What Are Micro Piers?
Many foundation repair situations involve areas where standard pier installation equipment simply will not fit. Low-clearance crawl spaces with 18 inches or less of vertical clearance, interior locations where full-depth excavation to the footing is impossible, and confined mechanical rooms are common examples in Alabama's older housing stock. APS Foundation Repair and Waterproofing installs micro piers, small-diameter steel pier systems engineered for high capacity in compact form factors, specifically for these limited-access conditions. Micro piers use the same hydraulic pressure principles as standard push piers and helical piers, but the equipment and pier components are scaled to fit through tight openings and operate in cramped vertical clearance. The result is full underpinning capability delivered to locations that would otherwise require extensive interior demolition or remain unaddressed. APS has served Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Columbus, GA since 1977, and limited-access foundations are a routine part of our work in Alabama's varied residential construction styles.
How Micro Piers Work
Micro pier systems use smaller-diameter tubular steel sections and compact hydraulic equipment to advance pier segments to bearing depth in the same manner as full-size push piers. The reduced equipment profile allows installation through crawl space access hatches, under interior floor slabs, and in other confined locations. Each section is hydraulically driven and coupled to the next until the assembly reaches soil with adequate bearing resistance, confirmed by installation pressure readings. Steel underpinning brackets transfer foundation load to the completed pier. Where helical micro piers are used, the shaft is rotated rather than driven, and installation torque serves as the bearing confirmation metric. Both approaches are available depending on soil conditions and access geometry.
“Limited access is not a reason to leave a foundation problem unaddressed. Micro pier systems were developed precisely for situations where the only alternative was tearing out floors or walls to get equipment in. We have the tools and the crew experience to work in the tight spaces that most contractors decline.”
How APS Installs Micro Piers
- 1
Site Access Evaluation
An APS specialist assesses crawl space dimensions, access hatch sizes, floor clearance, and footing depth to determine whether micro piers are appropriate and which specific system is best for the access constraints at your property.
- 2
Equipment Staging and Entry
Compact micro pier components and hand-operated or small hydraulic equipment are staged at the access point and moved into position within the confined space. All equipment is sized to pass through standard crawl space hatches.
- 3
Footing Exposure
Soil is hand-excavated to expose the foundation footing at each pier location. In tight crawl spaces, this work is performed by crew members working within the space.
- 4
Bracket Placement
A micro-scale underpinning bracket is positioned beneath the footing to accept pier sections and transfer load from the footing to the completed pier.
- 5
Pier Advancement to Bearing
Pier sections are driven or rotated to bearing depth using compact hydraulic equipment. Sections are coupled and added until bearing resistance is confirmed by pressure or torque readings.
- 6
Load Transfer, Leveling, and Cleanup
Foundation load is transferred to the piers. Where settlement recovery is possible and structurally appropriate, the foundation is lifted incrementally. Excavated soil is backfilled, the crawl space is cleaned of debris, and all equipment is removed.
What Micro Piers Cost and What Is Covered
Cost Range
$1,500 to $3,500 per pier
Warranty
Manufacturer warranty plus APS in-house warranty, transferable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum crawl space height you can work in?
APS crews have worked in crawl spaces as low as 16 to 18 inches. The practical minimum depends on the specific equipment configuration and the distance from the access hatch to the repair location. We evaluate this during the initial site visit.
Are micro piers as strong as standard piers?
Yes. While the pier components are smaller in diameter, micro pier systems are engineered to carry the same per-pier load ratings as standard systems when installed to proper bearing depth. The engineering specifications, not the pier size alone, determine load capacity.
Can micro piers be used to lift a slab from below?
In some interior slab situations, yes. Core drilling through the slab at pier locations allows access for micro pier installation without removing the entire slab. This approach is evaluated case by case based on slab thickness, reinforcement, and load requirements.
How do you get the dirt out of a very low crawl space during excavation?
Crews use hand tools and buckets to move spoil material to the access point for removal. It is slower than machine excavation, but it is routine for APS crews who work in low-clearance conditions regularly.
Will my foundation repair warranty be the same as for standard pier work?
Yes. APS's in-house warranty and the manufacturer warranty on micro pier components apply to the same terms as all other pier installations, and both are transferable to subsequent homeowners.