Push Piers Vs. Helical Piers: Which Is Better?

The foundation is the bedrock of any home; any issue in the foundation threatens the entire structure. The foundation is affected by the soil composition, the hydrostatic pressure around the house, and the weather conditions. You might need help with foundation problems during the construction of your home or when your foundation starts to settle after a year or two. Regardless of the issue, it would help if you had a robust and supportive foundation to ensure the safety and stability of your home.

For a settling foundation, the most common and effective solution is the installation of helical or push piers. These are highly proven and tested methods to shift the weight of the settling foundation to stable soil. They help lift a sinking foundation and support the house's weight for years. This blog will discuss the piers, their installation, advantages, and disadvantages to help you decide which is suitable for your home.

Introduction to Piers

What are Push Piers?

These are steel foundation piers that lift and stabilize a settling foundation. They help shift the house’s weight from unstable soil to more reliable and stable soil or bedrock, providing the required stability.

What are Helical Piers?

Helical piers are another solution for a foundation sinking or settlement problem. They are a sizeable screw-like steel pier, a long shaft with helical blades that are screwed into the earth. The spiraling blades provide strength and functionality to the system, making it effective in providing stability.

Installation Methods

The installation processes of the two systems also vary.

Push Piers Installation Process

The installation includes pushing piers into the ground with hydraulic pressure until they reach a stable bedrock or surface. The pressure is measured to determine whether they have reached enough depth to bear the structure's weight.

Helical Piers Installation Process

Helical piers have spiraling blades that are rotated into the earth. Hydraulic equipment and heavy machinery are used to drill the piers. As the blades go deeper, they engage with the soil to create an anchor that supports the weight of the entire house. The rotating blades create the proper force to improve the load-bearing capacity. When set into the ground, they are attached to the foundation to stabilize the entire structure.

Ready to find your dream home in Colorado?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents. Find out what your home is worth in today's market.

Advantages of Push Piers

Load-Bearing Capacity

Push piers are perfect for large structures with a lot of weight. The house should have enough weight to push the piers into the ground, creating the required support.

Deep Soil Support

Push piers can be used in different soil types and extended to any depth.

Cost-Effectiveness

Push piers are always cost-effective compared to helical piers. The galvanized steel protects against corrosion and rust, increasing the system's durability for decades.

Flexibility

Push piers can be extended to any depth by adding extra sections.

Advantages of Helical Piers

Versatility in Installation

Helical piers can be inserted vertically or at an angle to support the structure. They do not require excavation, making them more accessible and quicker to install.

Adaptability

Helical piers are perfect for all-terrain as they can withstand all weather and soil conditions to support the structure.

Immediate Load-Bearing

The installation process includes gauging the pressure at every step to determine the load-bearing capacity. So, once the piers are installed and attached to the foundation, they are ready to support the structure's weight, making them an instant solution to settlement problems.

Minimal Disturbance

Helical piers displace soil laterally with their blades, allowing them to be installed with minimal disruption to the land. They do not require excavation, drilling, or concrete work, so they do not hamper the surrounding landscape and existing structures.

Disadvantages of Push Piers

Spatial Limitations

Push piers can not be installed in limited space like push piers.

Longer Installation Time

Push piers take longer to install than helical piers as they require excavation and human labor. This can lead to potential project delays.

Disadvantages of Helical Piers

Higher Initial Costs

Due to their robust design and structure and the need for heavy machinery and expertise for installation, helical piers are costlier than push piers.

Factors to Consider

Helical piers and push piers are both perfect solutions for foundation settlement issues. They both have pros and cons when selecting the proper support for your property.

Soil conditions and Load-bearing

Helical piers are perfect for most soil conditions as they can withstand changes in the soil composition and support smaller and larger structures.

Push piers are more limited and less versatile than helical piers.

Budget Constraints

Helical pier installation is generally more expensive than push pier installation. If you have a limited budget for your foundation issues, you should select the push pier installation.

However, helical piers are more robust, adaptive, and durable. They can also be installed for a broader range of properties.

While you can inspect and consider different factors yourself, it is always a good idea to get professionals involved in foundation repair. They properly inspect and analyze the damage and suggest the best support system for your foundation.

Reinforce Your Foundation Today

Helical or push piers are the best solution for a settling foundation. They are both minimally invasive and reliable, providing a solid support system for the foundation. The support choice will be based on soil composition, location, and structural issues. You should assess your budget, project timeline, and foundation health to select the right solution, as it determines your foundation’s health and the strength and stability of your home. Schedule an inspection with a professional near you to properly analyze the issue and install the correct solution for your home.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Quick Sale Houses: From Start to Finish
How Accepting A Cash Offer Benefits Home Sellers
5 Neighborhood Aspects That Draw In Buyers