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If a home is built on unstable soil, its foundation may shift, sink, and move. As a result, homeowners are faced with potentially costly structural damage, or worse, safety risks. If not addressed immediately, this can render your home uninhabitable. In these cases, foundation piering can be a reliable engineering solution.

A Guide to Foundation Piering

What Is It?

Foundation piering is a technique in which long steel shafts are used to remedy failing building foundations. Adding piers is generally less expensive than deep excavation services when it comes to correcting foundations on solid soil. If done correctly, it can bring the damaged structures back to a level state and make a structure safe again.

How Does It Work?

With careful guidance from engineers, the galvanized or epoxy-coated steel pipes are hydraulically driven into unstable surface soils. Once they reach the bedrock, the piers are secured and raised to the desired height. The home’s weight is then transferred onto the pier brackets.

Should I Choose Push Piers or Helical Piles?

foundation pieringBoth solutions can be effective. Which to use depends on the condition of the soil in your property or what the contractors think will be more effective. Push piers use limited equipment, so there is less disturbance below the ground. Helical piles can lift structures of varying weights, including lightweight structures.

When Do I Need Foundation Piering?

As soon as your home shows signs of foundation damage, you need a professional to evaluate whether your property is a candidate for foundation piering. Warning signs to watch out for include sinking of the foundation wall, walls that are pushed upwards, and a chimney that is not level with the home.


If you need help with foundation piering and other services, count on the experts of Jaco Waterproofing in Westfield, IN. They specialize in waterproofing basements, concrete lifting, brick sealing, and other foundation repair projects. Call them at (317) 721-9379 for a free estimate or visit their website for more information.

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