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About Ed Eckley
Expertise
I will be happy to answer any questions regarding foundation problems of any type. Questions pertaining to construction methods, Problematic soils, Settling & Movement, Frame torsion & racking, Preventative measures, Repair methods of all types.
Experience
Over 18 years in the industry. A.S.M.E. Certified,(American Society of Mechanical Engineering). Hydraulics Design Expert. 18 years of hands on soil manipulation. Over 500 homes repaired, and over 20 commercial buildings repaired. Extensive soil knowledge. Familiar with most types of repair methods and the expected results of each.
Publications
Ezine.com Article Title: Foundation Problems Do's & Don'ts
custombuildingsupport.com: Foundation Repair Methods
Education/Credentials
High School Graduate 1976
Trade School Graduate 1976
College Graduate 1978
Awards and Honors
Certificates of achievment: Excel Industries
Letters of appreciation: City of Golden
Awards & Plaques: Jacobsen Turf Division
Past/Present Clients
Available on request
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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Foundation Stabilization and Repair > recommended method to repair foundation supported by aging wood pilings
Foundation Stabilization and Repair - recommended method to repair foundation supported by aging wood pilings
Expert: Ed Eckley - 11/2/2009
Question
I have a split level home in one of the suburbs located adjacent to New Orleans, La. The house was built in the 60's and as most houses in the area it was built on wood pilings (qty of 35) that are driven into the ground to an unknown depth.
The two-story side of the house is on slab over the pilings. The split side is built on a chain wall around the perimeter with a center cross beam also on top of pilings.
In this area ground subsidence is severe and because of that the top 1-2 ft of the pilings have become exposed and show visiblew signs of deteriorating, hence my repair problem.
I have had four foundation repair contractors look at this which have proposed similar but differing methods for repair. Of the contractors that came out the two of them provided an on the spot proposals and both appear to be reputable established foundation repair companies.
one contractor has proposed to dig down around each of the 35 existing pilings, cut them off below deteriotaion, then install pressed concrete pier sections (each section joined to next via threaded 5/8" dia. stainless rod) on top of the existing wood pilings then hydraulically press until point of refusal. This is a local contractor that has patented their press piling system with the trade name "Permalock " They include a lifetime transferrable warranty.
This is the least expensive of the methods proposed and was initially my first choice because the sections appear to have a rigid connection. My only concern for this method is with the condition of the existing wood pile. ( I have read a articles that seem to indicate that this method would be fine but am trying to get an unbiased expert opinion. )
I have had some termite damage to floor joists above ground and was not sure if termites could / would eat the pilings below ground or not.
Another contractor has proposed to install new pressed pilings except at four corners of the foundation where they also propose to put their sectional prssed piling on top of the existing wood piles after cutting them off. They would be installing a pressed piling system with the trade name of "cablelock" This system has a stranded cable run through the center of the pressed piling segments to provide alignment & stability to the completed piles. Based on their system they would install a total of 30 piles, pressed to refusal.
My concern with this system is its ability to withstand lateral movement. I have read articles that portray this as a substandard system. Although it too is supported by a lifetime transferrable warranty.
Any advice and/or recommendations.
Thank you.
Answer
Hello Jim
I am very sorry that I cannot endorse any pressed pier or: Mini Pile, except our own.
You have directed a piering question to someone that has been providing piering services for 20 years with a 98% success rate, therefore, it would be a conflict of interest to make comparisons to other piering company products unless our firm was bidding the job. We are located in Denver Colorado, and you are located in a region where the available piering contractors will have different types of methods to provide support in an entirely different soil structure.
I can offer you some suggestions. You should try to avoid using any support that relies on the integrity of below grade wood. You should go with steel or concrete only.
Any time that wood is installed into soil, there is a definite chance of deterioration, regardless of the type of wood or the treatment of the wood.
You should also check the contractors record of success in your territory.
I wish you the best!
Respectfully Ed Eckley
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