The Basement Doctor of Cincinnati Before & After Photos

Do you have a concrete driveway with cracks in it? Do you want to stop looking at the mess? If you answered yes, give us a call for a free quote! We offer specialized concrete solutions including our PolyLevel foam lift and seal method. Bye bye cracks!

This bowed wall was very much a cause of concern for the people living above. The gap you see in the middle of the wall is most likely where the frost line is in the dirt outside of the basement. The frost line often correlates with where a wall bows inward because it is where the most pressure is exerted on the wall over time. We fixed the bowed wall by installing our PowerBrace system. The PowerBraces are designed to prevent floor joist damage, unlike other commonly seen repairs. They are also designed to stay rust free, and possibly straighten the wall back out over time. If you are considering a bowed wall repair, be sure to ask questions about the what the repair was designed to do by the installers.

Do you have a wet crawl space like this one? Go with the leaders in all things crawl spaces. After we installed our CleanSpace vapor barrier and accessories on this crawl space, the owners could host a party down there! 

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.

Before and After: Replacing Failing Lally Columns with SmartJack® Posts in Jamestown, OH

In Jamestown, OH, a homeowner faced structural concerns due to failing lally columns in their basement. These traditional steel columns, often concrete-filled, are designed to support significant loads. However, over time, factors like corrosion, inadequate footing, or improper installation can compromise their integrity.

Before:

• Visible Signs of Failure: The existing lally columns showed signs of rust and deterioration, raising concerns about their load-bearing capacity.

• Structural Concerns: The homeowner noticed uneven floors and minor cracks in the walls, indicating potential settling issues.

• Limited Adjustability: Traditional lally columns lack the flexibility to adjust post-installation, making it challenging to address settling problems.

After:

• Installation of SmartJack® Posts: We replaced the failing lally columns with our SmartJack® system. These galvanized steel posts are designed for crawl space and basement applications, offering superior strength and adjustability.

• Enhanced Load-Bearing Capacity: SmartJack® posts are engineered to support substantial loads, providing immediate stabilization to the structure.

• Adjustable Solution: Unlike traditional lally columns, SmartJack® posts can be adjusted over time, allowing for precise leveling and long-term support.

• Corrosion Resistance: The galvanized coating on SmartJack® posts ensures durability and resistance to moisture-related corrosion.

This transformation not only addressed the immediate structural concerns but also provided the homeowner with peace of mind, knowing their basement support system is robust and adaptable for the future.