Tar Heel Foundation Solutions: 2025 Residential Project of the Year
Stabilizing a New Townhome Development Near Charlotte, North Carolina
Located near Charlotte, North Carolina, River Heights is a new housing development by True Homes. Tar Heel Foundation Solutions is well-known for performing warranty and foundation work for local builders, but this particular project presented unique challenges that set it apart.
A brand-new 2-unit townhome, not yet occupied, was already experiencing vertical and horizontal movement, resulting in significant cracks and serious concern for the builder. The structural integrity of the home needed immediate attention to prevent further damage and ensure long-term stability.
This challenging project has been recognized as a Project of the Year finalist, highlighting the expertise, planning, and precision required to address modern foundation issues.
Scope of Work: Comprehensive Foundation Stabilization
To stabilize the townhome and address the movement, Tar Heel Foundation Solutions implemented a multi-pronged solution using a combination of helical pier systems and crack repair:
- 17 exterior helical piers
- 10 helical tiebacks
- 10 interior helical piers, each installed with handheld equipment and requiring careful concrete excavation
- 57 linear feet of crack stitching using Rhino Carbon Fiber Crack Locks
This approach ensured full structural support, addressed both vertical and horizontal movement, and reinforced the home against future foundation issues.
Challenges Faced on Site
Several factors made this project particularly complex:
Limited Clearance & Steep Terrain
The entire left and back sides of the home had only 6 feet of clearance to a 45-degree slope leading to a 25-foot retaining wall. This tight space significantly increased the difficulty of pier installation and equipment maneuvering.
Deep Footers
Excavation revealed footers ranging from 4 to 6 feet deep, especially at the rear of the home, requiring careful planning and additional excavation support.
Interior Containment
Because some helical piers were installed inside the townhome, the team spent a full day on containment measures to prevent concrete splatter, mud, or debris from affecting the brand-new interior finishes. Proper containment minimized post-job cleaning and ensured the builder’s satisfaction.
Weather Complications
Rain during installation further complicated an already challenging job. Wet conditions made the slope even trickier, requiring drive pads and batter boards to stabilize excavation equipment and control soil movement.
Solutions and Expert Execution
Tar Heel Foundation Solutions relied on careful planning and teamwork to overcome these obstacles:
- Drive Pads & Batter Boards: Used to prevent mini-excavator tracks from slipping and to manage the large volumes of soil from deep footers.
- Interior Containment: Ensured a clean, safe interior during pier installation and minimized final cleaning.
- Experienced Crew & Machine Operators: Ensured precise placement of piers despite steep slopes, limited access, and challenging weather conditions.
- Strategic Excavation & Pier Placement: Maintained the home’s structural integrity while installing both interior and exterior support systems.
These measures allowed Tar Heel to complete the project safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to the new home, ultimately providing the builder with confidence in the foundation’s long-term performance.
Preserving Modern Homes While Ensuring Long-Term Stability
This River Heights townhome project demonstrates the technical skill, planning, and adaptability required for modern foundation repair, particularly in new construction with challenging site conditions. By combining helical pier systems with Rhino Carbon Fiber Crack Locks, Tar Heel Foundation Solutions provided a comprehensive solution for both vertical and horizontal foundation movement.
As a Project of the Year finalist, this project highlights how experienced installers, careful planning, and proven foundation products can successfully stabilize even the most complex structures.
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