Proudly serving Minnesota and Wisconsin - including Duluth, Minneapolis, Eau Claire and nearby areas

How 11 Helical Piers Helped Stabilize a 100-Year-Old Cabin

CASE STUDY

Cabin Foundation Repair for Duluth Homeowners: A 100-Year-Old Case Study


For Duluth homeowners facing settlement in an aging cabin, this 100-year-old cabin case study shows how DBS Repair used 11 helical piers and four steel I-beams to stabilize failing supports. One year later, a laser-level inspection found less than one-eighth of an inch of movement.

This 100-year-old cabin needed foundation repair after decades of wear left the structure with serious support problems similar to issues found in older cabins around Duluth and northern Minnesota. Homeowner John Plut described the existing footings as being in terrible condition, requiring a dependable system designed for long-term stability.

DBS Repair developed a cabin foundation stabilization plan using 11 helical piers and four steel I-beams. The I-beams helped distribute the structural load, while the piers provided support beyond the failed footings and unstable surface conditions. Together, these components created a stronger cabin foundation support system beneath the home.

For this project, the crew installed cabin foundation repair solutions and connected the new support system to four steel I-beams. Helical piers are advanced into the ground until they reach soil capable of supporting the required structural load. This approach can help stabilize a settling or sinking cabin foundation when shallow footings can no longer provide reliable support.

THE PROBLEM

Sinking Cabin Foundation

The footings beneath the 100-year-old structure were in poor condition and could no longer provide dependable support. The cabin needed a professional structural repair plan that addressed the foundation instead of another temporary surface adjustment.

THE REPAIR PLAN

11 Helical Piers and Four I-Beams

DBS Repair installed 11 helical piers beneath four steel I-beams. The piers provided deeper cabin foundation support, while the I-beams distributed the structural load across the new stabilization system.

THE VERIFIED RESULT

Less Than 1/8 Inch of Movement

One year after the cabin foundation repair, DBS returned and measured the structure with a laser level. The inspection found that the cabin had moved less than one-eighth of an inch.

A Measurable Result One Year Later

The follow-up laser-level inspection gave the homeowner tangible evidence that the new cabin foundation stabilization system was performing as intended.

“DBS took our 100 year old cabin and basically rescued it.”
— John Plut, DBS Repair customer

John reported that the cabin had not moved even one-eighth of an inch when DBS assessed the completed work the following year. His experience shows why an old cabin foundation repair should address failed supports with a system designed around the structure and supporting soil.

Expert Cabin Foundation Repair from DBS Repair

If you have noticed uneven cabin floors, a sagging cabin floor, sticking doors, shifting supports, or a visibly sinking cabin foundation, it may be time for a professional evaluation. DBS Repair examines the foundation, framing, site conditions, and structural movement before recommending cabin foundation leveling or stabilization. Our team provides cabin, cottage, and lake house foundation repair solutions for homeowners in Duluth, MN and surrounding northern Minnesota communities.

Primary structural stabilization solution

To fully support the cabin’s structure, DBS installs steel I-beams along with foundation pier systems. When the I-beams are welded to helical piers, this makes for a solid, stable cabin foundation support system. Helical piers are driven to competent soil regardless of surface conditions, providing permanent stabilization that resists freeze-thaw movement.

Year-round installation regardless of weather
Driven to competent soil depth for permanent stability
Resists frost heave and freeze-thaw cycling
Combined with I-beams for complete structural support

Local foundation stabilization guidance

Duluth-area cabins are exposed to repeated freeze-thaw cycles, seasonal moisture, and shifting soils. A professional foundation inspection can determine whether settlement should be addressed with piers, structural beams, support posts, or another repair approach based on the cabin and site conditions.

Inspection identifies the source and extent of foundation movement
Repair recommendations are matched to the cabin and supporting soil
Pier systems can transfer loads beyond weak surface soils when appropriate
DBS Repair serves Duluth and surrounding northern Minnesota communities

Cabin & Boathouse
Homeowner Reviews

your neighbors are talking about us…

DBS Repair helps homeowners with cabins and boathouses in
Duluth and surrounding northern Minnesota communities.
See what customers have been saying about DBS Repair’s
foundation repair services and project experience.

Max Johnson
3 months ago
We were stumped about how to address our aging cabin's foundation issues. DBS clearly understood what was causing the problem and how to fix it. At a follow up visit one year later, the foundation is right where they moved it.
Lynn Stoyanoff
3 months ago
Nick and Rob were at my cabin on time accessed the project said it was easier than they thought it would be. They got right to work at 9 am and was slated to take 8 hours and dig a ditch 4 inches deep and they said no way they could get through there no problem. They got through spread the mat then the white plastic and then foamed. They called at noon and said they were almost done. Great job very efficient great guysFull disclosure I had a bid from groundwork’s that was twice as much and they refused to climb in there unless I removed the floor in the bedroom above do they could access. I refused. DBS was terrific and got the job done. I recommend to anyone.
Matt
4 months ago
I recently had DBS perform warranty work on foundation piers for a cabin boathouse. The crew was incredible. Their work was top notch. The foreman, Trevor, was particularly impressive. Highly skilled, outstanding attention to detail, and very customer focused. He also took the time to communicate and teach his younger crew. A true leader in every sense. DBS... be sure to reward employees like Trevor; people like him are difficult to find!
John Plut
4 months ago
DBS took our 100 year old cabin and basically rescued it. The footings were terrible and DBS put 11 helical piers and 4 I-beams under it. This year they came back out to assess the work with a laser level and found that it hadn't even moved a 1/8 of an inch. Job well done!
Photo from customer review
Don Kienholz
5 months ago
DBS and crew did a great job! My cabin is way more stable and the work will last for years. Super hard workers and nice people. I’ll use them again. Don Kienholz
Justin DeGroot
5 months ago
Glen and Dane did a gret job with the crawl space encapsulation at our cabin.
John Plut
1 year ago
We hired DBS to install Helica Piers under our 100 year old cabin. It was a challenging job with very wet soil and old boards. Jared and Cameron made the trip to Wisconsin and worked very hard to restore the cabin to its original condition. They did an excellent job of explaining the process and what to expect. Our cabin is now on solid ground. Thanks DBS and especially Jared and Cameron for a job well done.
Jay Hartzer
1 year ago
Super impressed with the entire process. Mike made the initial inspection and explained the best method of repair for the cabin foundation in Hayward WI. The installation was performed by Trevor, Travis and Joe. These guys were hard workers. Came in, explained the process, kept me informed and were able to finish the same day. They even cleaned up the job site before leaving. Great attitude even at the end of the day. The completed project exceeded my expectations.
John Brickley
2 years ago
"Because we were so pleased with our initial DBS experience we decided to use them again for another challenging cabin project that was beyond our ability to effectively address. After removing a sidewalk along the uphill facing side of a cabin we purchased, built in 1946, we discovered what we feared. Significant wood rot of our rim joist, wall sill, and beams. We knew DBS was the reliable, quality solution and we were right! From Jake’s thorough analysis, thorough and reasonable discussion of options so we could participate in the selected solution given all the facts, to an exceptional team comprised of Trevor and Ethan, we can say we are incredibly pleased and relieved with the outcome. We are confident our cabin is ready now for the new t generations in our family, giving us great comfort not just now but for those generations to come. Trevor and Ethan went the extra mile, always exhibiting the finest in customer service and a desire to address any questions and provide valued explanations. They did a fabulous job along the repair route of leveling our structure, a very challenging outcome given the specific situations of our situation. They delivered! 10 out of 10 stars plus!"

Schedule your free
Foundation Repair Inspection