Before & After Photos

Foundation settlement is a widespread issue in Arizona due to frequent changes in moisture levels in the soil. These shifts often lead to settling and cracking of residential foundations, which can compromise the stability of a home if left unaddressed.

The homeowners in Tucson noticed visible cracks in their walls and uneven floors—classic signs of foundation settlement. After they reached out, Amanda, our Customer Care Representative, scheduled a consultation with TJ, our experienced Design Specialist, to assess the situation. During his initial inspection, TJ utilized a manometer survey, a tool that measures foundation leveling, to diagnose the extent of the settlement and determine the best repair strategy.

Diagnosis and Solution Design:

Upon evaluating the foundation, TJ determined that underpinning using push piers and helical piles would provide the most effective solution. This repair method involves driving heavy-duty steel piers deep into stable bedrock or other load-bearing strata, bypassing problem soil layers that contribute to settlement.

Planned Repair Steps:

Excavation - Dig pits for pier installation around the foundation.

Footing Preparation - Trim the foundation footings to accommodate the pier brackets.

Pier Installation - Install steel brackets and drive hydraulic or helical piers into stable ground beneath the problematic soil layers.

Foundation Lifting - Using hydraulic rams, lift the foundation back to a level state.

Completion - Secure the piers, backfill the pits, and restore the landscape to its original state.

After: Completed Project and Results

Project Execution:

Under Ricardo's skilled supervision, the team followed TJ's strategic repair plan with precision. They excavated several 3 ft. x 3 ft. pits around the perimeter of the home and secured foundation brackets to the house’s footing. Using hydraulic rams, the team then drove the steel piers into solid rock at depths of approximately 20 feet, establishing a secure, long-term base for the foundation.

After the piers were driven to the appropriate depth, the team lifted the foundation with the hydraulic system. This process carefully elevated the settled areas, restoring the home to a level position. Once the structure was adequately stabilized, the crew cut off any excess pier material, removed the jacking hardware, and backfilled the pits to prepare the landscape for restoration.

Results:

The Tucson home now stands on a stabilized, reinforced foundation. The initial structural issues—cracks in walls and uneven flooring—were mitigated, and the homeowners now have peace of mind knowing their house is anchored securely. By bypassing the problematic soil layers and securing the foundation to stable bedrock, the homeowners have a permanent solution in place.

Customer Satisfaction:

The homeowners were thrilled with the outcome and appreciated the professionalism and expertise of the entire team, from Amanda’s scheduling to TJ’s thorough inspection and Ricardo’s skilled oversight. With a more secure foundation, they can confidently enjoy their home, knowing it is protected against future settlement issues.

This Eagar home was built in 1981 & was showing symptoms of a potential foundation problem. Damage included wall cracks & floor cracks that were getting worse.  

The Homeonwrs contacted Arizona Foundation Solutions to assess the damage & compose a repair plan (a Forensic Engineered Report was provided).  The repair plan included 11 288 Supportworks Push Piers & approximately 8 feet of crack stitching.

Underpinning Foreperson: Steve Rasmussen

Crack Stitch Foreperson: David Bickers

Stairstep cracks are a common symptom of foundation movement in block and brick homes.  After installing foundation support piers and lifting to the highest practical limit, stairstep cracks often close.

Areas of this business's concrete slabs were experiencing settlement. With the technology of PolyLevel, we were able to bring the slabs back up to a level position.

After examining the home and performing the manometer survey, we believed the home could be experiencing foundation settlement at the north side, the south side and the west side of the home.

Our solution to the foundation settlement issue this home was experiencing was to underpin* the areas that are experiencing movement. *Underpinning is the process of installing deep foundation elements called piles. These piles are driven down past the unstable soils and are then locked up into load bearing strata that can support the loads that are put on them.