I have a relative with a cabin in Alaska, and one corner is sinking due to melting permafrost. I'm trying to help troubleshoot from afar since the two guys fixing it are both around 75-80 years old. My plan is to use large blocks—similar to oversized Lego pieces, about 12 inches on each side and 6 to 12 inches tall—under the sinking corner. The idea is to jack it up and have the weight drive these blocks into the ground until they hit solid permafrost. Once that happens, I would keep stacking smaller blocks (1 to 3 inches tall) for future support. I'm wondering: do you know if there are companies that make such blocks, or would we need to get them custom made? Additionally, is there a better, more affordable solution for stabilizing the cabin for my relative, who is on a fixed income and looking to sell?
3 Answers
This kind of foundation repair technique does work in places with similar soil issues, but Alaska's conditions can be tricky. Since the soil strength and house weight are factors, consulting with an engineer might help determine the best approach to ensure the house is stable for sale without breaking the bank.
Your method could work generally, but be careful! With permafrost, simply adding supports can potentially worsen the thawing. Perhaps consider bringing in a local engineer to assess the situation properly, since they could offer the best advice based on the soil and foundation condition.
It’s a great start to consult with local experts who are experienced with Alaska's specific challenges. They can offer insights that might save you from making mistakes. Just keep in mind that the permafrost situation can be quite complex!
Absolutely! Local knowledge is key here. Make sure to pass that along!
Really good point! You definitely want to make sure you're not creating more problems.