Which Pier System is Best for Underpinning a Sinking Foundation?

When comparing pier systems for a sinking foundation, helical piers are often considered the best choice, particularly for residential properties and projects in areas with expansive clay soils like the Colorado Front Range. While the ideal solution depends on a professional site inspection, helical piers offer several distinct advantages:

Immediate Load Capacity: Unlike push piers, which often require concrete to cure and add days to a schedule, helical piers can accept structural loads immediately after installation.
Faster Installation: These systems can be installed up to 66% faster than push piers in poor soil conditions because they are screwed into the ground using hydraulic torque rather than being driven by heavy hydraulic force.
Minimal Disruption: Helical piers use lighter, more maneuverable equipment. This makes them ideal for tight spaces and minimizes damage to landscaping and existing structures compared to the excavation needed for push piers.
Soil Performance: They are highly effective in weak or variable soil strata. Push piers, by contrast, rely on the structure’s own weight for reaction force and may require deep excavation that can further destabilize problematic ground.

While push piers are a time-tested option for heavy commercial loads or sites where stable bearing strata are easily accessible, helical piers are typically preferred for their efficiency, speed, and minimal site impact.

Push Piers vs Helical Piers: Denver Comparison Guide

Related FAQs

How do I Add Sinkhole Insurance to my Tower Hill Property Policy?

Based on the provided content, sinkhole loss coverage is already offered as a standard part of homeowners’ policies in Florida. Because Florida law requires insurers to include it, your Tower Hill Insurance policy should already include protection for sinkhole loss.However,…
Read More »: How do I Add Sinkhole Insurance to my Tower Hill Property Policy?
How do Foundation Contractors Estimate Helical Pier Project Costs?

Foundation contractors estimate helical pier project costs through a comprehensive process that prioritizes site-specific data over flat rates. Because conditions vary significantly between properties, contractors like Rocky Mountain Steel Piering (RMSSCO) use the following methods to develop accurate quotes:On-Site Inspections:An…
Read More »: How do Foundation Contractors Estimate Helical Pier Project Costs?
How can You Tell if Soil is Pushing a Foundation up or if it is Sinking Down?

To determine whether a foundation is sinking (settlement) or being pushed upward (heaving), you must look for specific visual indicators in the cracks, floors, and door frames of the structure.### Signs of Foundation Settlement (Sinking) Settlement occurs when soil compresses…
Read More »: How can You Tell if Soil is Pushing a Foundation up or if it is Sinking Down?
How are Helical Piers Used in New Commercial Construction?

In new commercial construction, helical piers serve as a high-efficiency alternative to traditional deep foundations, specifically designed to address challenging soil conditions like expansive clays or loose fill. They are used to transfer structural loads to competent bearing strata deep…
Read More »: How are Helical Piers Used in New Commercial Construction?
Does Tower Hill Insurance Provide Foundation Stabilization Coverage?

Yes, Tower Hill Insurance typically provides coverage for foundation stabilization, though it is specifically linked to verified sinkhole loss.According to the provided content, stabilization is addressed in the following ways:Coverage Triggers: Under a standard policy, structural repairs and foundation stabilization…
Read More »: Does Tower Hill Insurance Provide Foundation Stabilization Coverage?

Blog Detail