Foundation Repair

How to Prevent Landslides

While residents of Southern California enjoy about ~300 sunny days per year… California is also one of the most at-risk states for landslides. In fact, the Vice President of International Consortium on Landslides at the USGS, Peter Lyttle shared that while landslides can occur in all 50 states, “regions like the Appalachian Mountains, the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coastal Ranges have ‘severe landslide problems,’” listing California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii as especially prone.

Why? In general, landslides are more common where slopes are steep and surrounding rocks, soil and supporting natural structures are weak…. And unfortunately,these conditions are very common here in our native SoCal. Add in the fact the San Andreas fault runs the length of California and this tectonic boundary pushes up rocks that are too weak to support these slopes, and BAM — you’ve got all the makings of a landslide.

Common Causes of Landslides

Some of the leading factors that can cause residential landslides include:

Heavy rainfall or recurrent storm systems
Erosion from foot traffic or construction
Poor construction practices
Rapid temperature flux (e.g. freezing and thawing)
Natural disasters (e.g. earthquake shaking, and volcanic eruptions)
Brush/topsoil that’s been removed or lost to forest fire

How to Prevent Landslides At Home

There are lots of preventative measures you can take that can decrease your risks of property damage due to landslides. One of the most effective is to have a retaining wall installed. If you already have a retaining wall, you’re not off the hook. Older retaining walls can be the cause of landslides as well. Without proper upkeep they can cause drainage issues which can cause weight and pressure to build up and overflow.

The good news is, there are some relatively easy things you can do yourself to help prevent landslide damage:

Minimize foot traffic. Human use is typically the largest contributor to erosion and landslides. Over time, home projects and other routine activities can really wear down the natural slopes of your property. Make sure to regularly assess and shore up areas which may be prone to weakening.
Repurpose yard waste. Leaves or loose gravel can be used to create drainage on any slopes or earthen support structures.
Reroute stormwater. If you notice stormwater pooling or puddling, make sure to redirect this away from sloping areas or hillsides
Irrigate/install vegetation. While irrigation is good, make sure to avoid installing any irrigation systems, water sources, or pools near hillsides or sloped areas. Plant vegetation or use gravel on slopes or earthen structures that need extra support.

Use temporary landslide protection. Sandbags, plastic sheeting, tarps, and even burlap can be used to divert water from uncontrolled spilling and protect unstable areas.

When it's Time to Call in the Professionals

While all of the above can be incredibly helpful in preventing damage, often to really protect yourself from landslide damage you’ll need the help of a professional — especially if your property is situated around deeply graded areas or is prone to drainage or runoff. In this case, a landscaping professional (preferably one well versed in landslide prevention) will need to assess your property and help you determine the best type of retaining wall to use.

There are several different types of retaining walls, including:

Concrete Retaining Walls. Concrete blocks lock together without requiring mortar. Soil is then tightly packed behind it to prevent weakening and collapse. Concrete retaining walls easily form curves, which is typically a requirement of this stabilization approach.
Steel Beam/Pipe Pile Retaining Walls. These are often used on extreme slopes where a concrete wall is too expensive. The steel beams are usually placed in a pre-drilled hole and encased in concrete.

Or, a landslide expert may suggest one of these other options:

GeoGrid Systems. A cost-effective approach to rebuilding slopes that have previously failed due to a landslide or mudslide.
Drainage Systems. Stormwater management is a very important component of landslide control services, and poor drainage or water management is often the main culprit in landslide events.
Silt Fence. These are constructed using a long fabric barrier which can be used in any area where there’s runoff or loose soil. These function as a good intermediary option for areas which need support while vegetation or other topsoil methods are put in place.
Erosion control matting. The matting remains in this location until native vegetation can begin to grow through, and does no harm to the environment. Erosion control mats provide the strength and surface area needed to protect an area from erosion or runoff.

Man-made terraces. The subsoil is levelled, followed by installing a solid top soil and side supports. Natural terraces using elements such as grasses can also produce the same effect.

About Unilited Drilling

Landslide Repair

If you’re looking for landslide repair in Escondido, look no further than Unlimited Drilling & Foundations Inc. Founded in 1993. Over the past 28 years, we’ve completed thousands of foundation repair, slope stabilization and drainage systems projects in Southern California, and we specialize in all aspects of foundation repair, slope stabilization and retaining walls.

Why Dry Climates Carry Landslide Risk

While many may not equate the dry Southern California climate with landslide risk, unfortunately that’s just not true. When overly dry soil is suddenly hit with large amounts of rain or moisture, often, the ground surface is unable to absorb the moisture, leading to increased levels of runoff which can cause flooding and ultimately, landslides.

Across the globe, different phenomena influence the stability of slopes and cause landslides, such as precipitation, snow melt, temperature changes, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and various human activity.

Landslide Repair Services

At Unlimited Drilling, we provide a range of services in order to help prevent and repair damage from landslides.

Property Assessments

Our team is well versed in consultations and can help guide you around the best solutions to either repair a landslide that has already occurred or to prevent property damage in the future.

During a walkthrough, our team will assess a variety of potential problem areas including:

Pollution. Our team experts will assess if yard waste or other excessive property elements may create runoff and put your property at risk for landslide damage. Aside from human use, excess water is the leading cause of landslides. In order to best combat both issues, it may be critical to build a retaining wall or use landscaping methods to keep runoff in check and prevent potential pollution.
Weakened slopes/retaining walls. Landslides caused by erosion can cause quite a bit of damage to the overall structural integrity of your property. The consultation process will also include a thorough assessment of existing retaining walls and slopes which may need additional support.

Foundation issues. Poor stormwater drainage can cause significant foundation setting or sinking. We’ll look for uneven or sagging floors, as well as significant water pooling around your foundation, assess existing damage and make a plan to correct these issues.

Retaining Wall Installation

Installing a retaining wall is one option our experts may suggest in order to repair damage or prevent damage in the future. These are structures which are built to help reinforce existing slopes or hills, or to artificially prop up areas on your property which may show signs of weakening. Many older retaining walls have drainage issues which can cause weight and pressure to build up and overflow. Furthermore, retaining walls are not just for looks. Sure, they can be designed to flow well with your current landscaping, however, their primary purpose is to keep soil from shifting.

There are various types of retaining walls which can be used, but the type often depends on your property type. Here are a few commonly used retaining walls:

Concrete Retaining Walls. Concrete blocks lock together without requiring mortar. Soil is then tightly packed behind it to prevent weakening and collapse. Concrete retaining walls easily form curves which is typically a requirement of this stabilization approach.

Steel Beam/Pipe Pile Retaining Walls. These are often used on extreme slopes where a concrete wall is too expensive. The steel beams are usually placed in a pre-drilled hole and encased in concrete.

GeoGrid System Installation

Another option which may be considered is GeoGrid textile fabric, which is a cost-effective approach to rebuilding slopes that have previously failed due to a landslide or mudslide. These are often used when retaining walls alone are not enough on their own. The GeoGrid system serves to reinforce the retaining wall when soil pulls apart under tension.

Draining Systems Installation

For properties with poor drainage, a professional may recommend rerouting surface and/or underwater drainage. Stormwater management is a very important component of landslide control services and poor drainage or water management is often the main culprit in landslide events.

Conclusion

The good news is, there are a lot of things you can do on your own to help prevent landslide damage. First and foremost: vigilance. It’s critical to pay close attention to property throughout the year and to keep an eye out for warning signs.

Here’s a few things to look for that may signal that it’s time to call in the experts:

Landscaping shifts
Sticking doors or windows
Cracks in plaster, tile, brick or within the foundation of your home
Gaps between outside walls, walks, or stairs and the building
Widening cracks in driveways or sidewalks
Bulging ground area near hills or slopes

When in doubt, our team here at Unlimited Drilling is here to help!

About Unilited Drilling

Unlimited Drilling & Foundations Inc. was founded in 1993. Over the past 28 years, the company has completed thousands of foundation repair, slope stabilization and drainage systems projects in Southern California. They specialize in all aspects of foundation repair, slope stabilization and retaining walls.

How a Retaining Wall Helps with Landslide Prevention

Landslides, otherwise known as “slope destabilization,” is the shifting of land mass.

Usually, landslides are triggered by either human interference such as soil erosion, construction or traffic, or by natural causes such as hurricanes, earthquakes, snow melt, deforestation and over-cultivation. Landslides can either be localized or affect a broad area and qualify as a natural disaster. Luckily, landslide damage is preventable! The critical component is ensuring you’re proactive!

Landslide Protection

One of the most common preventative measures you can take to protect your property is to have a retaining wall installed. If you already have a retaining wall, don’t stop reading yet! Many older retaining walls have drainage issues which can cause weight and pressure to build up and overflow. Furthermore, retaining walls are not just for looks. Sure, they can be designed to flow well with your current landscaping, however, their primary purpose is to keep soil from shifting.

There are simple things you can do yourself. For instance, one quick and effective solution to prevent landslides is to stabilize sloped landscapes with vegetation. Typically, this prevention method works best on slopes which are moderately sloped and not too steep (or if the movement hasn’t started yet.) However, in general, retaining walls require careful planning. It’s important to have a professional assess your property and determine what type of retaining wall would be most beneficial. The good news is, if installed correctly, your retaining wall will support soil retention and keep your home protected from landslide triggers.

Some commonly used retaining wall types include:

Concrete retaining walls: Concrete blocks are locked together and don’t require any mortar to bond them. The soil behind it must be tightly packed to maintain a solid hold. Loose soil allows in moisture, which can cause weakening and collapse. Concrete retaining walls easily form curves which is typically a requirement of this stabilization approach.

Steel Beam Walls: These are often used on extreme slopes where a concrete wall is too expensive. The steel beams are usually placed in a pre-drilled hole and encased in concrete.

Piling walls: These retaining walls are made of steel and are used in tight spaces. Typically, the majority of the wall sits below the soil’s surface and works best with landscaping that has soft soil/sediment.

Gravity walls: Because of this wall-type’s size, pressure is resisted with the pressure behind its own mass.

Cantilever walls: This type of retaining wall leverages a large, structural foundation and uses horizontal pressure from behind the wall to create vertical pressure on the ground below.

Anchored walls: Resistance for this retaining wall uses cables or other anchor points to secure the wall within the rock or soil behind to increase resistance.

GeoGrid systems: GeoGrid textile fabric is often used to rebuild slopes that have previously failed due to a landslide or mudslide. Generally, this is often the most cost effective approach.

Landslide Prevention Tips

Keep an eye out for property changes. Often, before a landslide occurs there are warning signs. Take notice of:

Shifts in your landscaping (e.g. patterns of storm-water drainage, land movement, slides, or leaning fences or trees)
Doors or windows which have begun to stick
New cracks in foundations or structural elements (plaster, tile, brick)
Gaps between outside walls, walks, or stairs and the building
Widening cracks in driveways or sidewalks
Bulging ground area near hills or slopes
Water breaking through in strange areas

Avoid collective yard waste: Leaves, landscaping materials, loose gravel should not be left on any sloped parts of your property. This can lead to improper drainage and degradation which can ultimately increase your risk of landslide.

Minimize run-off: Avoid increasing water-off to hilly or sloped areas such as hosing off vehicles or routine watering. If you notice increased water drainage, make sure to address this immediately.

Plan installations carefully: Thinking about adding an irrigation system, pool or other water source? Before you break ground, it’s critical all sloped areas of your land/property are protected from unnecessary increases in moisture.

About Unilited Drilling

Common Causes Of Residential Landslides

Typically when we think of landslides we may imagine something from a movie: huge walls of mud blazing a warpath of destruction. But the truth is landslides come in all shapes and sizes and believe it or not, they can happen right in your own backyard.

Some of the leading factors that trigger your garden-variety, residential landslide include:

Heavy rainfall
Erosion
Faulty construction practices
Rapid changes in temperature (e.g. freezing and thawing)
Natural disasters (e.g. earthquake shaking, and volcanic eruptions)
Extreme weather, such as periods of heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt
Areas without topsoil or brush, or burned by forest fire are vulnerable to landslides

Before a landslide occurs there are signs that your property may be at risk. Make sure to keep tabs on any significant changes — such as patterns of storm-water drainage, land movement, or any major shifting. You should also look for gaps between outside walls, walks, or stairs and and keep an eye out for leaning fences or trees, doors or windows which have begun to stick, new cracks in foundations or structural elements (plaster, tile, brick), bulging ground area near hills or slopes or water breaking through in odd areas.

Potential Landslide Damage

As more trees are removed to accommodate growing populations, there’s more runoff during rainstorms and less water is able to be absorbed by the soil. This can lead to wells and springs on your property, which can cause worsening erosion and ultimately, landslide damage.

Some of the most common landslide damages include:

Pollution. A landslide can cause damage to sewage systems, fisheries and other public water access areas which can lead to pollution, affecting entire communities. A critical aspect of landslide/erosion control services is drainage and stormwater management. Aside from human use, excess water is the leading cause of landslides. In order to best combat both issues, it may be critical to build a retaining wall or use landscaping methods to keep runoff in check and prevent potential pollution.
Weakened slopes/retaining walls. Landslides caused by erosion can cause quite a bit of damage to the overall structural integrity of your property. Keep a close eye on these structures to make sure there isn’t excessive runoff or weakening structures.
Foundation destruction. Poor stormwater drainage can cause significant foundation setting or sinking. If you notice uneven or sagging floors, or significant water pooling around your foundation, it’s critical to reach out to a foundation repair expert to assess existing damage and make a plan to correct existing issues.

Injury – Beyond property damage and pollution, severe landslides also carry a risk of personal injury. Unstable or weakened structures are a hotbed for accidents, so make sure to keep this in mind when accessing the condition of your property.

How to Prevent Landslides At Home

Foot traffic and human use is typically the largest contributor to erosion and landslides. Over time, home projects and other routine activities can put your property through the ringer. The good news is there are some really simple things you can do to help prevent wear and tear.

Repurpose yard waste. Leaves or loose gravel can be used to create drainage on any slopes or earthen support structures.
Redirect stormwater. If you notice stormwater pooling or puddling, make sure to redirect this away from sloping areas or hillsides

Irrigate/install vegetation: While irrigation is good, make sure to avoid installing any irrigation systems, water sources, or pools near hillsides or sloped areas. Plant vegetation or use gravel on slopes or earthen structures that need extra support.

Use temporary landslide protection: Sandbags, plastic sheeting, tarps, and even burlap can be used to divert water from uncontrolled spilling and protect unstable areas.

Professional Landslide Prevention Techniques

In many instances professional intervention is needed. If you notice extensive damage to your existing structures or property you may need to contact an expert to assess your options.

A professional may recommend installing:

Retaining Walls

Concrete Retaining Walls: Concrete blocks lock together without requiring mortar. Soil is then tightly packed behind it to prevent weakening and collapse. Concrete retaining walls easily form curves which is typically a requirement of this stabilization approach.

Steel Beam/Pipe Pile Retaining Walls: These are often used on extreme slopes where a concrete wall is too expensive. The steel beams are usually placed in a pre-drilled hole and encased in concrete.

GeoGrid Systems: GeoGrid textile fabric is a cost-effective approach to rebuilding slopes that have previously failed due to a landslide or mudslide.

Draining Systems: For properties with poor drainage, a professional may recommend rerouting surface and/or underwater drainage. Stormwater management is a very important component of landslide control services and poor drainage or water management is often the main culprit in landslide events.

About Unilited Drilling

What To Expect After Foundation Repair: A Homeowner’s Guide

Your foundation had a problem, you called us at Unlimited Drilling to take care of it, and we did. Now, what next after the foundation repair? Here is what to expect after foundation repair.

One of the major problems that people face is with the pipes. If they had been affected, it is advisable to call a plumbing service. They will check if the pipes are in good condition so that there is no risk of leaks. You should also inspect some of the parts of the wall where any pipes or AC units may have had to be moved for repairs. Call a painter and decorator to deal with that.

When inspecting your walls, you will find that repair leads to other minor complications here and there. Cracks in the drywall may be visible, pipes may be tampered with, and in some cases, doors may not close properly. This is usually caused when settling occurs. Most of these arising problems will fix themselves as the house settles down, but there are those minors ones that may not. This means that some repairs are required a few months after the foundation repair.

Your foundation will need time to adjust completely so do not do any constructions too fast. Such construction may interfere with the integrity of the place. Call Unlimited Drilling if you have any questions on how to handle any extra repairs that you may need once the foundation repair is complete. You will probably need to hire a flooring company to check if the floor is in good condition.

You may have to repair your yard too because the chances are that it was damaged during the repair. Get a landscaper to deal with any new plans you have.

Once you know what to expect after foundation repair, you will be able to budget for it.

How to Know When Your Foundation Needs Repair

Your foundation is the most important part of the house. If it is not maintained the integrity of the house will be at risk. This is why it is always important to be familiar with the signs that your foundation needs repair.

Once you notice that you need the repairs, you need to call a professional service to do it. Only professionals can guarantee good quality of work that you need. Do not try a DIY project or hire a contractor without proper experience. Unlimited Drilling is a professional foundation repair service that you can trust to do all the repairs you need doing. Here are the signs that you need to call Unlimited Drilling.

One, if you notice cracks on your foundation. This usually means that the soil underneath the foundation is settling so the process is creating soil pockets. Check how far the cracks go and call the professionals to handle it. The cracks are often large and zigzag, and they are spread out over a large part of the floor or walls.

You will also need to pay attention to the windows and doors. If there are gaps between the wall and the windows or doors, then it means that there is a need for foundation repair. Bulging windows or those that refuse to close also mean the same.

Damage to your roofline is also an indication that your foundation needs repair. If you notice that the roofline is sagging, then you need to call Unlimited Drilling to check the foundation. You can view the roofline from a distance to see if it looks like it has sunk in the middle.

Foundation repair needs to be handled quickly before the issue becomes too hard to deal with. Failure to check it immediately means that you will have to pay more for rebuilding.

How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost

When you are interested in foundation repair, you are likely also interested in the cost of the service. However, there are some different factors to be considered when it comes to the price you will pay for foundation repair costs. If you want to learn what is taken into consideration when it comes to how much a foundation repair will cost, continue reading this helpful article.

Size of Foundation

One thing that will determine the price of the foundation repair is the size of the foundation and the repairs that are needed. A larger foundation with more needed repairs will cost more than one that is small and needs less repair work.

Time to Make Repairs

Another thing that factors into the cost of foundation repair is the time that the repairs will take. The more working hours it takes to repair your foundation, the more the repairs will cost. As you consider how much does foundation repair cost, the longer the repair takes, the more you can expect to pay.

Additional Equipment or Materials

Also, the use of additional equipment or materials above the norm can determine what the price will be for the foundation repair. If the company needs to bring in equipment that they do not normally bring to foundation repair jobs, it may cost you more. Also, the same can be said for using materials that are not typically used.

As you can see, there are a few different things that will determine how much it will cost to repair your foundation. If you have decided that you want to learn more, you can contact Unlimited Drilling to get an estimate on the repairs that you need. We will be happy to help answer the questions that you have and provide you with the service that you deserve.

Choosing the Right Contractor to Build a Cinder Block Retaining Wall

Many San Diego backyards can benefit from one of the simplest and most affordable landscaping design solutions; a cinder block retaining wall. This cost effective and reliable landscaping feature helps slow soil erosion, direct water runoff, and can increase the usable square footage of your backyard. Furthermore, San Diego’s best contractors are coming up with creative designs and clever solutions for building cinder block retaining walls that not only provide protection from erosion, but also serve to add an interesting visual feature to your landscape. Here’s a few tips on picking a great contractor for your retaining wall project.

Find a Team That’s Knowledgeable about Hills and Water Runoff

San Diego is known for its beaches, burritos, and palm trees, but what many people don’t realize is how hilly the local landscape truly is. Many of San Diego’s homes are set onto slopes, or in dry areas where downhill erosion is an issue. A knowledgeable local contractor will be able to assess your landscape and provide a retaining wall solution that minimizes the angle of slope, keeping soil in place. They can also build cinder block retaining walls that are designed to promote safe water drainage. This is especially important for San Diego’s tendency for unpredictable storms and flooding during the winter. A good contractor will know how to achieve the right drainage, minimizing pressure build-up within the retaining wall and optimizing the safety and durability of the structure.

Choose a Contractor That Can Handle a Range of Spaces

San Diego real estate prices are considerably higher than much of the rest of the nation. Consequently, homeowners attempt to maximize their square footage by building backyards into hills, optimizing space and saving money. A good contractor will have experience in working with both large and small spaces, and will have an eye for determining the best ways to utilize the landscape by adding cinder block retaining walls, pathways, drainage, and more.

Work with a Contractor That Owns High-Quality Equipment

The best contractors own the right tools to get the job done. If your goal is to build a retaining wall, find a contractor that owns their own drilling rigs, excavators, trailers, and storage equipment. When your contractor has immediate access to the correct tools, you can rely on less delays with your retaining wall project, faster service, and also less hassle without having to schedule and coordinate with multiple different equipment rental services. Contractor-owned equipment is also often times better maintained than the rigs and excavators provided by a third party service.

If you’re looking to protect your home from downhill erosion, improve the water draining in your yard, or add visual interest to your landscape, a cinder block retaining wall may be the perfect solution. During your hunt to find the perfect contractor, don’t be afraid to ask the right questions: Have they worked in a space similar to yours? What’s their experience with working on highly areas? Do they own their own equipment? What do they know about water-proofing materials and techniques? Going with a great contractor can often mean the difference between a successful, long-lasting outcome and a poorly-constructed wall that will have to be re-done in a short time.

Picking the Best Foundation Repair Company in San Diego

Most home-owners and buyers in San Diego place foundation reapair and other issues at the top of the list when it comes to stressful home repairs. While it’s easy to change out fixtures and renovate flooring, making repairs to a home foundation in San Diego can feel daunting, to say the least. The entire structural stability of your home is reliant on a safe and high-quality foundation. Unfortunately, many of San Diego’s older homes do require foundation repairs due to our expansive soils and poorly-designed drainage systems. To help ease the process, we put together a list of tips to help you tackle your foundation repair project.

Look for a Licensed Contractor

The California Department of Consumer Affairs publically lists information on licensed contractors in the state. Although there’s no guarantee that every contractor listed will be a good fit for your project, it’s an essential first step to determining whether or not a company is reputable. A good, licensed contractor will list their license number on their website.

Check How Long The Company Has Been in Business

Unlimited Drilling has been serving San Diego since 1993. That’s over 20 years of experience. Working with a contractor that has decades of experience can help ensure two things. First, this ensures that they have been exposed to a variety of foundational problems and solutions. This is particularly important in the San Diego market, as our diverse range of local soils requires special care when it comes to laying and repairing foundations. Second, the longevity of the company speaks to the quality and durability of the work. This history suggests that past projects have endured the test of time.

Ask for References

Don’t be afraid to ask your contractor for references. You can ask to speak with past clients, current clients, and any relevant sub-contractors. This will help you build a picture of the type of projects the contractor has worked on, and what type of relationships they maintain with their clients and professional network.

Get Multiple Estimates

Don’t go with the first quote you receive. Do your homework and talk to a number of companies. Keep in mind that you won’t always want to go with the cheapest option. Different contractors may offer different approaches to your repairs- you’ll want to get a range of opinions to determine the best long-term solution for your foundation. This is not an area to skimp on, so be sure to ask for detailed estimates and cost break downs, possible delays, and most importantly, possible increases to budget down the road. By doing your homework, you’ll hopefully avoid some surprises.

Ask About Permits

In San Diego, the contractor that you choose for your foundation repair will be responsible for obtaining a permit before starting the work. Permits and regulations vary by region, so make sure to work with a company that is knowledgeable and can speak to the needs of your project.

Know the Difference Between Contractors and Subcontractors

Unlimited Drilling in San Diego is unique in that they do most of their foundation repair “in-house”, and do not subcontract repairs to another company. This ensures that you will be working with one team from start to finish, and fosters a level of consistency and customer service to help your budget and timeline stay on track.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or own multiple buildings, working with a good foundation repair contractor will be in your best interest. Paying attention to the above key criteria like importance of licensed contractors, can help you find a company that will keep your foundations in good shape for the long haul.

For more information about Unlimited Drilling’s services, check out their website here.

Rancho Santa Fe Foundation Repair

Unlimited Drilling & Foundations Inc. utilizes various methods to fix foundations that need repairs – some of the methods are listed below.

Epoxy Injection Foundation Repair System

This method of repair is often used in conjunction with other repairs. Epoxy injection will bond concrete together at a crack, but it doesn’t address problems outside of the immediate area of the crack. This method is usually used where only minor settling has occurred and future settling is not expected.

How it’s done

The crack will be thoroughly cleaned. The surface of the crack is then sealed and injection ports placed along he crack. Epoxy in then injected into the crack under pressure to ensure the entire crack is filled. The repaired area will then be ground down to a smooth surface.

Grade Beams

A grade beam is in effect a deepened foundation placed under your existing foundation. This procedure works well when a sufficiently bearing soil is not far below your existing foundation .

How it’s done

Your structure is temporarily supported to allow for excavation under your existing footing. An excavation is made with its size dependent on your structure and existing soil conditions. The new grade beam is then attached to your existing foundation creating one larger foundation.

Caissons

Caissons are large diameter holes that are dug through poor soil into inadequate bearing soil. This allows a home’s foundation to rest on the deeper soil and bypass the problem soil. This is a common repair on hillsides and cut and fill construction areas.

How it’s done

A drill rig is brought in and holes are dug to a depth as determined by engineering and soils reports. Hole depths can range from just a few feet to 20′ and beyond. Caissons are filled with concrete, attached to the grade beam which your structure is then resting on.

Unlimited Drilling & Foundations Inc. specializes in all aspects of Rancho Santa Fe Foundation Repair.

Foundation Repair Near Me

How to Prevent Landslides

Common Causes of Landslides

How to Prevent Landslides At Home

When it's Time to Call in the Professionals

Landslide Repair

Why Dry Climates Carry Landslide Risk

Landslide Repair Services

Property Assessments

Retaining Wall Installation

GeoGrid System Installation

Draining Systems Installation

How a Retaining Wall Helps with Landslide Prevention

Landslide Protection

Some commonly used retaining wall types include:

Landslide Prevention Tips

Common Causes Of Residential Landslides

Potential Landslide Damage

How to Prevent Landslides At Home

Professional Landslide Prevention Techniques

What To Expect After Foundation Repair: A Homeowner’s Guide

How to Know When Your Foundation Needs Repair

How Much Does Foundation Repair Cost

Choosing the Right Contractor to Build a Cinder Block Retaining Wall

Choosing the Right Contractor to Build a Cinder Block Retaining Wall

Find a Team That’s Knowledgeable about Hills and Water Runoff

Choose a Contractor That Can Handle a Range of Spaces

Work with a Contractor That Owns High-Quality Equipment

Picking the Best Foundation Repair Company in San Diego

Rancho Santa Fe Foundation Repair

About Unlimited Drilling & Foundation Inc. Repair

About Unlimited Drilling & Foundation Inc. Repair