Your home’s foundation is only as strong as the support beneath it. If your pier and beam foundation shows signs of sagging floors, uneven surfaces, or structural instability, your crawl space support system may fail.
Crawl space support piers play a crucial role in keeping your home level and stable. These piers bear the weight of your structure, preventing shifts and settlement caused by moisture damage, soil movement, and aging materials. Choosing the right type of support pier and maintaining it properly can save you from pier and beam foundation repairs.
In this guide, we’ll explain the different types of crawl space support piers, how to tell when your home needs them, and what to expect during installation. If your home’s foundation shows warning signs, it may be time to schedule a professional inspection with Quality Foundation Repair to prevent further damage.
What Are Crawl Space Support Piers?
If you own a home with a pier and beam foundation, the support system beneath your house is crucial in keeping everything stable. But over time, you might notice sagging floors, sticking doors, or cracks in your walls—all signs that your foundation might not be as strong as it once was. That’s where crawl space support piers come in.
These piers act like strong legs holding up your home, evenly distributing weight and preventing structural shifts. Without them, your house could settle unevenly, leading to costly foundation damage.
How Do Crawl Space Support Piers Keep Your Home Safe?
Think of your foundation like a table. If one leg starts to weaken, the whole surface becomes unstable. Crawl space support piers do the same job as sturdy table legs, ensuring your home stays level and supported. They:
✅ Prevent floors from sagging by reinforcing weak or deteriorating beams.
✅ Distribute your home’s weight evenly so one side doesn’t sink faster than the other.
✅ Combat soil movement, especially in Austin, where shifting clay soil can cause homes to settle unpredictably.
Common Types Of Crawl Space Support Piers
Not all crawl space support piers are the same. Depending on your home’s foundation issues, soil conditions, and budget, different piers may work better. Let’s break down the most common types and when to use them.
Adjustable Steel Piers (Adjust-A-Pier System)
Best for: Homes needing future adjustments due to shifting soil or ongoing foundation movement.
Adjustable steel piers are a great solution if your home is built on unstable or expansive soil. These piers provide long-term support but can be adjusted if the foundation shifts.
✔ Benefits:
- It can be fine-tuned as needed, preventing costly future repairs.
- Strong steel construction ensures durability and long-term stability.
- Excellent for homes in high-movement soil areas like Austin, TX.
⚠ Potential Downsides:
- It is more expensive than traditional concrete block piers.
- Requires expert installation for proper adjustment.
Concrete Block Piers
Best for: Budget-friendly support in low-moisture environments.
Concrete block piers are common for older pier and beam homes, especially when homeowners need a cost-effective fix. They consist of stacked concrete blocks and wooden shims, which provide support on crawl space support beams.
✔ Benefits:
- Affordable compared to steel alternatives.
- Easy to install for minor leveling adjustments.
⚠ Potential Downsides:
- Not adjustable—once they settle, they can’t be modified.
- Susceptible to shifting, cracking, or moisture damage over time.
- Less durable than steel piers, requiring more frequent maintenance.
Helical Piers
Best for: Deep stabilization in weak or unstable soil.
Helical piers are designed like giant screws that drill deep into the soil, offering high-load capacity and preventing future settlement. These are great for homes with loose, sandy, or clay-heavy soil.
✔ Benefits:
- Provides deep foundation support to prevent sinking.
- Works well in areas with soft or shifting soil.
- It can be used for both new construction and foundation repair.
⚠ Potential Downsides:
- Higher installation cost compared to basic support piers.
- Requires professional assessment to determine soil compatibility.
Steel Push Piers
Best for: Homes experiencing long-term settlement or shifting soil.
Steel push piers are driven deep into stable soil or bedrock, ensuring maximum foundation support. Steel push piers may be the best solution if your home has been sinking or settling unevenly.
✔ Benefits:
- Offers permanent, high-strength support.
- Works well in areas with unpredictable soil movement.
- Prevents future foundation settlement.
⚠ Potential Downsides:
- Requires professional installation to drive into deep soil layers.
- It’s more expensive than some other options but lasts longer.
Hybrid Pier Systems
Best for: Custom solutions combining multiple materials for extra support.
Some homes may need a mix of steel, concrete, and adjustable piers to address unique foundation issues. Hybrid systems maximize strength and flexibility by using different pier types in strategic locations under the home.
✔ Benefits:
- Tailored solutions for complex foundation problems.
- It can combine adjustability with deep stabilization.
- Provides longer-lasting support than single-material piers.
⚠ Potential Downsides:
- More complex and costly to install.
- Requires a foundation expert to design the best system.
Crawl Space Jacks
Best for: Quick fixes for sagging floors and minor foundation settlement.
If your home has sagging beams or weak floor joists, crawl space jacks (also called adjustable support jacks) can temporarily or permanently reinforce your foundation. They’re great for minor repairs or as a backup to traditional piers.
✔ Benefits:
- Fast and cost-effective solution for sagging floors.
- Adjustable for future modifications.
- It can be used alongside other pier systems for extra reinforcement.
⚠ Potential Downsides:
- It is not a long-term replacement for permanent foundation support.
- It may require periodic adjustments over time.
Signs You Need Crawl Space Support Piers
If your home’s foundation shifts, your crawl space support system may fail. Here are the key signs that indicate you need foundation repair solutions:
- Sloping or Sagging Floors: If your floors feel uneven, dip in certain areas, or furniture tilts, your crawl space may not provide proper support. Over time, wooden beams weaken, causing structural instability and needing sagging floor repair.
- Cracks in Drywall or Sticking Doors: Foundation shifts stress walls and door frames, leading to cracks and misaligned doors. If doors no longer close properly or cracks appear around windows, your crawl space piers may settle unevenly.
- Gaps Between Walls and Floors: If you find gaps where walls should meet the floor or baseboards pulling away, your foundation may be shifting. These gaps allow air drafts, increase energy bills, and signal deeper structural problems.
- Excessive Moisture or Mold in the Crawl Space: Standing water, dampness, or mold in your crawl space can weaken wooden supports, leading to decay and foundation failure. A musty smell or visible mold development indicates a moisture problem that needs immediate attention.
- Pest Infestations Due to Structural Gaps: Termites, rodents, and other pests often enter through cracks or weakened crawl space structures. If you notice pest activity, it could indicate foundation deterioration.
Choosing The Right Support Piers For Your Home
Not all crawl space support piers work for every home. The right choice depends on soil conditions, foundation issues, and budget. Here’s what to consider when selecting the best piers for your home:
Evaluating Soil Type in Austin and Its Impact on Pier Choice
Austin’s expansive clay soil expands when wet and contracts when dry, causing foundations to shift. Because of this movement, adjustable or deep-set steel push piers are often better suited than concrete block piers, which may shift over time.
When to Use Adjustable vs. Non-Adjustable Piers
- Adjustable Piers (Steel Jacks, Adjust-A-Piers) – Ideal for homes in areas with shifting soil, as they allow future height adjustments. It is best for homes needing periodic leveling.
- Non-Adjustable Piers (Concrete Blocks, Helical Piers, Steel Push Piers) – Provide permanent, fixed support and work well for homes requiring deep stabilization.
Comparing Costs: Budget vs. Premium Pier Options
- Budget Options: Concrete block piers and crawl space jacks are low-cost solutions that may require more maintenance or replacement.
- Premium Options: Helical piers, steel push piers, and hybrid systems cost more upfront but provide long-term stability, making them a better investment for homes in high-movement soil areas.
Next Steps
If you’re unsure which support piers are right for your home, schedule a free crawl space inspection with Quality Foundation Repair Austin. Our experts will evaluate your foundation and recommend the most cost-effective solution.
Protect Your Foundation With The Right Crawl Space Support Piers
A strong and stable foundation is the key to a safe and secure home. Crawl space support piers are essential in preventing sagging floors, structural damage, and long-term foundation problems. Choosing the right type of pier and maintaining it properly can protect your home’s value and ensure long-term stability.
🚨 Worried about your crawl space foundation? Don’t wait for small issues to become major repairs! Our experts at Quality Foundation Repair Austin offer FREE crawl space inspections to assess your foundation’s condition and recommend the best solutions.
