Case Study: Push Piers Save a Settling Home in Madison, AL

Not long after purchasing a house, new homeowners in Madison, AL, wanted to make sure everything was in order. They found AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists, a Groundworks Company, while searching for an inspection by a reputable local company.
An AFS inspector recommended push piers around the home’s perimeter to permanently stabilize and help lift settling sections of the foundation. Carbon fiber straps were also added to reinforce walls, and polyurethane foam restored a concrete slab floor.
The homeowners have peace of mind knowing their home is structurally sound, regardless of whether they choose to live there long-term or sell the house in the near future.
The Challenge
- Cracking foundation
- Foundation settlement
- Multiple foundation types
The Solution
- Push piers
- Carbon fiber reinforcement
- Polyurethane foam injections
The Impact
- Permanent foundation stabilization
- Basement wall reinforcement
- Slab floor lifted
Before Foundation Repair:

Cracking Walls
While they didn’t have immediate concerns, new homeowners wanted to make sure their house didn’t have serious problems. When an experienced inspector evaluated the home, he detected various foundation cracks, and it was obvious that the home was settling. Built in 1984, the home’s layout also presented unique challenges. It was comprised of multiple foundation types—three small crawl spaces, a basement, and a slab.

Cracking and Shifting Foundation
Some contractors may shy away from complex foundation construction, but Groundworks Companies understand the importance of safety and structural integrity, and AFS welcomed the challenge head-on. The crawl spaces contained poured concrete, so addressing these areas was not as difficult as it could have been.
After Foundation Repair:

Permanent Support with Piers
The AFS inspector recommended installing push piers to permanently stabilize the settling foundation and help lift the settling sections back toward their original positions. A total of 27 push piers were installed—24 around the home’s perimeter and three in one of the crawl spaces. These piers were advanced deep into the ground until reaching more stable, load-bearing soil.

Fortified Walls
Several carbon fiber straps were added to reinforce one of the walls, and quick-curing polyurethane injection was applied to lift settling sections of the main level’s slab floor.
Seeing the Positive Effects
The homeowners were impressed with the crews’ professionalism and efficiency, as two crews completed the projects in 10 days. After the project, the Madison home was stable once again. Regardless of whether they will keep the place or sell it in the near future, the homeowners can relax knowing that their settling problem is solved for good. These repairs also enhance the home’s value, should the owners decide to sell.
Other Reviews for Our Foundation Repair Near You
Need Foundation Repair for Your Home?

Foundation settlement and structural damage often begin as subtle cracks or minor shifts that homeowners might dismiss as normal settling. However, these seemingly minor issues signal deeper problems that will progressively worsen, potentially leading to significant structural damage and decreased property value.
Groundworks Companies—including AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists, serving Greater Huntsville, AL—specialize in diagnosing and resolving even the most complex foundation challenges, bringing advanced techniques and proven solutions to every project. Contact us today to schedule your free foundation inspection and learn how our tailored repair strategies secure your home’s structural integrity for decades to come.
Related Resources
Foundation Repair FAQs
The severity of a basement wall crack depends on its position, characteristics, pattern, and size. Contact a basement repair specialist for a thorough inspection and repair recommendation. It’s crucial to address cracks at their initial signs to prevent more costly future repairs.
DIY fixes are not the answer. To get to the root of the problem, repair professionals need to inspect your foundation. Depending on where the cracks are, what they mean, and the extent of the damage, your house could benefit from a variety of solutions. For example, if your house is settling, helical piers will be used to stabilize and potentially lift it. For significant wall issues, repairs like wall anchors or beams can be used as reinforcements.
The duration of foundation repair depends on the extent of the damage and the repair method used. A professional inspection can provide a more accurate timeline, but usually, repairs can be completed within a few days.


