Kearns Foundation Pros
Piering and Underpinning in Kearns, UT
Steel and helical pier underpinning in Kearns, UT stops ongoing settlement in older homes. Free estimate on deep foundation support.
Serving Kearns and nearby communities.
Piering and underpinning transfers a settling foundation's weight down to stable soil or bedrock, using steel push piers or helical piers driven below the frost and moisture-active zone. It's the fix for ongoing structural movement, not a cosmetic patch. Kearns Foundation Pros sees this most on original 1950s-60s footings in Kearns that were sized for a lighter era of construction and have been settling unevenly for decades.
Homes with stair-step cracking, uneven floors, or a foundation that keeps moving after a crack repair usually need piering rather than injection alone. We measure the movement first, then design a pier layout that matches the load path of your specific structure.
Materials
Materials and methods for Piering and Underpinning
Pier selection depends on soil layers and how deep the stable strata sits, which varies across Salt Lake Valley's mixed clay and sandy soils.
Steel Push Piers
Deliver deep, reliable support for heavier structural loads driven past shifting valley soil to bedrock.
Helical Piers
Provide torque-driven support suitable for variable soil conditions found across Salt Lake County lots.
Underpinning Brackets
Connect piers securely to existing foundation footings without disturbing surrounding soil.
Hydraulic Lift Systems
Used to achieve controlled and precise foundation elevation changes a fraction of an inch at a time.
Galvanized Coatings
Protect steel components from corrosion over time in moisture-prone basement soil.
Compacted Fill Material
Used to stabilize soil around newly installed piers so support stays put through freeze-thaw cycles.
Questions on materials?
Get a Free EstimateHow it works
How our Piering and Underpinning process works
Step 1Load Assessment
Structure's weight distribution is analyzed to determine pier placement.
Step 2Access Excavation
Small excavation points are created along the foundation perimeter.
Step 3Pier Driving
Piers are driven or screwed into the ground until reaching stable strata.
Step 4Load Transfer
Brackets connect the piers to the foundation to redistribute structural weight.
Step 5Leveling Adjustment
Hydraulic equipment carefully raises the foundation toward its intended position.
Step 6Site Restoration
Excavated areas are backfilled and compacted to match the original grade.
Timeline
How long does piering and underpinning take?
Most piering jobs run a few days depending on pier count and soil conditions, with the inspection and plan coming first.
- 01
Consult and inspection
same day - 02
Pier plan and permit filing
1–2 weeks - 03
Pier installation
2–5 daysdepending on how many piers the load calculation calls for
- 04
Leveling and load transfer
part of the same visit as installation
- 05
Site restoration
half day
Need a schedule that fits?
Get a Free EstimateWhat's included
What's included with Piering and Underpinning
Typically included: load assessment, pier installation at calculated points, bracket connection, leveling adjustment, backfill and site cleanup.
Optional: interior floor crack monitoring after leveling, drainage correction alongside pier work.
Customer prep: clear access along the foundation perimeter and move anything stored against exterior walls.
Want a clearer scope?
Get a Free EstimateCodes & permits
Permits and codes for Piering and Underpinning
Salt Lake County requires permits for structural foundation alterations since Kearns is unincorporated. Confirm specifics with the county before scheduling.
| Typically needs a permit | Often no permit |
|---|---|
| Structural pier installation and underpinning | Pre-installation inspection and load assessment visits |
| Foundation load transfer work affecting the building's structure | — |
Need help with permits?
Get a Free EstimateDIY vs pro
DIY vs hiring a pro for Piering and Underpinning
| DIY | Hire a pro |
|---|---|
| Monitoring and photographing crack widths over time | Any pier driving or load transfer work, since it affects the building's structural support |
| Noting which doors stick or floors slope before calling someone | Determining pier depth and count, which requires soil and load analysis |
| — | Permit filing for structural work |
Not sure DIY vs pro?
Get a Free EstimateWhen to call
When to call for Piering and Underpinning
Call if you see progressive wall cracking that keeps widening, floors that have become noticeably uneven, or doors and windows that no longer close right. Get a free estimate before the movement gets worse.
Seeing warning signs?
Get a Free EstimateFAQs
Piering and Underpinning FAQs
How many piers does a typical house need?
Most single-family homes need 6 to 12 piers depending on perimeter length and how much of the foundation shows movement.
Is piering a permanent fix?
Properly installed steel or helical piers driven to stable soil are designed to hold long term, since they bypass the unstable soil causing the original settlement.
Will underpinning crack my drywall or floors?
Minor hairline cracking can appear as the foundation is leveled, since interior finishes shift slightly during the lift.
Can piering fix a sinking corner without redoing the whole foundation?
Piers are often installed only at the affected corner or section rather than the full perimeter.
Does piering stop basement water intrusion too?
Piering addresses structural movement, not water intrusion. If you're also getting water, basement waterproofing is a separate add-on.
What's the difference between piering and slab leveling?
Piering supports structural foundation walls and footings; slab leveling (polyjacking) lifts non-structural concrete like driveways and patios.
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