I've Got Foundation Settlement, Now What? Part 2

 

Steel Push Piers

What is it? Push piers are made of steel and are driven deep into the soil to bedrock and another stable soil layer. Push piers can be installed from the exterior or interior of your home and can provide an opportunity to lift your home back toward it original position, often closing cracks and improving the operation of doors and windows.

How does it work? First, soil is removed from the area where the pier will be driven. A heavy-duty steel bracket is then install below and against your foundation’s footing. Steel pier sections are hydraulically driven through the bracket to bedrock or a stable soil layer. Next, the weight of the home is transferred through the piers to competent soil below, and a lift can be attempted to bring the home back toward its original position. Once the stabilization and lift are completed, the soil is backfilled and the home is permanently stabilized in its new position.

When to use it. Because push piers are driven all the way to bedrock or a stable soil layer, push piers are often the least risky solution when local soil conditions are unknown. If your goals are the following, push piers are a good choice:

-Best opportunity to lift the home back toward its original position.

-Minimal disturbance from installation.

-Quick installation compared to other solutions.

-Problem solved ones and for all!

When NOT to use it.

When installing piers on lighter structures such as stoops or decks, a solution such as a helical pier may be more effective because the structure may not be heavy enough to drive push piers to a sufficient depth.

 

Helical Piers

What is it? A helical pier is another steel piering system. The first section that is advanced into the ground has one or more helix shaped blades welded to the shaft. Additional extensions are then used to extend the pier to the necessary depth. Helical piers can be installed from the exterior or interior of your home and provide an opportunity to lift your home back toward its original position. Helical piers can also be effective at closing cracks caused by settlement and improving the operation of doors and windows.

How does it work? First, soil is removed from the area where the helical pier will be installed, and then sections are advanced into the soil. Once proper depths and capacities are achieved, heavy-duty foundation brackets are positioned below the footing. The weight of the home is then transferred through the helical piers to deep, competent soils. Lifting the home back toward its original position is attempted, and the soil around the installation is then replaced.

When to use it. Helical piers can be an ideal solution because the contractor can install the piers to reach a stable soil layer that can support your home, regardless of the weight of the structure. If your goals are the following, helical piers are a good choice:

·         Attempt to lift the home back toward its original position.

·         Stabilize lighter structures that have settled, such as decks or stoops.

·         Minimal disturbance from installation.

·         Quick installation compared to other solutions.

·         Problem solved and for all!

When NOT to use it. Less experienced helical pier installers may not advance the pier deep enough if a stiff soil layer is encountered near the surface, which may be above the problematic soil layer.

 

From the Book: Foundation Repair Service: What to Have Done with Your Structural Problem and Why by David Thrasher/Amanda Harrington/Larry Janesky