Concrete Slab Vs. Pier System - Which Is A Better Foundation?
December 2nd, 2008

Pier Systems can add more of a foundation that concrete slabs. They also add extra support without damaging the internal structure of you home.

Signs that your home needs to be stabilized include the following:

Horizontal cracks in the walls

Step cracks in block or brick foundation

Uneven floors, windows or doors not working properly

One pier system used is called the helical pier system, and it involves the following installation steps:

A torque anchor is screwed in to the stable subsoil. This is done until then torque indicates that the necessary load capacity had been achieved.

Adjustable brackets then are attached to the foundation walls. These brackets are connected to the screw anchors. The screw anchors are connected to the foundation.

The weight of the home shifts to the screw anchors. This stops further movement, because foundation walls and floors are retained.

This system contrasts with other foundation strengthening methods which use the weight of the home to force the pipes in the ground. Other methods have a tendency to negatively affect walkways and landscaping.

Another helical pier system uses similar principals as the foundation system with the torque anchors described above. One of the only different it has a weaving pipe system. These interwoven pipe system creates added strength for the foundation, even more so than the pier system above.

A third kind of pier system is the called the magnum steel push method. Each unit looks like something that is a cross between a pogo stick and a shock absorber for a car. The only difference is, this magnum steel system holds over 30 tons. This is one of the best support systems ever made. This steel push system powered by hydraulics is fairly easy to install. It is well worth the effort, because it is sure to prevent a home from sinking.

Another very effective pier system is a disaster resistant pier system. This one helps sustain a home in the case of an earthquake. It also anchors the house in the event of high winds, frost heaves, and floods. This system consists of stout members connecting to a slab, grade beams or array of pads. A secondary system called a seismic isolator works in conjunction with the earthquake resistant system. This helps prevent the house from dropping too low to the ground. These two systems working together are very cost-effective, and also save lives.

The entire above mentioned pier systems are far more supportive than a concrete slab system. The different is in the anchors. The only thing a concrete slab is supported by is poles, and foundation walls. It offers very little support, and the weigh of the house shifts.

Again, as mentioned earlier, signs that a house needs a more stable foundation are cracks in the floors, walls or ceilings. On the contrary, the pier systems offer additional support to the home without damaging any floor, walls or ceilings.

It is up to you to decide for yourself which system is better, the concrete slab system one of the pier systems. However, if you know anything about concrete slab systems you will know that it consists of supportive posts and beams. Moreover, it does not offer the same anchoring and support that the pier systems offer. Many houses have been sunk or torn off in various disasters such as an earthquake or tornado.

Not only that, but even during fair weather conditions houses on concrete slabs have sunk. It only happens after a long period of time if there is no disaster that hits. However, imagine if you could live to see what a home on a concrete foundation looks like in a hundred years. Most likely it would not hold up to one of the more modern pier systems.

Not only that, but the home with the concrete slab is more likely to be condemned, versus the home with one of the many pier systems available.

Therefore, you should consider the benefits of a pier system and check into the possibility of installing one to protect your family and your home, and your future. It is up to you to find out the truth for yourself. You and your family's lives depend on it

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