Helical piers and push piers are both used in foundation repair to stabilize and lift sinking structures, but they differ in design, installation method, and the types of soil and structures they are best suited for.
🔩 Helical Piers:
- Design: Resemble large screws with helical (spiral) blades.
- Installation: Screwed into the ground using hydraulic machinery.
- Best For: Lighter structures (like porches or small homes) and areas with softer or unstable soil.
- Soil Conditions: Don’t require the weight of the structure to be installed; ideal when soil is too soft to support traditional piers.
🛠️ Push Piers (Resistance Piers):
- Design: Straight steel tubes pushed into the ground.
- Installation: Driven into the soil using the weight of the structure as resistance.
- Best For: Heavier buildings with clear signs of settlement.
- Soil Conditions: Require firm soil or bedrock and enough building weight to push the pier deep enough.
✅ Key Difference:
- Helical piers are “screwed” in and work well in soft soil.
- Push piers are “pushed” in using the structure’s weight and need a heavier load to be effective.
Both provide long-term foundation repair solutions when installed by professionals.