Every kind of pier method for foundation repair has its ups and downs. Even if you prefer one particular method over the others, the kind of pier system used for your foundation repair will not be up to you. The experts doing the job will assess the conditions of your soil and your foundation to determine the best solution for you.
When to Use Helical Piers
Helical piers are extremely reliable for foundation repairs in comparison to other methods. They are often used in homes where the soil is very soft and easy to consolidate. Their low surface area prevents negative pressure, which is not something that can be said for concrete piers. They are also best used if you have bowing walls that need to be straightened out or if you need to lift your settling house. This is possible because, unlike other pier systems, helical piers can be installed at an angle.
Another reason to go for helical piers has to do with your comfort. For the fastest installation time as well as minimal soil disturbance and noise, helical piers are the way to go.
When Not to Use Helical Piers
Helical piers should only be used on light structures because they don’t have the load-bearing capacity to carry heavy structures. If you own a big house, push piers are a much better option for your foundation. Another reason why the contractor might not use helical piers on your foundation might be due to the size limits. Helical piers might be too big to be installed in specific parts. You might be wondering why push piers can’t be used in those tighter spots, but using a mix of different types of piers will create uneven pressure across the foundation.
Helical piers are also incredibly reliant on soil. If your property has a lot of sedimentary rock around it, it might be difficult for the workers to install the helical piers. When this is the case, concrete piers or push piers are preferred.