True Story: During a recent evaluation at a home in Edmond, the customer informed us that work had been performed by a different foundation repair company in the past. The areas where the previous work was performed were showing signs of failure, and the customer chose us to fix the issues once and for all. While in the process of stabilizing an exterior wall with hydraulically driven steel piers, we quickly discovered that concrete piers had been installed by the previous company.
Overview of How Concrete Piers Are Installed and Why They Fail
Although they may be effective in other states, concrete piers lead to instability in Oklahoma due to its expansive clay soil’s dynamic movements. At OFS, our foundation repair contractors understand the nature of our state’s soil and provide services that provide lasting structural support and stability.
Here’s a brief overview of the process of how some foundation repair companies install concrete piers on exterior walls:
- A hole is dug approximately two feet below the footing.
- Concrete blocks are stacked from the bottom of the hole to the bottom of the footing.
- A hydraulic lifting system drives the concrete blocks into the soil.
- After the concrete blocks are compressed into the soil, and the foundation is raised, concrete cylinders are stacked from the top of the concrete blocks to the bottom of the footing in order to hold the structure in place. Shims are often used to fill any voids between the concrete cylinders and the footing.
Following are three reasons why concrete piers fail and can leave the homeowner back at “square one”:
- Susceptibility to Shifting: Concrete piers are prone to shifting due to soil movement and settling, potentially leading to future structural problems.
- Limited Load-Bearing Capacity: Compared to steel, concrete piers may have limitations in their load-bearing capacity, which could impact their long-term effectiveness.
- Potential Cracking: Over time, concrete piers might develop cracks, compromising their stability and ability to support your home.
Overview of How Steel Piers Are Installed and Why They Provide Lasting Stability
Here’s a brief overview of OFS’s engineer-approved, seven-step process for installing hydraulically driven steel piers:
- OFS’s five-star rated crew members manually dig with shovels until they reach the bottom of the footing.
2. An OFS premium quality steel bracket is placed underneath the footing that sits like a chair.
3. With a hydraulic ram, a steel pipe is driven through the bracket until the pipe hits the point of refusal (this is often referred to as bedrock or as load-bearing strata).
4. The pipe is then welded to the bracket.
5. OFS crew members backfill and tamp the dirt that was removed.
6. Cracks are sealed in order to aid in the prevention of water intrusion and to provide a cosmetically appealing finish.
7. Thorough Cleanup: We don’t just fix foundations; we restore your peace of mind. Whether it is laying out tarps for removing soil or power-washing the grounds when needed, the experienced crews at OFS go through a cleanup checklist to best care for the property.
Steel Piers VS. Concrete Piers: The Better Option
The following are three reasons why steel piers are the foundation repair method of choice for homeowners:
- Strength That Lasts: Steel piers are known for their extraordinary load-bearing capacity. They provide unwavering support, effectively combating settling and shifting.
- Durability: Steel piers are built to withstand the test of time, keeping your foundation stable for years to come. You can also read our blog on how long foundation repairs last. It looks into the durability of both concrete and steel piers.
- Precision Installation: Steel piers are hydraulically driven deep into the soil until they reach the point of refusal. This method ensures reliable support for your home, preventing future foundation issues.
Conclusion
Steel piers have proven to be the foundation repair method of choice for homeowners in Oklahoma. Given their superior strength, durability, and precision installation, steel piers are optimal for stabilizing homes that have experienced foundation-related issues. Driven deep into the soil, OFS steel piers come with a lifetime transferable warranty.
This blog has explained the differences between concrete and steel piers, the process for how each type of pier is installed, and why steel piers are more effective in Oklahoma. Whether it’s addressing settlement issues, mitigating potential damage, or ensuring long-term stability, steel piers offer the most protection.
At OFS, we offer engineer-approved services that provide lasting structural support and stability. Contact us today to schedule a free evaluation for crawl space repair or basement foundation repair.
