Steel Push Piers for Foundation Repair in Chicago
A sinking or settling foundation can lead to cracks, uneven floors, sticking doors, and other signs of structural movement. American Foundation Repair provides push pier foundation repair throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs to help stabilize affected foundation areas.
Push Pier Foundation Repair for Sinking & Settling Homes
Foundation settlement can develop when the soil beneath part of a home can no longer provide adequate support. When deeper support is needed, foundation push piers can be installed beneath affected areas to help stabilize the structure.
Steel pier sections are advanced into the ground until stronger supporting material is reached. The affected portion of the foundation can then be supported by the pier system rather than relying on unstable soil closer to the surface.
If settlement has caused part of the home to sink, controlled lifting may also be possible as part of the repair.
Learn more about the causes and signs of foundation settlement.
What Are Steel Push Piers?
Steel push piers are deep foundation supports used to stabilize areas of a home affected by settlement.
A support bracket connects the pier system to the existing foundation, while steel pier sections are hydraulically advanced into the ground to provide deeper support.
Push piers may also be called:
- Steel pipe piles
- Resistance piers
- Hydraulic push piers
- Foundation push piers
Signs Your Foundation May Need Push Pier Repair
Signs of foundation settlement can include:
- Sinking or settling areas of the foundation
- Stair-step cracks in brick or masonry
- Doors and windows that stick or no longer align
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Tilting or separating chimneys
- New or changing foundation cracks
These symptoms can have more than one cause. American Foundation Repair can inspect the foundation and determine whether push piers, foundation lifting or another structural repair solution is appropriate.
How Push Piers Work
Push pier installation is planned around the location and extent of foundation settlement, site access, and conditions beneath the home.
American Foundation Repair's Steel Push Pier System
American Foundation Repair's push pier system is designed around the conditions identified during the foundation inspection. Pier placement, installation requirements, and the number of supports are determined for the affected areas of the structure.
AFR's push pier system and installation process include:
- American-made steel
- Custom-fabricated components
- Under-footing bracket design
- Hydraulic installation
- Project-specific installation and refusal criteria
- On-site welding
- Load testing
- Structural-engineer involvement
- Permit and municipal inspection coordination where required
Exact depths, pressures, and capacities vary by project and are determined according to the conditions and requirements of the individual foundation repair.
Push Piers vs. Helical Piers
Push piers and helical piers both provide deeper foundation support, but they are installed differently and may be recommended for different conditions.
Push Piers
| Steel sections are hydraulically advanced into the ground. |
| Installation uses resistance from the existing structure. |
| Commonly used for existing foundations affected by settlement. |
Helical Piers
| Steel shafts with helical plates are rotated into the soil. |
| Installation uses rotational torque. |
| Can be used for existing foundations and other applications. |
Neither system is automatically the right choice for every foundation. American Foundation Repair can evaluate the structure and recommend the appropriate repair method based on the conditions at the property.
Push Piers vs. Concrete Piers
Steel push piers and concrete piers use different methods to support a foundation.
Push piers extend steel sections deeper beneath the structure, while concrete pier systems use concrete supports installed beneath affected foundation areas.
The appropriate method depends on the foundation and soil conditions. American Foundation Repair also provides concrete pier stabilization where that repair method is appropriate.
How Much Do Push Piers Cost?
The cost of push pier foundation repair depends on the condition of the home and the amount of work required.
Factors that can affect the cost include:
- Number of push piers needed
- Installation depth
- Foundation type and construction
- Size and location of the settled area
- Access around the home
- Excavation requirements
- Engineering requirements
- Permit or inspection requirements
- Whether stabilization or lifting is needed
Benefits of Steel Push Piers
When push piers are appropriate for the foundation, they can provide several benefits:
- Deeper support: Steel piers extend below weaker surface soils to stronger supporting material.
- Foundation stabilization: Push piers help support areas affected by settlement.
- Lifting potential: Settled areas may sometimes be carefully raised after the pier system is installed.
- Focused repair areas: Installation is concentrated around the parts of the foundation that need additional support.
- Repair designed for the home: Pier locations and the repair plan are based on the settlement and foundation conditions found during the inspection.
American Foundation Repair can inspect your foundation, determine whether steel push piers are appropriate, and provide a free estimate based on the conditions and repair needs of your property.
Push Pier Foundation Repair Across Chicagoland
American Foundation Repair provides push pier foundation repair throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
We serve homeowners throughout Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will counties, including communities such as Barrington, Naperville, Glenview, Elmhurst, Arlington Heights, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Plainfield, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Evanston and Buffalo Grove.
If your home is showing signs of foundation settlement in Chicagoland, contact American Foundation Repair to schedule an inspection and free estimate.
Common Questions About Push Piers
Why Choose American Foundation Repair?
American Foundation Repair has provided structural foundation repair services throughout Chicagoland since 1986. Our team inspects the foundation before recommending a repair solution based on the conditions found at the property.
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Call American Foundation Repair Today for a Free Estimate
If your home is sinking or settling, American Foundation Repair can inspect the foundation and determine whether steel push piers or another repair solution is appropriate.
Contact our team to schedule a foundation inspection and free estimate in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs.