Fixing Your Foundation Problem Right the First Time

Every home is different, so there is never one set solution to every foundation problem.  However, there is a right way and a wrong way to solve issues that come along with foundation settlement.  Rather than trying to find a cheap way to temporarily fix the problem, fixing it the right way the first time will save the homeowner time and money in the long run.

Steel Push Piers

Push piers, also known as resistance piers, are made of steel and are driven deep into the soil to a stable soil layer.  They can be installed from the interior or exterior of the home and are built to lift the home back in its original position.  Oftentimes, the installation of push piers closes cracks and prevents doors and windows from jamming or sticking.  Shown in the picture below is an example of a push pier installed on the interior of a home and concrete poured over it.  Push piers are the perfect way to solve a problem without the solution being an eyesore.

This is the least risky solution when local soil conditions are unknown because the piers are driven all the way to bedrock.  Push piers are the best solution when the homeowner wants the following things: to lift the home back toward its original position, minimal disturbance from installation, quick installation compared to other products, and restore property value.  Push piers should not be used on lighter structures such as decks, for which a helical pier may be a better solution.

Helical Piers

Helical piers are another steel piering system.  They can also be installed from the interior or exterior of the home and attempt to lift the home back in its original position.  The first section that is driven into the soil has one or more helical blades welded to the shaft.  Additional sections do not have blades and are used to extend the pier to the necessary depth.  Helical piers can help with closing cracks and other issues caused by settlement.

When the conditions of the local soil are known, helical piers are an ideal solution because the contractor will know exactly how deep to install the piers to reach a stable layer.  Helical piers are also a better solution over steel push piers when lighter structures, such as archways or decks, need to be stabilized due to settlement.