Foundation Repair in Coquitlam

Coquitlam has one of the highest concentrations of concrete block (CMU) foundations in Metro Vancouver, particularly in homes from the 1950s–1970s. Block walls crack in stair-step patterns along mortar joints as the soil behind them exerts lateral pressure. By age 40–50, most of these walls have at least some inward bow — which must be arrested with carbon fibre straps before the wall reaches the tipping point of active failure.

The newer subdivisions on Burke Mountain are built on steep slopes with complex drainage systems. When those drainage systems are inadequate or become blocked, water accumulates behind retaining walls and foundation walls rapidly. We see a significant number of calls from Burke Mountain homeowners after major rain events — particularly in fall when leaf debris blocks drainage inlets.

Homes in the lower-lying areas of Pitt Meadows and near the Pitt River confluence have soft alluvial soils that compress under building loads similarly to Richmond. Settlement is a long-term process in these areas, and homes older than 30 years typically show diagonal cracking at window and door corners that reflects ongoing movement.

Port Moody's older residential areas near the inlet and the historic Moody Street corridor have pre-war craftsman bungalows on shallow concrete or rubble footings. Many of these homes were never designed for the secondary suite conversion they've undergone — the added weight has accelerated settlement. We assess and underpin these homes regularly.

Newer homes on previously forested lots often experience first-decade settlement as the cut-and-fill soils used to level the building pad consolidate. This is distinct from the long-term clay settlement seen elsewhere — it's typically a faster, larger movement that stabilises within 5–10 years. Helical piers through the fill to competent native soil solve it permanently.