When it comes to stabilizing and lifting the foundation of a home or commercial building, two common methods are helical piers and push piles. Both systems are designed to correct foundation issues, but at Superior Foundation Repair, we prefer to use helical piers for a variety of reasons. In this blog post, we’ll explain the differences between these two foundation repair solutions and why helicals are the better choice for long-lasting, reliable results.
What Are Helical Piers?
Helical piers, also known as screw piles, are steel shafts with helix-shaped plates that are mechanically screwed into the ground. They are used to stabilize structures by transferring the weight of the building to deep, stable soil layers or bedrock. The helical plates act like threads on a screw, allowing the pier to penetrate the ground with precision.
What Are Push Piles?
Push piles, also called resistance piers, are straight steel pipes driven into the ground by the weight of the structure itself. The foundation is used as a counterforce to "push" the piles into the soil until they reach stable strata or bedrock. Once in place, the piles support and stabilize the foundation.
Comparing Helical Piers and Push Piles
Both systems are designed to correct foundation settlement, but the differences in how they work can lead to varying outcomes in certain conditions.
1. Installation Process
Helical Piers: Helical piers are screwed into the ground using hydraulic equipment. The installation can be controlled and monitored, allowing for precise depth and torque measurements. This means that helical piers can be installed even in soft or loose soils without relying on the weight of the building.
Push Piles: Push piles are installed by driving sections of pipe into the ground using the weight of the structure. This can be an issue if the building is lightweight or if the soil is soft. In these cases, push piles may not reach the required depth for stability.
Advantage: Helical piers are a more versatile and controlled installation method, especially in areas with loose or unstable soils, making them a better choice for homes in diverse landscapes like Salt Lake City, St. George, and Cedar City.
2. Load Capacity
Helical Piers: Helical piers offer predictable load capacities. The torque required to install the pier correlates with the pier's load-bearing capacity, allowing installers to verify that each pier can support the necessary weight.
Push Piles: The load capacity of push piles is less predictable and depends on the weight of the structure. If the building is too light, the push piles might not penetrate deeply enough to reach stable soil layers, leading to insufficient support.
Advantage: Helical piers provide a more reliable load-bearing capacity, making them a superior solution for structures of all sizes and weights.
3. Soil Conditions
Helical Piers: Because of their design, helical piers can be used in a wide range of soil conditions, including soft, sandy, or expansive soils. The helices allow the pier to anchor securely in the ground, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Push Piles: Push piles are less effective in soft or expansive soils because they rely on friction or resistance from denser soils, which may be difficult to reach in loose or shifting ground.
Advantage: Helical piers are better suited to varying soil types, making them a more flexible option for foundation repair in places with challenging soil conditions like Utah’s Wasatch Front or the arid areas of St. George.
4. Lifting Capacity and Adjustment
Helical Piers: Helical piers provide excellent lifting capabilities. They can be adjusted and fine-tuned to lift and stabilize the foundation once they are installed, ensuring a precise level and elevation.
Push Piles: Push piles can also lift a structure, but the process isn’t as easily controlled as with helicals. The uneven distribution of load resistance during installation can lead to less accurate lifting results.
Advantage: Helical piers offer superior control when lifting and stabilizing a foundation, providing more predictable and accurate results.
Why We Choose Helical Piers at Superior Foundation Repair
At Superior Foundation Repair, we believe in providing the most effective and lasting solutions for our customers. Here’s why we stand by helical piers:
Precision and Control: Helical piers allow us to carefully control the depth and load capacity of each pier, ensuring that your foundation is stabilized and supported properly, regardless of the soil conditions.
Versatility: Whether your home is in Salt Lake City with its clay-heavy soils, or in St. George with its drier, more arid conditions, helical piers can adapt to the soil type and offer consistent support.
Proven Results: With helical piers, we can achieve predictable, long-lasting results. Our team uses advanced technology to ensure every installation is done correctly, giving you peace of mind that your home is stabilized for years to come.
Conclusion
While both helical piers and push piles have their place in foundation repair, helical piers offer more versatility, reliability, and precision. At Superior Foundation Repair, we trust helical piers to provide our clients with the best possible solution for stabilizing and lifting their homes.
If you’re noticing signs of foundation trouble, such as cracks or uneven floors, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and learn how our helical pier solutions can protect your home for the long term.
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