How We Stabilized an Arizona Home's Shifting Foundation with Hydraulic Piers: A Step-by-Step Restoration Story
When the Smiths noticed cracking drywall in their dining room and shifting baseboards in their carport, they knew it was time to call in the experts. Their home, nestled in the picturesque hills of Eagar, AZ, had shown signs of foundation settlement before, but recent changes made it clear that the problem had returned. The Smiths were concerned that the foundation issues, if left unaddressed, could cause more severe structural damage. That’s when they reached out to us, Arizona Foundation Solutions, for a permanent, reliable fix.
Step 1: Diagnosing the Root of the Problem
Upon our arrival, we began with a comprehensive foundation inspection. We assessed the visible cracks, shifted baseboards, and any other symptoms of settlement in the home. It was crucial to understand what had led to these new issues, so we performed a manometer survey to map out how the soil had shifted beneath the house. Arizona’s soil is notorious for expanding and contracting with moisture fluctuations, and it seemed the Smiths’ home had once again fallen victim to these unpredictable changes.
Our diagnosis confirmed that parts of the foundation had indeed settled unevenly. The survey showed that moisture variation in the soil around the property had caused significant shifts, weakening the foundation’s ability to support the home evenly. The solution would need to be both thorough and durable, ensuring that the foundation would remain stable for years to come.
Step 2: Crafting a Permanent Solution
After analyzing the data, we knew that hydraulic push piers would be the ideal choice for this repair. These piers are designed to bypass the unstable soil, transferring the structure’s load to deeper, load-bearing strata where Arizona’s moisture changes have less effect. By driving these piers down to bedrock, we could create a new, solid foundation for the Smiths’ home.
Our team selected ICC-compliant piers with high-strength steel brackets that would connect directly to the foundation’s footing. This design would not only support the house but also provide flexibility to make any necessary adjustments to level the structure during installation.
Step 3: Installation Begins
With a clear plan in place, we began the pier installation process. We excavated access pits around the foundation where the piers would be installed, each roughly three feet wide, long, and deep. These small, precise pits allowed us to position the piers right where they were needed without disturbing much of the surrounding landscape.
Once we reached the foundation’s footing, our team secured the steel brackets to the concrete. Each bracket was carefully attached to ensure it could support the structure's weight while being anchored firmly to the piers. Using hydraulic force, we drove the piers deep into the soil, penetrating through the unstable soil layers until we hit a reliable load-bearing strata beneath. The push piers were then carefully locked into place, ensuring they could withstand future changes in soil moisture.
Step 4: Lifting and Leveling the Foundation
After all the piers were installed and secured, it was time for the hydraulic lifting process. Working with precise measurements, we simultaneously raised the foundation, carefully monitoring each pier’s position to maintain a smooth, even lift. Slowly but surely, the house returned to its original level, correcting the shifts that had caused stress on the structure.
Once we confirmed that the foundation was stable, we adjusted the pier heights as needed and removed the jacking hardware. The piers were then cut to size and left permanently in place, providing the Smiths’ home with a solid foundation and lasting stability.
Step 5: Restoring the Landscape
With the structural work completed, we turned our attention to the cleanup. Our team backfilled each pit and restored the landscape to its former condition. The Smiths were thrilled to see that there was no visible trace of the work left behind. The yard looked just as it had before we began, but with a crucial difference: their home was now secure on its new, reliable foundation.
Conclusion: A Foundation Built to Last
Thanks to our team’s expertise and the strength of hydraulic push piers, the Smiths’ home is now protected from future foundation settlement issues. With Arizona’s fluctuating soil conditions, choosing the right solution made all the difference. Now, the Smiths can enjoy their home without worrying about cracks in their walls or shifting baseboards.
By using durable materials and following a meticulous process, we provided a long-term solution that restored the home’s stability and gave the homeowners peace of mind. For anyone in Arizona dealing with similar foundation concerns, we’re here to offer effective, lasting solutions tailored to the unique challenges of our desert soil.
This isn’t just a repair—it’s a foundation built to last, ensuring that homes like the Smiths' can continue to stand strong against whatever Arizona’s soils may bring.