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Richmond Home Foundation Repair

lifting and stabilizing a settled home in Richmond

 

About the Project

 

True Level Concrete was engaged to complete a comprehensive foundation stabilization and slab repair at a residential property located in Richmond.

The home (along with other homes in the area) was experiencing progressive settlement affecting both the foundation perimeter and interior slab, requiring a coordinated solution that addressed structural stability at its source while restoring interior floor performance.

Given the scale of movement and the risk of continued settlement, the project required a multi-system approach combining underpinning and slab stabilization.

Observed Conditions

  • Foundation settlement along multiple elevations
  • Interior slab settlement across garage, walkways, and living areas
  • Voids beneath slab and potential subgrade instability
  • Risk of further structural movement if left unaddressed

The layout drawing illustrates perimeter settlement zones and interior slab impact areas, confirming widespread influence rather than isolated failure.

 

Problem Recognition

 

Project Context

  • Structure Type: Existing residential home
  • Foundation Type: Concrete foundation with slab-on-grade interior
  • Scope: Full perimeter + interior slab zones
  • System Design: Pier locations around foundation perimeter

Site & Soil Conditions

The property is located in Richmond, an area known for:

  • Soft, compressible delta soils
  • High moisture content and water table influence
  • Reduced load-bearing capacity in native soils

 

These conditions significantly increase the likelihood of:

  • Differential settlement
  • Long-term soil consolidation
  • Loss of support beneath slabs and footings

 

Perceived Cause of Settlement

Settlement was most likely driven by:

  • Weak, compressible native soils typical of Richmond
  • Long-term consolidation under structural load
  • Moisture fluctuation affecting soil density and bearing capacity
  • Potential subsurface voids or disturbed soils

 

Client Priorities

  • Permanently stabilize the foundation
  • Prevent further structural movement
  • Restore interior slab performance
  • Avoid full foundation replacement
  • Ensure long-term confidence in the home

 

Products Installed

 

Foundation Stabilization

  • Push Piers with Pier Pads
  • Steel brackets + hydraulic installation system
  • Engineered load transfer to improved bearing strata

Slab Stabilization

  • PolyLevel® Injection
  • Applied across:
    • Interior slab
    • Garage
    • Driveway
    • Patio and walkways

Additional Services

  • Radiant heat scan (to protect embedded systems)
  • Plumbing scan (to identify potential contributing factors)

Solution Strategy

 

Why True Level Concrete

True Level was selected for its ability to:

  • Deliver full-scope structural repair (foundation + slab)
  • Execute complex underpinning with precision
  • Provide engineered solutions without full reconstruction
  • Coordinate trades (plumbing scans, engineering, excavation)

 

Why This Solution

 

This project required addressing two distinct but related issues:

 

1. Foundation Settlement ? Push Pier System

  • Transfers structural load to more competent soils
  • Bypasses weak upper soil layers
  • Provides long-term stabilization

2. Interior Slab Settlement ? PolyLevel

  • Fills voids and stabilizes subgrade
  • Lifts and re-levels slabs
  • Prevents further slab movement

 

This combined system ensures:

  • Structural stability at the perimeter
  • Uniform support across interior slab

 

Installation Process

 

Foundation Underpinning

  1. Excavation at each pier location (1.5–3 ft depth)
  2. Installation of steel brackets at footing level
  3. Hydraulic driving of steel piers to load-bearing strata
  4. Load transfer and stabilization via synchronized lifting system
  5. Backfilling and compaction of excavated areas

Slab Stabilization

  1. Scanning for radiant heat and plumbing systems
  2. Drilling injection points across affected slab areas
  3. Controlled PolyLevel injection beneath slab
  4. Void filling, lifting, and stabilization
  5. Final patching of injection points

 

 

Results

Structural Outcomes

  • Foundation stabilized using 22 pier locations
  • Load transferred away from weak soils
  • Interior slab supported and voids eliminated

Performance Improvements

  • Reduced risk of further settlement
  • Improved floor elevation consistency
  • Stabilized structure for long-term performance

Issues Addressed

  • Foundation settlement
  • Interior slab movement
  • Subgrade voids
  • Soil instability

Long-Term Value

This project highlights the importance of addressing both foundation and slab systems together in settlement scenarios.

By combining underpinning with slab stabilization, the solution:

  • Restores structural integrity
  • Prevents continued movement
  • Extends the lifespan of the home
  • Eliminates the need for full replacement

The system also allows for future serviceability, meaning adjustments can be made if conditions change over time.

 

Concrete Repair & Foundation Stabilization

If your home is experiencing signs of settlement—cracks, sloping floors, or uneven concrete—True Level Concrete provides engineered solutions designed for long-term performance.

Book your free estimate and inspection and receive a detailed on-site assessment with clear recommendations.

 

the Foundation repair step-by-step

 

  1. Our specialist did a thorough assessment  to determine the root cause and area of the settlement issues and created a repair plan to permanently stabilize the home.
  2. The property was excavated around the foundation to prepare for 20 pier brackets around the sunken side of the home.
  3. Our crew installed the push pier brackets and drove piles down through the soil until they reached solid, stable ground.
  4. Once the home was stabilized, our crew was able to use the solid base to then carefully lift the sunken areas of the home back to level.
  5. Our crew used PolyLevel foam to inject beneath the foundation as well as under the floors in the home for additional structural support and to completely fill any voids left my lifting the home.
  6. Once the home was lifted, levelled, and stabilized, we re-filled the ground around the home foundation to complete the project.

Results and Benefits of this repair 

This home had all the typical symptoms of settlement and it was in pretty critical condition when we did the assessment. This project took 1 week for our crew to complete, but the result is a permanently protected home. 

This home was in critical condition when we made the assessment, and after some time and hard work, we restored the structural integrity.

Now, this homeowner can have peace of mind knowing that their house is safe for their loved ones, and will remain strong for years to come. With a stable foundation, this homeowner now has the potential to renovate the home, sell the home at greater value, and have comfort knowing that cold air, pests, structural failure, or flooding will be much less of a concern.