Foundation Repair in Red Rock, Arizona

Challenge

Thank you for allowing Arizona Foundation Solutions to present this foundation survey and assessment for the proposed foundation repairs on your property. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the foundation and the foundation conditions of this property, and to perform a manometer and foundation survey on the interior of the property.

The extent and scope of this manometer and foundation survey and assessment is detailed as follows:

• Perform a manometer survey.

• Locate the areas of foundation and floor slab failure, if any.

• Visually inspect and record the interior and the exterior of the location.

• Determine the extent of the foundation failure, if any.

• Prepare a documented repair plan if needed.

Foundation Footprint: A drawing of the footprint of the first floor was created and is included in this report

Exterior Inspection: The exterior of the location was visually inspected. Items such as foundation cracks, exterior wall cracks, improper grading, type of structure, poor drainage, gutters or no gutters, bowed retaining walls, large trees close to the foundation and any type of obstructions that may or may not influence the repair process were noted and recorded.

Interior Inspection: The interior of the location was visually inspected. Items such as floor cracks, wall cracks, ceiling cracks, sloping floors, uneven counter tops, doors and windows that are out of alignment, cracked window glass and bowed walls were noted and recorded.

Manometer Survey: The manometer survey, also known as a floor survey, is a measurement of the differences of interior floor elevations. The flatness of the interior floor was measured using a highly accurate survey device known as a Manometer. The entire interior floor area was surveyed, and the elevations were recorded. These data points were then entered into a computer program that provides a topographical map showing the high and low elevation contours of the floor surface. This topographical map shows where the foundation is no longer level and shows where support and stabilization is needed. The floor survey also demonstrates whether any floor slab heave or settlement exists.

A foundation heave pattern is observed in the eastern portion of the home as indicated by the higher elevation readings on the 3D Topographical Map. This phenomenon usually occurs in areas where structures are built on expansive clays. Moisture from one or any combination of the following: storm runoff, poor drainage around the foundation, plumbing leaks and/or underground moisture sources will allow the moisture/vapor to accumulate underneath the foundation. The moisture then interacts with the clayey soils, causing them to swell. The clay soils take the path of least resistance and expand upwards and lift the foundation.

Solution

Arizona Foundation Solutions believes that the proper way to deal with edge heave is to first install piers to support the perimeter walls of the area that is experiencing edge heave. Under excavation will be performed in this area. This is where some of the heaving soils will be removed to create voids for future expansion. If possible, the perimeter can be lowered to practical recovery. This will be determined by field conditions.

AZFS recommends that the homeowner hire a Geotechnical Engineer to take soil samples in a way that accurately represents the soils on the property. This can help in determining any possible settling or heaving soils

Since storm runoff is responsible for the majority of the moisture that pools next to the foundation, gutters need to be installed to prevent the storm runoff from increasing the amount of foundation movement. A proper gutter system should be installed to discharge the storm runoff a minimum of 10 feet, preferably 20 feet away from the foundation. We do not recommend installing gutters that discharge next to the foundation as this will only increase the probability of a foundation problem.

It is also beneficial to manage the moisture around your home using conventional means as outlined below:

• Hire a reputable plumbing leak detector and repair service to check both pressure and sewer lines, this is usually done for less than $500. If repairs are needed, they are usually not expensive.
• Make sure the grading of the terrain is sloped downwards at 5% slope from the home at all areas of the perimeter.
• Stop irrigating plants that are near the foundation and make sure there is nothing trapping the moisture from flowing away from the home.

When permanently stabilizing, lifting and/or mitigating a foundation movement problem, AZFS recommends waiting AT LEAST 6 months before investing in cosmetic repairs.