Steel Push Piers vs Helical Piers

Choosing the right underpinning method for your property is a major decision — it’s all about ensuring that the foundation is stable and secure for years to come.

With options like steel push piers and helical piers on the table, it’s important to get a clear picture of what each can offer.

In this expert guide, we’ll explain the differences between steel push piers and helical piers, discuss their benefits and help you decide which is best for your situation.

What are Steel Push Piers?

Steel push piers, or “resistance piers,” are foundation repair solutions crafted from durable steel pipe sections. They’re designed to stabilize structures that show signs of settling or instability, such as uneven floors or wall cracks. These structural problems often point to underlying issues with the soil beneath the foundation.

How do Steel Push Piers Work?

When your property’s foundation begins to falter, experts drive steel push piers deep into the ground. In regions like Austin and Central Texas, these piers bypass unstable surface soil to reach the underlying bedrock, a stable, load-bearing layer.

This process effectively shifts the weight of the building from the shaky soil to the solidly planted piers. As the piers are driven deeper, experts monitor a pressure gauge on the press. Typically, a dramatic rise in pressure indicates that the piers have reached the bedrock.

What’s the result?

Steel push piers form a new foundation by transferring the building’s load to the bedrock. They provide the strength and stability needed to support the structure securely.

The approach addresses the immediate signs of damage and helps prevent future issues caused by soil movement.

The goal of using steel push piers is to create a dependable base that keeps the building stable and gives you peace of mind about its structural integrity.

How are Steel Push Piers Installed?

• Detailed foundation inspection: The entire process begins with a thorough foundation inspection. Experts will carefully assess the condition of your property and determine the most effective placement of the piers.
• Preparation: Next, the foundation repair contractor will prepare small sections of the foundation footing, carefully exposing them to minimize disruption.
• Installation process: The steel piers are pressed deep into the soil using a hydraulic press until they reach the depth necessary to reach bedrock or tap into stable soil.
• Leveling: After putting each pier in its place, the foundation repair contractor will use hydraulic jacks to lift and level the foundation gently. The goal is to restore the foundation as close to its original position as possible without causing damage.
• Securing: After leveling, the contractor will permanently weld the pushed pipe to the structural bracket that supports the foundation. Securing is vital to ensure the building’s long-term stability.
• Finishing touches: Lastly, the soil around the foundation is returned.

What are the Advantages of Using Steel Push Piers?

Steel push piers are an excellent option for foundation repairs as they offer numerous benefits, including the following:

• Precision: Steel push piers can reach depths that provide stable support for your property.
• Minimal disruption: Steel push pier installation is minimally intrusive. This means there’s less mess to clean up.
• Long-term solution: Once installed, steel push piers provide a reliable and permanent solution to foundation issues. Due to their deep placement into stable bedrock and sturdy construction, steel push piers typically require little to no adjustments over time. Quality Foundation offers a lifetime warranty on steel push piers, underscoring dedication to lasting results and customer satisfaction.
• Versatility: Whether you’re dealing with a large commercial facility or a cozy home, steel push piers are a possible solution. They’re adaptable to different building structures and soil types.
• Cost-effective solution: While steel push piers may be expensive upfront, the long-lasting benefits mean less need for costly future repairs. Over time, using steep push piers will help you save money.

What are Helical Piers?

Helical piers are also popular foundation support devices that can stabilize and support structures. Their long, slender columns are made from galvanized steel and feature one or more helix-shaped blades welded at intervals along their length.

In some way, the design and function of helical piers can be compared to large screws — they’re effective for deep foundation problems.

How are Helical Piers Installed?

Installing helical piers involves twisting them into the ground. Experts achieve this by attaching a hydraulic torque motor, which provides the force needed to advance the pier to the necessary depth.

One notable advantage of installing helical piers is their adaptability to various soil conditions, including those unsuitable for traditional foundation methods.

What are the Advantages of Using Helical Piers?

• Load-bearing capacity: Helical piers provide immediate support post-installation. The torque applied during the installation process determines their load-bearing capacity.
• Reduced installation time: Installing helical piers is quick and simple. Compared to other piling methods, this method shortens the project timelines. If you are on a tight schedule, helical piers may be a suitable choice.
• Low environmental impact: Like steel push piers, installing helical piers doesn’t require large-scale excavation. Hence, helical piers are a sustainable option, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.
• Flexibility in application and design: Helical piers can be customized to meet project needs. They can support everything from major commercial developments to lightweight structures like residential garages.
• Year-round installation: Contractors can install helical piers in nearly any weather, including frozen conditions.

Steel Push Piers Vs. Helical Piers

Both helical and steel push piers are effective and reliable for foundation repair and stabilization. Nevertheless, each method has distinct characteristics and suitability depending on the project’s requirements.

Steel push piers are good for heavy structures that require strong and deep support. This method is useful in areas with variable or unknown soil conditions, bypassing the less stable upper layers to rest in bedrock or more stable soil.

Helical piers, on the other hand, are screwed into the ground and are suitable for both light and heavy loads. They’re beneficial in soils that are soft or loose near the surface.

Helical Piers vs. Steel Push Piers: Cost Differences

Push piers are typically less expensive than helical piers. This is because push piers require less equipment and labor to install. Push piers are driven deep into the ground using hydraulic pressure, and the installation process is relatively straightforward. This means that push piers can be installed quickly and with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.

Helical piers are generally more expensive than push piers. This is because helical piers require more equipment and labor to install. Helical piers are screwed into the ground using a hydraulic motor, and the installation process can be more complex than that of push piers. Additionally, helical piers may require more time and effort to install if the soil conditions are difficult or if there are obstructions in the ground.

Need More Information? Consult a Professional

Installing push and helical piers is a job for the pros. Professional foundation repair experts offer:

• Expertise and precision: Professionals use the most advanced equipment and techniques to ensure that each repair is precise and that the root cause of the problem is addressed correctly.
• Guaranteed results: A professional foundation repair contractor will do the job right the first time and offer a warranty.

Contact Quality Foundation Repair Today

If you think your Austin home has a foundation issue, contact Quality Foundation Repair today to schedule a free evaluation and receive a repair estimate.