Understanding Foundation Piers: Helical vs. Push Piers

When it comes to maintaining the integrity of your home's foundation, understanding the tools and methods used in foundation repair is crucial. Among the most common solutions are foundation piers, specifically helical piers and push piers. These piers are essential in stabilizing and leveling foundations that have settled or shifted due to soil movement, erosion, or other environmental factors. In this blog, we’ll delve into what foundation piers are and the key differences between helical and push piers.

What Are Foundation Piers?

Foundation piers are structural elements driven deep into the ground beneath a foundation to provide support and stability. They are typically used when a foundation has begun to settle unevenly, causing cracks in walls, floors, or the foundation itself. Piers transfer the weight of the building from unstable or weak soil to stronger, more stable soil or bedrock deep below the surface.
The primary goal of using foundation piers is to halt further settlement and, in many cases, to lift the foundation back to its original level. This process not only stabilizes the structure but also prevents future damage and the costly repairs that could follow.

Helical Piers

Helical piers are steel shafts with helical (screw-like) plates welded to them. They are mechanically screwed into the ground, much like a corkscrew into a wine bottle. These piers are designed to be installed into load-bearing soil or bedrock, providing solid support for the structure above.

Advantages of Helical Piers:

1. 1. Versatile Installation: Helical piers can be installed in a variety of soil conditions, including those where traditional methods might fail, such as areas with loose or water-saturated soils.
2. 2. Immediate Load-Bearing: Once installed, helical piers are immediately load-bearing, meaning they can be used to stabilize and lift the foundation as soon as they are in place.
3. 3. Less Disruption: The installation process is relatively quick and causes minimal disruption to the surrounding area. No large excavation is required, making it an efficient solution.
4. 4. Precision: Helical piers can be installed with precision to specific depths and capacities, ensuring that they reach stable, load-bearing soil.

When To Use Helical Piers:

• When dealing with soft, wet, or expansive soils
• In areas where vibrations from traditional installation methods (like driving push piers) could cause additional damage to the structure
• For lighter structures that require deep foundation support

Push Piers

Push piers are steel tubes that are hydraulically driven into the ground until they reach stable soil or bedrock. The installation process relies on the structure’s weight to push the piers deep into the ground, hence the name "push piers."

Advantages of Push Piers:

1. 1. High Load Capacity: Push piers are ideal for heavy structures because the structure’s weight helps drive the piers to deeper, more stable soil layers.
2. 2. Depth Capability: Push piers can reach great depths, making them suitable for regions where stable soil is far below the surface.
3. 3. Cost-Effective: The installation process is straightforward and often less expensive compared to other methods like helical piers, especially for larger projects.
4. 4. Permanent Solution: Once installed, push piers offer a permanent solution to foundation settlement issues by transferring the weight of the structure to stable soil or bedrock.

When To Use Push Piers: 

• For heavy structures where the building's weight can be effectively used to drive the piers deep into the ground.
• In situations where cost is a significant concern, and the soil conditions allow for effective use of push piers.
• For deeper foundation needs where helical piers may not reach the necessary depth.

Key Differences Between Helical and Push Piers

While both helical and push piers serve the same fundamental purpose—stabilizing and lifting a settling foundation—there are key differences in their design, installation process, and ideal use cases:

1. 1. Installation Method:
   • Helical Piers: Screwed into the ground using hydraulic machinery.
     
   • Push Piers: Driven into the ground using the weight of the structure.
     
2. 2. Soil Conditions:
   • Helical Piers: More versatile, suitable for various soil types including loose or wet soils.
     
   • Push Piers: Best for firm, stable soils where deeper penetration is required.
     
3. 3. Structure Compatibility:
   
   • Helical Piers: Suitable for both light and heavy structures, with precise depth control.
   • Push Piers: Generally more effective for heavier structures due to their reliance on the building's weight for installation.
     
4. 4. Cost and Disruption:
   
   • Helical Piers: Can be more expensive but involve less disruption and offer immediate load-bearing capacity.
   • Push Piers: Typically more cost-effective, especially for large projects, but might involve more disruption during installation.

In Conclusion: Piers Can Stabilize Your Foundation

Both helical and push piers are effective solutions for stabilizing foundations, but the choice between them depends on specific factors such as soil conditions, the weight of the structure, and budget considerations. Helical piers offer versatility and precision, making them ideal for a wide range of situations, while push piers provide a cost-effective and powerful solution for heavier buildings with deep foundation needs.
Understanding these differences can help homeowners and contractors make informed decisions to ensure the long-term stability and safety of their structures. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation inspection and quote of your home!