Garage Settlement Repair in Little Compton, RI

Friday, June 5th, 2026 by Marcus Girard

Challenge

Background & Homeowner Concerns

A homeowner in Little Compton, RI, began noticing signs of foundation distress throughout their property, particularly in and around the garage. Visible cracking in the garage walls and slab, along with drywall cracks above the garage, indicated ongoing structural movement. These symptoms are common warning signs of foundation settlement and can worsen over time if not properly addressed.

Previous attempts to seal cracks in the garage walls proved ineffective, highlighting that the root cause of ongoing foundation movement had not been resolved. In addition to visible cracking, the homeowner also faced potential issues such as misaligned framing, which can lead to doors and windows becoming difficult to operate. Seeking to protect the long-term safety, stability, and value of their home, the homeowner turned to Erickson Foundation Solutions for a permanent, professionally engineered repair.

Inspection & Diagnosis

A comprehensive foundation inspection revealed that the structure was experiencing settlement due to unstable or compressible soils beneath the garage. Over time, changes in soil conditions such as moisture fluctuations or consolidation can create voids below the foundation, reducing its ability to properly support structural loads.

The cracking observed in the garage slab and walls, along with drywall separation above the garage, confirmed active settlement and structural displacement. Additionally, outward movement of the foundation walls indicated lateral pressure from surrounding soils, further compromising the integrity of the structure.

It was determined that a targeted, integrated foundation repair solution was necessary, one that would both stabilize the settling foundation and address the lateral wall movement to prevent further structural damage.

Proposed Integrated Solutions

To fully address the structural issues, Erickson Foundation Solutions designed a comprehensive repair plan utilizing:

10 Push Piers for deep foundation stabilization and settlement correction
4 GeoLock™ Wall Anchors to permanently stabilize and reinforce the outward-moving foundation walls

This combined approach ensured both vertical stabilization of the foundation and lateral reinforcement of the walls, providing a long-term, engineered solution to restore structural integrity.

Solution

Installation Process and System Details

Push Pier Installation (Deep Foundation Stabilization)

To stabilize the settling garage foundation, 10 steel Push Piers were strategically installed along the exterior perimeter. The installation process began with excavation at each pier location to expose the footing.

Heavy-duty steel pier brackets were then securely attached to the foundation footing. From there, sectional steel pier shafts were hydraulically driven deep into the ground until they reached competent load-bearing strata. This is stable soil or bedrock capable of supporting the structure’s weight.

Once all piers reached suitable bearing capacity, the system was collectively hydraulically pressurized. This critical step transfers the structural load from unstable surface soils to the deeper, more stable strata. In addition to permanently stabilizing the foundation, this process can also achieve controlled lift, raising the structure closer to its original elevation where conditions allow.

This deep foundation repair method effectively halts ongoing settlement and protects against future soil-related movement.

GeoLock™ Wall Anchor Installation (Wall Stabilization System)

To address lateral movement and stabilize the outward-bowing foundation walls, 4 GeoLock Wall Anchors were installed.

The process began by excavating a trench beneath the garage floor to prepare for anchor placement and ensure proper system alignment. Small excavation areas were also created outside the foundation wall where the earth anchor plates would be embedded.

High-strength galvanized steel anchor rods were then drilled through the foundation wall from the exterior of the foundation to the interior trench area. These rods extend beyond the active failure zone into stable, undisturbed soil, which is essential for long-term performance.

Once in place, GeoLock earth anchor plates were installed in the interior soil and securely embedded. On the exterior side, wall plates were attached to the anchor rods along the foundation wall surface.

The system was then mechanically tightened, applying controlled tension between the exterior wall plates and interior earth anchors. This action creates a counteracting force that stabilizes the wall and helps prevent any further outward movement. Over time, the system can also allow for incremental wall straightening.

Restoration and Final Finishing

After installation, all interior and exterior excavation areas were carefully restored. The trench beneath the garage floor was backfilled and compacted to ensure proper structural support, followed by the placement and finishing of new concrete to restore the slab surface.

Exterior excavation sites from both the Push Pier and GeoLock installations were also backfilled and properly graded. This ensures that soil is stabilized and surface water is directed away from the foundation, supporting proper drainage and preventing future soil-related issues.

Result

With the installation of 10 Push Piers and 4 GeoLock Wall Anchors, the home’s foundation is now fully stabilized against both vertical settlement and lateral wall movement. This integrated foundation repair solution provides long-term structural support, restores stability, and protects the home from further damage, thus giving the homeowner lasting peace of mind.