What Are Helical Piers? How They Work for Foundation Repair
If you’ve noticed cracks in your foundation, sticking doors, or uneven floors, a contractor may have mentioned helical piers as a solution. But what are they and how do they work?
Helical piers, also known as helical piles or screw piles, are a type of deep foundation system used to support structures and stabilize foundations. At Alliance Inc., we use these materials to help stabilize and repair home foundations.
Helical piers consist of a shaft or helix-shaped blade that resembles a large screw or drill bit. Additionally, these piers are typically made of steel and are installed into the ground to transfer the load of a structure to more stable soil or bedrock layers beneath the surface.
The helical shape allows them to be “screwed” into the ground with minimal soil disturbance.
What Are Helical Piers Used For?
They are used in various construction and foundation applications, including:
- Foundation Support: They can be used to support and stabilize residential, commercial, and industrial building foundations. Helical piers are particularly useful when a structure’s foundation is settling, sinking, or experiencing uneven settling.
- Boardwalks and Walkways: These are often used in the construction of boardwalks, walkways, and decks, especially in areas with soft or wet soils.
- Retaining Walls: These materials provide a solid foundation for retaining walls, ensuring they remain stable and resist shifting.
- Utility Support: They are used to support utility poles, solar panels, and other structures that require a secure foundation.
- Underpinning: In situations where an existing foundation needs reinforcement or additional support, helical piers can be installed beneath the foundation to stabilize it through a process known as underpinning.
How Do Helical Piers Work and How Are They Installed?
The installation process for these typically involves the following steps:
- Site Assessment: Engineers evaluate the soil conditions and load requirements to determine the appropriate pier size and spacing.
- Excavation: A small excavation is made at each pier location.
- Pier Installation: These materials are mechanically screwed into the ground using specialized equipment until they reach the desired depth or load-bearing stratum.
- Bracket Attachment: A bracket or cap is attached to the top of each pier, which will support the structure.
- Load Transfer: The weight of the structure is transferred to the helical piers, bypassing the unstable or weak soil layers.
- Final Adjustments: The piers are adjusted to ensure they are level and can support the load evenly.
Helical piers offer several advantages, including minimal site disturbance, immediate load-bearing capacity, and versatility in various soil conditions. So, they are a reliable solution for foundation support and stabilization. (Read: 4 Advantages of Using Helical Piers)
Need Helical Piers for Foundation Repair in Duluth?
Don’t ignore signs of foundation issues. Contact the foundation experts at Alliance Inc. to schedule your appointment. You can also call us at 218-591-8039 or send us a text. See why we’re Duluth’s foundation repair and basement waterproofing specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helical Piers
Helical piers are typically made of high-strength steel. The helical blades welded to the shaft give them their screw-like shape, which allows them to be mechanically driven into the ground without major excavation.
Common signs include foundation settling or sinking, cracks in your foundation walls or interior drywall, uneven or sloping floors, and doors or windows that stick or no longer close properly. If you’re noticing any of these issues, it’s worth having a foundation professional assess your home.
Most helical pier installations can be completed in one to two days, depending on the number of piers required and the soil conditions. Because they’re screwed into the ground rather than poured, there’s no curing time involved and your foundation can bear load immediately after installation.
Yes. Helical piers are driven below the frost line, which in Minnesota can be several feet deep. This means they anchor into stable soil that isn’t affected by seasonal freezing and thawing — one of the reasons they’re a reliable foundation solution in northern climates.
Both are used to stabilize sinking foundations, but they work differently. Helical piers are screwed into the ground using rotating force and can bear load immediately. Push piers are hydraulically driven straight down using the weight of the structure itself. The right choice depends on your soil conditions and the specifics of your foundation problem. Our team can help you determine which is best for your situation.
Cost varies depending on the number of piers needed, soil conditions, and the scope of the foundation repair. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to schedule an assessment with our team. We’ll evaluate your foundation and give you a clear picture of what’s involved.