home built directly on top. These are more common for newer homes in San Diego. While pest and water damage are less common when compared to crawl space foundations, they are equally likely to experience cracks and fractures due to shifting soil conditions.

San Diego’s proximity to the ocean, and more humid environment creates a fluid soil condition that can make foundation cracks and instability more common. Look for cracks in the concrete around the foundation, or signs of bending or compression in home walls, windows, and doors.

If there are foundation issues, Sure Safe has the only patented repair method that conforms to the soil around your home to make your foundation strong again without having to lift the home or perform major construction. Contact us today for an inspection.