Types of Foundation Piers
MAGNUM® Piering specializes in manufacturing all types of foundation piers that can stabilize a structures. Structures built on less than desirable soil. It’s important for home and business owners to realize that there are several types of foundation piers available. Each have there own pros and cons. A building is only as sound as its foundation. If the foundation is built on expansive or hydro-compactable soils, it’s necessary to take action at once.
In this post, we will explore some of the most common types of foundation piers. We will also illustrate the advantages and disadvantages associated with them.
Helical Pile
Imagine a giant screw made from galvanized steel, designed to attach a structure to the earth. This is the basic form and function of a helical pile. The founders of HighCraft Builders wrote, helical piles are “turned into the ground until they’re stable enough to build on. Fairly common in commercial construction and in foundation repair, helical Piles aren’t widely used as a residential foundation system.”
Steel Push Pier
Steel push piers utilize round tube sections of high-strength steel. A load transfer bracket is used to lift and/or stabilize a foundation that’s shifting or sinking. The full load of the building is then borne by a series of these steel push piers. This transfers the load to more stable soil or bedrock. One major advantage of the steel push pier system is that it doesn’t require a lot of massive equipment, making it ideal for difficult to access foundations.
Straight-Shaft End-Bearing Piers
These foundation piers are very simple. Much like an interior pillar, these underground pillars ensure that the weight of a structure is born by strong soil, “hardpan” or rock. These piers are used when the soil directly under the foundation. These piers increase bearing the load of the surrounding soil.
Belled Or Under Reamed Piers
These foundation piers operate in a very similar fashion to straight-shaft end-bearing piers except that their shape is slightly different. Instead of a straight shaft, these foundation piers have a bell-shaped based. These foundation piers deliver an advantage in cases where a fairly sound layer of soil is preceded by a weak layer of soil.
At MAGNUM® Piering, we’re well equipped to evaluate the load-bearing capacities of all different types of soils and recommend the foundation piers that will be most advantageous in your case. Whether it’s a residence or commercial building, we realize how essential a sound foundation is. Our skilled engineers are ready to work with architects and contractors so that you’ll always know that your structure is built on a firm foundation.
Contact MAGNUM® Piering to learn more about the types of foundation piers we manufacture and install, as well as the permanent repair solutions we offer to homeowners. Don’t ignore a structural issue that could result in catastrophic damage to your property!