Foundation Piering and Underpinning in Baton Rouge, LA
When shallow soil keeps moving, the lasting fix is often deeper support. Piering and underpinning move the weight of the house onto more stable soil. A local contractor can tell you whether your house needs it.
When Deeper Support Is Considered
Piering is usually discussed when the foundation has moved more than a surface repair can handle.
- A foundation that keeps settling after earlier repairs
- Cracks that reopen after being patched
- A section of the house that has dropped or tilted noticeably
- Heavy settling beside a porch, garage or addition
- Floors that continue to slope over time
- A house on soil that stays soft or wet
Request a Free Estimate
It takes about a minute. No obligation to hire anyone.
How Piering and Underpinning Work
Why not wait?
If shallow repairs keep failing, the ground under the house is still moving. Waiting usually means more settlement and more of the structure to correct.
Piering places supports deeper than the soil layers that move with the weather. The supports carry the weight of the house and can be used to lift it back toward level.
Common pier types
Pressed concrete piers. Concrete cylinders are pressed into the ground under the foundation until they reach firm resistance.
Steel push piers. Steel tubes are driven down with hydraulic force until they reach firm soil.
Helical piers. Steel shafts with screw-like plates are turned into the ground, often for lighter structures.
Drilled piers. Holes are drilled and filled with reinforced concrete.
Underpinning
Underpinning strengthens or deepens an existing foundation so it can carry the load. Some projects also involve an engineer plan, so ask the contractor whether one is recommended.
The best pier type depends on soil conditions, the weight of the house and the contractor’s approach.
Used when shallow repairs may not be enough
Pier type depends on the soil and the house
Some projects involve an engineer plan
Cost depends on the number and depth of piers
What to Expect
Here is the typical path from first look to finished repair. Your contractor will explain the details for your house.
Inspection and measurements
The foundation and floor elevations are checked to see where support is needed.
Pier plan
The contractor recommends a pier type, locations and depths.
Installation
Piers are placed and the foundation is lifted or stabilized where appropriate.
Follow-up
Floor levels, doors and cracks are rechecked after the work.
Deep Support in the Baton Rouge Area
Soils across south Louisiana can stay soft to a considerable depth, which makes how deep a pier goes an important question. Ask the contractor how they decide on depth and how they confirm the pier has reached firm support.
Request a clear explanation of the warranty and what it covers before you agree to the work.
Piering and Underpinning Questions
What is the difference between piers and pilings?
The terms are often used for similar deep supports. Ask the contractor what material and installation method they plan to use.
How many piers will my house need?
It depends on the foundation, the load and where movement has happened. The estimate should show the number and locations.
Will piers lift my house?
Often they can raise a settled area, but the amount recovered depends on the house and its condition.
Do piers last?
Properly installed deep supports are meant to be long-lasting. Ask what warranty comes with the work.
Related Services
Learn how it works in Baton Rouge homes.
Learn how it works in Baton Rouge homes.
Learn how it works in Baton Rouge homes.
Ready to Get Your Foundation Checked?
Send a short request and a local foundation repair contractor can reach out to you.