Ahwatukee, AZ Foundation Repair & Concrete Leveling Expert

When a homeowner in Phoenix noticed troubling cracks in the drywall and tile floors of their 1995-built, 1,908 sq. ft. home, they became concerned about the structural stability of their property. Cracks had appeared under the window sill in the master bedroom, as well as in the master and guest bathrooms. Outside, visible cracks were forming on the exterior walls, and, most alarmingly, exposed rebar could be seen in the garage. These signs were indicative of a deeper issue: the home’s stem wall foundation was failing.

The homeowner understood that stem wall damage, especially in the hot and dry climate of Phoenix, AZ, is not something to ignore. Horizontal cracks, like those forming on the foundation, are often the result of oxidizing rebar within the concrete. Over time, moisture seeps into the porous concrete, causing the metal to rust and expand. As the rebar expands, it pushes against the concrete, creating cracks that worsen as the problem progresses.

While patching cracks and using epoxy coatings are common solutions, the homeowner knew these methods wouldn’t address the root cause of the issue. Over time, these repairs would fail as the rebar continued to oxidize, leading to more damage and increased costs.

That's when they reached out to Arizona Foundation Solutions, a trusted local expert in concrete stem wall repair systems. The company explained that most traditional repair methods are only temporary fixes. Methods like standard rebar replacement, epoxy injection, and waterproof coatings might offer short-term relief, but they don’t prevent future corrosion and cracking. They also shared that while high-end solutions, like electrical cathodic protection systems, can be effective, they are costly—ranging from $20,000 to $30,000—and typically reserved for large industrial facilities rather than residential homes.

The team at Arizona Foundation Solutions presented their innovative stem wall repair system, which is designed to provide long-lasting protection for residential foundations. Unlike older methods, this system prevents further oxidation of the rebar, ensuring that the foundation remains stable for years to come.

After a thorough inspection of the property, it was clear that the foundation needed significant work, including the installation of 5 residential push piers, under-excavation, and several hand digs to reach and stabilize the affected areas. Additionally, repairs would be made to the cracked slab and tiles inside the home, as well as to the exposed rebar in the garage, which had become a serious concern.

By choosing Arizona Foundation Solutions, the homeowner was confident that their home would not only be repaired but also protected from future damage. The reliable stem wall repair system offered a cost-effective solution that prevented further oxidization of the rebar and gave them peace of mind that their foundation was secure.

Now, with the repairs complete, the homeowner can rest easy knowing that their foundation is solid, and the cracks that once marred their home’s beauty and stability are a thing of the past.

In the dry, expansive soils of Arizona, foundation issues are an all-too-common occurrence. One such challenge arose with a Phoenix home built in 1995, spanning 1,908 square feet. The homeowner noticed several alarming symptoms, including visible cracks in the drywall under the master bedroom window sill, floor tile damage in both the master and guest bathrooms, and exposed rebar in the garage. These signs suggested foundation settlement—a significant concern for many homes in the region, especially as Arizona's fluctuating moisture levels can wreak havoc on the soil beneath homes.

The initial signs of foundation trouble, such as cracks in walls and floors, are often caused by the shifting or settling of soil. In this case, both foundation settlement and potential heaving were identified as possible culprits. Before any repair could begin, a thorough foundation inspection was conducted, employing a manometer survey to accurately assess the extent of movement beneath the structure.

Tailored Foundation Repair Plan

After gathering the necessary data from the survey, a specialized foundation repair plan was designed to stabilize and correct the underlying issues. The solution called for the installation of five residential push piers, a tried-and-true method for stabilizing homes experiencing settlement. Push piers are particularly effective in Arizona's soil conditions, where depth is required to reach stable, load-bearing strata, usually about 20 feet below the surface.

The repair process unfolded in several key stages:

Excavation and Preparation: Pits were excavated around the home where the push piers would be installed. These pits, typically 3 feet by 3 feet, allowed the foundation's footings to be exposed and prepped for the installation of pier brackets.

Pier Installation: Heavy-duty steel brackets were attached to the foundation’s footing, and hydraulic equipment was used to drive the push piers deep into the soil until they reached a layer of stable rock. Each pier was installed with precision to ensure it could bear the necessary load to stabilize the home.

Lifting the Foundation: Once all the piers were in place, hydraulic jacks were used to lift the home incrementally. This part of the process required careful monitoring to ensure the structure was raised evenly, preventing further damage or stress on the building.

Backfilling and Finishing: After the home’s foundation was stabilized, the piers were cut to the correct height, and the pits were backfilled. Any remaining equipment was removed, and the landscape was restored to its original condition, leaving no visible trace of the repair work.

Permanent Foundation Stability with Push Piers

The installation of push piers provided a permanent solution to the home's foundation settlement issues. These piers now transfer the weight of the structure onto stable bedrock, ensuring that the home remains secure, regardless of future changes in soil moisture or movement. The homeowner no longer has to worry about recurring cracks in walls or tiles, as the foundation is firmly anchored.

Additionally, the foundation experts addressed the exposed rebar in the garage, ensuring it was safely covered and protected from further damage. This attention to detail, combined with the use of high-strength materials and precise engineering, resulted in a long-lasting, cost-effective repair solution.

Why Choose Push Piers for Foundation Settlement?

Push piers are a proven method for repairing foundations in areas like Phoenix, where soil conditions can lead to significant settlement. These steel piers bypass problematic soil and anchor directly into stable bedrock, providing permanent support for homes. Compared to other slab foundation repair methods, push piers offer:

Deep stabilization beyond the shifting soils.

Minimal disruption to landscaping and property appearance.

Permanent protection against further foundation movement.

For this Phoenix homeowner, the combination of detailed inspection, strategic planning, and expert execution ensured that their home was not only repaired but also safeguarded against future settlement. When it comes to foundation repairs, especially in areas like Arizona where soil conditions vary drastically, choosing experienced residential foundation contractors is key to ensuring the longevity and safety of your home.

Get Your Foundation Inspected

If you're experiencing vertical cracks in your foundation, tile damage, or drywall cracks similar to those in this Phoenix home, it’s important to address the issue sooner rather than later. Early detection and professional intervention can prevent further damage and costly repairs.

Contact local foundation experts to schedule a home foundation inspection and determine if push piers or other foundation repair solutions are right for you.