Location: Peoria, IL
Job Type: Foundation Piering
Gaps in Peoria Homeowner's Basement Walls and Ceiling Causes Concern
Ms. Dorris contacted Helitech Waterproofing and Structural Repair concerning cracks within her basement walls and exterior brick, as well as gaps between the basement walls and ceiling. Ms. Dorris also noticed her fireplace had separated away from the ceiling above. The homeowner quickly learned the intense regional drought was causing more structural damage than what was visible.
Settling Concrete Slab in Basement Leading to Fireplace Sinking
Upon performing a comprehensive structural inspection, Helitech discovered the slab on which the basement was sitting had settled over time. This settlement caused the interior basement walls and fireplace which sat on the slab to also sink, separating them from the ceiling above. The extreme drought added to the problem and in turn, made her problem more severe.
Ms. Dorris decided to proceed with the project as her home held more than 27 years of memories. She chose Helitech to complete the repairs based on their 30 years of providing lasting structural solutions.
Slab Piers Heal Peoria Home with 27 Years of Memories Attached
After clearing the workspace of personal items, carpeting, and furniture, 15 holes were marked out and cored among the slab. Three holes were cored along the edge of the fireplace to provide support for the extra weight. Eight holes were equally spaced following the pattern of the large crack among the slab caused by the settlement and drought. Four additional holes were cored at the base of the interior basement hallway to provide extra support.
Helitech proceeded to install the A.B. Chance Helical Slab Pier system. Fifteen helical anchors were hydraulically driven into the soil below the slab. Helitech then inserted slab brackets into the cored holes and connected them to each helical anchor. As a result, the slab was raised to its original height, closing the gaps between the interior walls, fireplace, and ceiling.
The final step in the project was to fill the void created by raising the slab. A grout compound was injected below the slab using a process commonly known as mudjacking.
The entire project took four days to complete. Once finished, Ms. Dorris had peace of mind knowing her problem was fixed and guaranteed to last.
