Understanding Your Foundation Repair Options
Three Systems. One Right Answer for You.
If you have been told your foundation needs repair, you are probably wondering what the options are and how to choose between them. That is a good question, and the honest answer is that no single system works best in every situation.
The right solution depends on your specific conditions: the type of foundation, the soil beneath it, the severity of the problem, and the structural loads involved. That is why we carry three different product lines and why we always start with an assessment.
Here is a straightforward comparison to help you understand the differences.
Piling SystemHelical Piles
Best for: Lighter structures, new construction, limited-access sites, projects requiring minimal vibration.
Piling SystemDriven Piles / Push Piers
Best for: Heavier structures, deep stable soil, active settlement, and lifting a settled foundation.
ReinforcementCarbon Fiber Reinforcement
Best for: Bowing basement walls, horizontal cracks, lateral soil pressure, and preventative strengthening.
How We Recommend the Right Solution
We do not decide which system to use before visiting your property. The recommendation comes after a thorough assessment that considers the foundation type and condition, the soil profile, the structural loads, the extent of the settlement or movement, site access and working conditions, and your goals for the repair. It is then assessed and verified by an engineer.
Sometimes the answer is straightforward. Other times, a combination of systems is the best approach, for example, push piers to stabilize a settling wall and carbon fiber to reinforce a bowing wall in the same basement.
The important thing is that the recommendation is based on your conditions, not on what is fastest or cheapest to install.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is common to combine systems when a foundation has multiple issues. For example, push piers might stabilize a settling exterior wall while carbon fiber reinforces an interior wall showing lateral pressure.
You do not need to know before contacting us. That is what the assessment is for. We evaluate your foundation, soil conditions, and structural requirements and recommend the system that best fits your situation.
Yes. Ram Jack® helical piles and push piers carry a lifetime manufacturer's warranty. Carbon fiber reinforcement is warranted based on the product specifications. Pile installations include our 20-year workmanship warranty.
That is worth investigating. Ask them to explain why they recommend that specific system for your conditions. The best contractors will be transparent about why a particular product is the right fit, and honest about what it cannot do.
Cost depends on the scope of work, not just the product type. A small carbon fiber project may cost less than a full perimeter of push piers, but a large carbon fiber installation could exceed a small pier project. We provide transparent pricing based on your specific scope after the assessment.