All About Concrete Piers Work

Concrete piers are concrete columns. Liquid concrete is poured into holes that are drilled into the ground. Minimum 1-1.5 feet above the ground concrete pier foundations are usually built.

To prevent moisture damage to wooden structures, this gap is necessary. The diameter of concrete piers is usually 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches, and the piers can be rectangular, square, or circular.

Below the freezing depth, the depth of the concrete pier foundation lies .which is usually around five to six feet. Concrete piers are used for foundation work as it is extremely reliable, solid, and withstands the test of time.

Concrete is the most widely used man-made material all over the world. Concrete piers are one of the most extremely effective methods of foundation repair for homes with sagging or damaged foundations.

To a depth of anywhere from 12 to 20 feet underneath the ground, a hole of approximately one foot in diameter is drilled.

The depth that has been drilled under the ground ensures that the bottom of the pier is anchored in stable soil and thus prevents any further sinking or settling.

After drilling the hole, the concrete is poured on it; then it is kept to cure for six to seven days. To gain more stability and strength, steel bars can reinforce the concrete’s structure.

After curing the concrete, hydraulic jacks are hired to lift the home to its proper height. The gap between the foundation and the top of the piers is closed by installing steel or concrete spacers; this creates a level surface for the house to rest upon.

The concrete pier is made up of concrete that is precast, as well as cast in situ pier. Precast concrete piers, after manufacturing in a factory, are driven into the ground at the place required steel wires are generally reinforced with the precast concrete pier.

At the bottom of the pier cast steel shoe is provided. Concrete piers are generally 25cm to 40 cm in cross-section and up to 25 m in length. One or more concrete piers may be required to install, which depends if the foundation has suffered more.

Why Do Concrete Piers Work?

Important Point

Concrete piers work well on foundations, and there are different types of them. Concrete piers have the characteristics of high effectiveness, and they last for years.

Concrete piers are solid enough and can endure labor rigors. Concrete piers are solid enough when doing foundation repair work to maintain the structure level as they are denied and pressed concrete pillars.

Piers made of concrete are not so much expensive; they cost less than others and work just as well. That’s one of the main key reasons they are used by house owners.

Concrete should last forever, which will complement the durability of the rest of the design well, like timber, frame, etc. Wood piers would have to be replaced at some point but with concrete piers there is no problem like that.

Also Read: Difference Between MDF and Particle Board

Reasons Why Concrete Piers Work

There are many reasons why concrete piers work. They are described below:

In repairing foundations, concrete piers work well and are used a lot. That isn’t the same as other types of foundation pilings.
Concrete piers are thick-pressed structural supports, and when performing foundation repair, they are strong enough to keep the structure level.
When they are used as concrete supports to end foundation issues, they perform splendidly.
Concrete piers aren’t the same.
The rigors of labor can be withstood by concrete piers.
They can create a healthy foundation and are perfect for working on all types of tasks.
There are some advantages of concrete piers work-
This method does not require a small amount of labor and materials and is comparatively easy.
The materials required here are easily available.
A concrete pier foundation doesn’t need a lot of concrete and so much extensive excavation, and thus it saves time and money.
Concrete piers can be designed in a wide range of varieties.
The construction site will be easier to restore to a natural state rather than a site with a full basement at the end of the building’s life.
In non-caving materials, by under-reaming the bottom of the concrete, the bearing capacity can be increased.
To increase the aesthetic view, there are varieties of materials available, and it also remains in our budget.
Floods can not cause any damage to the foundation structure as the piers lift the house above the ground.
To install the utilities like electrical wires and plumbing the space between the ground and the house is enough.
For people having arthritis and back pain, it is good and comfortable enough to walk on such a floor that it doesn’t rest on a firm surface.
If necessary, Engineers can change the design whenever they want.
In the case of drilled pier construction, the ground vibration which is normally associated with driven piles is absent.
The soil does not disrupt the environment so much when concrete piers are used.
Existing roots and soil organisms remain mostly undisturbed as a shovel can be used for excavation.
As there is enough space to crawl, to solve issues related to electrical and plumbing, Workers can easily get under the space between the house and the ground to solve.
The diameter of the shafts is comparatively larger, so Inspection is possible.

Concrete piers foundation is used in the below condition:

If the house is built with timber, a log, or a frame, it is used as the pillars are small relative to other foundations.
When driving a bearing pile, stiff clays offer a lot of resistance, so pier foundations can be conveniently used in such situations.
There is a chance that house pillars will sink under the foundation’s weight of the house, so the soil must have a low bearing capacity.
A concrete pier found is also used when a structure needs to be built on a slope.
There are underlying strata of sound rock below the decomposed rocks that are present in the top strata. In such conditions, concrete pier foundations are used.

Also Read: Are Concrete Trucks Automatic in Nature

What Makes Concrete Foundation Different from Other Types?

There are so many reasons that make concrete pier foundations different from others. Concrete has the characteristic of don’t break easily, for that the piers aren’t likely to deteriorate. So it is different from others. Concrete piers are affordable and offer long-term stability; it is one of the main differences.

They don’t deteriorate very easily because they are made of concrete. Pressed concrete piers can meet the many demands of foundation work and aren’t the same as others. So even though there are a variety of concrete pilings on the market, contractors and property owners choose concrete pier works to repair the foundation.

The load of the house can be born with these sorts of piers and can be supported. The concrete piers prevent foundation damage and keep the house level, and they are sturdy too.

There may be other sorts of piers available in the market that can be installed deeper in the ground, but these piers are unique ones.

Concrete piers are less expensive than others because these piers are manufactured from concrete rather than those costly materials like steel. For that, they are commonly used for foundation repair and other jobs all over the world.

FAQ

Foundation Piers Cost

How much do foundation piers cost? The cost to install a pier and beam foundation is $5 per square foot, or $8,000 to $15,000. This style is standard in homes built before the 1960s or those in flood-prone areas.

Pier and Beam Foundation Repair Cost

For a basic house leveling project, where the crawl space has easy access and minor work is needed, expect the cost to be around $4,000. The most common pier and beam repair project will cost between $6,000 to $8,000 with more widespread/complex work needed and a more restricted crawl space.

Pier and Beam Foundation Cost

Typically, a pier and beam foundation will cost between $8 and $15 a square foot, so a 2000 square foot floor will cost between $16,000 and $30,000.

Concrete Vs Steel Piers

Concrete does not rust and would thus be a preferable option for soils with poor drainage, while steel works fine for well-drained soils.

Steel Vs Concrete Piers

Concrete piers are much heavier than steel piers and strong enough to ensure the stability of the entire structure. While it’s true that these piers can’t be installed as deep into the ground as steel piers, most areas in and around Houston don’t have extremely deep soils.

Best Concrete Piers Contractors in Usa

While I don’t have access to real-time data or specific information about contractors, I can provide you with a list of well-known and reputable concrete pier contractors in the USA. It’s always recommended to conduct thorough research and consider factors such as customer reviews, project scope, and location before selecting a contractor. Here are some reputable concrete pier contractors in the USA:

Helical Pier Systems: Known for their helical pier technology, Helical Pier Systems offers foundation repair and stabilization services across the United States.
Ram Jack: With multiple locations nationwide, Ram Jack specializes in foundation repair and offers solutions that include concrete piers and steel piers.
Supportworks: Supportworks is a network of foundation repair contractors that spans across the United States. They provide various foundation solutions, including concrete pier systems.
Atlas Piers: Atlas Piers is a company that focuses on foundation repair and stabilization. They offer services such as concrete piers, helical piers, and steel piers.
Olshan Foundation Solutions: Olshan is a well-established company providing foundation repair services in multiple states. They offer various solutions, including concrete piers, to address foundation problems.
Foundation Supportworks of Idaho: Based in Idaho, this company specializes in foundation repair and utilizes concrete piers and other products for stabilizing foundations.
Bay Area Underpinning: Serving the San Francisco Bay Area, Bay Area Underpinning offers foundation repair services that include concrete piers, helical piers, and other solutions.
JES Foundation Repair: JES is a reputable company providing foundation repair services in multiple states, including Virginia, Maryland, and beyond. They offer concrete piers as part of their repair solutions.

Experienced Concrete Piers Specialists in Usa

When it comes to experienced concrete piers specialists in the USA, several companies have a strong reputation in the industry. Here are a few notable ones:

The Dwyer Company: With over 45 years of experience, The Dwyer Company is a trusted name in foundation repair and stabilization. They have expertise in installing concrete piers and other foundation solutions.
Foundation Repair Services: Based in Texas, Foundation Repair Services has been providing foundation repair solutions for over 20 years. They have a team of experienced professionals who specialize in concrete piers and other foundation repair techniques.
Acculevel: Acculevel is a family-owned business that has been operating for over 25 years. They offer foundation repair services, including concrete piers, and serve multiple states in the Midwest and Eastern United States.
Saber Foundation Repair: Saber is a reputable foundation repair company with over 30 years of experience. They have a team of specialists who are well-versed in installing concrete piers and other foundation repair methods.
Master Service Companies: With more than 30 years in the industry, Master Service Companies offers a range of foundation repair services, including concrete piers. They serve several states in the Southeastern United States.
USS (United Structural Systems): USS has been providing foundation repair services for over 20 years. They specialize in various foundation repair techniques, including concrete piers, and serve several states in the Midwest and Eastern United States.
Matvey Foundation Repair: Matvey Foundation Repair is a company based in Washington state with over 20 years of experience. They specialize in foundation repair, including concrete piers, and serve the greater Seattle area.

Concrete Piers Installation Cost in Usa

The cost of a pier foundation can vary depending on the size and complexity of the house, the type of soil, and the location of the house. On average, pier foundations can cost between $5,000 and $15,000.

Residential Concrete Piers Repair Services in Usa

If you’re in need of residential concrete piers repair services in the USA, there are several reputable companies that specialize in this area. Here are some notable ones:

AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists: AFS provides residential foundation repair services, including concrete pier repair, in multiple states across the Southeastern United States.
Alpha Foundation Specialists: Alpha Foundation Specialists is a company that focuses on residential foundation repair and offers concrete pier repair services in Florida and Georgia.
Perma-Pier Foundation Repair: Perma-Pier is a leading residential foundation repair company that offers concrete pier repair services. They operate in multiple states, including Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
Dalinghaus Construction: Dalinghaus Construction specializes in residential foundation repair and offers concrete pier repair services in Southern California.
Olshan Foundation Repair: Olshan is a reputable foundation repair company that serves multiple states across the country. They provide residential concrete pier repair services to address foundation issues.
Power Lift Foundation Repair: Power Lift Foundation Repair is a company that offers residential foundation repair services, including concrete pier repair. They operate in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Arizona Foundation Solutions: Arizona Foundation Solutions provides residential foundation repair services in Arizona. They offer concrete pier repair solutions to stabilize and repair damaged foundations.
Premier Foundation Repair: Premier Foundation Repair is a company that focuses on residential foundation repair in Colorado. They offer concrete pier repair services to address foundation settlement issues.

Concrete Piers Vs. Helical Piers: Which Is Better?

Helical piles are quicker to install than concrete piers as they require no digging or curing time. Upon installation, they provide instant load-bearing support. This means lower labor costs and a faster project completion.

How Much Do Concrete Piers Cost?

The national average for pier and beam foundation per square foot is $7 to $11 square feet.

Do It Yourself Concrete Pier Foundation

Step 1: Layout the Foundation.
Step 2: Prepare the site.
Step 3: Mark the border.
Step 4: Dig the Pier Holes.
Step 5: Prepare the Fiber-Form Tubes.
Step 6: Install the Tubes.
Step 7: Mix and Pour the Concrete.
Step 8: Cure the Concrete.

Types of Foundation Pier

There are two types of foundations used today, masonry or concrete piers and drilled caissons. Masonry or concrete piers – Made of concrete, these solid piers depend on the level of the stratum (load-bearing soil). If good soil is not too deep below the foundation, masonry piers are used.

Concrete Piers for Foundation

A concrete pier foundation is a type of foundation that uses piers made of concrete to support a structure. The piers are typically placed at regular intervals underneath the structure and are often used in conjunction with other types of foundation, such as a footing foundation.

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