The foundation of your home can experience many structural issues over time. One of the most common and severe foundation issues is shifting and settling. This happens if the soil around your foundation is shifting or eroding, or if the piers used during construction are old and require extensive repair. In both cases, homeowners typically have little knowledge about piers, their various types, and the benefits they offer. In this blog, we will guide you through different types of foundation piers and help you identify the correct type of piers for your home.
What are Foundation Piers?
Foundation piers are vertical structural supports that are installed into the ground to transfer a building’s weight from an unstable foundation to stable soil beneath the surface level. As the building’s weight is transferred to the firm strata below, the foundation becomes more stable, preventing settlement. Sometimes, piers are installed as part of new construction to provide ongoing stability. More often, they are installed to repair and stabilize existing foundations that are experiencing settling due to unstable soil.
Signs That You Need Foundation Piers
If you are unsure whether or not your foundation needs piers, here are some signs that you can look out for:
Uneven or Sloping Floors
Noticeably uneven or sloping floors indicate significant structural issues beneath your foundation. Sloping floors often indicate that the foundation is settling unevenly, causing the house to become unstable. Over time, instability can cause further damage to the entire structure of your home.
Cracks in the Walls, Ceilings, or Foundations
Although small hairline cracks are common, larger cracks or gaps, particularly horizontal cracks or those in a zig-zag pattern, are red flags. These cracks often indicate that your foundation is experiencing significant stress and movement. Failing to address these cracks can lead to compromised structural integrity and more extensive, costly repairs down the line.
Doors and Windows Sticking
When doors and windows become difficult to open or close, it’s often a sign that your foundation is shifting. As the foundation settles, door and window frames can become misaligned. This issue is more than just an inconvenience. It indicates that your home’s structure is shifting, which can worsen over time without proper foundation support.
Moisture Intrusion in the Basement or Crawl Space
The presence of water, excessive humidity, or musty odors in your basement or crawl space can be a direct result of foundation problems. Cracks in the foundation can allow water to seep into your basement or crawl space, leading to potential mold growth and structural damage. Addressing this moisture is crucial to preventing further deterioration of your home’s foundation.
Types of Foundation Piers
There are different types of foundation piers suited for various foundation types:
Steel Push Piers
Steel push piers are driven hydraulically into the ground beneath your foundation, helping to transfer the structural load to more stable soil layers. They are often used for existing foundations that are settling, shifting, or experiencing other structural issues. Steel push piers are connected to the foundation using brackets, which effectively help lift and stabilize the structure.
Helical Piers
Helical piers are steel shafts with helical blades that are installed into the ground below your foundation. Their design enables them to be installed quickly and efficiently, which makes them suitable for both new construction and repair projects. They are commonly used in foundations where technicians require precise depth control. They can also be used to lift foundations back into place.
Comparing Different Types of Foundation Piers
Here is a brief comparison of steel push piers and helical piers.
Steel Piers vs. Helical Piers
Steel push piers are best suited for:
- Heavier structures, such as brick homes or houses made with stone.
- Homes with room for excavation and installation on the property.
- When you require minimal excavation and less invasive installation.
- Long-term structural stabilization.
Helical push piers are best suited for:
- Various soil conditions, including looser or shifting soil.
- Lighter homes, porches, decks, and additions.
- Fast and efficient installation with immediate load-bearing capacity.
- Foundations that require lift as well as stabilization.
- Properties with limited space for excavation and installation.
How to Know Which Foundation Pier Type is Right for Your Home
Not sure which foundation pier type is right for your home? Here are a few pointers that will help you:
- Soil Conditions: Different foundation pier types are more effective in varying soil conditions. Steel push piers are most effective in deep, consistent load-bearing soil, while helical piers can be used in loose or shifting soil.
- Your Home’s Weight and Structure: Steel push piers are best for heavier structures, such as brick homes or houses made with stone. On the other hand, helical piers are best for lighter structures.
- Expert Consultation: The most reliable way to determine the right foundation pier type is to consult with a reliable foundation repair specialist. They can provide a professional assessment and recommend the best solution for your specific foundation.
Summary
Different foundation pier types come with unique advantages. Understanding the various types of foundation piers can help you choose a solution for your home that is tailored to your property’s specific soil conditions and structural requirements. We recommend scheduling a free inspection by a reliable foundation professional. The foundation experts at KC Waterproofing can inspect your soil conditions and structural requirements and determine the best foundation pier solution for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do foundation piers last?
Generally, steel piers and helical piers are designed to last for many decades, often lasting 50 to 100 years. However, the lifespan of foundation piers can vary significantly depending on the type of pier, soil conditions, and the level of installation expertise. Regular maintenance and proper drainage around the foundation can further help extend their durability and longevity.
Can foundation piers lift a home back to its original position?
Yes, in many cases, helical foundation piers can effectively lift a home back to its original position. This process is known as underpinning, which involves using piers to stabilize the foundation and then raise the structure.
Is foundation pier installation disruptive to landscaping?
Yes, foundation pier installation can be disruptive to landscaping, but the degree of disruption varies depending on the specific circumstances. While some methods may require excavating around the foundation, many modern techniques aim to minimize damage. We take steps to protect your landscaping and restore the area as much as possible.
Will insurance cover the cost of the foundation piers?
Whether or not insurance will cover the cost of foundation piers depends heavily on the cause of any foundation damage and the specifics of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Most home insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage, but not issues arising from neglect, poor maintenance, or natural settling over time. Contact your insurance provider for more details.
