Stair Step Cracks
Homes with block foundations can have unsightly cracks like these form due to settling. The soil surrounding the foundation can shift and move due to water or terrain, causing the ground to apply pressure in different areas. Like other types of basement walls, these stair-step cracks can cause water and other elements to enter the home and weaken the home's foundation. These risk factors can all jeopardize the safety of the home and its occupants.
New Rim Joist Support
The home's floors were sloping which is a clear sign that the crawlspace support was in need of reinforcement. To solve this problem Evan and his team fitted the home's supportive rim joist with SmartJack piers. The piers are metal beams that are placed strategically along the rim joist for maximum support. The bottoms are anchored into the foundational floor with poured concrete and the tops are fixed with load-bearing joints. The entire system's height is adjusted til constant support is being applied to the structure.
Releveling the Home's Foundation
The home was clearly settling and was in need of foundational support. Instead of raising the home and replacing the foundation, which would not address the cause of the problem, Evan and his team decided to use Helical piers to level the property. Helical piers are long steel crew-shaped drives that are installed at an angle under the home. They are driven deep into the ground, past the weak soul, and into new firm ground. The tops of the drives are capped with load-bearing concrete blocks that support the home's weight. Helical piers are a permeate solution to foundational settling and are a trusted method by Ayers that requires minimal intrusive work.