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Foundation Repair with Helical Piers and Push Piers
A sinking or settling foundation can cause significant damage to your home, leading to cracks in walls, uneven floors, and even structural instability. Fortunately, there are effective solutions to repair and stabilize such foundations, including the use of helical piers and push piers.
What are Helical Piers?
Helical piers are long, steel shafts with helical blades (screw-like) at the bottom. They are driven into the ground using a specialized hydraulic drilling rig. The helical blades act like screws, providing strong anchoring and support for the foundation.
How Helical Piers Work
When a foundation settles, the weight of the house is transferred to the soil below. However, if the soil is weak or unstable, it cannot adequately support the weight, causing the foundation to sink. Helical piers provide a solid foundation by transferring the weight of the house to a deeper, stronger layer of soil.
Benefits of Helical Piers
- Strong and Durable: Helical piers are made of high-quality steel and are designed to withstand heavy loads. They offer long-lasting support and can prevent future settling.
- Minimally Invasive: Installation of helical piers is typically less invasive than other foundation repair methods. They can be installed without extensive excavation, minimizing disruption to your property.
- Fast Installation: Helical piers can be installed quickly, often within a day or two, depending on the scope of the project.
- Versatile: Helical piers can be used to repair and stabilize various foundation types, including crawl spaces, basements, and slabs.
What are Push Piers?
Push piers are similar to helical piers but are driven into the ground using a hydraulic jack instead of helical blades. They are typically used in situations where the soil is relatively firm and can support the weight of the house.
How Push Piers Work
Push piers are installed under the existing foundation and then driven into the ground using a hydraulic jack. As the piers are driven down, they lift the foundation and restore it to its original level.
Benefits of Push Piers
- Cost-Effective: Push piers are often a more cost-effective solution than helical piers, especially for smaller projects.
- Faster Installation: Push piers can be installed faster than helical piers in some cases.
- Less Disruption: Push piers are typically installed with minimal excavation, minimizing disruption to your property.
Choosing the Right Foundation Repair Method
The best foundation repair method for your home will depend on several factors, including the type of foundation, the severity of the settling, and the soil conditions. A qualified foundation repair contractor can assess your situation and recommend the most appropriate solution.
Conclusion
Helical piers and push piers are effective and reliable methods for repairing and stabilizing sinking or settling foundations. They provide long-lasting support, minimize disruption to your property, and can restore your home to its original condition. If you suspect foundation problems, contact a qualified foundation repair contractor to get a professional assessment and discuss your options.