Foundation Piers – How Do They Work?
What are foundation piers? Most homeowners have never even heard of the term until they started experiencing foundation problems. Of course, there are various remedies for different types of foundation movement. You can learn more about them HERE. The purpose of this article is to discuss the concept and technique of foundation piering to give you a better understanding of how the system works.
What is Foundation Piering?
Piering is the process of driving sections of steel pipe or concrete pilings underneath of a foundation in order to stabilize it and prevent further movement. The piers are pushed into the ground with a hydraulic pump. Concentrically loaded foundation piers are installed directly under the center of the wall being lifted and use the foundation as resistance to push the pier into the ground. The piers must be driven deep enough to hit bedrock or other stable strata in order to be effective. This serves as the strong base needed to support the piers which in turn support the foundation. Piering is the strongest and most dependable method of stabilizing a foundation that is settling or sinking.
There are various types of foundation piers on the market. The most dependable method of structural piering is the patented Stabil-Loc piering system. This is because Stabil-Loc piers are installed directly underneath the footer (base of the foundation) of the home, which is where all of the weight of the house is. The pier is also constructed of a patented double wall interlocking system preventing failure between the segments. This method comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty and full stamped and certified structural engineer documentation.
Other types of piers are installed next to the footer and attached to the side of it with a bracket. These types of piers are susceptible to offset pressures that can bind and snap the bolts or brackets causing failure of the pier.
Are They Strong Enough to Work?
Note the following information, which can be found directly on the Stabil-Loc website:
Our double walled heat extruded steel tube positioned directly under the center of the wall to be lifted or stabilized and driven hydraulically all the way to bedrock or stable strata provides the deepest, strongest foundation support available.
The Stabil-Loc Foundation Piering System segmented the shaft of the pier into 12-inch interlocking segments so the pier could be installed directly under the center line of the weight of the wall being lifted. The bracket was then inverted and rides against the bottom of the footing as a load bearing plate that rotates as the structure is lifted. The location and configuration of the pier combined with the highest compressive load carrying capacity in the industry makes it obvious– THIS PIER CANNOT FAIL!
Is Piering Right for Your Home?
If your foundation is sinking or settling, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Stairstep cracks in the basement wall
- Drywall cracks
- Misaligned windows or doors
- Foundation Cracks
If you would like to find out whether or not your house would be a good candidate for piering, contact us today! We can perform a free* foundation inspection and make a recommendation that is tailored to your house’s unique needs.
Pioneer Basement Solutions has been in business since 1979. We serve homeowners in the following areas and more:
Stark County, Summit County, Portage County, and Medina County.
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*Free for homeowners
Foundation Piers During Installation.
