A structurally sound property is one that’s built on a solid foundation. But if your foundation starts to waver due to water damage or soil movement, it’s essential to get professional foundation repairs done right away to keep the structure of your home intact. There are several methods for tackling this problem, one of which is foundation piering. 

What’s Foundation Piering?

Considered by builders to be the most effective foundation repair method, piering involves the use of steel pipe pilings called piers to permanently stabilize the settling of shifting building structures. These piers are drilled into the ground and provide additional support to the compromised foundation by lifting it to the desired elevation. 

How It Works

There are two types of piers used — push and helical. Push piers are steel piles driven into the ground with a hydraulic ram past unstable soils until they reach load-bearing strata or rocks. Prior to being pushed down, each pier will be individually tested to ensure that its capacity can handle the load. They can correct foundations in virtually all soil conditions.

Helical piers work differently. Instead of being driven into the ground, they rely on helical plates welded to the bottom of steel shafts that provide the bearing capacity. They’re screwed into the earth using a hydraulic torque motor. Helical piers typically handle smaller loads, making them ideal for porches and decks.

Before the piers are drilled underground, different excavation points adjacent to the foundation will be identified and dug. The steel piles will then be connected to the foundation using support brackets. Once they’re driven and load tested to a force greater than needed for support, hydraulic jacks will be set and raised to lift the foundation and stabilize it. The piles will be affixed to wall brackets to permanently lock in the set elevation. After the entire process, the weight of the property is transferred to the stable soil or steel piles.

Why Choose Foundation Piering

Compared to traditional repair methods using concrete piers, piering is a better solution. While it involves excavation and the use of heavy equipment, there is minimal disruption to your yard. You also don’t have to vacate your property while the repair is ongoing — a significant improvement over past years when structures had to be unoccupied for safety. Another upside to foundation piering is the cost, which is considerably lower than replacing the entire foundation.

When you need foundation repairs and stabilization, count on the professionals at Hydra-Ject, Inc. Located in Lebanon, OH, they are the go-to company for fixing foundation issues with foundation piering, slab jacking, and concrete lifting throughout Warren County. Call (513) 615-5456 to request a free estimate or inquire via their website.