Foundations are responsible for supporting the entire structure of your home, but over time, they can experience problems such as settling, shifting, or cracking due to various factors like soil movement, moisture changes, or the natural aging process. These issues can compromise the stability of your home, leading to costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
When you contact a professional for help, one solution they might recommend is foundation piering. But do foundation piers actually work?
What Are Foundation Piers?
Installed beneath the foundation of a home, foundation piers provide greater structural support and help to prevent further movement and settling. Typically constructed with steel or concrete, they are driven deep into the ground until they reach a stable level of soil or bedrock. This allows the foundation piers to transfer the weight of the home from unstable soil to more stable ground.
There are several types of foundation piers, including helical piers and resistance piers, each of which is designed to address specific issues. Helical piers are a common choice for lighter structures or when soil conditions make other methods difficult. Resistance piers, on the other hand, are often used for heavier structures due to their strength and durability. They are hydraulically driven into the ground, making them ideal for situations where deep penetration into the soil is required to reach stable ground.
How Do Foundation Piers Work?
Foundation piers work by extending the structural support of your home from unstable soil to more stable, load-bearing layers beneath the ground. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Assessment: At the beginning of the process, your professional will evaluate the extent of the foundation issues and determine the best locations for the piers.
- Installation: Using specialized equipment, the piers are driven into the ground until they reach stable soil or bedrock. For helical piers, this involves screwing them into the ground, while resistance piers are hydraulically pushed deep into the soil.
- Support Transfer: Once the piers are securely in place, they are connected to the foundation. The weight of the home is then transferred from the unstable soil to the piers, which bear the load and stabilize the foundation.
- Adjustment (If Necessary): In some cases, the foundation may be lifted back to its original position as part of the repair process. This adjustment helps correct any settling or shifting that has occurred.
Is Foundation Piering Effective?
Foundation piering is a highly effective way to keep your home safe from foundation settling, shifting, and cracking. By shifting the weight of your home into more stable soil or bedrock, foundation piers can provide a long-term solution to foundational issues.
When properly installed, foundation piers not only stabilize the foundation but also can correct previous damage by lifting the structure back to its original level. This correction helps address and prevent additional problems such as wall cracks, uneven floors, and misaligned doors and windows.
Signs You Need Foundation Piers
Cracks in Walls or Ceilings
Horizontal, vertical, or stair-step cracks in walls or ceilings can indicate shifting or settling of the foundation.
Doors and Windows Sticking
Difficulty in opening or closing doors and windows can be a sign that the foundation is misaligned.
Uneven Floors
Sloping or uneven floors may suggest that the foundation is settling or shifting.
Gaps Around Doors and Windows
Gaps or separations around doors and windows can result from foundation movement.
Cracks in the Foundation
Visible cracks in the foundation itself are a clear sign that there may be significant structural issues needing attention.
Call on Jaco for Foundation Piering Services
At Jaco, we know that a settling, sinking foundation can threaten the safety and security of your entire home. That’s why we provide foundation piering services in the Indianapolis and Cincinnati areas to effectively address these issues.
Using high-quality materials and advanced techniques, Jaco ensures that each foundation piering project is completed with precision and care. We are committed to delivering lasting results that not only fix current issues but also provide peace of mind for the future.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.