What Type of Foundation Repair is Best?

• by Baron Krajcik-Hermiston
• November 7, 2023

Most people want to get the best quality for their money. This goes for things like home repairs and other work that affects the foundation of their house.

Early signs of foundation problems include cracks in the wall, doors and windows moving out of their frames, and leaky plumbing. It’s important to fix them quickly before they get worse.

Concrete Piers

Concrete piers are an excellent choice for foundation repairs, especially in cases where the foundation has been shifting or sinking due to unstable soil. They are also an ideal solution for homes that were originally built on a slab foundation, and can help stabilize the structure after the foundation has been repaired. Concrete piers are constructed by drilling holes that are around one foot in diameter underneath the foundation of your home, and then filling them with concrete. The concrete is then pressed against the bottom of the hole, which helps to stabilize the foundation and prevent further settlement.

The concrete is then reinforced with steel, which makes it extremely strong and durable. This helps to ensure that the piers can withstand the weight of your home and will not break under pressure. Concrete piers are an affordable and long-term solution for your foundation problem, which is why they are such a popular choice for homeowners.

Another type of foundation repair is called concrete injection, which involves injecting a cement-like substance into cracks in the foundation. This method is usually used when the foundation has been damaged by water, termites, or earthquakes. It can be a more cost-effective option than concrete piers, but it is not as permanent a solution.

If your foundation has been damaged by shrinkage, it is possible to repair the problem with hydraulic cement. This is a quick and inexpensive method that can be done in less than a day. However, it is not as effective as other repair methods and will likely need to be repeated.

If you are having serious issues with your foundation, it is a good idea to contact Foundation Repair Lexington Ky for a free inspection and estimate. They will be able to recommend the best type of foundation repair for your situation. Depending on your needs and the severity of the damage, concrete or steel may be the best options. If you are on a tight budget, concrete piers may be a more affordable choice than steel piers. However, if you want a permanent solution, steel is the way to go.

Steel Piers

A more cost-effective option than concrete piers, steel piers can be screwed in (helical piers) or hydraulically driven through the weak soil until they reach stronger, more stable ground. The piers can then be attached to the foundation and secured. This repair method is also known as pinning or pushing the foundation down, and it’s a common choice for houses that can’t be stabilized with slabjacking or high-density foam. However, it’s important to consult with a geotechnical engineer before selecting this repair method because it can affect plumbing and HVAC systems. The piers must also be tested before a building is restored, and they may require more than one visit to achieve the proper support.

Most foundation repair companies use two types of steel piers: push piers and helical piers. Both are made of hollow steel pipes with plates that are attached to the bottom. The construction crew will drive the piers into the soil with a hydraulic jack. Once the piers are installed, they will be loaded with an engineer-approved amount of weight to ensure that they’re able to support the house’s weight and prevent future shifts in the foundation.

Steel piers have more longevity than other support options, including concrete piers. They can also be driven deeper into the soil—up to 75 feet—meaning they are less susceptible to shifting from the ground below. They are more expensive than other support methods, but they may be worth the investment for homeowners who want a long-term solution to foundation settlement.

The best part about steel piers is that they are much faster to install than other support options. This means that the building will be restored more quickly and that a homeowner won’t need to spend months or years living in their home while it is under construction. This is especially valuable for a home that needs to be restored immediately after a serious earthquake. Another benefit of using steel piers is that they can be installed in areas where other support methods aren’t practical, such as on sloping terrain.

Helical Piers

Helical piers, also known as screw piles or torque anchors, are designed to be installed with minimal disturbance of the home’s foundation. These piers consist of a central rod, or pier, with helical plates that give them the appearance of giant screws. They are screwed into the ground until they reach a layer of load-bearing soil beneath the foundation footing. When the piers are attached to your foundation with a bracket, the weight of your house or building will be transferred onto them, strengthening and stabilizing your foundation.

For homes and structures located on sites with poor load-bearing soils, helical piers are often the best solution. They also work well in cases where access to a structure’s foundation is limited because they require less excavation than other methods. Additionally, helical piers are the preferred method for residential and commercial foundation repair in areas where water is prevalent.

The installation process for helical piers is similar to that of slab jacking and concrete pilings. A hole is drilled in the foundation’s soil until bedrock or stable soil is reached. A pier is then screwed into place using rotational force, and a grout mixture is injected to secure it. The helical piers are then test loaded to ensure they can support the structure, and the excavation site is backfilled.

If your foundation is showing signs of damage, you should contact a professional immediately for a comprehensive evaluation. They will be able to determine which type of pier is the best for your situation. The number of piers needed will be based on the severity of your foundation damage. Minor damage may only require a few piers to prevent further movement or settling, while moderate damage will necessitate more. Severe structural damage that puts the entire building in danger will require many helical piers to stabilize and strengthen the foundation. Regardless of the number of piers required, your contractor should be able to provide you with an accurate estimate for the cost at the time of your initial evaluation. This will allow you to budget accordingly for your foundation repair project.

Spot Piers

Pier and beam foundations are often constructed of wood, which can deteriorate over time. This can affect the sills and floor joists of your home, leading to a variety of problems. This can include sagging floors, uneven floors, and wood-eating pests like termites. These pests love the cool, dark crawl space that is typically found with pier and beam foundations.

The good news is that there are many options for repairing wood-constructed pier and beam foundations. Whether your home is experiencing minor issues or you need to completely replace all of the sills and joists in your home, there are various repair methods that will be appropriate for your situation.

One option is to use spot piers. Spot piers are shallow holes that are filled with concrete, which can help to stabilize your home's foundation. This is a great option for light-load areas of your home, such as porches. This type of foundation pier can be installed quickly and is cost-effective.

Another option is to use segmented piers. Segmented piers are small, cylindrical tubes of concrete that get pressed into the soil around your home. A professional will often use a hydraulic jack to push the piers into the ground, driving them up to 10 or 15 feet into the soil. This method is typically less expensive than using helical or steel piers, but it might not provide as much long-term support.

If you have a pier and beam foundation and notice cracks in your walls or floors, contact Foundation Repair Lexington Ky expert immediately. They will perform a full inspection and determine which type of foundation pier is best for your home. They will also check for any obstructions that might interfere with the pier installation process, such as underground utility lines and tree roots.

Once the inspection is complete, your foundation repair expert can begin the pier installation process. They will first dig a hole under your house's foundation. If there are any obstructions that must be removed, this will add to the total installation time and cost of your pier repair project. Once the piers are in place, your foundation repair expert will test them to ensure they are even and stable. This step is essential in preventing future issues with your foundation.

Most people want to get the best quality for their money. This goes for things like home repairs and other work that affects the foundation of their house. Early signs of foundation problems include cracks in the wall, doors and windows moving out of their frames, and leaky plumbing. It’s important to fix them quickly…