Yes, repair methods for foundation heaving and settlement are significantly different because the underlying cause and direction of movement are opposites.

Repairing Foundation Settlement

When a foundation sinks (settles) due to soil compression, repairs focus on underpinning the structure to transfer its weight to a more stable soil layer. Common methods include:

• Push Piers: Steel piers hydraulically driven deep into the ground until they reach load-bearing strata.
• Helical Piers: Steel piers screwed into the soil using hydraulic torque, which provide immediate stability with minimal site disruption.
• Floor Stabilizer Post Kits: For interior slabs, these adjustable steel supports create a new load path to bypass sagging or original compromised elements.

Repairing Foundation Heaving

Because heaving is the upward displacement caused by moisture-reactive expansive clay, the primary focus is moisture control rather than just support. Methods include:

• Perimeter Drainage Systems: Installing French drains and grading the soil to a 5% slope away from the foundation to intercept water before it can swell the clay.
• Helical Piers: These can also be used to lift and support heaved foundation elements once moisture is managed.
• Soil Modification: In severe cases, the expansive soil may need to be removed and replaced.

Because the repair strategies differ fundamentally, a professional geotechnical evaluation is essential to ensure the correct fix is applied.