Foundation Repair Case Studies: Geo-Lock Wall Anchors, PowerBrace and Push Piers Installed in Litchfield, Illinois

Sunday, October 30th, 2016 by Desiree Bainbridge

Challenge

Litchfield, Illinois homeowner Linda S. was troubled by her cracked foundation walls. The cracked foundation allowed water to leak into her basement. She called Woods Basement Systems in search of a solution. System Design Specialist Paul W. visited Linda’s home to determine the cause of the cracked foundation. He discovered horizontal cracks in the block foundation. In addition to the horizontal cracks, there were cracks in the corner of the foundation. These cracks were a result of high hydrostatic pressure in the soil. The increased pressure caused the walls to bow inward and eventually crack. Paul also discovered that the foundation was settling. This differential settlement caused the walls to crack. Paul designed a solution to restore Linda’s foundation to a safe position.

Solution

Jose L. and his team installed the solutions designed by Paul. Because there were multiple bowing walls, there were multiple types of solutions. To correct the settling foundation, Push Piers were installed. Push Piers stabilize the foundation and lift the foundation to its original position. These piers are made of galvanized steel, so they are sturdy and will not rust. Push Piers are secured to the footing and provide a permanent solution to restoring a settling foundation.

To restore the bowing walls, Geo-Lock Wall Anchors and PowerBrace were used. Both systems restore the walls to their original position and provide permanent support for the foundation. When possible, Geo-Lock Wall Anchors are used because they are driven into undisturbed soil. For one foundation wall, undisturbed soil was not accessible. For this wall, PowerBrace was installed. Both systems are made of galvanized steel, so they are durable, rust resistant and long-lasting solutions.

With Push Piers, Geo-Lock Wall Anchors and PowerBrace, Linda’s foundation is safe and stabilized. These systems provide permanent support to the foundation. Linda can rest easily knowing her foundation will not collapse.

Project Summary

System Design Specialist: Paul White

Primary Foreman: Jose Lorenzana

Primary Foreman: Todd Wells

This photo was taken before the installation of our wall repair systems.The horizontal crack along the wall is an indication of a bowing foundation. Due to high hydrostatic pressure in the soil, the wall bowed inward and cracked.

When it is not possible to install Geo-Lock Wall Anchors, PowerBrace is used. The PowerBrace system consists of steel I-beams that restore the wall to its original position.

Geo-Lock Wall Anchors are secured to undisturbed soil to ensure permanent support for the foundation wall. Once the soil is in place, the homeowner's yard will look good as new.

Another photo taken before the installation of Geo-Lock and PowerBrace shows the cracked foundation walls. The cracks allowed water and debris to enter the basement of this Litchfield, Illinois home.

Geo-Lock Wall Anchors are pictured here. Geo-Lock restores the wall to its original position and provides permanent support to the failing foundation.