Bowing Foundation Wall
The block foundation wall had experienced approximately one inch of inward deflection and exhibited horizontal cracking, both clear indicators of ongoing lateral soil pressure and foundation wall movement.
Foundation Wall Stabilization
To stabilize the affected foundation wall, Erickson Foundation Solutions installed six PowerBrace™ steel support systems. The PowerBrace system utilizes heavy-duty, zinc-coated steel I-beams that are custom-fitted against the foundation wall and anchored to the concrete footing below and the floor framing system above. This engineered solution counteracts lateral soil pressure, permanently stabilizing the wall and preventing further inward movement. In many cases, the system can also be adjusted over time to help improve wall alignment and restore structural integrity.
Rusted Crawl Space Lally Columns
Excessive moisture conditions within the crawl space accelerated the deterioration of the existing lally columns, compromising their structural capacity over time. As the columns weakened, they were no longer able to adequately support the floor system above, resulting in sagging floors, excessive deflection, and noticeable bounce throughout the affected areas of the home.
Floors Temporarily Supported
Temporary support jacks were strategically installed beneath the floor system to safely transfer the structural load and restore the floors closer to their intended elevation prior to the permanent repair. This temporary shoring provided the necessary support to facilitate the removal of the deteriorated lally columns and allowed for the precise installation of the new SmartJack® support system and footings.
Footings with Rebar
New reinforced concrete footings were constructed to support the SmartJack® system. Each footing was reinforced with steel rebar, significantly increasing its structural strength and resistance to cracking. The reinforced design helps distribute loads more evenly to the underlying soil, providing a stable, long-term foundation capable of supporting the weight of the structure above.
Leveled Footings
The newly poured footings were carefully finished and leveled to create a stable, load-bearing foundation for the SmartJack® support system. Establishing a level bearing surface ensures proper load transfer from the SmartJacks into the reinforced footings, maximizing the system's effectiveness in stabilizing the floor structure and providing long-term structural support.
SmartJacks Secured to Footing and Main Beam
Once the reinforced footings had fully cured, the SmartJack® support posts were securely anchored and installed. Each SmartJack was carefully measured, aligned, and adjusted to make precise contact with the main support beam, ensuring proper load transfer throughout the floor system. The posts were then fine-tuned to provide optimal structural support, helping to reduce floor deflection, restore stability, and maintain the floor system in its intended position for long-term performance.
SmartJack Completed Installed
With the SmartJack® system fully installed and properly adjusted, the temporary shoring was safely removed, allowing the structural load to be permanently transferred to the new support system. Constructed from galvanized steel, SmartJacks are specifically engineered to resist corrosion and perform reliably in high-moisture crawl space environments, providing durable, long-term support for the floor system above.
Wet Crawl Space
A high groundwater table beneath the crawl space was contributing to persistently elevated humidity levels throughout the area. This excessive moisture created conditions conducive to wood rot, mold growth, and musty odors, while also increasing the risk of long-term structural deterioration and poor indoor air quality throughout the home.
Crawl Space Drainage System
We installed the StarPipe™ drainage system in conjunction with a SmartDrain™ to effectively manage groundwater intrusion within the crawl space. This integrated drainage solution captures groundwater before it can accumulate beneath the home and directs it through a designated drainage pathway beneath the foundation. By relieving hydrostatic pressure and reducing moisture accumulation, the system helps maintain a drier crawl space environment and protects the home from the damaging effects of excess groundwater.
Crawl Space Drainage Matting
A layer of drainage matting was installed across the crawl space floor to create a separation between the exposed soil and the encapsulation system. The dimpled design of the matting establishes a drainage plane that allows groundwater and moisture vapor to move beneath the surface and flow toward the drainage system. This helps reduce ground moisture intrusion, protects the encapsulation materials above, and promotes a drier, healthier crawl space environment.
Crawl Space Insulation
TerraBlock™ insulation panels were installed over the drainage matting to provide both thermal insulation and an additional layer of moisture protection within the crawl space encapsulation system. Designed with a closed-cell foam core, TerraBlock helps reduce heat loss through the crawl space floor while creating a continuous barrier that minimizes moisture vapor migration from the ground, contributing to improved energy efficiency and a healthier crawl space environment. The rim joists were sealed and insulated with polyurethane spray foam, creating a continuous thermal and air barrier around the perimeter of the crawl space. This high-performance insulation helps reduce air infiltration, improve energy efficiency, and minimize moisture-laden air movement into the home, contributing to a more controlled and conditioned crawl space environment.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
CleanSpace® vapor barrier was installed across the crawl space walls and over the TerraBlock® insulation layer to create a continuous encapsulation system. This durable, reinforced membrane helps isolate the crawl space from the earth by limiting moisture vapor infiltration and air movement. By creating a sealed environment, CleanSpace works in conjunction with the drainage and insulation systems to improve moisture control, enhance energy efficiency, and protect the home from mold, wood rot, and poor indoor air quality.
Crawl Space Dehumidifier
The SaniDry XP® dehumidifier was installed as the final component of the crawl space conditioning system to actively regulate humidity levels and maintain a healthy environment year-round. Engineered specifically for crawl spaces and basements, the SaniDry XP removes excess moisture from the air, helping to prevent mold growth, wood rot, musty odors, and condensation while enhancing the overall effectiveness of the encapsulation system. By maintaining optimal relative humidity levels, the system contributes to improved indoor air quality and long-term protection of the home's structural components.
