Helical piers may be required for added stability when constructing or repairing a foundation. Architects and engineers use them when digging deep foundations for large buildings or in unusual soil conditions.
The main thing you should know about helical piers is that they are a dependable and affordable way to protect and stabilize a structure that is important to you. They are equally suited for new construction and foundation repair applications and are the engineer’s choice for every commercial, industrial, and residential building type.
What Are Helical Piers and Why Use Them?
Helical piers are galvanized steel shafts with welded helical plates. They are available in various diameters with square or round shafts, depending on the level of support required. They are frequently used to support new foundations but can also be used to shore up damaged or deteriorating ones. A hydraulic drive is used to install helical piers vertically. Engineers may, on occasion, determine that they must be installed at an angle, mainly when supporting damaged foundations. They enter the ground like a screw would, winding in rather than being augmented.
How Helical Piers Add Stability to Home Foundations
Steel rods are inserted deeply into the soil beneath the house to assist in bearing the load of the structure as it weighs down on the ground beneath it. These piers are spaced at specific intervals to ensure that the weight is evenly distributed.
As a result, the house’s structure is evenly and firmly supported across the entire foundation, reducing the likelihood of the foundation cracking or heaving upward due to shifting soil. Your house will be much less prone to foundational issues.
Benefits You’ll Get from Helical Piers
Helical piers are used in various ways by construction companies, structural contractors, and property owners to create long-lasting, dependable foundation solutions. Here’s what you can expect if you have helical piers installed in your home.
Eco-Friendly Foundation Alternative
Helical piers are good for the environment. Instead of digging deep foundations with heavy machinery, contractors screw the piers into place with hydraulic systems. Because only a small amount of machinery is needed for installation, there is little impact on the ground around the site. Because of the quick installation, there is little to no need to dampen construction vibration. Helical piers do not require the removal of soil. They are also made of galvanized steel, so they will not rust for many decades. They can be removed in the same manner they were installed, and new ones can be installed without harming the environment.
Versatility
While helical piers are typically installed vertically, they can also be installed horizontally. As a result, they’re ideal as a starting point in a wide range of situations:
- Bolstering retention walls
- Increasing the Strength of lakeshore walls
- Fitting into areas with limited building space
- Increasing stability in areas where a deep foundation cannot be dug
Helical piers have a variety of applications in commercial and residential construction and repair. While most are installed vertically, some are installed horizontally or diagonally to support retaining walls or other structures requiring lateral support. Contractors use them in various capacities to support innovative building designs, and they also increase load capacity when more than a foundation is required. Helical piers can be used in remote areas or where there is limited space or access to construction sites.
Fast Results
The piers are ready to bear weight as soon as they are in place, which is especially useful during new construction. Pre-construction piers, as opposed to concrete slabs, must be dug out and cured, allowing your builder to frame your new home as soon as possible.
Works on both existing homes and new construction.
Helical piers can be installed during the pre-construction phase instead of or in addition to a concrete slab, giving you confidence in the foundation of your new home. They can also be added to an existing house, allowing homeowners to repair foundational damage while protecting their investment efficiently.
Capabilities in terms of Strength
Buildings, both old and new, must be stable. Helical piers offer more than a typical push pier and add Strength and stability to damaged or weak foundations. Helical piers can be used in soil conditions that a traditional foundation cannot. Helical piers provide immediate support after installation, which is why they are so popular among foundation repair contractors. Whereas traditional foundations often weaken with age, helical piers become more supportive as the soil settles around them.
Precision Positioning
The foundation work must be precise. Hydraulic tools and handheld equipment that measures depth, angle, and torque can be used to install helical piers with the required precision. When the pier is precisely placed, the equipment alerts the contractors. These tools eliminate any human error that can occur with traditional foundations. They can be installed underwater, which is why they are used in bridge construction. Because they require so little machinery, utility companies can easily install new piers along roads with minimal traffic disruption.
Inexpensive solutions
Helical piers are simple to install and do not require heavy machinery. Helical piers are inexpensive due to their ease of installation and minimal tool requirements. When the installation is finished, minimal clean-up is required, and they require very little maintenance after installation. Helical piers can be recycled and reused, which makes things even better, and they can be removed from their underground locations and reused elsewhere. Helical piers are an excellent choice when building costs must be within a specific budget.
Helical Piers FAQs
How many helical piers are required?
The following factors determine the number of helical piers required:
1) Pile installation depth
2) Structure type
What is the lifespan of helical piers?
They can last up to 100 years, depending on usage and conditions.
How should helical piers be spaced?
Helical piers are typically spaced 5 to 6 feet apart.
How much do helical piers cost?
Several factors determine the cost of helical piles. These are the factors:
- Location of the site
- Structure type
- the nature of the job (repair or new structure)
- The foundation’s condition
- pile installation depth
Why are helical piers so costly?
Helical piers may appear costly initially, but they are significantly cost-effective in the long run.
How do helical piers function?
Helical piers are installed by drilling them deep beneath the earth’s surface to provide support and Strength to the structure’s foundation.
How do you put in helical piers?
Drilling deep into the earth is used to install helical piers. As each pier’s shaft is drilled hundreds of feet below the surface, additional extension segments are coupled into the bolted couplers and drilled into the ground, resulting in a single pier capable of extending hundreds of feet deep into the ground.
What is the anti-rust coating on helical piers?
Helical piers are made of galvanized steel to keep them from rusting.
Property damage caused by helical pier installation?
The use of helical piers has the advantage of causing no damage to the property during installation.
When are helical piers not an option?
The most significant advantage of helical piers is that they can be installed in any situation or location.
Which is superior, push or helical piers?
The helical pier is superior to the push pier for the following reasons:
1) It makes no noise.
2) It is inexpensive.
3) It is simple to install.
4) It causes no disruption.
How do you install helical piers for residential decks?
Drilling deep into the earth’s surface is used to install helical piers. As each pile’s shaft is drilled deep beneath the surface, additional extension segments are coupled into the bolted couplers and drilled into the ground, resulting in a single pile capable of extending hundreds of feet into the ground.
How many helical piers will I require to repair a corner of my home’s foundation?
The number of helical piers required is determined by:
1) The pier installation depth
2) The structure’s condition
Why would a home require helical piers?
In the following scenarios, you would require a helical pier to strengthen your foundation and repair the structure:
1) To fix cracks in the interior plaster walls.
2) Repair the uneven flooring
3) To repair the enormous gap between the door and window frames.
4) When an obstruction is created while closing and opening the doors.
5) To repair basement wall cracks.
When do helical piers begin to corrode?
Helical piers are made of galvanized steel to keep them from rusting.
What is the purpose of helical piers?
Helical Piers reinforce the structure’s foundation and protect it from damage.
How do helical piers function?
Drilling deep into the earth is used to install helical piles. As the shaft of each pile is drilled deep beneath the surface, additional extension segments are coupled into the bolted couplers and drilled into the ground to strengthen the foundation.
How can you tell if your helical piers need to be replaced?
If you notice any cracks or splits in the walls, or if the doors and windows are difficult to open and close, it is time to repair your foundation.
