The Best House Leveling Method For a Settling Foundation
Over time, your home’s foundation tends to “settle,” sinking further into the ground as a result of changes in the soil or the structure of the home itself. While this is eventually inevitable, it is still an urgent problem. It’s important to level the house, usually through the use of heavy-duty piers and anchors. Unfortunately, these methods are not all equal and some may not be the right choice for your home. Let’s break down some of the house leveling methods and techniques available to determine which one is the best for you:
Concrete Slab Leveling
Concrete slab leveling seeks to level the house by lifting the concrete slabs that hold up the foundation. This is often done by mudjacking or slab lifting foam. This is a more affordable option, as well as a faster option. But fast and cheap are not always the best choices for your home. While we recommend slab lifting foam for concrete steps and walkways, this does little to fix major foundation sinking — after all, this is the foundation of your home as a whole. This also doesn’t help if you have a pier and beam foundation.
Push Piers
Push piers are made up of hollow pipes or concrete cylinders that are pushed into the ground using a hydraulic ram and fastened to the foundation with brackets in order to use the weight of your home to push these into the ground. This method is good for fitting in tight spaces and works well with heavy structures, because the piers are pushed into the ground rather than pulled down by a helix. However, they’re less helpful for lighter loads like a one-story house or garage, as lighter structures won’t offer enough resistance to push beyond the active zone. For this reason, they often fail!
Helical Piers
Helical piers, unlike push piers, “screw” into the ground. These heavy-duty steel piers use hydraulic pressure to dig deep into the ground until they reach solid soil strata. From there, proprietary brackets are attached to the piers—and your foundation—is lifted using a special jack. These piers are very versatile as they can be used regardless of the weight of the structure. They use precise technology to reach the soil strata, straight where they need to go and not an inch less.
Why Helical Piers Are the Superior Choice
While various methods exist for foundation repair, helical piers consistently stand out as the most reliable and long-lasting solution. Unlike concrete slab leveling or push piers, which often fail to reach stable soil or work inconsistently with lighter structures, helical piers are engineered for precision and strength.
Helical piers can be installed year-round and are especially effective in regions with expansive clay or inconsistent moisture levels. Because they screw deep into load-bearing strata, they offer a solid, permanent base for your foundation. Once installed, they minimize the risk of further sinking, cracking, or shifting, making them ideal for residential, commercial, and even industrial properties.
In addition to strength and versatility, helical piers are minimally invasive. The installation process does not require extensive excavation or disruption to your yard, making it a clean and efficient solution that won't leave your landscaping in disarray.
FAQs About House Leveling and Foundation Repair
How do I know if my home needs leveling?
Common signs include sloping floors, sticking doors or windows, wall or ceiling cracks, and visible foundation gaps.
Are helical piers permanent?
Yes. Once installed correctly, helical piers provide long-term stabilization by anchoring your foundation to solid soil layers.
Will house leveling damage my home?
When done by experienced professionals, house leveling is safe and designed to minimize stress to your structure during the lift.
How long does the process take?
Most helical pier installations take 1–3 days, depending on the number of piers and the extent of foundation damage.
Can I live in my home during leveling?
Yes. In most cases, homeowners can stay in the house while the work is being done.
We Can Lift Your Foundation
Whatever your foundation settling issue might be, helical piers are our go-to to level the house and repair the foundation. They’re strong, precise, and offer the least amount of stress to your home. Interested in lifting your foundation? Contact Childers Brothers, Inc. today for more information or a free quote.