We plan to build a new house in north Dallas. We asked our builder to install steel piers and they said because of the soil in the area have lots of rocks, steel piers are not needed. They actually may harm the foundation. Is this true?
2006-08-29 12:46:31 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The money would be best spent on a structural engineer for their expert opinion. They would drill test holes in the area in depths from 20' to 100' and lower. The results of these tests would be analyzed by soils engineers who would give the stabalization opinion to the structural engineers.
This process is somewhat costly, but not as costly as steel piers. It would give you peace of mind to know that you would be building in the correct path.
2006-08-29 21:51:51 · answer #1 · answered by duke1414 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see how they could harm it but if I were building in Dallas I know the soil there and steel piers would serve no purpose I could see . But if you want peace of mind call another contractor they should answer that question , I could see the steel piers helping with later settling problems maybe you should try it if you don't mind the extra cost of having them put in.
2006-08-29 13:00:25 · answer #2 · answered by alias u 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing would be to call your local city hall and ask for the planning department. They can answer your question if they are needed or not.
The planning department knows all local soil conditions and what is best for your house.
2006-08-29 13:26:01 · answer #3 · answered by Casey L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they could settle and/or rust and cause the house to settle more......i would stick with the tried and test block, w/concrete filled, piers.....
lic. gen. contractor
2006-08-29 14:11:30 · answer #4 · answered by bigg_dogg44 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋