Pier & Beam Installation Levittown, PA

Different Types Of Pier Installation 

Before you go through with pier and beam installation Levittown, PA processes, it's a good idea to do the necessary planning first. There are different types of pier installation methods out there, and you need to decide which one fits your purposes best. If you're just installing one or two pilings in an area where you already have an existing structure or object, then you can choose between fixed helical piers and floating piers. In order for them to serve their purpose, they're connected to each other and must be carefully planned. For more complex installations, however, such as those where many pilings are being installed at the same time, it's best to use a combination of fixed and floating helical piers.


whether it’s a helical foundation pier or floating slab installation, it's important that you plan everything out very carefully. A mistake in your design can cost you time and money, so make sure that you know exactly what you want. You also need to be aware of your limitations, so that you don't end up overextending yourself financially or building things that may eventually fall down and get damaged.

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What are the most common types of Pier Installation? 

One of the most common types of permanent pier installation is the helical installation. A helical pier consists of a large circle or polygonal piece that's planted into the ground below. It's important to place this piece over a flexible steel pipe so that it can support itself during the weight of the concrete. As it grows with time, it will create the perfect shape that you need, including a curvature that's slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe. Although the curved edge of a helical foundation pier is generally located on the ground, it can be buried, to protect the pipe from water damage.

 

Floating piers (also known as permanent piers)

Tend to be a lot safer since they're not connected to the ground below. These piers float freely in the water, with their installation resting only upon a floating concrete foundation repair. However, you need to check in advance with the water company to see if your floating pier will be affected by water levels. This is why it's important to be as careful as possible with this type of permanent pier installation.

 

Fixed piers are the safest form of permanent piers 

The installation of fixed piers is based on the helical method, but there's a big difference between a fixed helical and a floating helical. With a fixed pier, the entire structure is supported by a large concrete body. Helical is supported by a series of interlocking wedges that use gravity as a force to keep the piers securely planted into the soil. The biggest disadvantage of fixed piers is that they tend to cost a lot more than other forms of permanent piers.

 

The final category of piers is called floating piers

Floating piers are designed to move freely in the water. These piers are very popular in private residences and upscale resorts. They can cost a bit more than traditional fixed piers, but they don't require nearly as much upkeep and maintenance.

When you're considering installing foundation piers, there are several ways to go about doing so. Two of the most common types of pier installations are called slip-site and push piers. Slip site installations are where the boat docks on a slip-site island that's underwater. Slip site piers are relatively easy to install, but the installation of push piers is a little more involved. This is due to the size and shape of most push piers.

Most boat docks have permanent and removable piers installed for convenience and safety. If you'd prefer not to deal with permanent installation, you can always opt for a removable pontoon system. With a removable pontoon system, you can make small adjustments or replacement pier parts whenever you'd like - even though the pontoon system is still permanently fixed to your property.

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