Skip to Main Content

Case Study: Foundation Repair Lifts and Stabilizes Home in Fairhope, AL

When a longtime homeowner in Fairhope, AL, noticed cracking concrete around their 1980s-built home, they grew concerned about foundation settlement and its impact on the property’s future resale value. After living in the house for 20 years, they wanted to address the issue before it worsened.

AFS conducted a thorough inspection and uncovered widespread settlement affecting the foundation walls, garage slab, stoop, and walkways. To restore stability and protect the home’s value, our team implemented several customized foundation repair solutions.


The Impact

  • Foundation lift of three inches
  • Permanent foundation stabilization
  • Enhanced Property Appeal

Before Foundation Repair:

Cracked Concrete Slabs

The homeowner noticed cracked concrete slabs and other signs of structural movement around their home. A thorough inspection revealed settlement affecting the garage slab, exterior walkways, and front stoop.

Foundation Settlement

Further evaluation confirmed foundation settlement in the perimeter walls and other areas. If not addressed, this type of structural shift can lead to safety risks and reduced marketability. With plans to sell their house, the homeowner prioritized a long-term solution for stabilization.

After Foundation Repair:

Enhanced Resale Value

AFS crews addressed the foundation wall settlement by installing three helical piers along the perimeter of the home. These deep-driven steel supports permanently stabilize the structure by anchoring it to load-bearing soil, preventing further movement. The helical piers were strategically placed based on the inspector’s findings to ensure long-term structural integrity and a potentially enhanced resale value.

Permanent Stabilization

Settlement in the garage slab, stoop, and walkways required additional reinforcement. AFS installed five slab piers to support and stabilize the sinking concrete surfaces. These piers were placed beneath the affected slabs to transfer the load to more stable soil layers, helping restore alignment and prevent future cracking or unevenness.

3″ Foundation Lift

AFS crews injected PolyRenewal, a high-density polyurethane foam, beneath the concrete to lift and secure the sunken slabs. This material expanded to fill voids, raise the slabs, and lock them in place. The process also reinforced the surrounding soil, minimizing the risk of future settlement and resulting in a three-inch lift and a level, stable surface.

Customer Reviews for Our Foundation Repair Near You

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Cesar , Legal and Luciano was the best, very professional. Cesar was through in explaining the process from beginning to end. I can…

Cesar , Legal and Luciano was the best, very professional. Cesar was through in explaining the process from beginning to end. I can tell the difference in the flooring immediately .

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Just a quick shout out to American Foundation Specialists, Tommy, Jeremy and Dylan for getting our dining room floor and floor joists…

Just a quick shout out to American Foundation Specialists, Tommy, Jeremy and Dylan for getting our dining room floor and floor joists replaced. We had water damage from Hurricane Katrina in the original portion of our home that was built in 1909. Over the last 20 years, the old wood flooring began to deteriorate. The construction team members from AFS were very professional, and maintained a clean work area. They even identified a small gas leak that had to be dealt with by Spire Energy. We are grateful that the guys were quick to assist us with getting the gas leak identified and safely handled. Phelan and Annette Johnson

  • 4/
  • 4/
  • 4/
  • 4/
  • 4/
Review Logo

My history with AFS spans several years and multiple technicians, supervisors, and managers. Throughout that time, we’ve worked through a…

My history with AFS spans several years and multiple technicians, supervisors, and managers. Throughout that time, we’ve worked through a long and challenging effort to stabilize an interior wall, with many visits and repair approaches along the way. This most recent visit, however, was different. Nick D'Esposito, Adam McBay, and his crew — Josh, Bailey, and Wayne — were able to accurately diagnose the underlying issue, place the right support equipment in the correct locations, and spend the necessary time fine‑tuning the adjustments. Their work eliminated gaps in the moldings and significantly stiffened the floor near the problem wall. These gentlemen are a true asset to AFS and to the customers they serve. AFS’ (Groundworks) Senior Leadership Team in Virginia could learn a great deal from them when it comes to communication, customer satisfaction, and follow‑through. I look forward to seeing Adam, Josh, Bailey, and Wayne again soon for the final adjustments.

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Jordan came out inspected our crawlspace, pointed out some flaws and educated us on the potential future problems that we could encounter…

Jordan came out inspected our crawlspace, pointed out some flaws and educated us on the potential future problems that we could encounter if the issues we have aren’t corrected. He was very well spoken and polite. We’ll undoubtably be trusting him with our future projects!

  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
  • 5/
Review Logo

Preston and team did a great job! He was excellent at explaining everything. Very polite and professional!

Preston and team did a great job! He was excellent at explaining everything. Very polite and professional!

Need Foundation Repair for Your Home?

This project successfully lifted the home by three inches and permanently stabilized the foundation. With repairs complete and future damage prevented, the homeowner felt confident knowing the house was secure, protected, and ready for resale.

Is your home showing signs of foundation damage? Contact AFS. As part of Groundworks, the nation’s leading foundation repair company, we provide homeowners with trusted solutions, so you can feel confident in your home.

Related Resources

Foundation Repair FAQs

Foundation piers attach to your home’s footing. If your home doesn’t have a closed footing, modifications can be made. Consult a qualified foundation repair expert to help ensure your foundation is properly evaluated and factors like soil composition and local building codes are considered.  

Yes, foundation repair restores the stability and integrity of your building, preventing further damage. Solutions like helical piles and polyurethane injection provide long-lasting support for your foundation.

Look for signs of instability, such as cracks, uneven floors, sticking doors, or gaps around windows. A professional inspection can confirm your foundation’s condition.

Disclaimer: “Concrete leveling” means the process by which cracked, uneven concrete is stabilized, and in many cases lifted, by means of PolyRenewal™ polyurethane foam. Groundworks does not guarantee that PolyRenewal™ can make your concrete perfectly level.