Steel Push Piers vs. Helical Piers: Which Is Best for Your Chattanooga Home?

Steel Push Piers vs. Helical Piers: Which Is Best for Your Chattanooga Home? 

When foundation issues arise, homeowners often seek the best foundation repair method to restore stability to their homes. Structural foundation stabilization is critical, and foundation pier installation is one of the most effective ways to address settlement and sinking issues. However, choosing between steel push piers and helical piers can be confusing, as both systems offer distinct advantages depending on the specific foundation problem. Understanding the differences can help homeowners in Chattanooga, Tennessee, make the best choice for their property’s long-term stability. 

What Are Foundation Piers? 

Foundation piers are deep foundation solutions designed to stabilize and lift sinking or settling homes by transferring their weight to more stable soil or bedrock. They help prevent further movement, restore structural integrity, and can even lift a foundation back to its optimal position. 

The two most commonly used foundation pier systems are steel push piers and helical piers. Each offers unique installation methods and benefits. 

Steel Push Piers: What You Need to Know 

Steel push piers, also called resistance piers, are hydraulically driven deep into the ground using the weight of the home to push the piers to load-bearing soil or bedrock. Once installed, the piers provide vertical support, preventing further settlement and, in many cases, lifting the foundation back to its proper level. Steel push piers: 

• Are best suited for heavier structures, such as homes with brick or stone exteriors

• Are installed using hydraulic pressure so that they reach stable soil layers

• Are Ideal for areas with deep, consistent load-bearing soil

• Require minimal excavation, making installation less invasive

• Provide long-term structural stabilization

Push Pier Cost & Installation Considerations 

The cost of push piers vs. helical piers depends on soil conditions, depth requirements, and the severity of foundation settlement. Push piers may require deeper installation, which can increase overall costs, but they offer exceptional strength and reliability for heavier homes. 

Helical Piers: What You Need to Know 

Helical piers, also known as screw piles, feature helix-shaped plates that allow them to be mechanically drilled into the ground like a screw. Unlike push piers, helical piers do not rely on a home’s weight for installation, making them an excellent choice for lighter structures and new construction. Helical piers: 

• Are installed using rotational force, rather than hydraulic pressure

• Work well in varied soil conditions, including looser or shifting soil

• Are ideal for lighter homes, porches, decks, and additions

• Can be installed at shallower depths if necessary

• Provide immediate load-bearing capacity, meaning installation is fast and efficient

Helical Pier Cost & Installation Considerations 

Helical piers can sometimes be less expensive than push piers due to their ability to be installed at shallower depths. However, in some cases, additional piers may be required to achieve adequate support, which can increase costs. 

Which Pier System Is Best for Your Chattanooga Home? 

Choosing between steel push piers and helical piers depends on several factors: 

• For heavier homes or structures with deep, stable soil, push piers are often the best foundation repair method.

• For homes with lighter loads or unstable, loose soil, helical piers may be a better option.

• For new construction, helical piers offer additional foundation support before settling occurs.

• For extreme foundation settlement, push piers may provide a more effective, long-term stabilization solution.

Why Choose United Structural Systems for Foundation Piers in Chattanooga? 

At United Structural Systems (USS), we provide expert foundation repair and offer both push piers and helical piers based on your home’s unique needs. Our team specializes in structural foundation stabilization and understands the soil conditions in Chattanooga. Homeowners choose us because we offer: 

• Free foundation inspections – We assess foundation settlement issues and recommend the best repair method.

• Durable materials and expert installation – Our foundation piers are designed for long-term support.

• Custom repair plans – We tailor solutions to each home, considering soil conditions, foundation load, and repair costs.

• Proven track record in Chattanooga – We’ve helped countless homeowners restore their foundations with reliable piering systems.

Schedule a Free Foundation Inspection Today! 

If you’re experiencing foundation settlement, uneven floors, or cracks in your walls, contact United Structural Systems. We can provide a free consultation to help you determine whether steel push piers or helical piers are the right solution for your Chattanooga, TN, home.