Over time, the foundation of a house can settle or even sink, resulting in cracks in walls and doors that stick. To repair a damaged foundation, steel piers are often used to support the weight of the house and stabilize the ground. The piers are driven deep into the ground until they reach bedrock or another stable layer of soil. Once in place, the piers are lifted slightly, restoring the house to its original level. In addition to being highly effective, steel piers are also less expensive than other types of foundation repair. As a result, they have become a popular choice for homeowners who need to address foundation problems.
The ECP Steel Piers is part of a family of patented foundation repair products that are referred to as micro piles, push piers, or even resistance piers. They are the standard for all piering methods throughout the industry today. They are the top choice of foundation experts and the choice of our network of foundation specialists.
Advantages of Steel Piers
When foundation settlement and sinking occur, foundation specialists will most commonly use steel piers or push piers as a fix for this very common foundation problem. Dry soil will cause shrinking and loss of foundation support. Poorly compacted soils become compacted by the weight of the structure causing a downward motion of the structure above it. In these cases, it would be recommended to use steel push piers, a proven underpinning solution for foundation repair. Our network of foundation repair experts depends on the family of steel piers from Earth Contact Products.
These push piers provide a two-fold system that includes driving the steel pilings into the weight-bearing stratum. Once that load-bearing soil is reached, then a hydraulic manifold lifting system can use the steel piers to lift the foundation and gain back the lost elevation, thus restoring the value of your home by making the foundation safe and stable.
There are four main steps that occur during the installation of steel piers:
- The ground will be excavated for the installation of the piers around the foundations
- The foundation bracket will be mounted for the piering system
- The installation of the push piers will occur
- The weight of the structure will be transferred to the steel piers.
How to Choose a Steel Pier Installation Contractor
Selecting the right steel pier installation contractor is essential to ensuring a successful foundation repair. Experience should be a top priority—installing steel piers demands both strength and precision, making it crucial to work with a contractor who has the necessary knowledge and skills. Additionally, familiarity with local soil conditions and regulations is important, as this knowledge helps ensure proper installation and long-term stability. Reliability and trustworthiness are also key factors; you need a contractor who communicates clearly, meets deadlines, and stands behind their work. By considering these factors, you can confidently choose a contractor who will provide quality results and lasting structural support for your home.
Which Foundation Pier Model is Best
There are different models based on the needs of the client and whether the foundation in question is part of a commercial structure or residential structure. The ECP model 350 steel pier is a commonly used steel pier system. It was the first in a full line of steel pier products designed by ECP. It is designed specifically to drive deep into the soil to reach load-bearing soils, well beyond the expansive soils around the foundation. It is designed to provide the strongest support for foundations. It is an end-bearing pier and does not require skin friction to product support. Here are the specifications for the ECP 350:
- An ultimate capacity of 99,000 pounds
- Maximum field testing load of 74,000 pounds
- 74 Sq. inches of bearing surface
- Standard lift of 4 inches
- Fully adjustable unlimited lift capability
- Installs inside or outside of the foundation
- Has a friction reduction collar on the lead section of the pier
- The installation equipment is portable
- Installation occurs with little vibration
- Installs to rock or load-bearing stratum that is verified
- 100% of piers are field load tested during the install process
- Manufacturer’s warranty is offered
Don't let foundation problems compromise your property. Whether you’re facing foundation issues in a residential or industrial setting, finding a durable, long-term solution is essential. Our steel piers are a trusted answer for lasting foundation repair. My Foundation Repairs can help you find a local expert who will assess your needs and recommend the best course of action. Talk to an Earth Contact Products specialist today to get started!