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Deep Foundation Solutions: Comparing Helical and Push Pier Systems

a helical push pier system

Whether you’ve found cracks in walls or noticed sticky doors and windows, your house is showing signs of foundation trouble. But what’s next? One Google search results in a maze of options, but two of the most common solutions may keep appearing: helical piers and push piers. What is the deal with these? How do they differ? And which is the best for your home? Let’s break it down.

Understanding Push Piers

Imagine multiple steel poles, driven deep into the soil, supporting the weight of your home. This is basically how installing push piers solves your foundation problem. Push piers are long steel poles, which after being driven into the ground are attached to the home’s foundation using a steel bracket.

The Installation Process

The process begins with removing the dirt surrounding the home. Hydraulic jacks, which are essentially powerful machines that push the rods down, install these piers anywhere from 25 to even 60 feet into the ground. After installation, the weight of your home is transferred and supported by these steel push piers.

Ideal Conditions for Push Piers

Push piers are an excellent solution when the soil surrounding the home is unknown or unstable. These piers provide stability by reaching deep, load-bearing soil layers. As a result, they can support the weight of your home and even help restore it to its original position.

When Push Piers Might Not Be Suitable

While push piers are incredibly effective for stabilizing heavy structures like homes and buildings, they are not ideal for lighter structures such as stoops and decks. These lighter structures do not exert enough weight to properly engage the piers.

Helical Piers Explained

Helical piers, on the other hand, resemble giant screws twisted into the ground. These high-strength steel corkscrews are designed to reach the stable soil beneath the areas causing your foundation issues. Blades on helical piers also provide added stability in softer soils.

The Installation Process

To install helical piers, the soil around the home is first removed. The piers are then screwed into the ground using hydraulic equipment. Unlike push piers, helical piers can be installed both vertically and at an angle. Once in place, brackets are attached to the piers, which in turn are secured to the home’s foundation.

Ideal Conditions for Helical Piers

Helical piers are versatile and can be installed in various weather conditions, whether it’s raining, snowing, or sunny. They are effective for both light structures (like stoops and decks) and heavy buildings. Besides bearing the weight of the structure above, helical piers can also help level the home back to its original position.

When Helical Piers Might Not Be Suitable

The effectiveness of helical piers depends on being driven into strong, stable soil. If the soil condition around the home is unknown or if shallow bedrock prevents proper installation, helical piers may not be the right choice. Additionally, in heaving soil conditions, push piers can come apart and do not resist upward movement that we find along the Front Range.

Helical pier to jack up a sinking foundation

The Importance of Soil Conditions

a push pier inserted into the ground

The soil surrounding your home plays a crucial role in the stability of your foundation. Often, foundation problems arise not because of how your home was built, but due to the settling of soil underneath it. Different soil layers react differently to changes in weather, becoming more compact or loosening up over time, which can cause shifts and affect the foundation above.

Soil Layers and Foundation Support

Each layer of soil is made of different materials, and the deeper you go, the more stable and less affected by weather changes the soil becomes. This is why piers are driven deep into the ground—to reach these stable layers. By anchoring the foundation to these strong, deep soil layers, piers prevent future shifting and settling caused by changes in the upper soil layers.

Comparing Push Piers and Helical Piers

Now that you understand how each type of pier works, let’s compare their key differences and benefits.

Longevity of Push Piers and Helical Piers

Both helical and push piers are designed to last for the entire lifespan of your home. These solutions are intended to provide a permanent fix to foundation problems. If the ground were to shift or if there were installation issues, Pinnacle Structural Services offers a warranty to ensure a secure foundation for you and any future owners of your home.

Number of Piers Required

The number of push or helical piers needed depends on various factors, including the weight of your home, the severity of the foundation problem, and soil conditions. A professional inspection is necessary to determine the exact number required for your specific situation.

Cost Considerations

Helical pier installation typically takes less time than push pier installation, which can result in lower labor costs. However, helical piers can be more expensive per foot than push piers. The overall cost will depend on the length and number of piers needed. break down both labor and material costs, enabling you to determine the best fit for your home and budget.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Deciding between helical and push piers involves considering multiple factors, including your budget, the extent of the foundation damage, and the recommendations of a qualified foundation repair specialist. Both options provide a valuable solution to foundation problems and help prevent further damage to your home.

If you’re ready to address your foundation issues and support your home’s stability, we are here to help.. Our team of experts will provide you with a detailed plan tailored to your specific needs.

Don’t wait until foundation problems worsen. Contact us today to learn more about which system is best for you and schedule a free estimate. You can reach us at (720) 202-7015 to discuss your foundation concerns with a professional.

By understanding the differences between push piers and helical piers and the role of soil conditions, you can make an informed decision to protect your home’s foundation. Trust Pinnacle Structural Services to provide the expertise and solutions you need to ensure your home remains stable and secure for years to come.

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