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.
