Helical Piers vs Push Piers

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

Some may remember my past post(s) concerning my own foundation settlement issue. I've finally got off my rear end and got estimates from 3 foundation companies. I have it narrowed down to two. One recommends six helical piers while the other recommends 7 steel push piers. What are your opinions of the two? Give me the good, bad and ugly Oh, price wise they are real close to one another based on price per pier. Thanks!

[escanlan]

Robert,

Can you provide links to their WEB sites so that we can view their pier offerings?

As for steel push piers I would not recommend them to anyone. Steel likes to rust and even if coated you can expect the coating to wear during installation. Push piers are not very good for active soils as there is always the potential of them being pushed/squeezed upward. This has been a problem with expansive soils and push piers.

Yes most helical piers are steel but at least they offer some of the characteristics of belled and poured concrete piers. Here is one interesting site for helical piers:

http://www.helicalpierworld.com/

Whatever you do, if you use any steel in piers also make sure they are using primary steel of the proper gauge. There are some foundation repair companies out there who are using cheap secondary steel in their piers. These tend to fail and corrode quickly.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Many foundation repair companies offer a lifetime transferable guarantee. Almost better than the original foundation. Is Ram Jack in your neck of the woods?

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

Originally Posted by escanlan

Robert,

Can you provide links to their WEB sites so that we can view their pier offerings?

As for steel push piers I would not recommend them to anyone. Steel likes to rust and even if coated you can expect the coating to wear during installation. Push piers are not very good for active soils as there is always the potential of them being pushed/squeezed upward. This has been a problem with expansive soils and push piers.

Yes most helical piers are steel but at least they offer some of the characteristics of belled and poured concrete piers. Here is one interesting site for helical piers:

http://www.helicalpierworld.com/

Whatever you do, if you use any steel in piers also make sure they are using primary steel of the proper gauge. There are some foundation repair companies out there who are using cheap secondary steel in their piers. These tend to fail and corrode quickly.

Here we go...
www.trottercompany.com and www.anglinsfoundationrepairs.com

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

Originally Posted by bkelly2

Many foundation repair companies offer a lifetime transferable guarantee. Almost better than the original foundation. Is Ram Jack in your neck of the woods?

Not sure of Ram Jack but both companies give a lifetime transferable warranty.

The helical company seemed more professional for what it's worth. If I use them I'll have to hire a seperate brick mason to do the cosmetic repairs. The steel pier company provides the brick repair along with the piers.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Lifetime warranty, sounds good. Check references and good luck.

[Richard A. Hetzel]

Lifetime warranties are only as good as the longevity of the companies that issue them, Read them carefully, or better yet, have them read by someone who won't just read what he or she wants to read, and preferably someone who is very familiar with construction, so they can tell you what could happen that won't be covered. To me, a lifetime warranty is an invitation to mistrust. Do the homework.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by Richard A. Hetzel

Lifetime warranties are only as good as the longevity of the companies that issue them, Read them carefully, or better yet, have them read by someone who won't just read what he or she wants to read, and preferably someone who is very familiar with construction, so they can tell you what could happen that won't be covered. To me, a lifetime warranty is an invitation to mistrust. Do the homework.

Of the two companies Robert listed they have both been in business since 1929 and 1930, at first look they seem reputable.

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

Originally Posted by bkelly2

Of the two companies Robert listed they have both been in business since 1929 and 1930, at first look they seem reputable.

I have one issue (other than the type of pier to go with) that is sticking in my crawl... the steel push pier company (foreman) originally suggested 15 piers and later suggested 7 piers. It's the only thing that put a bad taste in my mouth about the company. Otherwise, they are highly rated and have the added benefit of also doing the masonry repairs.

[Barry Adair]

Robert,

The company I have successfully used with many clients insists on incorporating a lifetime transferable warranty on all pier work, initial and final, third party engineering reports and final plumbing tests. Pressure test on supply and static on the drain.

In the event you have questions about the number of and placement of the piers consult the engineer they are using. S/he should be able to address all questions to your satisfaction.

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by badair

Robert,

The company I have successfully used with many clients insists on incorporating a lifetime transferable warranty on all pier work, initial and final, third party engineering reports and final plumbing tests. Pressure test on supply and static on the drain.

In the event you have questions about the number of and placement of the piers consult the engineer they are using. S/he should be able to address all questions to your satisfaction.

Barry,

Good points and well worth having done! There are some good companies out there. Which company is this you speak of? Do the engineering reports contain before and after elevation readings as well?

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

An update... I'm back on Terra Firma!!! I finally decided to go with a company that installed push piers (total of 7), made the needed brick/mortar repairs, and provided a lifetime transferrable warranty. They started at 10Am and completed the job at 9PM. No more sticking doors, cracks, etc. The crew was great and encouraged me to watch and learn. I was with them the entire day and learned a lot. I don't wish this experience on anyone.....but it was an education which will help me with future inspections...hmmm, wonder if I can get a few CE credits for that

[rcooke]

Originally Posted by rnewland

An update... I'm back on Terra Firma!!! I finally decided to go with a company that installed push piers (total of 7), made the needed brick/mortar repairs, and provided a lifetime transferrable warranty. They started at 10Am and completed the job at 9PM. No more sticking doors, cracks, etc. The crew was great and encouraged me to watch and learn. I was with them the entire day and learned a lot. I don't wish this experience on anyone.....but it was an education which will help me with future inspections...hmmm, wonder if I can get a few CE credits for that

Hope you got lots of Pictures Glad for you . All the Best ...Cookie

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by rnewland

An update... I'm back on Terra Firma!!! I finally decided to go with a company that installed push piers (total of 7), made the needed brick/mortar repairs, and provided a lifetime transferrable warranty. They started at 10Am and completed the job at 9PM. No more sticking doors, cracks, etc. The crew was great and encouraged me to watch and learn. I was with them the entire day and learned a lot. I don't wish this experience on anyone.....but it was an education which will help me with future inspections...hmmm, wonder if I can get a few CE credits for that

Did you take any pics, Robert? I'm sure many would enjoy them.

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

I'm not sure if this will work but let's see..... http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLan...fromshare&Ux=0