Foundation Pier Options in Kansas City: Which One is Right for Your Home?

When a home’s foundation begins to settle or shift, the right repair method can make all the difference in ensuring stability for decades to come. At PierMagic, we use a variety of piering methods to restore structural integrity, each suited for different soil types, foundation designs, and budgets.



Here’s a breakdown of the most common pier types — and why our team often recommends one over the others.

Helical piers are torque-driven, screw-like steel piers that are drilled deep into stable soil layers. They work especially well in:



• Deep soil conditions
  
  
• Homes with lightweight structures that don’t have enough weight for traditional piers
  
  
• Foundations made of questionable or older materials, such as stone or rubble
  
  

Because they rely on torque rather than weight for installation, helical piers are a versatile choice for many Kansas City properties where soil conditions vary dramatically.

Concrete pilings rely on friction between the piling and the surrounding soil to hold the foundation in place. While they can be an affordable option, friction-based systems can slip over time — especially in Kansas City’s expansive clay soil. That’s why PierMagic generally recommends more stable solutions for long-term repairs.

At PierMagic, the Dynapier® foundation piering system is often our go-to choice. Unlike offset piers that mount to the side, Dynapier® is a concentric pier — think of it like a table leg placed directly under your foundation.



Key benefits:

• Installed in stackable steel segments for maximum strength
  
  
• Transfers the load straight down to stable soil or bedrock
  
  
• Provides long-term stability in Kansas City’s challenging clay soils
  
  

This system avoids cutting into large sections of the foundation wall and provides a direct, vertical load path, making it one of the most durable piering solutions available.

Offset piers are mounted at an angle to the side of the  footer foundation. To install them, part of the foundation must be cut away so the bracket can bolt into place. While they can work in certain situations, the angled design means the load is not transferred as directly as with concentric systems like Dynapier®.

Concrete shoring pads are a temporary solution to stabilize a foundation. They’re not designed for permanent repairs and are generally used to hold things in place until a more permanent piering system can be installed.

Every home — and every soil condition — is unique. That’s why PierMagic doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to foundation repair. Our team carefully inspects your home, evaluates soil conditions, and recommends the piering system that will provide the most stable and long-lasting results.



If you’ve noticed signs of settling, cracks, or foundation movement, the best time to act is before the problem gets worse.

Contact PierMagic today to schedule your foundation inspection in Kansas City.