Your Guide to Steel Concrete Pressed Pilings

Your Guide to Steel-Concrete Pressed Pilings

Expansive soil movement—the chief cause for slab foundation issues—occurs most often around the edges of the home. A typical foundation repair method is to install pressed pilings underneath the foundation to permanently stabilize parts of the home that are susceptible to expansive soil movement. Learn more about the slab foundation repair process and the difference in steel pressed pilings below:

Installation Process

The installation process for steel pressed pilings is virtually identical to that of concrete pressed pilings. Our specialists will excavate targeted holes around the exterior of the home and lift the home slightly with a 40-ton hydraulic ram. The pilings are then installed and the weight of the home is used to push them into the ground until they reach a “refusal point,” or the point at which it takes more force to push the piling deeper than to support the home. The turnaround time for a typical foundation repair job is approximately 1 to 2 days.

Steel vs. Concrete

The refusal point for sandy or soft soils is much deeper than it is for harder minerals, but the soil is rarely uniform in composition. That is, it isn’t uncommon to find thin layers of harder soil underneath the home, which can create a false refusal point. Pressed concrete pilings are “softer” than steel, and are thus more susceptible to settle on these false refusal points. Steel pressed pilings can punch through these layers and provide a more reliable solution.

Structured Foundation Repairs is committed to helping home and business owners throughout the DFW area maintain their investments with quality foundation repairs and unbeatable warranty coverage. We specialize in all aspects of foundation repair and can provide a free evaluation to determine the best repair plan to fit your individual needs and budget. Call 972-484-1200 to schedule a free estimate.