The Challenge
A homeowner in Broomfield, CO, contacted Ram Jack of Colorado with a serious issue: their basement wall tipped inward by over two inches at the top. After removing sections of drywall, they discovered several diagonal and horizontal cracks in the foundation wall, indicating significant structural distress.
The Initial Assessment
The homeowner received a quote from another repair company suggesting Deadman wall anchors. This method uses a 12-foot-long threaded bar connecting a 2-foot square wall plate inside the basement wall to another plate buried a few feet deep in the yard. This setup is tensioned to a few hundred foot-pounds, adding resistance against inward wall movement. However, given the extent of the damage and the soil in the area, this solution seemed ineffective. It’s crucial to get an evaluation from a reliable company; read more on why you should opt for professional foundation inspections.
Ram Jack of Colorado’s Comprehensive Approach
Ram Jack of Colorado’s team conducted a thorough investigation. They measured the angle of the tipping wall, assessed the basement floor’s structural integrity, and evaluated the soil conditions. Their seasoned professionals and a third-party engineer reviewed the findings.
Due to the volatile soil conditions and existing foundation wall damage, they deemed wall anchors insufficient. Wall anchors rely on the surface soil to support the wall, but in this case, the shifting soils rendered them ineffective.
The Engineered Solution
The engineer designed a robust solution using three Ram Jack Helical piers with 8-inch helical blades. They drove these piers over 25 feet at an approximate 20-degree downward angle. They then installed a 7-foot-long section of C6x10 channel vertically against the interior of the foundation wall, providing top-to-bottom support. The piers were then tensioned to several thousand-foot pounds, allowing the tipping wall to be recovered to its near-original position, achieving maximum practical recovery. This approach offered significantly more stability against inward movement compared to Deadman wall anchors, which typically require frequent retightening due to soil conditions.
Completing the Repair
To further ensure the foundation’s integrity, the team filled all wall cracks using an epoxy injection method. This minimized water penetration and added stability to the entire repair.
Helical Tiebacks offer the added benefit of allowing the framing and drywall to be replaced. Deadman wall anchors require retightening over time, so any basement refinishing would need unsightly access panels to allow the tension nuts to be turned with a wrench.
Why Ram Jack of Colorado Stands Out
This project showcases the benefits of Ram Jack of Colorado’s extensive investigation and collaborative design process. Their ability to adapt to complex repair needs and provide engineered solutions sets them apart in the Broomfield, CO, area.
By choosing Ram Jack of Colorado, homeowners can trust that their foundation issues will be resolved with precision and expertise, ensuring long-term structural stability.
