Case Studies
Moisture Damaged Foundation
Introduction: Even well-built homes can’t always escape the combination of time
and nature. This home in Irmo, South Carolina, is a testimony to this
end, having suffered foundation damage subsequent to years of moisture
exposure and soil transformation associated with the changing seasons.
Situation: When the homeowner noticed a growing crack in her home’s brick exterior
wall, she called Ram Jack South Carolina. A Ram Jack inspection of the
single-story, brick veneer home revealed a 7 in. stair-step crack in the
rear, right corner of the structure running from the soldier brick at
the bottom of a window down through the footer. In addition, a corresponding
1 in. drop of the structure in the area was noted. The cause of the failing
wall appeared to be foundation settlement associated with soil expansion
and contraction.
Proposed Solution: The Ram Jack foundation expert proposed the use of driven piles in the
area of the issue to lift the structure and restore its integrity. He
estimated six piles would be needed to complete the job efficiently, with
each pile being spaced in such a manner to achieve maximum practical recovery
of the sagging wall.
Outcome: A team of professionally trained, experienced Ram Jack crew members installed
six (6) 2 7/8” piles with standard brackets in strategic locations
around the failing wall. The piles reached an average depth of 42 ft.,
and an average lift of 3⁄4 in. was achieved. The crack closed up
nicely, and the failing wall’s structural integrity was restored.
The homeowner was extremely pleased with the work performed by Ram Jack
South Carolina and eagerly signed off after a final inspection.
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