Pressed Pilings – Issues You Should Be Aware Of

Pressed Pilings IssuesOne of the shocking truths about foundation repair in Texas is that the most commonly purchased repair method is also the least reliable repair method – pressed pilings or stacked concrete cylinders. Companies that use these methods often pay big bucks to celebrities for endorsements. But this does not mean that the methods they endorse are the solution you need for long lasting security. The pressed piles method of foundation repair does not give you that protection. Frankly, it is a lower quality repair method.

The reasons are numerous. First, laborers at pressed pile companies cannot visually confirm whether the piles have been inserted vertically according to specifications. A pressed pile is pushed into the ground and then another pile is placed on top of it, and both are pushed further into the ground. The laborer has no idea if the pushed piles have drifted off in an angle due to hitting a rock or tree root. (If the piles do get driven at an angle then they offer very little to no support for the foundation in the future.) This continues until the piles have reached enough resistance that they will not go any deeper. If the laborer does not stop at this point then the hydraulic jack will lift the foundation and house into the air, possibly breaking the slab foundation in another place.

Second, the soil under the foundation that shifted, causing your foundation to break, is likely to shift again. The support pier needs to act like one piece, not like multiple pieces that can be shifted individually. The soil moves up and down and sideways. If one or more of the stacked piles begin to shift, then the integrity of the stacked column of piles is at serious risk.

Third, the laborers cannot tell when they have reached a sufficient depth for the pressed piles because they have not done a soil analysis. It is entirely possible the depth of these pressed piles is significantly less than your foundation needs. Your foundation needs support in stable soil to resist future soil movement. And because of the lack of depth, the soil movement can easily push these pilings up and down and your foundation will not have the permanent support it needs.

Last, the pressed pile method of foundation repair does not meet the Houston building codes.  As a matter of fact, the only method of foundation repair that is discussed in the Houston Building Codes is the drilled pier or bell bottom pier method. It is only logical to conclude that the best method of foundation repair is presented in the Houston Building Codes.

Since 1984 Dawson Foundation Repair has rejected unproven and temporary methods of foundation repair. Your home is just too valuable. Dawson Foundation Repair uses the bell bottom pier method. It is proven – it is time tested – it is permanent – and virtually every structural engineer in Texas prefers this method.  Your soil is tested all the way down to stable soil. High strength concrete is poured as a single unit to maintain strength. Steel rebar is inserted to make the pier even stronger. And the bell bottom shape gives the foundation greater support.

Your home is worth the best repair you can give it. Dawson’s expert staff and technicians are ready to assist you when you need to take care of your home.

Dawson Foundation Repair installs Bell Bottom Piers for homeowners and commercial property owners. They are the highest quality foundation repair method available in the state of Texas. Bell Bottom Piers have far more advantages over any other method of foundation repair and we feel the homeowner should receive the best option available. Dawson Foundation Repair services homes and commercial businesses all over Texas including Plano, Dallas, Houston, Sugar Land, and other smaller cities. Call us for a free inspection and assessment of your home’s foundation security.

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