Keystone Foundation Repair
(281) 568-7000

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4 Point Foundation Service Call

Bell bottom piers were used by contractors prior to the invention of the Perma Pile System. They were originally designed to be additional support for new construction concrete slabs. They were never intended for foundation repair.

The foundation repair company will use an auger at the outside perimeter of the foundation grade beam. At a predetermined depth, they will drill a hole which is referred to as a “shaft”. The shaft is typically 12 feet deep. Once the main part of the shaft is drilled, the auger bit is switched and a wider hole is cut at the bottom. This creates the “bell”. Steel is installed in the shaft and a pad is dug out around its top. A concrete truck is then dispatched to the job and concrete is poured into the excavation.

The first problem with Bell Bottom Piers is the inability to achieve concentricity with the grade beam. In other words, it is physically impossible to dig straight down beneath the very area which needs support. The shafts must be driven at angles, which means less than ideal support will be provided. This is why companies which use the Bell Bottom Pier System cannot offer a Lifetime Transferrable Warranty that we do. The beauty of the Perma Pile System is how the precast concrete cylinders are driven concentrically directly beneath the area which needs support.

Uncertainty is a major concern with Bell Bottom Piers. Ideally, soil samples would be taken to determine proper shaft depth. However, many companies avoid this step in the interest of time. Additionally, no one can ever be absolutely sure that the poured concret has properly cured when it's time to lift against the structure Another issue is the devastation of lawn and landscaping due to the use of heavy equipment, concrete trucks, bobcat front end loaders, and wheelbarrows. Often, fences must be taken down in order to give access to large machinery. All of this is can be avoided by using the far less invasive Perma Pile System utilized by Keystone Foundation Repair.

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