Concrete Piers

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Your Foundation, Our Priority

Trusted Foundation Services In Texas

Homeowners throughout Texas often encounter signs of foundation problems in their homes. These issues show up as cracks in walls, uneven floors or sticking doors and windows. These indicators prompt the need for foundation repair, which is crucial in maintaining the structural integrity of your house. 

The experts at G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair provide businesses and homeowners in Texas with long-lasting foundation solutions. 

Concrete Piers In Foundation Repair

Concrete piers are like the support beams of the foundation world — especially helpful for houses with slab foundations or shallow crawl spaces. That’s because these types of foundations are more prone to settling and shifting as Texas soils expand and contract. 

Choosing concrete piers is like giving your home a sturdy backbone, especially since the soil in Texas tends to shift. If your home is showing signs of settling or structural issues, don’t worry! Concrete piers — or as some call them, concrete pilings — are here to help! 

These are like the unsung heroes that step in to stabilize and support your home when it’s going through a bit of a tough time. Understanding how these concrete wonders work is essential for homeowners considering foundation repairs. Think of them as your home’s trusty sidekicks, ready to tackle settling issues and keep everything standing tall.

How Concrete Piers Work

Concrete piers operate by transferring the load of a structure to a stable stratum beneath problematic soil layers. This process involves digging holes into the ground beneath the foundation and filling them with reinforced concrete. This sturdy support system prevents further settling, lifts the foundation and ensures long-term stability.

Signs Your Foundation Needs Concrete Piers

If you’ve noticed indicators of foundation settlement, it’s crucial to pay attention to potential issues like visible cracks, uneven floors or doors that no longer align. These signs may suggest the need for concrete piers to address underlying foundation concerns. 

Here’s a more detailed look at the signs:

  • Visible cracks — Keep an eye out for cracks in your walls, especially those that appear around windows or doors.
  • Uneven floors — Noticeable slopes or irregularities in your flooring may indicate foundation settlement.
  • Misaligned doors — Doors that no longer align or have difficulty closing properly may signal foundation issues.

It’s essential for homeowners to remain vigilant to these signs and seek a professional assessment when considering foundation repair options. Early detection and appropriate measures can prevent further damage and maintain the integrity of your home’s foundation.

Benefits Of Using Concrete Piers In Foundation Repair

When you choose concrete piers, you’re not just fixing — you’re future-proofing. Say goodbye to worries about foundation stability and hello to a home that stands strong over time.

Concrete piers give your home’s structure a stability boost, acting as a sturdy support system for your foundation. Our services go further than an immediate fix — they help stop further damage in its tracks.

These piers go beyond fixing the immediate issues – they’re the unsung heroes that ensure your home stands strong for the long run.

Detect Foundation Movement Early

It may seem like you have to wait and hope that your foundation doesn’t shift under your feet, but that’s not the case! If you’re worried about foundation movement or settlement, you can leverage the power of SlabSure for peace of mind. SlabSure is an early detection system for any movement of your concrete slab. Sensors are installed on your foundation below the soil level at 10 foot increments. These sensors report any change in their position, giving you a real-time account of the stability of your slab.

Let G.L. Hunt know if you’re interested in this fantastic technology!

Professional Foundation Assessment And Pier Installation

The importance of expert evaluation cannot be overstated. Professional assessments determine the extent of foundation issues and guide the decision-making process. 

Additionally, ensuring proper installation of concrete piers is crucial for lasting results, emphasizing the need for skilled professionals in foundation repair projects. Turn to G.L. Hunt Foundation Repair for trusted repair solutions.

FAQs

What Is Foundation Repair?

Foundation repair refers to the process of correcting structural problems in a building’s foundation that can compromise the safety, value and usability of the property. These issues often arise from soil movement, poor construction, water intrusion or age-related wear and tear.

Typical signs that foundation repair may be necessary include:

  • Cracks in walls or ceilings
  • Doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly
  • Uneven floors or gaps between walls and floors

Common repair techniques include:

  • Underpinning – Strengthens the foundation by extending it to more stable soil using piers or piles.
  • Piering – Uses steel pipe piles driven into the ground to lift and support the foundation.
  • PolyLevel – Involves injecting a foam mixture beneath the slab to lift it back into place.

A professional foundation inspection is key to diagnosing the root problem and determining the appropriate repair method. Timely repairs can prevent more costly damage and help maintain — or even increase — your home’s resale value.

Can You Live In A House During Foundation Repair?

Yes, in most cases, homeowners can remain in their house during foundation repair. However, this depends on several factors, such as:

  • Scope of the repair – Minor exterior work is less disruptive than full-scale interior structural repairs.
  • Type of foundation – Pier-and-beam homes might require more interior access than slab foundations.
  • Location of the damage – Repairs under major living spaces, like kitchens or bathrooms, could limit access.

You can expect temporary inconveniences such as:

  • Loud construction noise
  • Dust and debris in work areas
  • Limited access to certain rooms or outdoor areas

Our experienced team prioritizes safety and works efficiently to minimize disruption. If repairs become extensive or involve utilities (like plumbing), temporary relocation may be recommended — but this is rare.

How Long Does Foundation Repair Take?

The length of time required for foundation repair can vary significantly depending on:

  • Severity of the damage – Minor cracks may be addressed in 1–3 days, while major stabilization projects can take 1–3 weeks.
  • Type of repair method – PolyLevel is quicker than pier installation or extensive structural reinforcement.
  • Weather conditions – Heavy rain or freezing temperatures can delay work, especially when soil stabilization is involved.
  • Accessibility – Tight crawlspaces or densely landscaped yards can require additional labor and time.

Your contractor should provide a clear, personalized project timeline during the initial assessment. At our company, we value transparency and keep homeowners informed at every stage of the repair process.

Should I Buy A House With Foundation Repair?

Buying a house with prior or ongoing foundation repairs isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker — in fact, it can be a sign the current owner has proactively addressed structural concerns. However, due diligence is essential. Consider the following steps:

  • Request documentation – Get copies of inspection reports, repair warranties and permits.
  • Hire a third-party inspector or structural engineer – An unbiased opinion ensures the repairs were done correctly and safely.
  • Understand the extent of the repairs – Cosmetic fixes are different from major structural reinforcements.
  • Factor it into negotiations – Repairs may lower the home’s value or require additional monitoring.

If you’re unsure, our team can provide insights or connect you with a local expert to review the foundation repair history before you make a purchase.

Does Home Insurance Cover Foundation Repair?

In most cases, standard homeowners insurance does not cover foundation repair costs caused by routine settling, soil shifts or natural aging. However, there are exceptions based on the source of the damage. Coverage may apply if the issue stems from:

  • A burst pipe or plumbing leak (if sudden and accidental)
  • Fire or explosion
  • Earthquake or flood (if you carry specific endorsements)
  • Storm damage (like fallen trees causing foundation cracks)

To determine if you’re covered:

  • Review your policy for exclusions or limitations related to foundation damage.
  • Contact your insurance agent for clarification based on the exact cause of damage.
  • Consider add-ons like water backup, flood, or earthquake coverage, especially in risk-prone areas.

If your repairs aren’t covered, we offer flexible financing options to help make foundation work more affordable. Reach out to learn more.

Can A Bad Foundation Be Fixed?

Yes, even a severely compromised foundation can often be repaired — but the success and approach depend on the extent of the damage and how early it’s addressed. Modern foundation repair techniques can correct settling, cracking, bowing walls and shifting soil conditions.

Professional contractors use structural assessments to develop a tailored solution, which may involve:

  • Underpinning with steel or concrete piers to stabilize and lift the foundation
  • Helical piers for lightweight structures or areas with limited access
  • PolyLevel to raise sunken concrete slabs using foam injection
  • Wall anchors or carbon fiber strips to reinforce bowed basement walls

Even if your foundation shows serious issues, repairs can often restore both structural integrity and long-term value — but delaying action can make repairs more complex and costly. An expert evaluation is key to identifying the best fix.

Will Foundation Repair Damage My Landscaping Or Plumbing?

Some degree of disturbance is possible during foundation repair, especially for exterior work, but a skilled contractor will work to minimize impact on your landscaping and plumbing.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Landscaping — Some digging near the perimeter of the home may be required to install piers or access the foundation. This can temporarily affect flower beds, sod or shrubs near the work zone.
  • Plumbing — In some cases, especially with slab foundations, repairs may require temporary disconnection or adjustment of plumbing lines. A hydrostatic plumbing test may be recommended to ensure no pipes are damaged during lifting or movement.

For peace of mind, ask your team how we protect landscaping and how plumbing is tested or monitored as part of our process. We take great care to minimize disruption and restore your home’s exterior appearance post-repair.

What Are Common Foundation Repair Methods?

Foundation repair isn’t one-size-fits-all — contractors choose methods based on soil type, structural design, extent of damage and budget. Here are the most widely used foundation repair techniques:

  • Piering (Push or Helical Piers) — Steel piers are driven deep into stable soil or bedrock and used to lift and support the structure. Push piers are hydraulically driven — helical piers are screwed in like large bolts.
  • PolyLevel — Polyurethane foam is pumped under a sunken slab to lift it back into place. Best for sidewalks, driveways or light foundation settling.
  • Underpinning — A broader category of reinforcing the existing foundation, often using piers or by pouring new concrete beneath weakened areas.
  • Wall Anchors or Bracing — Used to stabilize bowed basement walls or retaining walls, often with steel anchors or carbon fiber straps.
  • Soil Stabilization — Expansive or shifting soils can be treated with chemical injections to reduce movement and improve bearing capacity.

A trusted contractor will perform a foundation inspection and explain which method is most effective — and why — for your specific property.

Is It Safe To Live In A House With A Foundation Problem?

It depends on the severity of the issue, but in many cases, it is safe — at least temporarily. That said, foundation problems can worsen over time and lead to safety concerns or further damage if left unaddressed.

Risks include:

  • Uneven floors that can cause trips and falls
  • Doors or windows that jam, reducing emergency exit accessibility
  • Structural stress that may affect plumbing, walls and roofing systems
  • Moisture intrusion leading to mold or indoor air quality issues

If you notice signs like widening cracks, large wall gaps, or severe sloping floors, it’s best to schedule a professional evaluation immediately. For peace of mind and to avoid costly future repairs, we recommend not ignoring early symptoms, even if they seem minor.

What Causes Foundation Problems?

Foundation problems often result from shifting soil, moisture imbalance, poor construction or natural aging. The most common culprits include:

  • Expansive clay soils — These soils swell when wet and shrink when dry, creating movement that stresses the foundation.
  • Poor drainage or plumbing leaks — Excess water near the foundation can erode soil, causing settling or hydrostatic pressure against basement walls.
  • Tree roots — Large roots can dry out soil under the foundation or disrupt soil structure.
  • Inadequate site preparation — If the soil wasn’t properly compacted before construction, the foundation may settle unevenly.
  • Seasonal weather changes — Droughts and heavy rains cause soil to contract and expand repeatedly, weakening support.
  • Natural aging — Over time, foundations naturally experience some wear, especially in older homes.

Knowing the underlying cause helps determine the best repair method and whether preventative measures (like improved drainage or root barriers) should be installed to protect the foundation long-term.

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🚨 Foundation Issues Won't Fix Themselves

Are you noticing sticky doors, uneven floors and unsightly foundation cracks? Book a free foundation repair estimate with G.L. Hunt to protect your property.