We recommend steel piers over polyurethane foam when a permanent, engineered structural solution is required. While polyurethane foam is an effective tool for filling voids and performing minor, non-structural lifts for concrete slabs (typically under 2 inches), it is not a permanent fix for structural foundation settlement.
Our advanced earth anchoring systems are designed to address the root cause of settlement by transferring building loads past unstable surface soils down to competent load-bearing strata or bedrock. There are three primary reasons why our engineering team and network of structural engineers prefer steel systems:
- Superior Load-Bearing Capacity: Steel helical or push piers can support loads exceeding 100 tons per pier. In contrast, polyurethane foam is generally limited to lifting slabs and supporting lighter loads, typically under 20 tons.
- Stability in Expansive or Wet Soils: In environments with high moisture or expansive clay, shallow solutions like foam can be compromised by soil movement. Steel piers bypass these active zones entirely, providing long-term durability that foam cannot match.
- Permanent Underpinning: Unlike foam, which may degrade or require re-application over time, our ICC and ISO Certified products provide a permanent foundation repair solution. Steel systems are the industry standard for perimeter foundations, load-bearing walls, and commercial columns.
Because every project presents unique geotechnical challenges, we provide Engineering Excellence and Design Support to ensure the right system is utilized.
Consult a structural engineer or the manufacturer’s engineering team for project-specific design and installation guidance. Products are certified to ICC/ISO where indicated — installations must comply with applicable building codes and ICC-ES acceptance criteria (AC358).
Related FAQs
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Why does the Cost of Foundation Underpinning Vary so Drastically between Different Residential and Commercial Properties?
Read More »: Why does the Cost of Foundation Underpinning Vary so Drastically between Different Residential and Commercial Properties?The cost of foundation underpinning varies drastically because every project involves a unique combination of geological, structural, and logistical variables. According to Helical Technology, there is no fixed price per foot because a thorough on-site evaluation is required to account…
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Does the Inclusion of Geotechnical Engineering and Design Support Help Reduce the Long-term Cost of Foundation Underpinning Projects?
Read More »: Does the Inclusion of Geotechnical Engineering and Design Support Help Reduce the Long-term Cost of Foundation Underpinning Projects?Yes, the inclusion of geotechnical engineering and professional design support is critical for reducing the long-term costs and risks associated with foundation underpinning. According to the provided content, this support helps optimize project expenses through several key mechanisms: Related FAQs
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What Factors Most Significantly Influence the Total Cost of a Foundation Underpinning Project?
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How does the Choice between Helical Piles and Traditional Concrete Piering Methods Affect Overall Project Costs?
Read More »: How does the Choice between Helical Piles and Traditional Concrete Piering Methods Affect Overall Project Costs?The choice between helical piles and traditional concrete piering significantly impacts overall project costs through differences in materials, labor, and installation speed. While the two methods address similar structural issues, their financial profiles vary in several key areas: Related FAQs
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Can a Foundation Experience both Settlement and Heaving at Once?
Read More »: Can a Foundation Experience both Settlement and Heaving at Once?Yes, a foundation can experience both settlement and heaving simultaneously or sequentially over time. This dual movement is particularly common in regions with expansive clay soils or significant seasonal moisture variations. According to the provided technical guide, this combined movement…