Correcting Foundation Problems With Helical Piers

If you’re experiencing issues like cracking drywall, leaning walls and settling floors, you likely have a problem with your home’s foundation. Fortunately, thanks to decades of industry innovation, there are a number of options for repairing and stabilizing a home’s existing foundation.

One of the most popular methods of foundation repair is the application of helical piers. Also called screw piles, helical piers are large, galvanized steel piles that provide structural support to compromised home foundations. Helical plates welded to the bottom ends of the piers allow them to be drilled into the ground like giant screws. Once installed, a steel bracket is attached to the pier and the home foundation. This anchors the foundation, providing support and halting any further degradation. Because they sidestep the need for labor-intensive measures like soil excavation, helical piers provide a relatively simple solution for correcting foundation problems.

An important factor for the application of helical piers is local soil type. Soil types range from sandy loam to silty clay to rocky soil, all of which can pose specific challenges for foundation repair. Fortunately, helical piers can be applied in nearly all soil conditions. Prior to installation, a contractor will assess your soil to determine how much force is needed to drill in the piers, as well as how deeply they need to be drilled. Proper depth is particularly important to ensure adequate strength in supporting the foundation and home structure.