There are several kinds of methods used to repair foundation issues. The prices of these methods vary widely depending on the scope of work involved. Typically, the more expensive methods are the most permanent; however, it is not always necessary to use those methods to get an effective solution.
Pressed pilings are typically friction piers pressed into the ground using the weight of the home to push the pier through the ground. Pressed piling solutions may only extend 8 or 10 feet into the ground, which means they don’t reach past the active soil. Because of this, pressed pilings may only provide a short term solution to a long term problem.
Steel Piers are also installed by using the weight of the home to press the pier into the ground. They usually have a slightly oversized collar on the bottom end in order to make them end bearing piers. These steel piers must, therefore, extend onto very hard rock to develop enough load-carrying ability to support a typical home. Since rock this hard is not often found at reasonable depths in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, these piers can often bend enough to develop frictional resistance, potentially leading future instability or failure.
Reinforced Concrete Mini-Piles are primarily friction piers, put into the ground using a pile driver or a very small drill rig, but with a twist. These piles usually go deeper and last longer than other friction type piers. In addition they require little disruption to your exterior landscaping or home interior. Reinforced concrete mini-piles typically come with a guaranteed minimum depth to make certain that the pile supporting your home reaches well past the active soil layer.