Basement Wall Cracks Reveal Serious Foundation Issues
Homeowners in Thornton, Colorado reached out to Ram Jack Colorado after uncovering significant structural issues in their basement. When removing drywall, they discovered bowing and tipping foundation walls with numerous horizontal and diagonal cracks that had been hidden from view. These visible signs of movement indicated deeper problems within the foundation and raised concerns about long-term structural integrity. Prompt action was necessary to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of the home.
Poor Drainage and Soil Movement Caused Structural Shifting
The home’s exterior drainage was insufficient, with a negative slope towards the home, allowing water to pool around the foundation during storms and snowmelt. This moisture, combined with Colorado’s expansive and contracting soils, created excessive lateral pressure against the basement walls. Over time, this pressure caused the walls to tilt or bow inward, resulting in the cracking and shifting seen by the homeowners.
Full Perimeter Excavation and Deadman Anchors Install
To begin the repair process, Ram Jack Colorado completed a full perimeter excavation around all four basement walls, creating clear access for both structural repairs and new waterproofing elements. With the foundation exposed, our team installed a perimeter drain and applied foundation wall waterproofing to protect against future moisture issues. To stabilize the foundation and prevent further inward wall movement, 17 heavy-duty wall anchors were installed along the north, east, and south sides of the home. Each anchor utilized a #6 threaded bar driven at least 15 feet into stable native soil to ensure maximum holding power. Anchors were secured 3 feet below ground level using 12” x 18” steel plates on both the interior and exterior sides of the wall. Once in place, each anchor was carefully tensioned to counteract existing soil pressure, providing lasting reinforcement and peace of mind for the homeowner. This proven method offers long-term structural stability while reducing the risk of future foundation issues.
Stabilizer Wall Braces Installed in Tight Access Area
Limited access on the east side of the property—due to the close proximity of a neighboring home—posed a unique challenge for foundation repair. To address this, Ram Jack Colorado installed four Stabilizer Wall Braces designed specifically for interior application where exterior excavation wasn’t feasible. To ensure maximum effectiveness, our crew also added joist blocking to integrate the braces into the home’s framing system. This reinforced the wall and allowed pressure from the soil to be safely transferred through the structure. Despite the confined workspace, this strategic solution provided reliable wall stabilization while maintaining the integrity and safety of the home.
Crew Repaired Beam Pocket to Restore Wall Strength
Due to inward movement of the foundation wall, one of the foundation beam pockets supporting the interior center steel beam had fractured allowing for outside elements to enter the basement. Because the beam pocket plays a critical role in supporting load-bearing elements, the weakened condition posed a structural risk. The team repaired the pocket to restore the wall’s strength and ensure the above-floor system remained fully supported.
Team Installed Complete Drainage and Waterproofing System
After completing the structural stabilization, the crew turned their focus to drainage improvements. They installed a new perimeter drain system complete with a new sump pit and pump system. This upgrade now redirects groundwater away from the foundation, helping prevent future issues. Next the team applied about 1,000 feet of roll-on waterproofing membrane to the exterior foundation walls, ensuring comprehensive moisture protection. The final step was backfilling and compacting the excavated soils slopping away from the foundation as much as the yard elevation will allow.
Epoxy Crack Injection and Full Restoration Completed
With the foundation fully stabilized and waterproofed, the team moved on to the final step before clean up. They epoxy-injected or applied a hydraulic cement to all visible cracks inside the basement to seal and strengthen the foundation walls. The crew completed this work at the homeowner’s request and under the engineer’s direction. Throughout the process, they coordinated every detail with the homeowner to ensure complete satisfaction.
Ram Jack Colorado Delivers Trusted Foundation Solutions in Thornton
This Thornton, Colorado project highlights Ram Jack Colorado’s expertise in foundation repair and drainage correction. The team overcame tight access, active soil movement, and complex wall damage to deliver a lasting, engineered solution. Today, the homeowners benefit from a stabilized foundation, improved drainage, and confidence in the long-term performance of their home. Ram Jack Colorado continues to provide reliable, engineering-backed repairs throughout Colorado. Explore more success stories on the Case Study page.