What this covers
Foundation piering lifts and supports a foundation that has settled. The company excavates to the footing at each pier location, attaches a steel bracket, and drives steel push piers or turns in helical piers until they reach soil or rock that can carry the load. Hydraulic jacks then lift the footing back toward level, the brackets are locked off, and the excavation is backfilled. Pier spacing is set from the weight of the wall and the soil, not guessed. Careful companies take elevation readings across the floor before, during and after the lift so you can see exactly what moved and by how much.
When to call
- One corner or side of the house that has dropped, with cracks that widen toward the top.
- Floors that slope toward an exterior wall and gaps opening at the baseboard or crown.
- Cracks in exterior brick that step along the mortar joints, or a chimney pulling away from the house.
- A foundation on fill or soft clay that keeps moving after cracks have been patched.
What to expect
- SurveyElevations are shot across the floor and the settled area is mapped.
- DesignPier type, count and spacing are set from the structure and the soil.
- InstallFootings are exposed, brackets fitted, and piers driven or turned to depth.
- Lift and lockThe footing is lifted toward level, brackets are locked off, and the ground is restored.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Push piers or helical piers?
Push piers are steel pipe driven to bearing using the weight of the house and suit heavier structures. Helical piers are screwed into the soil to a measured torque and suit lighter structures, additions and porches. The soil and the load decide.
Does the house have to be lifted back to level?
Not always. Lifting fully can crack finishes that have adjusted to the settlement over years. The company lifts to close cracks and level floors as far as is safe and agrees the target with you first.
How deep do piers go?
Until they reach soil or rock that resists further driving at the design load. Depth varies from a few feet to more than thirty on the same street, which is why the count and depth are confirmed on site.
Related: Foundation repair · Yard grading and drainage · Retaining walls · All foundation, basement and drainage
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.