Concrete / Steel Pilings
Understanding pressed pilings, steel pilings, and spread footings.
Piling & Footing Methods
Use Of Pressed Pilings
Pilings are vertical structures that are pressed into the earth and support the foundation slab or beams. Pressed pilings come in two configurations, concrete and steel. Concrete pilings are concrete cylinders stacked on top of one another. The advantages are that they won't corrode and are cost effective.
Use Of Steel Pilings
Traditional steel pilings are able to be driven deep, however, there is a potential drawback to the standard method of installation. They tend to be expensive and traditional steel pilings are bracketed to the side of the home, thereby providing no support directly underneath the slab. A newer method installs them directly underneath the perimeter grade beam in the same fashion as the pressed pilings, eliminating the bracketing element so the weight of the home is supported directly by the steel piers.
Use Of Spread Footings
Spread footings are a cheaper, temporary measure that creates a block (usually concrete) below a pier to keep it from sinking any farther. They may work temporarily, but will need a permanent solution.
Other Repair Methods
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