Foundation Piers

Push piers and helical piers both stabilize settling foundations, but they’re used in different situations: Push piers are driven deep into the ground using the weight of the home until they reach stable soil or bedrock. They’re typically used for heavier structures when soil conditions are uncertain. Helical piers are screwed into the ground using helical blades and work best for lighter structures, new construction, or areas with known soil conditions. During your inspection, a specialist will determine which pier system is best for your home based on soil, structure, and settlement issues.

The cost of installing foundation piers varies based on how many are needed to properly stabilize your home. Using high-quality materials and professional installation provides a long-term solution you can rely on. When compared to the cost of rebuilding a foundation or repairing damage caused by ongoing structural issues, foundation piering is a worthwhile investment that helps protect your home and its value.

Horizontal cracks indicate foundation failure and more serious structural problems. Diagonal cracks in masonry basement walls often appear as stair-stepping, while in poured concrete walls they typically form near the corners. If any crack in your foundation that is growing and widens to more than 1/8 inch aren't addressed, your home's stability will soon be compromised. They are undoubtedly the most worrisome foundation cracks.

Hairline vertical cracks can appear as concrete walls cure and aren’t always a cause for concern. However, if cracks widen over time or grow beyond 1/8 inch, it may signal a more serious issue, such as a settling or sagging foundation placing vertical stress on the wall and threatening your home’s structural stability.

Horizontal cracks are more serious and often result from hydrostatic pressure as moisture causes surrounding soil to expand. This lateral pressure can force basement walls inward, and if left unaddressed, these cracks typically worsen over time and may eventually lead to significant structural damage or wall failure.

Water leaking through a foundation crack is usually caused by moisture buildup in the soil surrounding your home and should always be addressed. The first step is identifying where the water is coming from and improving drainage so it flows away from the foundation. It’s also important to determine whether the crack is related to a structural issue or if a waterproofing solution will resolve the problem. If the foundation has shifted or settled, restoring it to its proper position is key to closing the crack and preventing future leaks. Ayers Basement Systems offers proven waterproofing and foundation repair solutions to help keep your basement dry for the long term.

Piers are designed to stabilize a settling foundation by transferring the weight of the home to stronger soil or bedrock below. They correct sinking or uneven foundations, not deterioration of the wall material itself.

When foundation walls are crumbling due to moisture, age, or construction issues, the solution typically involves repairing or reinforcing the wall. Depending on the severity of the damage, this may include steel wall braces to stabilize bowing walls, wall anchors to pull walls back toward their original position, or shotcrete to restore strength and prevent further deterioration. In some cases, foundation piers may be used alongside these repairs as part of a complete foundation solution.