Push Piers vs. Foundation Wall Replacement

For homeowners, the most important part of the home is the foundation. The foundation supports the entire structure, and so everything relies on the foundation being strong and intact. Should a foundation fail, the home is at risk of sinking, settling, or leaning, and in extreme cases, collapsing entirely. This is a scary thought for any homeowner. 

What options are availbale to homeowners who have a sinking or settling foundation? The two main ones that come to mind include complete foundation replacement or hydraulic push piers. The two methods are very different, and each has its pros and cons. Below we'll take a look at each method, comparing the effectiveness of each, as well as the cost.

Complete foundation replacement; 

Pros

• Should the foundation have cracks, replacing it entirely provides new, clean walls
• There are some cases where the foundation must be replaced, no amount of repair work will save it

Cons

• Timely: excavating the entire area, removing all the debris, forming new walls, etc., will all take a lot of time and man hours.
• Landscaping: landscaping surrounding the area will have to be completely replaced. Heavy equipment and debris will disrupt most of the landscaping. 
• Not a permanent fix: the soils beneath the new foundation are still subject to settling or expanding. More damage could occur, settlement may effect the home again.
• Costly: due to the time and amount of work and man hours needed for complete foundation replacement, the cost is going to be much higher than any foundation repair

Foundation repair with hydraulic Push Piers;

Pros

• Quicker than foundation replacement: homeowners are not usually required to move out during repairs, and so there is minimal disruption to every day life.
• Deep earth, permanent solution: piers are pushed deep into the soils, often times reaching bedrock. With the piers then attached to the footings of the foundation, it is very unlikely the foundation will ever settle again, making it a one time, permanent fix for the homeowner.
• Less expensive: less man hours and less material are needed to complete the repairs, making the overall job less costly for the homeowner.
• 25 year, transferable warranty with Push Piers from Erickson Foundation Supportworks in New Hampshire

Cons

• Excavation is required, meaning some displacement of landscaping around the home
• If the home is beyond repair, push piers will not be effective. It's worth getting an inspection if in doubt.
• While the fix is permanent, cracks will still be visible in the foundation (though they will be sealed)

There are pros and cons to each application, though in most cases where it is possible, opting for foundation repair with Push Piers is a much better option than total foundation replacement. If your not sure which is best for your situation, ask for a free quote and inspection. Also, ask other homeowners who may have had similar situations.