Foundation Cracks, Settlement, and Water Infiltration

Friday, January 11th, 2013 by Jazz Pared

Challenge

A 2,983 square foot home in Denville, NJ was experiencing approximately 8 inches of foundation settlement. The home was built in 1959 with a cinder block foundation and left the owners very concerned for the value of their home and safety of their family. The movement of the home’s foundation was beginning to cause several problems in the home such as horizontal and vertical cracks in the drywall. The homeowners were also concerned with their storage space in the basement because they noticed water on the floor and damp walls during heavy rains. The homeowners decided to call Quality 1st Basement Systems because they would be able to remedy both the structural and basement water seepage issues.

Solution

Quality 1st Basement Systems worked with Hayman Engineering and remedied the problem by installing eight (8) Foundation SupportworksTM Model 288 Helical Piers™ to lift and stabilize the foundation of the home. The piers were advanced to depths of over 7 feet and to estimated ultimate capacities of 47,000 pounds. L-shaped foundation support brackets were then positioned below and against the footings and hydraulic cylinders were used to lift the foundation back toward a level position. The Quality 1st crew was able to install the eight (8) helical piers in 5 days. To repair the water seepage issue Quality 1st installed the WaterGuard drainage system along with the TripleSafe sump pump system.

The installation of the eight (8) Foundation SupportworksTM Helical Piers stabilized and lifted the foundation of the home. The foundation was lifted back toward its original elevation, and the waterproofing products installed will help protect the home against water seepage future storms and hurricanes. The homeowners were extremely pleased with the results as well as the efficiency and cleanliness of the Quality 1st crew. The homeowners are now confident that they can refinish their basement.