Helical Piers Vs Push Piers: What’s the Difference?

Ensuring your foundation is stable is vital to maintaining a safe living space. Without the necessary solutions, foundation settlement can put this at risk. Tar Heel Basement Systems uses helical and push pier systems to combat the effects of foundation settlement.

On this page, we’ll explore the differences between helical piers and push piers, and the benefits of both.

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What are Helical Piers?

Helical piers, also known as helical piles or screw piles, are foundation support structures used to stabilize and support foundations. They consist of a steel shaft with helical-shaped plates welded to it, resembling a large screw. These plates enable the pier to be twisted into the ground, providing additional stability and load-bearing capacity.

They are a dependable option for homes dealing with foundation settlement and particularly suitable for lighter structures.

What are Push Piers?

Crafted from galvanized steel, push piers are another type of foundation support system used to stabilize and lift settling foundations. Unlike helical piers, push piers are straight steel pipes driven into the ground beneath the foundation using hydraulic pressure.

Functioning as resistance piers, they go beyond unstable and shifting soil to the point of resistance deep in the ground, establishing a strong, resilient support base for your home. They even have the potential to lift your foundation closer to its original position, reducing cracks and gaps that arise from uneven settlement.

Benefits of Helical Piers Versus Push Piers

These two pier systems share many of the same benefits, including:

Protection against Future Damage: The deep installation of helical and push piers prevents any future settling and subsequent damages.
Cost-Effective: While the cost of helical and push piers is about the same, these systems are more cost effective than a full foundation replacement.
Load-Bearing: Both systems are designed to handle heavy loads, making them suitable for stabilizing large structures or buildings with significant settlement issues. The difference is that push piers use the building’s weight to help drive the piers in.
Proven Reliability: They have a long track record of reliability and effectiveness in stabilizing settling foundations, providing peace of mind to property owners.
Suitability for Deep Foundations: Helical and push piers can be driven to considerable depths, providing support in situations where soil conditions are poor or where deep stabilization is necessary.
Customized Support: Our experts determine the precise installation depth based on your home’s distinct needs, promising customized and efficient support.

Overall, helical piers and push piers are similar in their capacities and uses. These systems each play a crucial role in foundation repair by providing structural support, stabilizing settlement, preventing further damage, and ensuring the long-term stability and integrity of buildings.

Which Piers Are Best for Your Home?

Helical and push piers share many of the same benefits. The choice between the two often comes down to your contractor’s brand preference and the space available around the installation area.

At Tar Heel, we have the expertise to assess your foundation and determine the appropriate solution for your home. Reach out today to schedule a free inspection.

Contact Tar Heel Basement Systems Today

At Tar Heel, we understand that foundation settlement should never be overlooked. During a free inspection, our experts will assess your foundation and determine which pier system is best suited for your needs.

Reach out for more information today!

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Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.