What is Historic Foundation Repair?

Historic or ‘vintage’ buildings have an old-school charm and are full of character, both qualities make them highly desirable to property owners.

They often also feature surprisingly good construction that has allowed them to stand the test of time. However, historic homes often show signs of disrepair, particularly in the foundation, which is subject to years of ground movement and seismic activity. Historic properties each face unique issues. In some cases, they are built on unstable soil so the foundation may have shifted over the years. Sometimes they are built out of substandard materials or have poor drainage. Irrespective of what the issue is, it is the foundation of the house that suffers the most. Repairing a historic foundation can be challenging as these buildings are generally quite fragile and have to be dealt with accordingly. For this reason, trust your repair to a reliable contractor who has an extensive track record of repairing historic foundations.

What toLook For

If you own a historic home, it is important to be on the lookout for signs that point towards an unstable or distressed foundation. These signs include:

Slanting or uneven floors
Fractures in exterior walls
Fractures in interior walls, foundation walls
Cracks around door and window frames
Separation of walls from adjoining walls, floors, ceilings, or cabinets
Doors or windows not opening or closing properly

If you notice any of these signs, taking immediate action would help prevent further deterioration. Alpha Structural has extensive experience in repairing and restoring historic foundations and can take care of your historic property such that it remains in top shape for years to come.

Engineering Authorized Foundation Repair Los Angeles

Process of Historic Foundation Repair

Our structural engineers will first evaluate your property to determine what the underlying issues are and also ascertain which method would be able to treat them correctly.

The original foundation will be documented and its original architect plans, if available, will be used for reference during the repairs to maintain its integrity. It is crucial to maintain the original look of the foundation as much as possible while still improving the structural integrity of the property. The house will then be lifted to repair or replace parts of the foundation. Our highly skilled and experienced technicians will ensure that the work is done with adequate precautions and no detail, however small, is spared.

Historic Foundation Restoration Los Angeles

Benefits of Historic Foundation Repair

Historic properties have immense value, not just economically but in terms of the sentiments of their owners. They have a lot of character and must be preserved and maintained at all costs. Repairing the foundation of your historic building is an integral part of keeping it well-maintained so that it can stand strong for generations to come. A repaired historic foundation not only preserves the structural integrity of the building but also keeps its residents protected from earthquakes and other such calamities. It also restores the aesthetic appeal of the property, something which is of seminal importance in a historic property.

Your Consultation for Historic Foundation Repair in Los Angeles

Alpha Structural, in addition to having been in business for over 25 years, has upwards of 850 years of combined technical experience. Our in-house engineers and technicians are among the most experienced in Los Angeles and all of Southern California. If you would like to know more about historic foundation repair Los Angeles residents can call or email today to schedule a consultation.

Historic Foundation Repair FAQ

Do I really need foundation repairs?

To determine whether or not your historic property truly needs foundation repair, you must look for signs that point towards a distressed foundation. This includes cracks in exterior, interior, or foundation walls, uneven floors, and doors or windows that do not open and shut properly, among others. It is always recommended to get a second opinion from a professional for a more accurate assessment.

How much does typical foundation repair cost?

The approximate cost of repairing a historic foundation depends entirely on the extent of its damage and what caused it. If you are interested in learning more, email or call Alpha Structural to set up an inspection and get an estimate.

Request Inspection Or Estimate

A foundation is more than just the bottom floor of your property. It is the base that supports everything you work so hard to protect. At Alpha Structural, Inc., we treat each project with that level of responsibility and respect. That’s why families and businesses across Los Angeles choose us to protect the structures that protect them. If you want your foundation built to the Alpha Standard, contact us today to schedule an inspection.

Historic Foundation Repair In Los Angeles, CA