Helical Piers
Helical piers, also known as helical piles, screw piles, or helical anchors, are a type of deep foundation system used to support and stabilize structures, especially in areas with unstable or weak soil conditions.
How Helical Piers Work
Helical piers comprise a steel shaft with helical-shaped plates (flights) welded to the shaft at intervals. The helical plates resemble the threads of a screw and are designed to advance into the soil when the pier is rotated.
The spiral shape allows the pier to be screwed into the ground, providing both vertical and lateral support. The load-bearing capacity of helical piers is derived from the end-bearing on the helical plates and the frictional resistance along the shaft.
Installation Process
The installation of helical piers typically involves the following steps:
- Site Assessment: The soil conditions at the construction site are assessed to determine the appropriate design and spacing of helical piers.
- Pier Placement: Heliciers are strategically placed at specific locations based on engineering calculations to provide the necessary support for the structure.
- Installation: The helical piers are installed using specialized equipment, such as hydraulic torque motors or machinery with rotary attachments. The piers are screwed into the ground until they reach the desired depth or a load-bearing soil layer.
- Verification of Load Capacity: Load tests may be conducted to verify that the installed helical piers can support the anticipated loads.
Does My Home Need Helical Piers?
Homeowners may consider using helical piers for various reasons, especially if they encounter foundation issues or anticipate challenges related to soil conditions. Here are some key reasons why homeowners might choose helical piers:
- Foundation Stabilization:
- Helical piers provide a stable foundation support system, helping prevent or mitigate soil settling or shifting issues.
- Versatility:
- Helical piers are versatile and can be used in different soil types, including expansive soils or areas with poor load-bearing capacity.
- Cost-Effective:
- In certain situations, helical piers can be a cost-effective solution compared to traditional foundation repair methods. They often require less excavation, reducing labor and material costs.
- Quick Installation:
- The installation process for helical piers is typically faster compared to other foundation solutions. This can minimize disruptions to the homeowner’s daily life during the construction process.
- Minimal Disturbance:
- Helical pier installation involves minimal excavation and disturbance to the surrounding landscape. This can be advantageous for homeowners who want to preserve their gardens, landscaping, or outdoor spaces.
- Preventing Further Damage:
- If homeowners notice signs of foundation issues, such as cracks in walls or uneven floors, addressing the problem with helical piers early on can prevent further damage and structural deterioration.
- Underpinning Existing Structures:
- Helical piers are often used for underpinning existing structures that have experienced settlement or instability. This can be an effective way to reinforce and support the foundation of an older home.
- Customizable Solutions:
- Helical piers can be designed and installed to meet specific load requirements and site conditions. This customization allows for tailored solutions based on the unique needs of each property.
- Long-Term Stability:
- When properly installed, helical piers provide a long-lasting and durable foundation support system, offering homeowners peace of mind regarding the stability of their homes.
The foundation repair experts at Alliance Inc. can assess a homeowner’s specific situation and determine if helical piers are the appropriate solution for their foundation issues. Professional evaluation and installation ensure that the helical pier system is designed and implemented correctly to provide reliable and lasting support.
Helical piers offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for addressing foundation issues in a variety of soil conditions.
To find the right foundation repair solution for your home, contact Alliance Inc. We can also be reached by phone or text.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helical Pier Installation
Helical piers are a strong option if your home is experiencing foundation settling, sinking, or instability — particularly in areas with weak, expansive, or poor load-bearing soil. The best way to know for certain is to have a foundation professional assess your specific situation. Our team at Alliance Inc. can evaluate your foundation and recommend the right approach for your home.
Watch for cracks in your foundation walls, basement walls, or interior drywall; doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly; uneven or sloping floors; and visible gaps between walls and ceilings or floors. These are common indicators of foundation movement that helical piers can address.
Minimal. One of the main advantages of helical piers is that they require very little excavation compared to traditional foundation repair methods. Your landscaping, garden, and outdoor spaces are largely preserved, and most installations are completed quickly — reducing disruption to your daily routine.
Yes. Helical piers are frequently used for underpinning existing structures that have experienced settlement over time. They can be installed beneath an existing foundation to reinforce and stabilize it without requiring a full foundation replacement.
When properly designed and installed, helical piers provide a long-lasting foundation support system. Steel helical piers are built to withstand the soil conditions and load requirements they’re engineered for, giving homeowners lasting peace of mind.
Yes — Alliance Inc. serves homeowners throughout the Twin Ports and North Shore region, and we travel up to 100 miles from Duluth for foundation repair projects. Contact us to find out if we serve your area.