What is the Difference Between Helical Piers and Push Piers?

Innovative Basement Authority’s pier systems might seem confusing to those looking into all the foundation repairs that we offer. These systems appear to perform the same types of repairs, after all. The main difference between the two lies in how they are installed under the foundation.

Both of these pier systems are used to stabilize and potentially lift your Minneapolis or St. Paul home’s settled foundation back to its original height. Basically, the galvanized steel piers are installed down into the deeper, more compact layers of soil underneath your home. These layers will not be affected by any prominent storms or other moisture damage. You will not have to worry about these layers washing out at all, so their strength can provide continuous support for your foundation for years to come. These piers then essentially can brace your foundation against any and all future moisture damage. Each pier will be attached to the underside of your foundation via a heavy bracket.

There are two different pier systems Innovative Basement Authority can provide your home: helical piers and push piers. Helical piers typically have spiral-like attachments on the end of each pier. It is these attachments that make them easier for our experts to hydraulically drill into especially tough soils. Push piers are best suited for homes with much looser soil. Homes in the Twin Cities will typically have sandy loam soil, which is indeed quite loose enough for experts to install push piers manually by pushing them into this soil. Of course, the choice of which pier system is best for your home should be left up to the experts installing one of these systems underneath your home.