In Toledo, OH, shifting soil, heavy rains, and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles can quietly take a toll on a home’s foundation. Many homeowners don’t realize there’s an issue until cracks appear or water starts finding its way inside. That was the case for this Toledo homeowner, who contacted Toledo Basement Repair after noticing foundation movement, water intrusion during storms, and settling around the front porch and crawl space.
Identifying the Problem
During a thorough inspection, our team discovered several underlying concerns. The home’s foundation walls are constructed of concrete block, and while both the front and rear walls had previously been reinforced, the front foundation wall showed clear signs of inward deflection and shearing. The rear wall appeared stable, but the homeowner explained that both walls leaked during heavy rainfall, even though the basement was dry at the time of inspection.
Additional issues were found outside and below the home. The front porch concrete cap had settled toward the house, creating improper drainage and added stress on the structure. The crawl space had also experienced settlement, contributing to uneven support. As a result of this foundation movement, mortar joints along the brick veneer had opened up, and a small section of brick needed to be removed and reinstalled due to impact damage from a vehicle.
Crafting the Right Solution
To address both stabilization and long-term protection, Toledo Basement Repair designed a comprehensive foundation repair plan tailored to this Toledo home.
The first step was concrete jacking (mud jacking) of approximately 180 square feet of the front porch cap. This process lifted the settled concrete back toward its proper position, restoring slope away from the home and relieving pressure on the foundation. To ensure a clean and accurate lift, base trim extensions on both sides of the front door were temporarily removed and reinstalled after the repair.
Inside the crawl space, our team removed and reinstalled existing insulation, securely taping seams and mechanically fastening it to the sill plate. A new 10-mil vapor barrier was installed along the crawl space floor, covering approximately 336 square feet. This barrier helps reduce moisture migration from the soil while improving overall air quality and energy efficiency.
For structural stabilization, six push piers were installed along the front foundation wall. These high-strength steel piers were hydraulically driven down to suitable load-bearing strata to support the home’s footing and prevent further settlement. Where possible, the structure was carefully lifted toward its original position within safe tolerances.
In the crawl space, five helical piers were installed to stabilize compromised footings. These piers transfer the home’s weight to stable soil layers using engineered bearing plates, providing predictable and long-lasting support.
To reinforce the front foundation wall, 4-inch steel I-beams were installed at five-foot intervals across a total wall length of 22 feet. These beams feature adjustable floor mounts, allowing for future tightening if wall movement occurs. Cracks along the working walls were sealed with Mor-Flex, a durable, paintable sealant designed to remain flexible as the home settles.
Delivering Lasting Results
With these repairs complete, this Toledo home now has a stable foundation from top to bottom. The porch is properly supported, the crawl space is protected against moisture, and the foundation walls are reinforced to resist future movement. Just as important, the homeowner gained peace of mind knowing their investment is protected against further structural damage and water-related issues.
Conclusion
Foundation problems rarely fix themselves, and in Toledo, OH, ignoring early warning signs can lead to costly repairs down the road. If you’re noticing cracks, water intrusion, or settling around your home, Toledo Basement Repair is here to help. Our experienced team provides customized foundation repair solutions designed to protect your home for the long haul. Reach out today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a safer, more stable home in Toledo.
Kevin Oberhouse was raised in Toledo with 7 siblings. Dawn and Kevin have four kids.
The Oberhouse family lives in the house Kevin built when with his first crew. Kevin’s parents invited more than 100 foster children into their home throughout his life. Kevin believes this part of his life really helped to build empathy for others.
Kevin has a degree in civil engineering and went on to get an MBA as well as multiple other certifications in structural systems, egress systems, air quality, and commercial and residential roofing, among many others.
Toledo Basement Repairs promises to treat you and your project with respect and our best professional judgment. There is plenty of work out there and Toledo Basement Repair will not push you into a system that you do not fully understand or feel comfortable with.