Pier Power: Unearthing the Foundation Repair Arsenal
Gazing at a skyscraper, a towering monument of human ingenuity, we may seldom contemplate the unseen champions of the architectural world: the foundational piers. These largely unnoticed heroes bear the weight of our artificial giants, preventing them from succumbing to the forces of nature. Foundation repair companies are like the skilled surgeons of the building world, diagnosing structural ailments and applying the best remedies to ensure longevity and stability in OKC homes. As with any intricate craft, the choice of tools - or in this case, piers - is critical to the operation's success.
Piers of Strength: The Unseen Heroes of Foundation Repair
Every home is unique and so is its foundation. Foundation repair companies understand this and use different types of piers to suit the needs of each structure.
Robust Helical Piers: A Closer Look
"Helical piers, strong and true,
Supporting structures, tough and through.
Helical piers are robust steel shafts with one or more helix-shaped plates affixed to them. These plates, like the threads on a screw, enable the pier to be screwed into the ground, creating a strong and stable support for the foundation.
One of the critical advantages of helical piers is their adaptability. They can serve in a wide range of soil conditions and are particularly effective in areas with soft or unstable soils.
Moreover, helical piers have a high load-bearing capacity, making them an excellent choice for light and heavy structures. They also offer the benefit of immediate load transfer upon installation, meaning construction or stabilization work can proceed without delay once they are in place.
Superior Push Piers: Delving Deeper
Push piers are essentially steel pipe sections that are hydraulically driven into the ground, reaching down to a stable soil layer or bedrock. That is accomplished using a hydraulic ram and continues until the piers encounter sufficient resistance, indicating they've reached a layer capable of supporting the structure's weight.
The installation of push piers is relatively quick and causes minimal disruption to the property. Once installed, these piers stop further settlement and can lift the structure back to its original level, rectifying the visible signs of foundation failure.
Foundation Piles Vs. Piers: A Deeper Look
In foundation repair, the terms 'piles' and 'piers' are often used interchangeably, but these two components serve different purposes. Understanding the distinction between them can provide valuable insight into the choices foundation repair contractors make when they work to maintain or restore the structural integrity of a building.
Foundation Piles
Foundation piles are long, slender columns driven deep into the ground. They are typically made of steel, concrete or sometimes timber. The purpose of these piles is to transfer the weight of a structure from its base to the solid ground deep below the surface. It is particularly essential in areas with weak or unstable surface soil.
Piles are the best bet for larger, heavier structures like commercial buildings or bridges, where strength and stability are required. They're also often used in areas with poor soil conditions, such as sandy or marshy land, to adequately support the structure.
Foundation Piers
Foundation piers, on the other hand, are broader supports that can either be driven into the ground or built above it. They are often used in residential construction, supporting the weight of a house or a similar structure.
The Marvels of Adjustable Crawl Space Jacks
Crawl space jacks are a hidden gem in the world of foundation repair. These adjustable supports are placed in your home's crawl space to help stabilize sagging floors. They're designed to handle heavy loads and can be adjusted to provide the perfect level of support. Renowned foundation repair companies often use these jacks with other repair methods to ensure a comprehensive solution.
Piling on the Past: Bid Adieu to Outdated Foundation Techniques With the Help of Foundation Repair Companies
As with any industry, foundation repair methods have evolved, driven by technological advances and a better understanding of soil mechanics and structural engineering. Some once-popular methods have now been identified as less effective or efficient than more modern techniques.
For instance, older piling methods often used wooden piles, which were susceptible to rot and insect damage over time. While more durable, concrete piles can still crack or shift under heavy loads or in response to ground movement.
The Emergence of Helical-Based Foundations
One of the most significant advances in foundation repair has been the development of helical-based foundations. These consist of steel shafts with helical plates screwed into the ground, offering several advantages over older methods.
Firstly, helical piers can be installed to precise depths and capacities, ensuring they reach load-bearing soil. This precision results in a more secure and stable foundation.
Secondly, they're resistant to many of the problems that plague older piling methods. They don't rot like wooden piles and are less likely to shift or crack than concrete piers or piles.
Thirdly, the installation process for helical piers is less disruptive to your property. There's no need for heavy equipment or extensive excavation and the installation process is generally quicker and cleaner.
Finally, their load capacity can be tested immediately upon installation, providing peace of mind that the foundation is secure.
Build a Rock-Solid Foundation with Ram Jack
Now, doesn't your home deserve foundation repair? Contact Ram Jack by American Leveling Company, one of the best foundation repair companies in Oklahoma City. Because when it comes to your home's foundation, we believe in getting to the bottom of things – quite literally!