Learn How to Ensure Your Foundation is Securely Supported for Years to Come

Is the strength of your foundation a concern? Have you noticed any holes or squeaks in the walls or floors? The placement of push piers is the solution. In this comprehensive tutorial, we will explain the reasons for and steps involved in putting push piers, arming you with the information you need to make an informed decision that will benefit your foundation for years to come. Do not put off learning how installing push piers can safeguard your property until it is too late.

Introduction

A solid base is necessary for the protection and lifespan of any structure. However, with time, a foundation can become unstable due to natural reasons such as soil erosion and shifting, resulting in cracks in walls, uneven floors, and even structural damage. Push-pier installation is a viable option for dealing with this issue.

To further strengthen a foundation, push piers can be put into the earth at various depths. The foundations are able to fulfill their job by shifting the building's load away from the weaker soil and onto the stronger soil or rock layers underneath. A foundation's stability and future damage prevention may depend on this.



In this manual, we'll take a close look at the advantages, functionality, and installation method of push piers. We'll also answer some of the most common questions people have about installing push piers and give advice on how to take care of your piers after they've been set up. When you're done reading this, you'll have a firm grasp on the ins and outs of installing push piers, giving you the confidence that your foundation is in good hands.

History of Push Pier Installation

Using steel piers as foundation support is an idea that emerged in the late 19th century. Push piers have been around for a while, but the technology wasn't quite developed enough to be employed for residential or commercial buildings until later.



Push pier installation first became commonplace for home foundations in the 1960s and 1970s. Now that we have better tools at our disposal, engineers can create piers that are sturdy enough to hold up a building but compact enough to fit in a basement or crawl space.

New materials and designs have been developed over the years to make push piers stronger, more durable, and easier to install. Push piers are now widely recognized as one of the most efficient and trustworthy approaches to fixing foundations. Engineers and repair contractors use them all over the world to strengthen and support a wide variety of foundations.

Fixing foundation issues with push piers has been tried and tested over many years. It's been around for a while, and it's widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to fix a foundation. Push piers are used by many engineers and repair contractors worldwide to stabilize and sustain a wide variety of foundation sizes and shapes.

Benefits of Push Pier Installation

Using push piers to reinforce a structure's base has various advantages. Among the most significant advantages are:



1. Effectiveness: Push piers are highly effective at stabilizing a foundation and preventing further damage. They work by transferring the weight of the building from the unstable soil to more stable soil or rock layers that are deeper down. This can help to prevent cracks from getting worse and can even help to repair existing cracks.
2. Durability: Push piers are made from high-strength steel and are designed to withstand the weight of the building and the forces of nature for many years. They are resistant to corrosion and can be adjusted as needed to ensure that the foundation remains stable over time.
3. Ease of Installation: Push pier installation is relatively quick and easy. The piers can be installed through small openings in the foundation, such as crawl spaces or basements, and do not require major excavation or disruption to the building.
4. Versatility: Push piers can be used to stabilize and support foundations of all types and sizes, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and even bridges and other large structures. They can also be used in a variety of soil conditions.
5. Cost-effective: Push pier installation is a cost-effective solution for foundation problems. It is less disruptive and less expensive than other foundation repair methods, such as underpinning or slab jacking.
6. Long-lasting: Push pier installation is a long-lasting solution for foundation problems. The piers are made of high-strength steel and are resistant to corrosion, so they can last for many years.
7. Can be used for both new and old buildings. Push pier installation can be used for both new and old buildings. It can be used to prevent foundation problems from occurring in new construction and can also be used to repair existing foundation problems in older buildings.

In conclusion, installing push piers is a safe, affordable, and permanent fix for foundation issues that will give you peace of mind and safeguard your property for years to come.

Types of Push Pier Installation

Each of the various push-pier methods has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The following are examples of popular push pier designs:

1. Helical Piers: Helical piers consist of a steel shaft with helical-shaped plates attached to it. These plates act as screw-like anchors that are screwed into the soil to provide support to the foundation. Helical piers are often used for lighter structures and are well-suited for use in areas with clay or silt soils.
2. Resistance Piers: Resistance piers consist of a steel shaft with a plate at the bottom. The plate is pushed into the soil to provide support to the foundation. Resistance piers are often used for heavier structures and are well-suited for use in areas with sand or gravel soils.
3. Hybrid Piers: Hybrid piers are a combination of helical and resistance piers. They consist of a steel shaft with helical plates at the top and a plate at the bottom. The helical plates are screwed into the soil and the bottom plate is pushed into the soil to provide support to the foundation. Hybrid piers are well-suited for use in areas with mixed soil conditions.
4. Slab Piers: Slab piers are designed to support a slab foundation. They consist of a steel shaft with a plate at the bottom. The plate is pushed into the soil beneath the slab to provide support to the foundation. Slab piers are well-suited for use in areas with poor soil conditions.
5. Screw Piers: Screw Piers are similar to helical piers, but are driven into the soil using a machine, rather than being screwed in by hand. Screw piers are often used for larger and heavier structures, and are well-suited for use in areas with dense and hard soil conditions.

The kind of soil, the size and weight of the structure, and the unique needs of the foundation will all play a role in determining the sort of push pier system that will be employed. A professional in the field of foundation restoration will be able to evaluate your structure's needs and advise you on the most suitable push-pier system.



Different types of push pier installations can be used in a variety of situations, depending on the soil and the weight of the building. An expert in foundation repair will be able to assess the situation and advise on the best push pier to use.

Design Considerations

There are a few major aspects to think about while constructing a push pier installation. Among these are:



1. Load-bearing capacity: The load-bearing capacity of the piers must be sufficient to support the weight of the building and any additional loads, such as snow or wind. This will be determined by the type of soil, the size and weight of the structure, and the specific needs of the foundation.
2. Pier spacing: The spacing of the piers will depend on the size and weight of the building, as well as the condition of the soil. Piers should be spaced close enough together to provide adequate support, but not so close that they interfere with each other.
3. Soil conditions: The soil conditions, such as the type of soil and its load-bearing capacity, will have a significant impact on the design of the push pier installation. Soil testing will be necessary to determine the best type of pier system and the number of piers needed to provide adequate support.
4. Foundation type: The type of foundation, such as a crawl space or a full basement, will also have an impact on the design of the push-pier installation. Different types of foundations may require different types of piers or different pier spacing.
5. Lateral stability: The piers must be designed to provide adequate lateral stability. This will depend on the type of soil, the size and weight of the structure, and the specific needs of the foundation.
6. Future expansion: The design of the push pier installation should also take into account any potential future expansion of the building. This may require additional piers or different pier spacing to ensure that the foundation remains stable over time.

Understanding the soil conditions, foundation types, and load-bearing capacity is essential when designing a push pier installation. Your foundation's long-term stability can be ensured with the help of a professional push pier installation designed specifically for your needs.

Installation Process

Generally, the following are involved in the installation of push piers:



1. Inspection: A foundation repair contractor will inspect the foundation to determine the cause of the problem and the best type of pier system to use. This may include taking measurements and performing soil tests.
2. Design: The contractor will then design the push pier installation, taking into account factors such as the load-bearing capacity of the piers, pier spacing, soil conditions, foundation type, and lateral stability.
3. Excavation: The contractor will then excavate small openings in the foundation, such as crawl spaces or basements, to access the area where the piers will be installed.
4. Installation: The piers are then installed through the excavated openings. The piers are driven into the soil using a hydraulic ram, screw or a combination of both. The piers will be driven until they reach a stable soil layer or rock layer that can provide adequate support to the foundation.
5. Adjustment: Once the piers are installed, they may be adjusted to ensure that the foundation is properly supported. This may include leveling the piers or adjusting their height.
6. Backfilling: Once the piers are adjusted, the excavated openings are backfilled with soil. The foundation may also be leveled or repaired if necessary.
7. Final Inspection: A final inspection is performed to ensure that the foundation is stable and that the piers are properly adjusted.

The method of installation can change based on the type of pier system used and the requirements of the base. The installation process is often simple and rapid, taking no more than two days to finish. When the installation is finished, the foundation will be secure and safe for many years to come.

It's important to remember that the installation procedure can change based on the type of pier system chosen, the needs of the foundation, and the stipulations of the local building codes. To get the most out of your installation, hire a skilled contractor who can tailor their method to your needs.

Maintenance Requirements

Push piers are low-maintenance once they've been set up. Some things should be remembered, however, to keep the piers properly supporting the base.

1. Monitoring: It's important to monitor the foundation for any signs of movement or settling. This may include checking for cracks in the walls or floors or checking the level of the foundation. If you notice any changes, contact the foundation repair contractor who installed the piers.
2. Corrosion protection: Push piers are made from high-strength steel and are resistant to corrosion, but it's still important to protect them from the elements. This may include keeping the area around the piers free of debris or applying a rust inhibitor.
3. Water management: Proper water management is important to ensure the stability of the foundation over time. This may include ensuring that the grade around the foundation slopes away from the building, or installing a drainage system to prevent water from pooling around the foundation.
4. Avoiding heavy loads: Avoid placing heavy loads on the foundation, such as large hot tubs or heavy equipment, as this can put additional stress on the piers and potentially cause them to fail.
5. Professional Inspection: It's a good idea to have a professional inspection of the foundation and the push piers at least once a year to ensure that everything is in good working order.



Even though installing push piers is a low-maintenance solution to foundation issues, it is still vital to monitor the foundation and take precautions to preserve the piers from the elements. Care instructions for push piers can be obtained from a competent foundation repair contractor.

Remember that avoiding excessive loads and maintaining adequate water management can help keep the foundation solid over time. Having a professional look at the foundation and the push piers once a year is also a good idea.

Cost Considerations

There are several variables that might affect the final price of a push pier installation, such as the size and weight of the structure, the current state of the foundation, and the chosen pier technology. The cost may also vary depending on the building's location, the cost of labor, and the extent to which repairs are required.

The normal price tag for installing a push pier is in the several thousand dollar range. The long-term expense of ignoring a foundation issue, however, might far exceed the cost of fixing it. Damage to the building's structure due to a shaky base can be costly to fix and reduce the structure's resale value.

An investment in the long-term security of your home or business is well worth the initial expense of installing push piers. Fixing a roof is an inexpensive way to protect your home from further damage and can even boost its worth. As an added bonus, the expense of installing push piers is typically lower than that of other foundation rehabilitation procedures like underpinning or slab jacking.

It's also important to know that most businesses that specialize in foundation repair provide free inspections and estimates for the repair, allowing you to shop around for the best price.



A push pier installation is an investment in the long-term safety and security of your house or commercial structure, so it's vital to keep that in mind when you consider the price tag. While prices may vary, rest assured that this option is typically more cost-effective than other foundation repair strategies. It can save further damage, boost your home's value, and give you peace of mind.

Environmental Impact

When it comes to fixing foundations, push piers are widely regarded as the most eco-friendly option. Piers are constructed using high-strength steel, which is both sturdy and long-lasting, and the procedure requires minimal excavation and soil disturbance.

Push piers are advantageous since they do not need a lot of dirt dug out before they are set in. By comparison with other methods of foundation repair, which need substantial digging and removal of dirt, this approach causes much less disruption to the surrounding natural ecosystem. In addition, the piers may be installed with only a tiny amount of excavation, and that excavation can be readily filled in to restore the site to its previous condition with no lasting effects.

In addition to being a long-lasting and resilient material, the steel used for the push piers is also considered to be eco-friendly. That the piers won't need to be replaced for a long time and won't require as much digging and soil disturbance is a huge plus.

Push piers are installed without the use of any chemicals, making this method both environmentally and occupant-friendly.



When it comes to fixing foundations, push piers are widely regarded as the most eco-friendly option. Neither the natural environment nor the people who will be using the building will be negatively impacted by this approach, as it does not entail the use of any chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Push Pier Installation

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First, contact our customer support team. Tell our friendly crawl space experts about your problem and what issues you're facing.

Schedule a 100% free no-obligation crawl space inspection and if we find any issues to repair or improvements for you to consider, we will provide you with a free estimate for you to consider with zero pressure.

If you decide you would like us to fix your crawlspace issues, we will schedule a date that works best for you and perform the work needed to restore your crawl space.