Before & After Photos

While the stair-step like crack in the wall in the first photo may seem to be just an eyesore, it’s really an indicator of a large foundation issue. Over time, as soil settles around the foundation, the walls may experience pressure from this, causing the foundation walls to bow. If this occurs more severely in the middle of the wall, the adjacent corner walls will also be effected by the pressure, causing the stair-step cracking effect seen in the walls of this Oscoda, MI home. To stabilize and straighten the walls, our team installed 16 PowerBraces throughout the basement. This steel beam system is resistant to corrosion and can be tightened over time to continually improve the condition of the walls, preventing any further cracking.

Erika and Joshua decided to give Ayers a call because of their block foundation that was bowing. These support issues with their cracking foundation needed to be addressed by professionals. Our crew decided that PowerBrace would be the perfect solution.

PowerBrace will evenly distribute the weight of the house to ensure the foundation is well supported. The Power Braces will prevent their foundation walls from cracking. Over time the system can even be tightened to not only secure the walls in place, but to also straighten them. 

Erika and Josh were thrilled to ensure their home's safety with the PowerBraces in place securing their foundation walls!

This wasn’t the first time that these Spruce, MI customers had looked for a crawl space solution. The cinder blocks support system in the before photo are a testament to that. They were installed after the last time the crawl space shifted. The crawl space had shifted quite a few time over the years because the home was located above a natural spring, so the homeowners doubted that the cinder blocks would be their last repair to the crawl space. However, the SmartJack system and steel support beams in the after photo could be.

While the SmartJack system will essentially provide the same support as the cinderblocks, they have the unique advantage of being installed into the ground. The SmartJacks are installed into excavated portions of the ground and then backfilled with a cement and gravel mixture to keep them in place. With any luck, this crawl space won't have to worry about any more shifts or tilts for a long time. 

After feeling their home begin to sink this Spruce, MI couple decided not to take any chances. Having a natural spring beneath their home brought immediate concern. The couple began searching for crawl space experts and quickly found us.

Upon assessing their needs, we devised a solution consisting of five Smart Jacks and a steel support beam to stabilize our new friend’s home. The Smart Jack is a supplemental support system for crawl space applications. The Smart Jack efficiently supports sagging beams and floor joists caused by, a length of span greater than spanning capability, floor load increased after construction, exceeding design values, and weakening over time due to high moisture and rot. We are so thankful for the opportunity to provide a permanent crawl space support solution for the issue this delightful Spruce, MI couple faced.

Casey's home was built in 1938 so the crawl space foundation support was finally failing. The wooden support beams and joists were rotting so she decided to call Ayers for solutions. After an inspection at the home, our professionals determined SmartJacks would make the best replacement. SmartJacks consist of a solid base installed in the subfloor, steel extendable columns, and we then attach a steel supplemental beam above. This crawl space support system will effectively support the failing beams and joists. This solution will provide strength and stability to the vital foundation structures that were rotting. Now Casey is assured her home will remain safely supported!