Why Choose Helical Piers for Foundation Repairs?

When it comes to repairing foundations, property owners and contractors alike want something strong, cost-effective, and low-impact. Amongst the most reliable and accessible options available today is helical pier installation. These deep foundations provide stability for decades to come and can be installed quickly with low disruption. Here, we take a closer look at reasons for using helical piers for repairing foundations.

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What Are Helical Piers?

Helical piers, helical anchors, or screw piles, comprise steel shafts and helical plates and are pushed deep beneath the earth to ensure stability. Compared to concrete piers, helical piers do not undergo extensive excavation and curing time, and therefore, are preferred for efficient and speedy stabilizing foundations.

1. Strong & Reliable Support

Helical piers penetrate deep into solid soils, and by so doing, provide strong foundations for residential and commercial structures. The result is to stop any settling or movement, and such is vital in keeping structures strong.

2. Quick & Easy Installation

Helical piers are installed without disruption to your property. Compared to standard concrete piers, in which considerable time is required for curing and extensive excavation, helical piers are installed using hydraulic equipment to push them into the ground. The load-bearing ability is achieved in an instant, and therefore, repairs can be made sooner and with less downtime.

3. Minimal Disturbance to Landscaping

Foundation repairs usually cause extensive landscaping and surrounding structure disruption. Helical piers, however, have low excavation requirements, maintaining your backyard, driveway, and other external details in their natural position. Thus, helical piers rank top for property owners who want to maintain their property’s appearance in check.

4. Suitable for Various Soil Conditions

One of the best benefits of helical piers is their ability to adapt to different soils. Whether your structure is on poor, expansive, or loose soils, helical piers push through to solid, load-bearing strata, and ensure optimal stability. Therefore, helical piers are perfect for residential and commercial construction.

5. Cost-Effective and Long-Lasting

Compared to standard practices for repairing foundations, helical piers might be less costly. Installation is quicker, and therefore labor is less, and their lifespan means future maintenance is less. The galvanized steel used in helical piers is resistant to corrosion, and therefore, the system for supporting foundations is durable.

6. Environmentally Friendly

Helical piers do not include massive amounts of concrete or extensive excavations, and therefore do no harm to the environment. In addition, helical piers, having the ability to be dismantled and reinstalled, produce less waste than any other style of foundation repair.

7. Long-Lasting & Corrosion-Resistant

For years, helical piers have been shown to be an effective solution for stabilizing foundations. Engineers and contractors have confidence in them for their strength and ability to provide lasting support, including in areas where there is movement in the ground or in structures.

When to Consider Helical Piers

If you notice any of the following, your property may benefit by having helical piers:

• Cracks in walls or foundation

• Uneven or sloping floors

• Sticking doors and windows

• Sinking or shifting foundation

• Gaps between walls and ceilings

How to Determine if Helical Piers Are Right for You

To determine if helical piers are right for solving your foundation issue, consider the following:

1. Type of Problem in Foundations

• Settling or Sinking Foundation?  Helical piers may be able to stabilize and raise foundations that have settled through movement in the ground.

• Cracks in Walls or Uneven Floors?  If caused by movement in foundations, helical piers might relevel the building.

• Bowed or Leaning Walls?  You might instead require wall anchors or braces.

2. Soil Conditions

• Weak or Expansive Soils?  Helical piers are ideal for poor soils where regular practices might fail.

• Rocky or Hard Soil?  In such contexts, drilled concrete piers may prove to be better.

3. Structure Type & Weight

• Residential Homes, Decks, and Light Structures?  Perfect for small to medium-sized structures.

• Heavy Commercial Buildings?  Can, but in addition, deeper foundations might also be necessary.

4. Installation Considerations

• Limited Access or Tight Spaces? Helical piers can be installed in confined areas using compact equipment.

• High Water Table? Compared to concrete piers, helical piers operate in wet soils.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing foundational issues, helical piers offer an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution. Installation is seamless, and their ability to adapt to any type of ground, in addition to their durability for decades, makes them professionals’ and homeowners’ top choice. Having helical piers for foundational restoration assures a strong and safe base for decades.