What Are

Grout Injection Piers?

Grout injection piers are a contemporary method for stabilizing and lifting foundations that have settled or shifted. This technique involves injecting a specialized grout mixture deep into the soil beneath the foundation. The process begins with a thorough assessment of the soil conditions and the foundation's needs. Small-diameter holes are then drilled at strategic locations around the foundation. Through these holes, the grout mixture, often comprising a blend of cement, water, and other stabilizing agents, is injected under high pressure.

The injected material flows into voids and loose soil layers, expanding and hardening to form solid, pier-like columns. These columns provide a strong, supportive base for the foundation, distributing the weight of the structure more evenly across the soil. This method is especially effective in treating soil settlement or compaction issues, which are common causes of foundation instability.

One of the key benefits of grout injection piers is their minimal invasiveness. Unlike traditional methods that require extensive excavation, grout injection is less disruptive to the property and can often be completed more quickly. This makes it an ideal solution for residential properties where preserving the existing landscape is a priority. Additionally, the ability to target specific areas under the foundation allows for precise correction of the foundation issues.

Benefits of

Grout Injection Piers

Grout injection piers offer numerous advantages for foundation repair, particularly in situations where traditional methods may not be feasible or desirable. The primary benefit is their ability to stabilize foundations with minimal disruption. The process does not require large equipment or extensive excavation, which means less mess and inconvenience for property owners. This aspect is particularly beneficial in urban areas or tight spaces where traditional excavation methods would be impractical.

The precision of grout injection piers is another significant advantage. The grout mixture can be injected at various depths, allowing for targeted stabilization and lifting of the foundation. This precision helps in effectively addressing specific areas of concern, leading to a more tailored and effective foundation repair.

Durability is a key factor in the effectiveness of grout injection piers. Once the grout hardens, it forms a solid, stable base that resists further soil movement and compaction. This durability ensures a long-lasting solution to foundation problems, reducing the need for future repairs and maintenance.

In terms of environmental impact, grout injection piers are a more sustainable option. The reduced need for excavation means less soil disturbance and a smaller carbon footprint associated with the repair process. Moreover, the materials used in the grout mixture are often environmentally friendly, adding to the sustainability of this method.

Finally, grout injection piers can lead to an increase in property value. By providing a long-term solution to foundation issues and ensuring the structural integrity of the building, they enhance the appeal of the property to potential buyers. This increase in value, coupled with the cost-effectiveness of the method due to reduced labor and equipment needs, makes grout injection piers a wise investment for any property owner facing foundation challenges.

Signs You May Need Helical Piers

Floor & Wall Cracks

Cracks aren’t always scary. Sometimes they are superficial, such as minor or hairline cracks in plaster, cornices and skirting boards. Bigger cracks are another story and usually point to bigger underlying problems, such as uneven weight distribution due to weak foundations.

Cracks to look for could be interior (plaster, wall and floor tiles) or exterior (brickwork, render, concrete slab).

Ideally try to observe the cracks over a period of weeks or months to determine if the cracks you’ve noticed get bigger, wider or longer - or if new cracks appear. If they remain unchanged over a long period, the subsidence has likely run its course and the house has settled.

Unlevel Floors

Something that isn’t always as obvious as cracks is unlevel floors. When you are able to identify them however, a lean to one or more sides of your home is a strong sign that there are significant foundation issues at play.

In serious cases we’ve seen, you can stand at one end of a hallway and see the fall of the house as you look down the hall. Other times, unlevel floors will contribute to misaligned doors.

Generally you can use a spirit level to get some idea of how unlevel a room is. Or place a ball in a room and see if it remains still or if it rolls in a particular direction. But to understand how significant this is usually will require a professional.

Another thing to look for are irregular trenches forming around the edge of the building or slab, in the top layers of the soil. This is another sign of subsidence.

Unaligned Doors & Windows

Doors and windows can be good indicators of foundation problems.

Gaps appearing and getting wider around your windows and doors. Finding it hard to close (or reopen) your doors or windows, or not being able to lock them.

In more advanced cases, there are more visible leans to door, and door or window frames may begin pulling away from their surrounding walls.