A Treasure Island waterfront home was experiencing widespread interior slab settlement following the construction of an addition. The added load changed the weight distribution of the structure, causing existing weak soil conditions to worsen.

Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Helicon identified hidden voids and unstable soil beneath the slab—allowing for a precise repair plan.

The homeowner’s goals were twofold:

1. Restore the interior slab to its original level and ensure long-term stability
2. Stabilize the seawall, which was showing signs of erosion and void formation behind it

By addressing both issues at once, Helicon could protect the home’s structural integrity and safeguard it from future settlement or seawall failure.

Interior slab underpinning comes with unique challenges:

• Limited access – Working under finished floors, kitchen cabinets, and bathrooms without major disruption
• Structural precision – Installing piers in the correct locations and depths to avoid uneven lifting or new cracking
• Tight-space equipment – Using compact, specialized hydraulic systems or hand-dug pits inside the home

In coastal Florida, another challenge is protecting structures from water-related soil loss—especially on properties like this, where seawalls are directly exposed to tides, storms, and rainwater runoff.

Step 1 – Interior Slab Underpinning

Helicon installed 21 galvanized steel push piers under targeted interior slab locations. These piers were driven hydraulically down to load-bearing strata, bypassing weak surface soils and securing the slab with heavy-duty slab brackets. This permanently halted further settlement.

Step 2 – Polyurethane Slab Injections

To reinforce the piers and stabilize the soil, Helicon injected 544 pounds of two-part polyurethane grout beneath the slab. This foam expanded instantly to:

• Fill hidden voids
• Compact loose soils
• Lock the foundation into a stable position

Step 3 – Seawall Stabilization

The home’s seawall was stabilized with 31 injection points of single-component polyurethane grout—80 gallons total—to fill erosion pockets and strengthen soil behind the wall.

Helicon also installed eight JET Filters to relieve hydrostatic pressure, one of the most common causes of seawall failure during Florida’s heavy rains and storm surges.

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Underpinning can stabilize the outside and inside of your home. Set up your free inspection now.

♬ Swear By It – Chris Alan Lee

Why Coastal Homes Need Specialized Foundation Repair

Homes in Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, Madeira Beach, and other Gulf Coast communities face unique foundation challenges that inland properties rarely experience. Coastal soil tends to be sandy and porous, which makes it more vulnerable to:

• Tidal water intrusion washing away fine soil particles
• Storm surge and heavy rain causing sudden void formation
• Saltwater exposure accelerating corrosion of structural components

Helicon’s coastal foundation repair methods are designed to withstand salt, moisture, and soil movement, giving waterfront homeowners peace of mind year-round.

Florida Seawall Failure – Common Causes

Many Florida homeowners don’t realize their seawall is in trouble until visible cracking or leaning occurs. The most common seawall failure factors include:

1. Hydrostatic pressure buildup – trapped water pushes against the wall after storms
2. Soil washout – voids form behind the wall, reducing support
3. Aging materials – older seawalls lose structural strength over decades
4. Poor drainage – lack of pressure relief systems like JET Filters

By addressing both existing erosion and installing preventative measures, Helicon ensures seawalls remain strong, stable, and functional for decades.

The Results

In just one coordinated project, Helicon:

• Restored interior slab elevation and structural integrity
• Eliminated further settlement risk with deep foundation piers
• Reinforced the soil beneath the home and seawall
• Installed preventative measures to protect the property from future water damage

The homeowner now has a safe, stable, and storm-ready coastal home—without the disruption of major demolition or reconstruction.

Why Treasure Island Homeowners Choose Helicon

For foundation repair in Treasure Island, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the Tampa Bay area, Helicon is the trusted choice. We specialize in coastal property foundation stabilization, interior slab piers, and seawall repair—protecting homes from the unique challenges of Florida’s soils and waterfront environments.

Contact us today and protect your home from costly settlement.