Structural integrity is important to any building project, and push piers can be a key part of that integrity. You want to make sure that the building is strong, from the foundation to the roof, because it needs to be able to stand up to what nature can throw at it and last for decades, if not longer.
When planning your project, it is often a good idea to include features that provide a little extra security to make your foundation as strong as it can be. That is where push piers come into play, as the piers can help protect your foundation from water damage, giving your home some extra protection.
What Is a Push Pier?
A push pier is a product that can help stabilize a building and correct a foundation settlement problem that occurs when the soil underneath can’t uphold its weight. Here’s what you need to know:
- The push pier system involves steel piers that are hydraulically driven into the soil using brackets.
- The push piers go into the soil until they reach a stronger layer of the soil, offering more support for the foundation.
- Once the push piers are successfully surrounding the structure, the home can safely be returned to original position.
Using push piers to repair the foundation can help to repair existing cracks or developing cracks in your basement walls, thereby also helping to prevent water from entering the structure through the damaged walls.
When to Use Push Piers for Your Home
Push piers aren’t the ideal solution for all of your foundation repair needs, but there are many instances in which you should use push piers and wall guard installers to repair your foundation. Some reasons you might want to consider a push pier system include:
You Have a Large or Heavy Building.
If your home is a two-story or comprised of brick structures, you may need some extra support to keep its load bearing elements strong (even on stable soil). Push pier sections are effective here because the building’s weight helps to “push” the piers into the ground, and the bedrock beneath your foundation footings stop them from going too deep.
You’re Situated on Shallow Bedrock.
A few feet between your foundation and the bedrock is ideal, because the push pier is driven down until it hits that rock. That means the shallower the rock, the shallower you need to install the piers (and the less time, money, and energy involved in the process).
You Have a Small Space with Which to Work.
Push piers can be installed in tight spaces because all the work is done using handheld tools and the piers are fitted together to reach the load-bearing strata for your home. The space needed for a pier system can be as small as 3 feet by 3 feet, so long as there is at least 6 feet of overhead clearance.
Because piers can be installed in smaller areas than similar systems and work best with heavier buildings, push piers are often the best option to repair any foundation settlement issues of your home.
5 Perks of Installing Push Piers in Your Home
There are a number of advantages to installing steel piers in your home. Here are just some of those advantages, though working with a team of foundation professionals will ensure you’re able to walk through all the ways the design of such systems provides strength to nearly all homes’ foundations.
1. You can lift a damaged foundation back into place.
A push pier system can be installed inside or outside, allows you to lift a damaged foundation back into its original position, and there is minimal risk of it failing again.
Other foundation repair products only work to prevent a damaged slab from cracking or sinking more, but the fact is they cannot correct the issues like a steel pier can.
2. Minimal soil is removed.
Installing piers require minimal amounts of soil to be removed. This allows the system to be installed while causing little disruption to your property’s landscaping.
3. These systems reach deeper into the bedrock than other piers.
Push piers can reach depths than other types of piers — such as helical piers or resistance piers — cannot. The steel piers are pushed deep into the soil below the foundation, providing more security and integrity to the structure and keeping your foundation strong for years to come.
4. Installation is quick.
Push pier installation uses handheld tools, which means the process can be done quickly and without the need for heavy equipment having to be brought onto your property. This allows the project to be completed in just a matter of days, and with minimal disruptions for you and your neighbors.
5. You restore your property value.
A damaged foundation can decrease your home’s value, but repairing the foundation using push piers can help restore that lost equity. That will be important if and when you decide to sell your property in the future, and getting a contractor or home inspector to evaluate your home give you the peace of mind that your family is safe while living there and that the next owner will be safe as well.
Discuss Push Piers and Foundation Repair Options with an Expert
You want to be sure your property’s structural integrity is as strong as possible, and you’ll want to fix the problem immediately if you’re seeing cracks in your basement walls or floors. Ask your trusted foundation experts to inspect your home to assess the damage, and consider steel push piers to get your foundation back in its original position.
If you’re in need of foundation repair in Northern & Central Florida, LUX Foundation Solutions has built a team of experts dedicated to making sure your goals are met. Our licensed and experienced staff will give your property a free inspection, so there is no risk to you to see what we can do to assist with your foundation repair.
Contact LUX Foundation Solutions today to speak with one of our professionals about any push pier questions you might have.