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Case Study: Foundation Repair with Push Piers in Redwood City, CA

push piers installed under foundation

A homeowner in Redwood City, CA, was frustrated with worsening problems around his house, including uneven floors and sticking windows and doors. He wanted to fix the issues with underpinning and potentially raising sunken foundation areas.

The owner contacted Groundworks’ San Jose branch for a foundation assessment and to learn about repair options. An inspector recommended installing foundation piers that stabilized and helped lift the home, restoring the functionality of the windows and doors and the floors’ evenness.

The homeowner was pleased that this lasting foundation repair solution fixed the damaged foundation and created a safer living environment.


The Challenge

  • Wall cracks
  • Uneven floors
  • Sticking windows and doors

The Solution

  • Push Piers

The Impact

  • Permanent foundation stabilization
  • Lifted settling sections
  • Closed wall cracks
  • Functional windows and doors

Before Foundation Repair:

cracks on home exterior

Cracking Walls

Foundation problems can develop when you least expect them, but they can also fester for years. A Redwood City, CA, homeowner lived in his house for several years, but it wasn’t until recently that he noticed problems starting to get worse, including wall cracks, which you can see pictured on the home’s exterior.

cracks on home's exterior and gap between concrete and wall

Settling Foundation

The house also suffered from foundation settlement. This was evident in the uneven floors the homeowner experienced, a door that no longer latched properly, and further visible exterior cracks and gaps. These issues are common in many homes, especially as they age. The homeowner wanted to find an appropriate solution to stabilize and safeguard the 50-year-old house.

After Foundation Repair:

equipment used to install push piers

Push Pier Installation

Upon receiving recommendations from a structural engineer, the homeowner contacted Groundworks to learn about underpinning repair options. An inspector evaluated the home, took measurements, and suggested installing eight push piers along a foundation wall with the most cracking and movement.

A crew tackled various issues during the installation, including working around the location of water and sewer lines, but they successfully completed the project in five days.

view of exterior push pier foundation bracket

Lasting Foundation Stability

The push piers were installed deep into the ground until they reached stable soil. This provides the foundation with the stability it deserves.

The crew also applied additional pressure during the pier installation to lift the settling foundation sections. This helped close cracks and restore functionality to previously inoperable doors and windows.

The homeowner now has a safe and stable home that he will be able to enjoy for many years.

Other Reviews for Our Foundation Repair Near You

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James was extremely helpful and informative with inspecting my foundation. I feel like I took a popup class. He explained everything and…

James was extremely helpful and informative with inspecting my foundation. I feel like I took a popup class. He explained everything and let me know what to look out for. He gave suggestions and tips for future improvements and confirmed parts that had good structure, including reassurance about places I had concerns. I was nervous about the inspection, but he made it very easy.

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The crew leader communicated very well with respect to their goals for each day. He was easy to speak with and share my concerns. The first …

The crew leader communicated very well with respect to their goals for each day. He was easy to speak with and share my concerns. The first few days of the job had rain so it was a challenge dealing with the mud.

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Derek did a fantastic job. He was punctual, very knowledgeable and transparent. Will definitely work with Derek and his team on future…

Derek did a fantastic job. He was punctual, very knowledgeable and transparent. Will definitely work with Derek and his team on future projects.

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James Giuffre at Groundworks provided one the best house service experiences I have received since purchasing our home. He was…

James Giuffre at Groundworks provided one the best house service experiences I have received since purchasing our home. He was knowledgeable in his craft, thoughtful and patient with my questions. He explained options both for short term and long term maintenance and his overall approach was consultative. I would recommend James and Groundworks to anyone having foundation questions or needs. Thanks again James!

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Several sections of our front walkway had become uneven over time, creating small tripping hazards. The crew repaired cracks, leveled…

Several sections of our front walkway had become uneven over time, creating small tripping hazards. The crew repaired cracks, leveled affected areas, and resurfaced portions that were heavily worn. The project took two days. Compared to before, the walkway feels safer and significantly improves the appearance of the front yard. The finished surface blends naturally with the surrounding concrete, so repairs don’t stand out awkwardly. We also noticed water drains more evenly now instead of collecting near the entrance. It’s a practical improvement that enhanced both safety and curb appeal at the same time.

Need Foundation Repair for Your Home?

Smiling worker in Groundworks uniform holding a level, standing in front of a company vehicle and houses.

Foundation problems like uneven floors and wall cracks are serious warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. They indicate your home’s structural integrity is compromised and will only worsen without professional intervention. Left untreated, foundation settlement can lead to extensive damage throughout your home, affecting everything from plumbing and electrical systems to the overall safety of your living environment.

Groundworks, which serves the San Jose, CA, area, specializes in comprehensive foundation repair solutions tailored to your specific soil conditions and structural needs. Don’t wait for minor issues to become major problems. Contact us today for a free inspection and discover how our customized repair solutions can restore your home’s stability and protect your investment for years to come.

Related Resources

Foundation Repair FAQs

Foundation settlement can be a serious concern, as it may lead to significant structural damage if not addressed promptly. How serious? That depends on factors like how long the issues have been going on. Neglecting foundation issues results in visible structural damage and potential safety risks for the home’s occupants. Contact an expert for an inspection to assess the status of your home’s foundation.

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.  

Foundation piers are typically a permanent solution. Once installed correctly by a reputable foundation repair company, high-quality foundation piers can last for the lifetime of your home. Unlike temporary fixes such as patching or filling cracks, foundation piers provide a long-term solution to foundation problems and prevent future damage.