Many people with a house on clay soil want to know how to keep it from sinking. Once a house starts to settle, we stabilize a foundation on clay soil by driving steel piers down to bedrock to carry the weight of the home.
The right approach depends on your home. Some houses already sit on a pier system, and others show signs of settling that need repair. Below, we explain how each situation works.
Two Factors that Decide How to Stabilize a Foundation on Clay Soil
Every home on clay soil is different, so we start with two questions. Has the house begun to settle, and how was it built in the first place? The answers tell us what your foundation needs.
Has Your Home Started to Settle?
The first thing we check is whether your home shows any signs of settling.
If you suspect movement, an inspection from our foundation repair team can confirm what is happening below your floors.
How Your Home Was Built
Some newer builds have piers driven down to bedrock, and the builder then sets the footings or foundation on top of that piering system.
That is not always the case. Many homes sit on a standard footing with no piers beneath them, so we check how your house was built before recommending a repair.
Pro Tip: A newer build does not always mean your home sits on piers. An inspection confirms what your foundation actually rests on.
Why a Proper Footing Matters on Clay Soil
A proper footing is the starting point for a stable home on clay soil.
Homes Built on a Pier System
When piers reach bedrock, the footing sits on that pier system. The weight of the house transfers down through the piers to bedrock below the clay.
Homes on a Standard Footing
When no piers are present, the footing rests on the soil itself. For these homes, we make sure the footing is proper.
Here is how the two situations compare:
| Home situation | What supports the house | What we do |
| No signs of settling | A footing on piers or on the soil | Make sure the footing is proper |
| House has started to sink | The foundation has failed in one area | Drive steel piers to bedrock around the failed area |
Need expert help with foundation stabilization? Contact Olson Foundation Repair for a free consultation.
How We Repair a Sinking Foundation
When a house sinks, we install piers to support it.
How Steel Piers Support Your Home
Our piers are steel pillars driven down to bedrock. We place them around the section of the foundation that has failed, so the repair targets the exact spot where your home lost support. Once the piers are in place, they hold up your house, much like a home standing on stilts.
Protect Your Home With the Right Foundation Support
A stable home on clay soil comes down to what your foundation rests on. Your next step depends on what your house needs today.
What to Remember
- Check your home for signs of settling.
- Find out whether your house sits on a pier system or a standard footing.
- If the house has sunk, steel piers driven to bedrock around the failed area will carry its weight.
Schedule Your Foundation Inspection
Our team can inspect your home for signs of settling and check what your foundation rests on. Request your free consultation with Olson Foundation Repair today, and let us find the right fix for your home.
