Which Foundation Repair Solution Is Right for Your Home?
When foundation problems start showing up, whether it's large cracks in your walls, sticking doors and windows, or uneven floors, one of the first questions homeowners ask is, "How do you fix it?"
The answer often comes down to installing foundation piers. Two of the most common foundation stabilization methods are helical piers and push piers. While both are highly effective solutions for stabilizing and lifting settling foundations, they work in different ways and are designed for different situations.
At Atlas Systems of New England, we believe informed homeowners make better decisions. Let's take a closer look at how each system works and when one may be a better fit than the other.
What Are Helical Piers?
Think of a helical pier as a giant steel screw.
Helical piers are steel shafts with helical plates (similar to large screw threads) that are mechanically screwed deep into the ground until they reach stable, load-bearing soil. Once installed, they transfer the weight of your structure away from unstable soils and onto stronger soils below.
Because they are installed by being rotated into the ground, helical piers do not require the weight of the structure to be installed properly.
Common Uses for Helical Piers
- Residential foundation repair
- New construction support
- Decks and porches
- Additions
- Retaining walls
- Lightweight structures
- Commercial buildings
For Example…
Imagine you're building a new addition onto your home. Since the addition hasn't been built yet, there isn't enough weight to use a push pier system. Helical piers can be installed before construction begins, creating a stable foundation from the start.
What Are Push Piers?
Push piers, sometimes called resistance piers, are steel tubes hydraulically driven into the ground beneath an existing structure.
Unlike helical piers, push piers rely on the weight of the building itself as resistance during installation. The heavier the structure, the more effective the installation process can be.
Once the piers reach stable bedrock or load-bearing soil, hydraulic jacks can often be used to carefully lift sections of the foundation back toward their original position.
Common Uses for Push Piers
- Settling foundations
- Heavy residential homes
- Commercial buildings
- Structures experiencing significant settlement
- Foundation lifting and stabilization projects
For Example…
Let's say a 50-year-old home has developed large stair-step cracks in the brick exterior, sloping floors, and doors that no longer close properly. The home's weight allows push piers to be driven deep into stable soils, helping stabilize the foundation and potentially recover some of the lost elevation.
Helical Piers vs. Push Piers: What's the Biggest Difference?
The primary difference comes down to installation.
Helical Piers
- Installed by screwing into the ground
- Do not require building weight
- Ideal for lighter structures and new construction
- Installation depth is verified through torque measurements
Push Piers
- Hydraulically driven into the ground
- Require the structure's weight for installation
- Best for heavier existing structures
- Often reach deeper load-bearing strata or bedrock
Similarly, both systems are engineered solutions designed to permanently stabilize foundations when properly installed.
How Do You Know Which One You Need?
It’s best to consult a professional such as Atlas Systems of New England. Rather than speculating it’s best, schedule an inspection that can provide you with the details you need and recommend the best solution.
Just like in life, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every property is different and different factors influence the recommendations such as:
- Soil conditions
- Structure weight
- Severity of settlement
- Accessibility
- Building age
- Presence of groundwater
- Whether the structure is existing or new construction
Pro-Tip: Keep an Eye Out for Signs
Staying aware and noticing the first signs is important. If you're noticing any of the following issues, it may be time for a professional evaluation:
Wall Cracks
Bowing or Leaning Walls
Sticking Doors and Windows
Sinking or Failing Foundation
Stair-Step Brick Cracks
Water Intrusion
Settling or Leaning Chimney
Uneven or Sloping Floors
Floor Cracks
Why Homeowners Trust Atlas Systems of New England
For more than 30 years, Atlas Systems of New England has helped homeowners, businesses, municipalities, and historic property owners solve foundation challenges throughout the region. Our experienced team understands the unique soil conditions and environmental factors that impact structures across New England.
We take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and design a repair solution that provides lasting peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. Both are excellent foundation repair solutions. The best choice depends on your structure, soil conditions, and project goals.
Yes. In many situations, helical piers can be used to stabilize and potentially lift portions of a settling foundation.
Often they do, but not always. Push piers are driven until they reach sufficient load-bearing capacity, which may be bedrock or another stable soil layer.
Properly engineered and installed steel pier systems are designed to provide long-term structural support and can last for decades.
Most installations can be completed with minimal disturbance to landscaping and surrounding property compared to major excavation methods.
The purpose of both helical and push piers is to transfer the building's load to stable soils below, helping prevent further settlement.
Costs vary depending on the size of the structure, soil conditions, accessibility, and the number of piers required. A professional inspection is the best way to determine project costs.