When the Whole Slab Has Lost Support
Slab
Piers
in Maryland
Load-bearing support for a settled slab, distinct from the perimeter piers that support a foundation wall
When soil beneath a slab has lost bearing capacity broadly, not just developed a fillable void, slab piers transfer the slab's load down to bearing soil. OBW distinguishes this from a mud jacking or foam injection lift before recommending it.
A Slab-Specific Pier Application
Slab Piers vs. Perimeter
Foundation Piers
The push piers OBW installs for house settlement support the perimeter footing, the wall carrying the structure's exterior load. A slab, a garage floor or basement floor, isn't always structurally tied to that perimeter footing, so it can settle independently even after the walls are stabilized. Slab piers address that: they're placed to support the slab itself, transferring its load to bearing soil.
This matters because mud jacking and foam injection lift a slab by filling a void beneath it, appropriate when the surrounding soil is otherwise stable. Slab piers are the answer when the soil itself has lost bearing capacity more broadly, not just developed a fillable gap.
A settled slab section, where slab piers transfer load to bearing soil
Signs a Slab May Need Piers
Beyond a Simple
Void-Fill Lift
- A slab section that's settled significantly, beyond what a lift alone would correct
- Settlement that continues to recur after a previous mud jacking or foam lift
- Soil conditions beneath the slab showing broad loss of bearing capacity rather than a single void
What's Included
OBW's Slab Pier Process
Slab Settlement Assessment
We confirm whether a settled slab section needs load-bearing pier support or a void-fill lift, before recommending either.
Pier Placement Through the Slab
Piers are installed at planned points through or alongside the affected slab section to reach bearing soil below.
Load Transfer
The slab's load at that section is transferred to the piers, addressing soil that's lost bearing capacity broadly rather than just a localized void.
Patch and Finish
Access points are patched and finished to blend with the surrounding slab once piers are installed.
Common Questions
Slab Pier Questions from
Maryland Homeowners
How are slab piers different from the push piers OBW installs at a foundation perimeter?
Push piers OBW installs for house settlement support the perimeter footing, the foundation wall that carries the structure's exterior load. Slab piers are placed to support the slab itself, driven through or alongside a settled interior slab section, typically a garage floor or basement slab, rather than the exterior wall footing.
The two are sometimes used together: perimeter piers stabilize the foundation wall while slab piers address a settled interior slab section independently, since a slab isn't always structurally tied to the perimeter footing the way the walls are.
How do I know if my settled slab needs piers rather than mud jacking or foam injection?
Mud jacking and foam injection lift a slab by filling the void beneath it, appropriate when the soil beneath has eroded but is otherwise stable once the void is filled. Slab piers go further, transferring the slab's load down to bearing soil the way foundation piers do, appropriate when the soil beneath the slab has lost bearing capacity broadly rather than just developing a localized void.
OBW's inspection distinguishes the two situations, whether the fix is filling a void or transferring load, before recommending a method.
Why Oriole
Why Maryland Homeowners Choose
OBW for Slab Repair
Void Fill or Piers, Diagnosed First
We determine which fix your slab actually needs before recommending piers over a simpler lift.
Written Workmanship Guarantee
Slab pier installations are backed by a written workmanship guarantee, terms vary by service, ask your inspector.
No Subcontracting
OBW's own crew performs the work in-house, from assessment through the finished patch.
Family-Owned Since 1953
Founded by Frank Pirog Sr. in 1953. Amber Pirog leads the company today.
Slab Settling Again After a Lift?
Free inspection. Honest recommendation on whether your slab needs piers.
Family-owned since 1953 · MHIC #4247 · Written Workmanship Guarantee