Drilled Piers for Foundation Repair in Dallas–Fort Worth

Drilled piers are deep concrete supports installed by drilling below the active clay layer and anchoring the home into stronger, more stable soil. They are one of the most durable and time-tested repair methods for severe settlement in North Texas. When a home in the Dallas–Fort Worth area has moved significantly or continues to shift year after year, drilled piers are often used to provide long-term stabilization and restore confidence in the structure.

Why Drilled Piers Work Well in DFW

The expansive clay soils in Dallas–Fort Worth shrink during dry periods and swell when moisture returns. This constant movement can cause deep settlement, wide cracks, and ongoing structural stress. Drilled piers address this by extending past the most active clay zone and bearing on more competent soil or rock below.

Because they penetrate beyond the worst of the clay movement, drilled piers are excellent for major settlement or large homes that place heavy loads on the foundation. They are especially well suited for older homes that need long-term stabilization and for multi-story or heavier structures where shallow systems may not be enough. In neighborhoods where seasonal shifting repeats year after year, drilled piers offer a reliable way to anchor the home to stable strata and reduce ongoing movement.

When We Recommend Drilled Piers

Our project planners with structural expertise recommend drilled piers when the home shows deeper or more advanced settlement. This often includes large or widening brick cracks, pronounced gaps at windows and doors, or floors that show a noticeable slope from one side of the room to the other. Drilled piers are also considered when previous repairs did not reach stable soil or failed to address the full depth of the problem.

For homeowners who want maximum long-term stability and are planning to stay in the home for many years, drilled piers can be a strong choice. They are designed for situations where the goal is not just to slow movement, but to provide deep, durable support that stands up to the behavior of North Texas soils.

The Brown Method: Our Approach to Drilled Piers

While drilled piers are common, not every installation is performed the same way. Brown’s approach focuses on careful planning, depth, and workmanship. Before any drilling begins, we take time to evaluate soil conditions, movement patterns, and elevation readings so each pier is placed with purpose, not guesswork.

Depth selection is tailored to each home rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. Reinforced steel cages are installed inside the shaft for added strength, and concrete is placed with attention to consistency and consolidation. Our crews move at a controlled pace, drilling more slowly and carefully to protect the structure and avoid shortcuts. Throughout the project, we maintain a clean jobsite and take steps to protect landscaping and finishes as much as possible.

This methodical approach is how Brown has helped restore and protect Texas homes for more than 60 years.

Installation Process

Evaluation

Your project planner reviews soil conditions, visible movement, and elevation measurements across the home. This helps determine where piers are needed and how deep they should extend.

Drilling to Stable Soil

We drill below the active clay zone until we reach more stable strata capable of supporting the structure. The depth can vary depending on the soil profile beneath your home, and this step is performed carefully to avoid unnecessary disturbance.

Reinforcement and Concrete Placement

After the shaft is drilled, a rebar cage is inserted to reinforce the pier. High-strength concrete is then placed into the shaft, forming a solid connection between the foundation and the deeper supporting soil.

Elevation Adjustment (If Recommended)

Once the pier has gained sufficient strength, we may carefully lift portions of the structure to recovery points if recommended by your project planner. This is done slowly and in controlled stages to help reduce stress on the home.

Long-Lasting Support

After curing, the drilled piers provide long-lasting reinforcement for the foundation. The goal is to anchor the home to stable soil and reduce the impact of future clay movement.

Schedule a Free Evaluation

If you suspect deep settlement or see large cracks, uneven floors, or long-term movement, a drilled pier system may be the right solution. Get a custom assessment from a Brown project planner and learn which foundation repair options are best for your home.