American Fork Foundation Pros
Piering and Underpinning in American Fork, UT
Steel push piers and helical piers for American Fork foundations, driven to stable bearing soil below bench-lot fill. Free estimates.
- 15+ Years local experience
- 500+ Projects completed
- Licensed & Insured
Serving American Fork and nearby communities.
When a foundation drops a corner or a crack keeps opening season after season, surface patching won't hold it. Piering and underpinning transfers the building's weight down past the loose fill and bench-lot soil common around American Fork to a layer that can actually carry it. American Fork Foundation Pros sizes pier type and depth to what's under the specific house, not a catalog number.
Most of our pier calls come from two kinds of homes: older places near canyon runoff paths where water has been working under the footing for years, and newer builds on fast-fill subdivision lots that settled quicker than expected. Either way, the fix is the same mechanism: get load off the bad soil and onto something solid.
What's included
What's included
Typically included: structural evaluation, pier selection, excavation at bracket points, pier driving to refusal, load transfer and leveling. Optional: interior drain tie-in if water contributed to the settlement, cosmetic crack sealing after leveling. Customer prep: clear access along the foundation line, move patio furniture or planters away from dig zones.
Want a clearer scope?
Get a Free EstimateHow it works
How our Piering and Underpinning process works
Step 1Load Assessment
The structure's weight distribution is analyzed to determine pier placement.
Step 2Access Excavation
Small excavation points are created along the foundation perimeter.
Step 3Pier Driving
Piers are driven or screwed into the ground until reaching stable strata.
Step 4Load Transfer
Brackets connect the piers to the foundation to redistribute structural weight.
Step 5Leveling Adjustment
Hydraulic equipment carefully raises the foundation to its intended position.
Step 6Site Restoration
Excavated areas are backfilled and compacted to match the original grade.
Materials
Materials and methods for Piering and Underpinning
Pier choice depends on what's under the house and how much weight it's carrying.
Steel Push Piers
deliver deep, reliable support for heavier structures, driven past the loose bench-lot fill that's common on sloped American Fork lots.
Helical Piers
torque-driven support suited to lighter structures and additions, useful where access is tight.
Underpinning Brackets
connect piers securely to existing footings so the full load actually transfers, not just part of it.
Hydraulic Lift Systems
controlled, incremental elevation changes so the structure comes up level instead of in one jarring shift.
Galvanized Coatings
protect steel components from corrosion, which matters given the moisture swings from spring runoff near the Wasatch foothills.
Compacted Fill Material
stabilizes soil around the newly installed piers after backfill.
Questions on materials?
Get a Free EstimateTimeline
How long does a Piering and Underpinning take?
A typical pier job runs over a few days once the plan is set.
- 01
Consult and inspection
same day - 02
Permit approval
1–2 weeks - 03
Pier installation
1–3 daysscaled to pier count
- 04
Load transfer and leveling
same day - 05
Backfill and site restoration
same day
Need a schedule that fits?
Get a Free EstimateCodes & permits
Permits and codes for Piering and Underpinning
Permit requirements vary by scope and jurisdiction. Confirm specifics with Utah County before work begins.
| Typically needs a permit | Often no permit |
|---|---|
| Structural pier or underpinning installation | Pre-install inspection and soil assessment |
| Bracket attachment to existing footings | Interior cosmetic touch-ups after leveling |
| Any excavation that alters the foundation's bearing | — |
Need help with permits?
Get a Free EstimateDIY vs pro
DIY vs hiring a pro for Piering and Underpinning
| DIY | Hire a pro |
|---|---|
| Monitoring crack width with a pencil mark over several months | Any pier placement decision, since load calculations and soil bearing depth aren't guesswork |
| Keeping gutters and downspouts directed away from the foundation | Multi-pier jobs where uneven lifting could crack the structure further |
| Photographing visible settlement for your own records | Anything involving excavation near a load-bearing wall |
Not sure DIY vs pro?
Get a Free EstimateWhen to call
When to call for Piering and Underpinning
Call American Fork Foundation Pros for a free estimate before the movement gets worse.
- A corner of the house has visibly dropped
- Interior floors slope or doors won't latch anymore
- Cracks keep widening despite previous patching
- A porch or addition is separating from the main structure
Seeing warning signs?
Get a Free EstimateBefore & after
Before and after Piering and Underpinning
Before 
After
FAQs
Piering and Underpinning FAQs
How long does foundation pier installation take?
Most jobs run one to three days depending on pier count and access. Larger commercial or multi-corner jobs can run longer.
What's the difference between push piers and helical piers?
Push piers are driven hydraulically using the structure's own weight as resistance, good for heavier homes. Helical piers are screwed in and work well for lighter structures or additions where that resistance isn't available.
Do I need a permit for pier installation in Utah County?
Structural underpinning typically requires a permit. Confirm your specific scope with the county before scheduling.
Will piering fix my cracked foundation?
Piering stops the movement causing the crack. Cracks themselves may still need separate injection repair once the structure is stable.
Can piers be installed without major landscaping damage?
Access points are small and targeted. Most jobs disturb only the immediate dig zones, which get backfilled and leveled.
Next step
Get a Piering and Underpinning estimate in American Fork
Call American Fork Foundation Pros at +1 (385) 304-4835 or request a free estimate online.
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