Foundation piers compared
Two bids for the same Longview house can call for different piers, in different numbers. Here's how the main types compare.
A pier carries the load of a dropped section of foundation down past the soil that's been moving to soil that's firmer and more stable. Contractors tend to specialize in one or two systems, so it's normal to see different recommendations. Knowing the basics makes those bids easier to line up side by side.
How do the main pier types compare?
| Type | How it's installed | Often used for | Ask about |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressed concrete | Short precast cylinders pressed into the ground one on top of another | Many residential slabs | Typical depth and whether segments are tied together |
| Steel push | Steel pipe driven with a hydraulic ram, using the house's weight as resistance | Heavier loads with firm bearing at depth | Depth and pressure recorded at each pier |
| Helical | Steel shaft with helix plates screwed in to a target torque | Lighter loads: porches, additions, some crawl space work | Torque records for each pier |
| Drilled concrete | A hole is drilled, reinforced and filled with concrete | Situations where drilling suits the soil and access | Diameter, depth and reinforcing |
Pressed concrete piers
Common across Texas for slab repair. Cylinders are pressed down until they meet resistance, then capped and shimmed under the beam. Ask how deep they typically reach on soils near your house, and whether the segments are connected with a cable or rod.
Steel push piers
A bracket attaches to the footing, and steel pipe sections are driven down with the house's weight as the counterforce. Because each pier is driven until it stops, the installer gets a pressure reading at each spot. Ask for a log of depth and pressure.
Helical piers
They look like large screws and are turned in with a hydraulic drive head. Installation torque is used to estimate capacity. Because they don't rely on the weight of the house to install, they suit lighter structures.
Questions for any pier plan
- Why this pier type for my house and my soil?
- How many piers, where, and at what spacing?
- Will I get a pier log for each pier?
- Who requests utility locates through Texas 811 before digging?
- Does the warranty cover the piers only, or also readjustment?
Pricing comes from the contractor after they've taken floor readings and figured out why the house is moving. We don't quote prices, and any number you hear before someone has measured the house is a rough guess.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
Which pier type is best?
There's no single answer. It depends on the weight of the house, the soil profile and how deep firm bearing is. Ask each contractor to explain why they picked their system for your house.
What is a pier log?
A record of each pier's location, depth and installation pressure or torque. Keep it with your warranty; future buyers and inspectors may ask for it.
Related services
- Slab foundation repair
- Pier-and-beam and crawl space leveling
- Foundation drainage and water control
- Foundation evaluations and crack repair
More background: Longview foundation repair guide.
A door that stopped latching, a crack in the brick, or a floor with a dip?
Call and a local foundation contractor will come take floor readings and tell you what they see.