Yes, we have installed these piers under three story buildings, huge machine bases, and large tanks. The maximum capacity of the piers probably will not be reached, which allows for a higher factor of safety.

Every project is different and factors such as the what the building can handle, soil conditions and how the foundation has failed will be considered when designing a foundation pier system.  Structural engineering reports are not typically required to install foundation piering systems.  Occasionally municipalities can require this step for permits and to complete the repair.   It is commonly recommended that for larger commercial and industrial projects an engineer be involved in designing the piering system.

The piers have to be embedded into a hard stratum. We will not stop at a predetermined depth, the piers have to be able to support two or three times the weight of the structure. This depth will vary based on different soil conditions across the state.

Estimates provided by RaiseRite take into consideration similar soil conditions in the area, if piers need to be installed deeper than estimated.  Even with detailed soil borings and testing, depths will not be known until the resistance of the pushed piers can be tested to satisfaction.

<<More information on Resistance Piers>>

Yes, most of the work is performed around the outside of the home with minimal disruption to the homeowner. In some projects, it may be necessary to work from the inside. Even in those conditions, it will not cause the homeowner to vacate the structure.

RaiseRite crews are very courteous and respectful of our customers property.  Measure are taken to assure there is minimal disruption to your daily routine.

A qualified piering contractor will cover the project details with your previous to the start of your foundation repair so that you are educated throughout the project.

<<More about Foundation Repair>>

Yes! Since the piers are pushed through the layer of soil that affects your foundation, it takes the variable of soil condition out of the equation.

Piers are pushed down until they are against a set resistance which is specific to every project.

<<More information on repairing settled foundations>>

In most cases the structure is raised to the point where it is not visually detectable. It usually is not a matter of raising it higher, but how high the owner wants the structure. When you raise a structure it may cause new cracks or open old ones. The process of raising it is a team effort between the owner and piering crew.

Typically raising a structure that has settled is relieving the pressure that was put on the building when it settled.  Using a resistance pier system, RaiseRite will be putting the building back in its place by raising the foundation.

<<More Information on Resistance Pering>>

To relieve pressure that is being applied to the wall, bowed or tilted walls are first need the soil against it removed.  The wall is now free to secured back into place.

After the bowed or tilted wall is foundation wall is repaired, a non expansive granular fill is used to backfill, typically a 3/4” clean stone.  A geo-fabric is placed over the fill and the top 2’ is filled with topsoil and graded to drain away from the structure. This helps with drainage and relieves pressure from the wall.

<<More Information about Bowed Wall Repair>>

In most cases cracks are a sign that your foundation is settling or bowing in. RaiseRite’s experienced staff will help you determine if this cracking is cosmetic, or if foundation repair is necessary.

Foundation repair quotes are free, protect your investment by calling for a free quote.  If the crack is not threatening your foundation, RaiseRite can help you monitor the crack and  educate you on what to monitor.  Concrete by nature cracks, but knowing which crack can turn into something worse takes experience and knowledge.  Let RaiseRite help you learn the warning signs of a failing foundation.

<<More Information about Cracked and Settled Foundations>>

Spacing is often determined by the weight of the structure or the weight of the soil pressure along the foundation. Other considerations will be the construction of the foundation (i.e. poured or block foundation). The quantity of piers is determined by the linear footage of the effected area.

Other factors to consider when designing a foundation pier system is the load the building can handle and the soil condition in the area.

Because every design is different an important step in your foundation repair can be to have a structural engineer asses your structure and what needs to be installed to repair the foundation.  RaiseRite works with many different engineers on designing specific pier systems to accommodate your specific foundation repair project.  This is typically required for commercial project, but can also be helpful for residential projects.

<<More Information about Settled Foundation Repair>>

Most Wisconsin homes have basement walls below grade. Over time the settling of ground, clay swelling, the plugging of drain tile, extensive rains, and plumbing leaks can cause a basement wall to bow, tilt inwards, and crack. To repair a bowed wall the first step to this process is to eliminate the problem by excavating and removing the earth pressure against the wall. In most cases this highly expansive clay is the main cause of the foundation bowing.

The second step to repair a bowed basement wall is to install beams or helical piers.  Both systems are designed to straighten and reinforce the bowed walls.

Beams have become the preferred method of repair because the installation does not involve going through the weakened wall.  Beams are an effective way to repair basement walls that have bowed less than 1″.

<<More Information on Bowed Basement Walls>>

Helical Pier Diagram

What happened? Well, the beauty of living in Wisconsin is that moisture in the ground freezes. This is when “The Frost Sets In”. When water freezes, it expands. This is why your slabs of concrete can look so out of place during the winter (if they were not already last fall). The major problem with this process is that it can damage the soil below your concrete slabs. When things warm up again the soil can be more compact than it was in the fall. This will allow the weight of the slab to settled with the overburdened soil.

How do you fix this? You have a couple of options when it comes to repairing settled concrete.

Replace It:

Replacing the slab can be costly. You need to come in with heavy equipment to remove the slab that is in otherwise good condition. Poor the new slab and hope the dog does not walk across it leaving his permanent signature in the slab.

Raise It:

Fast, easy and inexpensive, concrete raising is the method of drilling small holes in the concrete to inject material under the slab to raise it back to level. This repair is typically half the cost of replacement and typically comes with a warranty against settlement.

It is easy enough to forget about settled concrete until you are shoveling snow and jam your wrist or trip with an armful of groceries. Before you curse your concrete, call RaiseRite for a free estimate and see how easy and inexpensive it can be to raise your settled concrete.

Please feel free to navigate our website or call, we would be more than happy to answer your questions and help you with your concrete repair needs.