CASE STUDY
HELICAL PIER FOUNDATION STABILIZATION FOR SINKING CABIN IN SARONA, WI
This lakeside cabin in Sarona, WI was in desperate need of heavy structural stabilization. Continuous changes in the regional soil matrix, driven by extreme seasonal freezing and thawing cycles throughout the years, have caused significant settling in the structure, threatening the home’s long-term safety and usability.
This cabin in Sarona, WI was in need of some stabilization. Changes in the soil with freezing and thawing throughout the years have caused significant settling in the structure. The family was concerned about the health of the cabin and wanted a permanent solution in protecting it in years to come.
Sales Manager Royce Bunn was the Design Specialist for the project. After a thorough inspection, he designed a plan that would restore structural integrity to the cabin and return it to a level position. This included installing 130 feet of supplemental steel supports beneath the cabin to compensate for the failing wooden structures.
Our team performed the cabin stabilization work by hydraulically driving 4 HelixPro® piers beneath the new steel support beams. These piers are driven well beneath the ground’s surface until they reach stable, load-bearing soil. The weight of the cabin is then transferred to the competent soil and will be permanently stabilized going forward.

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Foundation Repair
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Stop the Damage, for Good.
What DBS Repair Uses to Stabilize Minnesota Foundations
Every Minnesota foundation problem has a permanent solution. DBS Repair uses proven, engineer-backed systems to stabilize, straighten, and restore homes from Duluth and St. Cloud to Brainerd, Baxter, Elk River, Sauk Rapids, and surrounding counties. And we back every repair with industry-leading, fully transferable warranties.

Foundation Piers:
The Permanent Fix for a Settling Foundation
The most reliable way to stop foundation settlement is to bypass weak soil entirely. DBS Repair installs steel foundation piers that transfer your home’s weight down to stable, load-bearing soil or bedrock, halting settlement permanently and often restoring the structure to its original level position.
Two pier systems we install:
What pier installation solves:
Crawl Space Support Jacks:
Permanent Support for Sagging Floors
Soft, bouncy, or uneven floors above a crawl space need an engineered solution. DBS Repair installs the SmartJack® System, a heavy-duty adjustable steel support post designed for long-term floor stability even in weak soils.
How SmartJack® installation works:
To protect your repair long-term, DBS Repair recommends:
Bowing Wall Repair:
Straighten and Stabilize Before It’s Too Late
A bowing foundation wall won’t fix itself. The longer it moves, the fewer options you have. DBS Repair installs proven, trusted systems to stop inward movement and restore wall strength.
Wall Anchor System
PowerBrace™ Wall System
✅ DBS Repair Tip: The earlier a bowing wall is addressed, the higher the chance of full straightening. Walls that have moved more than 2″ are harder and more costly to correct.
Sunken Slab Repair:
Lift and Level Without Full Replacement
A sinking concrete floor in a Minnesota home, garage, cabin, or lake property doesn’t always mean a full tear-out. DBS Repair uses two minimally invasive methods to lift, stabilize, and level settled slabs. Repairing concrete costs much less than the cost to replace concrete.
Slab Pier System
PolyLevel® Foam Injection
Got a Cabin, Lake Home, or Boat House in Minnesota? We Repair Those Too!
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Minnesota homeowners in Duluth, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Baxter, Elk River, Sauk Rapids, and nearby counties can apply on the spot during their in-home appointment. No obligation.
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