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Technical Papers

Does My House Need Piers

Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 by Aaron Stull

Does My House Need Piers - Image 1Piering is a method of foundation repair used to address subsidence, or the settling of a foundation into the ground. The history of piering can be traced back to the late 19th century, when engineers first began experimenting with ways to stabilize foundations that had been damaged by subsidence.

One of the earliest methods of piering involved the use of wooden piles, which were driven into the ground to support the foundation. However, this method was often unreliable as the wood decayed and could lead to further damage to the foundation over time.

In the early 20th century, engineers began experimenting with more advanced materials, such as concrete and steel, for use in piering. These materials were stronger and more durable than wood, and could better withstand the forces of subsidence.

During the 1950s and 1960s, engineers developed a new type of piering method known as "belled piers." This method involved excavating a hole beneath the foundation, and then pouring a concrete pier with a bell-shaped base that could be filled with soil to provide additional support.

In the 1970s, engineers began to experiment with a new type of piering called "push piers." This method involved driving steel piers deep into the ground until they hit bedrock or stable soils, using a hydraulic system to push them into place. This method was found to be more effective than bell piers, as the steel piers could be driven deeper into the ground, providing more support to the foundation. Like most manufactured products there are some that are very good and evolve with the new data and science and others who make a design and never change.  It is imperative to work with a manufacture who is always on the cutting edge. That is why Keystone Basement Systems uses Foundation Supportworks piers and other reinforcement equipment.

Supportworks is a company that specializes in foundation repair, including the use of push piers. Their push piers are made of high-strength steel and are driven deep into the ground to support the foundation. These piers are adjustable, which means they can be adjusted to the specific needs of the foundation they are supporting.

The push piers used by Supportworks are also designed to be resistant to corrosion, which means they will last for many years without needing to be replaced. Additionally, the company uses a patented bracket system that attaches to the foundation and provides a stable connection to the piers.Does My House Need Piers - Image 2

The use of push piers has become increasingly popular in recent years, as they are a reliable and effective solution for addressing subsidence. They are also a cost-effective option, as they can be installed relatively quickly and with minimal disruption to the home or commercial building.

Overall, the history of piering has seen many advances over the years, but push piers have proven to be one of the most effective methods of foundation repair. Supportworks is a company that is at the forefront of this technology and offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for foundation repair.

Do you think you made need piering or other structural repair to your foundation, click here or call us at 1-800-771-3244.

About the author
Aaron Stull is a second generation foundation repair specialist from the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.

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