Understanding Push Piers

What are Resistance Push Piers?

Contractors have used resistance push piers in commercial and home construction since the 1900s, and they still offer highly effective foundation repair today. Their ongoing popularity is a testament to the system’s stability.

Let’s explore how push piers work to determine their fit for your specific construction needs.

Understanding Resistance Push Piers: How They Work

Resistance push piers are a deep foundation solution for stabilizing and lifting a sinking structure. The installation process is straightforward: workers push hollow pipes into the ground to resolve foundation settling.

First, a contractor measures elevations to analyze the foundation and determine where to place the piers. Then, the installer excavates the soil all the way to the bottom of the footing at the installation sites. Steel brackets are mounted at the footer. The contractor drives the push piers down to the load-bearing strata with a hydraulic press. This can be to a depth of anywhere from 25–60 feet. Then, the piers are attached to the structure using brackets. The weight of the structure is the resistance mass that pushes against the pier, providing stability. The excavation locations are backfilled and any landscaping is replaced.

Benefits of Resistance Push Piers

Several notable benefits make push piers ideal for foundation contractors under certain circumstances.

First, push piers are an excellent solution when repairing a structure within tight spaces. Push piers can be installed under decks, overhangs or other obstructions because the equipment used to install them is more portable than helical piers. Space required for installation can be as small as 3’ x 3’, with limited overhead clearance (around 6’).

Second, push piers are a good solution when there is significant rock in the soil surrounding the building. Push piers can push through thin rock layers and will bear on the significant rock layer underneath the building structure.

Finally, the steel brackets provide longevity as they naturally mitigate corrosion. This can help property owners avoid more extensive and costly repairs in the future.

Push piers go beyond just stopping cracking or sinking. They actually lift the foundation back into place and prevent further movement. By transferring the load to bedrock layers, the piers provide a robust support system that resists further shifting or sinking. This not only addresses existing foundation problems but also prevents future issues from occurring.

Push Piers: Other Considerations

While push piers are one of the most popular solutions for foundation repair, they’re not right for every situation. For instance, because they rely on the structure's weight to maintain their depth, they’re not ideal for lighter buildings. Nor should you use them when the footer is broken or cracked because they provide resistance against this fail point.

In fact, the foundation must be in reasonably good repair to handle push piers. You won’t be able to use them to repair crumbling foundations.

In addition, while excavation is required, it’s minimally disruptive to the surrounding landscape. Typically, only small access holes are needed, which can be strategically placed to minimize the impact on the landscape. Compared to alternative methods resistance push piers generally result in less disruption and a faster installation process.

Find a Contractor for Your Foundation Repair

All in all, push piers are an excellent solution to sinking or settling foundational issues. They can lift the structure back into place without causing extensive damage to the surrounding landscape. They are particularly well-suited for rocky soils.

Foundation Rescue Supply can provide referrals for qualified contractors near you. Contact us for more information.