Foundation Repair in Salem, Virginia
Challenge
A homeowner in Salem contacted Fortress Foundation Solutions after noticing cracks forming along the exterior brick façade and interior drywall of their home in their sun porch. Over several months, doors became misaligned, and windows were increasingly difficult to open and close. The homeowner also observed a slight slope in the flooring near one corner of the house.
During our comprehensive inspection, we determined that foundation settlement was occurring due to unstable, moisture-sensitive soils beneath the footing. Fluctuations in soil moisture levels had caused expansion and contraction, gradually reducing the soil’s ability to support the structure. In this particular case, the affected area of the home included lighter structural loads and limited access around the exterior, making traditional push pier installation less ideal. The homeowner needed a reliable solution that could be installed with minimal disruption while permanently stabilizing the foundation.
Solution
Fortress Foundation Solutions recommended the installation of a Helical Pier system to permanently address the settlement issue. Helical piers are engineered steel shafts with helical plates that are mechanically advanced into the soil using specialized hydraulic equipment.
Installation began with carefully excavating small sections near the foundation footing. Steel helical piers were then rotated into the ground until they reached stable, load-bearing soil at the required torque capacity. Once properly seated, the piers were securely attached to the foundation using heavy-duty brackets.
After installation, controlled lifting was performed where possible to restore the settled portion of the home toward its original elevation. The system permanently transferred the structural load from unstable surface soils to competent bearing strata deep below.
Upon completion, the foundation was fully stabilized, preventing further movement. The homeowner in Salem gained peace of mind knowing their home was supported by a durable, long-term foundation repair solution designed to perform reliably for years to come.