Property Overview:
Location:Â Dennis, MA
Year Built:Â 1920s
Style:Â Single-family Cape Cod-style home
Foundation Type:Â Poured concrete with basement
Lot Size:Â Approximately 2.14 acres
Challenges:Â High water table, aging foundation, and structural instability
Our view while we mix the concrete for the footings!
Project Scope & Objectives:
The homeowner contacted New England Foundation Crack Repair (NEFCR)Â seeking solutions for structural reinforcement and water management in their early 20th-century home. Over the years, natural settling, moisture exposure, and age-related wear had weakened the foundation and support system. The primary objectives were:
Strengthening Structural Integrity: Installing 11 lally columns with footings to provide improved load-bearing capacity and prevent future settling.
Addressing Water Intrusion: Due to a high water table, a sump pump system was necessary to manage groundwater and prevent moisture accumulation in the basement.
Ensuring Minimal Disruption: Given the home’s age and existing support structure, work needed to be carefully planned to prevent unnecessary damage and maintain the integrity of the property during installation.
Challenges Faced During the Project:
High Water Table:Â The foundation was experiencing moisture buildup due to a naturally high water table, which could interfere with the installation of footings and compromise the stability of the structure.
Existing Structural Weakness:Â The home had insufficient support in key areas, requiring temporary measures before installing new lally columns.
Limited Clearance in the Basement: Working within a low-ceiling basement posed challenges in maneuverability and material placement, requiring precise execution.
Proposed Solutions & Implementation:
Step 1: Water Management – Sump Pump Installation
Before proceeding with the structural work, a sump pump was installed to help mitigate moisture issues.
The sump pump system was placed at a strategic low point in the basement to collect and redirect excess groundwater away from the foundation.
The team recommended waiting approximately one week after installation to monitor moisture levels and ensure the area remained dry before proceeding with footing installation.
A newly installed sump pump system (with a 5 year warranty) in the basement, designed to prevent water intrusion and manage excess moisture. Proper drainage and waterproofing ensure long-term foundation protection.
Step 2: Temporary Structural Support & Fabrication of New Footings
To maintain stability during installation, a temporary beam support system was implemented to hold the weight of the structure while work was performed.
Once the temporary supports were in place, the team excavated and fabricated new concrete footings for the lally columns.
Each footing was carefully measured and reinforced to provide a stable and even weight distribution.
An inspector assessed the newly excavated footings, verifying they met building code requirements and ensuring they provided adequate structural support.
After pouring the concrete, the footings were left to cure properly, ensuring they reached maximum strength before installing the permanent supports.
Preparation for lally column installation with excavated footing areas framed and temporary supports in place. This crucial step ensures a stable foundation before pouring concrete 
Lally column installation in progress, with concrete footings prepared and temporary supports ensuring stability. This stage sets the foundation for long-term structural reinforcement. Step 3: Lally Column Installation
Once the concrete footings had fully cured, the team proceeded with the installation of 11 lally columns, carefully aligning them with the newly reinforced footings.
The columns were placed with precision to ensure optimal load distribution, preventing further settling and reinforcing the home’s foundation.
Each lally column was secured in place, ensuring long-term structural stability and compliance with modern building codes.
The temporary beam support system was then removed, transferring the weight of the home onto the newly installed columns.
A final inspection was conducted to ensure all lally columns were properly installed, secured, and met building code standards for structural stability.
Final Results & Impact:
✅ Structural Stability Enhanced: The newly installed lally columns provided significant reinforcement to the home’s foundation, reducing the risk of future settling and structural movement.
✅ Effective Water Management: The sump pump successfully mitigated moisture accumulation, helping to protect the foundation from long-term water damage.
✅ Minimal Disruption: The careful planning and use of existing materials for temporary support minimized unnecessary demolition and kept costs manageable for the homeowner.
✅ Long-Term Benefits: With a solid structural foundation and improved drainage, the homeowner gained peace of mind knowing their property was protected from both foundational shifts and water-related issues.
Conclusion: Why Structural Reinforcement is Essential for Long-Term Stability
Structural reinforcement is crucial for maintaining the integrity, strength, and longevity of a home’s foundation. Over time, factors such as soil movement, water infiltration, and natural settling can weaken structural components, leading to cracks, sagging floors, misaligned doors, and even potential foundation failure.
By implementing proper structural reinforcement methods, such as lally column replacement, wall stabilization, and concrete footings, homeowners can prevent further deterioration, improve load distribution, and enhance the overall stability of their home.
Investing in structural reinforcement is not just about fixing existing issues—it’s about protecting your home for the future. A well-supported foundation ensures long-term durability, increased property value, and peace of mind knowing that your home is structurally sound for years to come.
This project highlights NEFCR’s expertise in tackling complex foundation repairs while ensuring minimal disruption to homeowners. By addressing both structural and moisture-related challenges, the home is now significantly more secure and protected for years to come.
For more information on our foundation repair and waterproofing services contact New England Foundation Crack Repair for a consultation!