Preserving a Family's Home: Reinforcing a Sinking Deck in Onondaga, MI

June 13th, 2025 by Cassie McCarthy

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Gary and Julie’s home in Onondaga, MI, is a gorgeous home they’ve cherished and shared with family for years. Their spacious deck overlooks a scenic man-made pond, making it a key feature in how they enjoy their property. So they knew it was time to act when they noticed signs of significant settlement, nearly 7 inches of sinking!

Their first step was contacting a structural engineer to explore replacement options. But before committing to such a major (and costly) project, they contacted Ayers Basement Systems for a free inspection.

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The Ayers Approach: Repair, Not Replace
Instead of removing and rebuilding the deck from scratch, Ayers proposed a more eco-friendly and less invasive solution: reinforce and relevel the existing structure using a combination of helical and deck piers. Our System Design Specialist developed a customized plan tailored to the unique conditions of Gary and Julie’s property. To ensure the piers could be properly installed, the team carefully relocated large landscaping stones that surrounded the deck. With the area cleared, they proceeded with manual installation, staying focused on delivering lasting stability without disrupting the surrounding yard.

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Watch the Ayers team in action as they describe the installation experience.

What Are Helical Piers?
Helical piers are long steel shafts with helical plates (like large threads) twisted deep into the ground to reach stable, load-bearing soil. Once installed, these piers permanently stabilize a sinking foundation, or, in this case, a deck. They’re ideal for structures experiencing settlement or those built on unstable or wet soil, and they’re commonly used to:

• Lift and stabilize sinking home foundations
• Reinforce porches, decks, and patios
• Support new construction or additions

The installation process is quick, minimally disruptive, and offers immediate load-bearing support.

Products Used on Gary & Julie’s Project
• Helical Piers: To stabilize and relevel the sinking deck
• Deck Piers: For targeted support beneath deck footings

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Struggling With a Sinking Deck or Foundation?
If you’ve noticed any of these common symptoms, your home may be experiencing foundation settlement:

• Cracks in drywall or brickwork
• Uneven or sloping floors
• Sticking windows or doors
• Gaps between walls, ceilings, or floors
• Leaning or sinking porches and decks

Ignoring these issues can lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the line, including structural damage and reduced property value. At Ayers, we specialize in permanent foundation repair solutions that protect what matters most, your home and your peace of mind.

Start With a Free Inspection
We offer free, no-obligation inspections to homeowners across Michigan and Northern Indiana. Our specialists will assess your situation, explain your options, and help you design a solution for your home and budget. From Grand Rapids to Traverse City, Kalamazoo to South Bend, and everywhere in between, we help you protect your biggest investment by keeping your property safe, stable, and beautiful.