When you've noticed cracking in your exterior walls, doors and windows begin to stick or will not close properly you are experiencing foundation settlement. This problem frequently occurs in areas that are composed of highly expansive clay soils or contain deep veins of soil high in organics such as peat moss. As the soils dry out they shrink. When the soils become saturated with water they swell and heave. Any structure resting on this base will almost always remain unstable. Water tables also may rise or fall with the weather or an increase in new building construction in the area, thus creating a change in the soil moisture content.
Foundation Stabilization.
Once a structure has begun to settle usually the foundation footing has fractured. When this happens the foundation will continue to move and rotate throughout the seasons according to fluctuating ground moisture levels. The structure must be stabilized or it will most likely continue to move causing additional damage to the home and the foundation.... EBR uses Maclean-Dixie (see images below) helical piers to stabilize your foundation. First an inspection takes place and a repair plan is designed. Once everyone involved is in agreement permits are applied for and secured (if required) some cities require a structural engineer to review and approve the repair plan. EBR will recommend an engineer in your area familiar with our piers and your soil conditions. Most piers are installed along the outside perimeter of the home. The excavation width along the repair area is normally 3' wide. This means that concrete floors, patios, decks, flower beds, trees or any other obstruction must be removed first. The excavated dirt is removed and piled next to the trench and this usually requires an additional 6' of clearance beyond the trench. This dirt is later hauled away. The position of each pier is marked and then the footing at each location is prepared for the pier support bracket to be installed. Once the brackets are in place the piers are installed. The helical piers are hydraulically twisted into the ground and travel through the unstable ground. Extensions are added as required to add length. Once the pier has reached a stable strata or the maximum torque has been achieved installation is terminated, the pier is then connected to the support bracket. Once all the piers are in place the foundation can then be lifted (if required) back to the original elevation. A laser level is utilized to monitor lifting movement and assures that all locations are once again level. Once all the adjustments have been made the piers are locked into final position. Cracks are tuck pointed. The walls are then waterproofed. New drain tile is installed and the trench is properly backfilled.
Download entire Residential Foundation Anchors brochure (click here 1.75 MB PDF).
Download entire Resistance Pilers brochure (click here 1.63 MB PDF).
Respective sample pages below (material used with permission).
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Foundation Repair 
