Structural Instability Identified in Westminster, Colorado Walk-Out Basement Home
A homeowner in Westminster, Colorado contacted Ram Jack Colorado after noticing clear signs of foundation movement. Cracks had formed around interior doors, windows, and drywall. The walk-out basement showed differential settlement. In addition, the garage had dropped nearly five inches below adjacent foundation levels, revealing serious elevation inconsistencies. Moreover, horizontal and vertical wall cracks appeared on multiple sides of the home. These indicators suggested settling and lateral soil movement. A complete structural evaluation and repair plan was needed.
Interior and Exterior Excavation Allowed Full Foundation Access
Ram Jack Colorado performed interior and exterior excavation around the Westminster home to expose critical load-bearing elements. Inside the walk-out basement, the team removed structural subfloor sections as needed. They excavated native soil beneath the floor to achieve at least 18 inches of crawl space clearance. This clearance allowed for accurate pier placement and long-term repair success. These measures ensured safe working conditions and provided room for future soil expansion.
Engineered Helical Pier System for Deep Foundation Stabilization
The team installed 31 engineered helical piers to stabilize the settling foundation. Each pier used a 2-7/8” diameter steel shaft with an 8” helical plate, driven to an average depth of 20 feet. Piers supporting the garage and basement reached at least 7,600 ft-lbs of torque using a 5-foot starter and extensions. Deck column piers—subject to lighter loads—were installed to 4,000 ft-lbs of torque. In tight interior spaces, installers hand-drove piers to 7,000 ft-lbs using a portable torque head. All pier placements followed engineered guidelines to ensure optimal spacing and load distribution. This installation counteracted both active and passive soil pressures. The project demonstrates the precision and flexibility of deep foundation solutions using helical pier systems.
Heavy-Duty Brackets and Steel Guide Sleeves Ensure Secure Load Transfer
Each helical pier included a 3-1/2” diameter by 4-foot steel guide sleeve for reinforcement and shaft alignment. Then, heavy-duty side-load brackets were secured directly against the existing poured concrete foundation walls. These brackets provided reliable load transfer from the structure to the stabilized soil. Importantly, Ram Jack’s screw-together pier technology eliminated the need to cut or trim guide sleeves during installation. Avoiding cuts preserves full sleeve integrity, which helps maintain maximum strength and long-term performance of the foundation system.
Engineered Void Space Protects Against Future Soil Movement
To mitigate future soil expansion, the team created a 6-inch void space beneath the structural elements using Sure Void. This compressible material maintains necessary clearance and prevents soil creep into the space over time. Therefore, the void space isolates structural loads from active soil conditions. Additionally, It helps ensure long-term foundation stability and reduces the risk of heaving or displacement from expansive soils.
Transfer Beams Installed to Correct Elevation
A custom-engineered solution addressed elevation loss in the basement subfloor and interior load-bearing posts. Ram Jack Colorado installed three pairs of helical piers with side-load brackets. Next, the crew connected steel transfer beams between each bracket pair to support the affected areas. Each beam sat directly beneath a support post. The team then independently adjusted the paired piers to restore the original elevation. This approach allowed full load transfer from interior posts to stable soil. The system also included adequate void space to accommodate future soil movement without compromising structural integrity.
Drainage and Compaction Enhance Long-Term Soil Stability
To protect the foundation and improve long-term stability, the team installed a perimeter drain system at the footing level. This system captured subsurface water and actively pumped it away from the foundation. It helped prevent crawl space oversaturation and kept soil moisture consistent—critical for reducing expansion and contraction. All excavated areas were backfilled and compacted in 8-inch lifts to maintain soil density. Proper compaction reduced the risk of future settlement. Final grading sloped away from the home to direct runoff and improve drainage effectiveness. Effective drainage and compaction help preserve long-term structural performance and foundation integrity.
Ram Jack Colorado Delivers a Complete Engineered Repair
Ram Jack Colorado resolved differential settlement, wall cracking, and drainage issues at this Westminster residence. Specifically, the solution included 31 helical piers, steel transfer beams, and a perimeter drainage system. Each component worked together to stabilize the foundation and protect against future soil movement. Additionally, site-specific challenges included proximity to neighboring structures, a steep slope, and a shallow crawl space. Ram Jack’s 40+ years of experience allowed the team to adapt and deliver a top-notch repair. With engineered torque values, load-tested components, and precise installation, this project reflects Ram Jack Colorado’s commitment to lasting results.
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