One of the few companies which installs all major pier types and will recommend the pier that best suits your foundation needs.
We only recommend the type of pier that will provide a long-term solution to your unique foundation problems, but we also try to provide the adequate solution at a reasonable price – we never “up-sell” the most expensive pier! In addition, we pride ourselves on our non-destructive approach to your yard. We strive to leave your home looking the same as when we arrived…except that your problems are fixed. Please call or e-mail if you have any questions about your foundation or to receive a free foundation repair estimate or contact us and let us know what we can do to help you!
Here you see the top of a concrete pressed piling pier under the perimeter grade beam of a home.
BENEFIT:
- USUALLY LEAST EXPENSIVE
- NEARLY UNLIMITED DEPTH
- ADJUSTABLE BY EVERY COMPANY IN BUSINESS
DRAW-BACKS:
- MOST PRONE TO FAILURE IF NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY
- NOT SUITABLE FOR HIGH WATER FLOW AREAS
- MOST LIKELY TO CREATE NEW SHEETROCK CRACKS
The concrete pressed piling is by far the most prevalent repair pier on the market. Many companies give them brand names to make them sound exclusive, but they are all essentially the same.The concrete piling consists of pre-cast high-strength concrete cylinders which are driven to refusal by hydraulic rams. They are fast, create far less mess than a drilled pier, are infinitely adjustable by any company in the industry, and are by far the most cost-effective method used.However, if not installed to complete refusal, these piers can slip over time. Also, like steel piers, the concrete pressed piling relies on the weight of the building to press the pilings. This creates movement in the structure which can create new Sheetrock and brick cracks in some instances.
Concrete pressed pilings are pre-cast high-strength concrete cylinders driven to refusal by hydraulic rams. These are installed directly under the grade beams. A cap block is installed atop the cylinders and, after the structure is raised into position, two more cylinders are added along with steel shims which are hammered in to prevent slippage.
BENEFIT:
- NO PRESSURE ON THE HOUSE
- CAN BE INSTALLED UNDER LIGHT STRUCTURES
DRAW-BACKS:
- LIMITED IN DEPTH (8-11 FEET)
- MESSIEST AND MOST TIME CONSUMING METHOD
- FAILED PIERS MEANS START OVER
Drilled piers are the oldest type of piers used. Holes and pier shafts are created using various types of auger equipment, then steel rebar is added and fresh concrete is poured into these shafts. After the concrete cures (about a week), the foundation is lifted and supported on these piers.While drilled piers are very beneficial in some applications, they are limited in depth (usually 8-11 feet deep), are very messy to install, take at least 7 days to complete (unless concrete accelerators are used), and require larger equipment in the yard. Also, if a pier fails for any reason the entire process has to start fro scratch.
The graphic above is an illustration of a dual-shaft pier, which is the most commonly used drilled pier. Other drilled piers will utilize a larger diameter single pier shaft design.
BENEFIT:
- ULTIMATE INTER-LOCKING POWER
- UNLIMITED DEPTH
DRAW-BACKS:
- THE MOST EXPENSIVE METHOD
- OLD-STYLE PIERS TEND TO BEND AND BREAK
- LIMITED ADJUST ABILITY BY OTHER COMPANIES
These old-style steel piers utilize a single pipe installed outside the footprint of the home with a steel bracket transferring the load to the pipe. The problem with this design is that it creates a bending moment stress on the pipe just below the bracket. We have seen dozens of examples of broken piers which have allowed the house to drop again.
The double-walled steel pier we utilize is installed from directly under the grade beam of the home. No brackets are used and no bending moment is created. Also, the pier employs a smaller pipe inside the outer pipe which gives tremendous resistance to any bending and rusting fatigue
A hybrid pier, in the context of foundation repair work, refers to a structural support system that combines two or more distinct materials or components with the aim of optimizing the benefits of each. Typically employed in addressing foundation settlement or instability issues, a hybrid pier integrates materials such as steel and concrete to capitalize on their individual strengths. This innovative foundation repair solution aims to achieve enhanced load-bearing capacity and longevity by strategically utilizing the unique properties of each material. The combination is engineered to provide the depth and stability required for effective foundation support, often offering a balance between the strength of steel and the durability of concrete. Hybrid piers are designed to overcome specific challenges in foundation repair, offering a comprehensive and tailored solution to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the repaired foundation.