The Basement Doctor of Cincinnati

This home in Lawrenceburg, IN, near the Hidden Valley lake, had a settling foundation. Parts of the home were sinking into troubling soil, causing many cracks to appear in the brick siding, including the large one seen in this photo set. We stabilize the foundation by underpinning the foundation with steel helical piers. Our helical piers are shaped like a screw, and they drive deep into the earth until they reach load-bearing strata, (soil that won't ever move). We then transfer the weight of the foundation to the piers by securely attaching brackets that latch onto the piers and underneath the footing of the foundation. After we transfer the weight, we can then get into the real magic, as seen by this before and after set. We can then attempt to lift a foundation back up by using hydraulic fluid, which can close gaps and cracks in the home. If you look closely at the difference between the depth of the crack before and after we lifted the foundation, you can notice we shrunk it significantly. The project left the home stabilized, the cracks closed, and the doors and windows working again.

In Jamestown, OH, a homeowner faced structural issues due to failing lally columns in their basement. The original steel columns showed rust and deterioration, contributing to uneven floors and minor wall cracks. To address this, we replaced them with our SmartJack posts, which are galvanized for corrosion resistance and engineered to support substantial loads. Unlike traditional lally columns, SmartJack posts are fully adjustable, allowing precise leveling and long-term stability. This upgrade not only stabilized the basement immediately but also gave the homeowner a durable, adaptable solution they can rely on for years to come.

The floorboards above this crawl space were sagging and cracking because the concrete block columns supporting them were sinking into the soil. Prolonged dry weather had caused the soil to shrink, creating gaps that allowed the concrete blocks to settle further into the ground. With the blocks no longer able to hold the weight of the home's first floor, the structure began to fail. The homeowners attempted a DIY fix, using a makeshift arrangement of 2x4s and cinder blocks. Unfortunately, this approach lacked the stability and strength needed to support the crawlspace or anchor securely to solid ground. To solve the problem, we installed our SmartJack Crawl Space Support System. SmartJacks are designed to prevent sinking by distributing the load across their uniquely engineered, bulb-shaped foundation. They're also adjustable, ensuring that the floors remain level and supported over the long term. With SmartJacks in place, the homeowners can now rest assured that their floors will stay strong and stable for years to come.

This bowed wall in Wilmington, OH was a serious concern for the homeowners. The visible gap in the middle of the wall aligned with the frost line outside, where soil pressure is typically strongest. To correct the issue, we installed our PowerBrace system, which stabilizes the wall without damaging floor joists and resists rust for long-term protection. For this project, we excavated along the outside of the foundation to relieve soil pressure, allowing us to tighten the braces and close the gap immediately. The result is a stabilized foundation and peace of mind for the homeowners knowing their wall is secure and supported for years to come.