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Home»Foundation Repair»Photo Gallery»Lake Vermilion Cabin is Stabilized by DBS

Foundation Repair Photo Album: Lake Vermilion Cabin is Stabilized by DBS

This cabin in Tower, MN had issues with sinking and settling. Its block foundation walls were shifting and one side was leaning towards the lake. Looking for a permanent solution, they called DBS for a free, no-obligation estimate for foundation repair. DBS Design Specialist Henrik Makitalo has diagnosed structural issues in hundreds of homes and cabins in Minnesota and Wisconsin. After giving this cabin a thorough inspection, he suggested our helical piering system. Because the west wall was migrating outward toward the lake, he included helical tiebacks to ensure that the helical piers installed would not push outward as the foundation has moved in the past.DBS Foreman led this project, installing supplemental steel beams beneath the cabin first. This will provide more horizontal support to the structure. From there, Dakota and his team drove 8 helical piers into the ground to stabilize and support the weight of the cabin. To tackle the wetness, our team installed a SmartDrain to relieve water build-up beneath the cabin. 5 deck piers to make way for the new deck the owner plans to build.This cabin is now permanently stabilized and will remain a family retreat for years to come.

Heavy Block Columns Shift Over Time

Many homes and cabins are supported by columns like these. Heavy concrete and block columns weigh down the soil and are prone to movement throughout the freeze and thaw cycle.

Sinking Foundation in Tower, MN

Foundation issues are typically tied to the soil conditions around your home. Shifting and settling, extreme moisture or drought, can all affect your home's foundation.

Lake Vermilion Cabin Needs Stabilization

DBS has stabilized numerous cabins like this one on the shores of Lake Vermilion.

Support Beneath the Cabin

The perimeter of this cabin will be supported with helical piers.

Deck Will Be Replaced and Supported with Piers

This deck has also been sinking. After our team stabilizes the cabin, they will install 5 deck piers to support this structure as well.

Helical Pier to Support Future Deck

The cabin owner will use our helical piers as a solid base for their deck.

Helical Piers Transfer Weight to Stable Soil

Each of these piers transfers the weight of the cabin onto stable soil.

Helical Piers are Hydraulically Driven Into Ground

The mini excavator in the background is used to turn the pier deep into the ground until it meets stable soil.

SmartJack® Technology for Cabin Deck

These SmartJack support beams are set into steel footings and can be adjusted slightly over time to accommodate natural movement of this deck structure.