Push Piers vs. Helical Piers - Which Is Right for Your Home?
| Pier Type | How It's Installed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Steel push piers | Driven hydraulically through weak soil layers until they reach load-bearing strata or bedrock | Heavier structures - standard residential foundations and above - with enough dead load to drive the pier |
| Helical piers | Screwed into the ground like a giant bolt | Lighter loads - porches, additions, garage slabs, and new construction over suspect soil |
We evaluate soil conditions and load requirements to recommend the appropriate system.
How Pier Installation Works in Montgomery
After a site inspection and engineering assessment, we excavate small access pits beneath the affected foundation sections. Each pier bracket is attached to the underside of the footing, and sections of steel pier pipe are hydraulically driven until they reach refusal or a specified depth. The foundation load is then transferred to the pier system, and in some cases the foundation can be lifted toward its original elevation. The entire process typically requires 1–2 days for a standard residential job.
How Many Piers Does My Home Need?
Pier spacing is determined by the structural load and the degree of settlement. A typical residential corner or section experiencing movement requires 3–6 piers. A full-perimeter installation for a severely settled home may require 15–20 piers. We perform a load calculation as part of our inspection to specify the correct number and placement.
Pier Depth in Montgomery: Why Shallow Piers Move Again
The question that decides a Montgomery pier job is what the pier bears on. The shrink-swell clays common across this area gain and lose volume with moisture, so a pier founded inside that active zone rises in a wet spring and drops in a dry August along with the soil it sits in, and the house follows. Ask what depth or refusal load each pier reaches and how that is recorded, pier by pier, on a document you keep. Ask why the proposed type — helical, push, or drilled concrete — suits your soil and your structure’s weight, since they transfer load differently and are not interchangeable. Ask whether the goal is to stop movement or to lift, and what the plan is if refusal comes shallower than expected on one side of the house.
- Ask what depth or refusal load each pier reaches
- Require a per-pier installation log you keep
- Ask why this pier type suits your soil and structure weight
- Confirm whether the goal is stabilization or lift
- Red flag: one pier depth quoted for the whole house
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer free estimates in Montgomery, AL?
Yes. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co provides free on-site inspections and written estimates throughout Montgomery County - no obligation. Call (334) 835-5928 to schedule.
What is the difference between push piers and helical piers?
Push piers are driven by hydraulic rams using the home's weight as resistance, ideal for heavier structures experiencing significant settlement. Helical piers are screwed into the ground and work well for lighter loads, porches, and areas with limited access. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co selects the right system after evaluating soil conditions and load requirements.
How long does pier installation take in Montgomery?
A standard pier installation project in Montgomery takes 1–3 days. Crews excavate at each pier point, drive piers to refusal depth in stable soil, then lift the foundation. Most of the work occurs outside the home. You can usually return to normal activity the same day installation is complete.
Do piers come with a warranty?
Yes. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co provides a transferable lifetime warranty on all pier installations. The warranty covers the piering system and transfers to future owners at closing, which is a significant advantage when selling your Montgomery home.