Fixing 50+ Years of Foundation Problems in Ashland, MO
- Location: Ashland, MO 65010
- Property Type: Late 1960s ranch home on concrete block crawl space
- Project Date: February 2025
The Challenge: Decades of Building Problems
Alan had lived in his Ashland home since 2003 and noticed gradual warning signs — bouncy floors and small gaps between baseboards and floors. Over time, these issues escalated into a “perfect storm” of structural failures:
- Failed crawl space support — Every original support post under the center beam had collapsed, causing the floor to sag in the middle.
- Deteriorated rim joists — Moisture had damaged the framing over decades.
- Widespread foundation settlement — Multiple areas were sinking, including the front, one end wall, 16 feet of the back wall, the garage-house common wall, and the garage side wall.
- Poor drainage — The backyard sloped toward the house, directing water straight at the foundation. Landscaping and grading issues created water traps around the crawl space vents.
These combined problems threatened the home’s stability and created ongoing moisture risks typical of Mid-Missouri homes.
Our Solution: Comprehensive Foundation & Crawl Space Repair
Spartan Ram Jack Columbia engineered a full-system solution to stabilize the home permanently:
1. Foundation Stabilization with Helical Piers
- Installed 19 helical piers at strategic locations around the perimeter.
- Chose helical piers (instead of driven piles) to avoid stressing the existing concrete block foundation.
- Piers reached deep into stable soil (many required extra depth and double helical plates).
- Used hydraulic lifts at 7 locations for “maximum practical recovery” — lifting the home safely without causing new damage.
2. Engineered Crawl Space Support System
- Installed 6 adjustable steel screw jacks spaced 8 feet apart under the center beam.
- Each jack sits on a prefabricated engineered base with crushed limestone for drainage and long-term support.
- Sistered new lumber to reinforce deteriorated rim joists.
3. Drainage Improvements
- Planned and prepared swales (shallow drainage channels) in the front and back yards to redirect water away from the foundation.
- Removed the front sidewalk to allow proper grading (to be replaced by the homeowner).
- Postponed final swale work due to saturated soil from heavy rains to ensure the job was done right.
The Results
- The foundation is now permanently stabilized with 19 deep helical piers.
- Floors are solid again, sagging is eliminated, and baseboard gaps have closed.
- Crawl space framing is reinforced and properly supported.
- Drainage plan in place to prevent future water damage.
- All excavations backfilled, seeded, and restored.
Customer Outcome:
Alan no longer worries about settling, bouncy floors, or hidden foundation issues. His home is stable, and the repairs include a transferable life-of-structure warranty that adds value if he ever sells.
Why This Matters for Mid-Missouri Homes
Homes from the 1960s–1970s often face failing original supports and drainage problems as they age. Addressing multiple issues together prevents small problems from becoming expensive disasters.
Seeing signs like bouncy floors, sticking doors, or foundation cracks in your Ashland, Columbia, or Mid-Missouri home? Contact Spartan Ram Jack Columbia today for a free inspection.