Foundation Repair Before & After Photos

Stair step cracks in basements are a common sign that the foundation walls are bowing. Seeing two sets, like in this before photo, means that the foundation is really struggling. When bowing is this severe, the basement needs a proven system. The PowerBrace Wall Repair System is perfect for fighting the inward pressure that causes bowing. The beams in the after photo make up the system. They span from the floor joists in the ceiling to the foundation floor and put a halt to wall movement and any further damage. At the top of the beams, there are special tightening bolt attachments that can actually force the walls back toward their original position. With the strength of 16 PowerBrace beams behind the walls, this basement will remain protected and stable for years to come. 

While the stair-step like crack in the wall in the first photo may seem to be just an eyesore, it’s really an indicator of a large foundation issue. Over time, as soil settles around the foundation, the walls may experience pressure from this, causing the foundation walls to bow. If this occurs more severely in the middle of the wall, the adjacent corner walls will also be effected by the pressure, causing the stair-step cracking effect seen in the walls of this Oscoda, MI home. To stabilize and straighten the walls, our team installed 16 PowerBraces throughout the basement. This steel beam system is resistant to corrosion and can be tightened over time to continually improve the condition of the walls, preventing any further cracking.

After feeling their home begin to sink this Spruce, MI couple decided not to take any chances. Having a natural spring beneath their home brought immediate concern. The couple began searching for crawl space experts and quickly found us.

Upon assessing their needs, we devised a solution consisting of five Smart Jacks and a steel support beam to stabilize our new friend’s home. The Smart Jack is a supplemental support system for crawl space applications. The Smart Jack efficiently supports sagging beams and floor joists caused by, a length of span greater than spanning capability, floor load increased after construction, exceeding design values, and weakening over time due to high moisture and rot. We are so thankful for the opportunity to provide a permanent crawl space support solution for the issue this delightful Spruce, MI couple faced.

Kathy's concerns about her cracking slab foundation were growing, so she called our professionals at Ayers. We sent a crew for an inspection of this area so we could make the proper recommendation which was our Helical Piers. This system consists of the helical plates welded to the pier shaft. The plates help to pull the pier into the soil during installation. It will provide anchoring strength as the weight of the foundation or structural element is transferred to the pier. This is a permanent and versatile solution. The piers are installed in the soil using our professional, small construction equipment or hand equipment. This solution will prevent any further foundation settling and in many cases, it has lifted the home back to a level position. Now Kathy has assured her foundation's safety! 

Casey's home was built in 1938 so the crawl space foundation support was finally failing. The wooden support beams and joists were rotting so she decided to call Ayers for solutions. After an inspection at the home, our professionals determined SmartJacks would make the best replacement. SmartJacks consist of a solid base installed in the subfloor, steel extendable columns, and we then attach a steel supplemental beam above. This crawl space support system will effectively support the failing beams and joists. This solution will provide strength and stability to the vital foundation structures that were rotting. Now Casey is assured her home will remain safely supported!