Foundation problems don’t get better with time. They get worse. Cracks in the walls, doors that no longer close properly, or uneven floors often point to a shifting foundation. When these signs appear, it’s important to act quickly before the damage spreads. At Foundation 1, we use proven methods to address settlement, and push piers are one of the most reliable tools available. This solution helps stabilize the home and offers a long-term fix to an otherwise serious structural issue.
What are Push Piers?
Push piers are steel tubes installed beneath a home’s foundation to stabilize and potentially lift it back to its original position. They work by transferring the weight of the structure from unstable soil to more stable soil or bedrock deep below the surface. This method ensures long-term stability and prevents further settlement.
Push piers are installed underneath the spread footing of the home, and once in place, lifting brackets are installed on top of the piers. These brackets enable us to lift the house back to relevancy, reducing visible damage and restoring structural integrity.
Stabilizing vs. Lifting a Foundation
It’s important to understand the difference between stabilizing and lifting a foundation when considering push piers.
- Stabilizing a Foundation: Push piers can be installed without lifting brackets, meaning they will prevent further settlement but won’t raise the home.
- Lifting a Foundation: With lifting brackets in place, we can attempt to restore the home to its previous level position.
However, if your home has already undergone remodeling while settling, lifting it too aggressively can cause more damage, such as cracking finishes or shifting structures. Our team finds a happy medium to ensure structural integrity while avoiding unnecessary damage.
The Push Pier Installation Process
At Foundation 1, our push pier installation is a meticulous process designed to ensure the utmost stability for your home. The steps include:
- Site Inspection: Our specialists assess the property to determine the extent of settlement and identify optimal pier placement.
- Preparation: We excavate areas around the foundation to expose the footing, allowing for proper installation.
- Pier Installation: Steel piers are hydraulically driven into the ground vertically until they reach stable soil or bedrock. Ensuring the pier is straight is critical because any deviation in angle will affect the structure above.
- Load Transfer: Once securely in place, the weight of the structure is shifted onto the piers, relieving pressure from unstable soil.
- Lifting and Stabilization: If feasible, we use hydraulic jacks to lift the foundation back to its original or a more level position.
- Securing and Restoration: After adjustments, piers are permanently attached, and excavated areas are backfilled and restored to their original condition.
By installing push piers, your home will no longer sit on unstable soil, but rather on the piers themselves, creating a solid, immovable foundation.
The Role of Drainage in Push Pier Success
Water plays a major role in foundation settlement. Poor drainage or grading can lead to soil erosion, causing foundations to shift over time. However, push piers remain unaffected by water damage. Even if water washes away surrounding soil, a properly installed push pier will remain firmly in place because it extends to more stable ground.
That said, improving drainage can help prevent settlement in areas without piers. Homeowners who neglect drainage may see continued shifting in sections of their home where no piers were installed.
Longevity and Durability of Push Piers
A properly installed push pier is a permanent solution. These steel piers will last for decades—even centuries. As one expert puts it, “The next time Jesus Christ comes, that pier will still be there.”
Common Misconceptions About Push Piers
One common misunderstanding homeowners have is that if a foundation issue appears years after pier installation, the piers have failed. This is almost never the case. Instead, the issue is usually related to:
- Soil shifting in areas where no piers were installed.
- Continued erosion due to poor drainage.
- Additional settlement in sections of the foundation that were not reinforced.
It’s essential to remember that push piers create an immovable support system, but they only stabilize the areas where they are installed. Any future foundation movement will likely happen in sections without piers.
Why Choose Foundation 1
At Foundation 1, we have extensive experience stabilizing and lifting homes using push piers. Our experts ensure that each pier is installed with precision and care, giving your home a stable foundation that lasts a lifetime. We understand the challenges that come with foundation repair and work to provide customized solutions tailored to each home’s needs.
In Summary
Foundation issues can compromise the safety and value of your home. Push piers provide a reliable and effective solution to address settling foundations. If you’re experiencing any signs of foundation problems, don’t wait for them to worsen. Contact us at Foundation 1 today to schedule a consultation and protect your home’s foundation for years to come.
