What Are Helical Piers And How Do They Work?
Got cracks in your walls, floors all wonky, or doors sticking? Your foundation might be settling. It’s a pain, but there’s a fix that works pretty well and doesn’t take forever: helical piers.
These steel supports are a go-to for keeping foundations steady. Whether it’s fixing up what’s there or starting fresh, they give you a solid base when the ground isn’t great.
So, What Are Helical Piers?
Think of them as big screws for your foundation. They’re long steel rods with spiral-shaped blades attached. You screw them deep into the ground until they hit solid soil.
Once they’re in, they move the weight of your house off the weak topsoil and onto the strong stuff underneath.
A Little Bit of History
These aren’t brand new. They’ve been around since the 1800s. They started out holding up lighthouses and stuff near the coast where the ground was soft.
They turned out to be useful, so now they’re used all over the place on houses, stores, bridges. Nowadays, they’re stronger and easier to put in than before.
How They Work
It’s simple. You screw the piers into the ground with special machines. The blades pull the pier down as they spin – kind of like screwing into wood – until they hit soil that can handle the weight.
While they’re going in, the installer measures how much force it takes to turn the pier. This tells them if it’s deep enough and can hold the weight. Then, they bolt the piers to your foundation. If your house has sunk, they can lift it back up a bit before bolting everything down for good.
What Makes Up a Helical Pier?
* Shaft: The long rod that goes into the ground.
* Helical Plates: The spiral blades that help it screw in and hold the weight.
* Extensions: Extra pieces to make it longer if needed.
* Foundation Brackets: What connects the piers to your house.
Put them all together, and you’ve got a system that should last a while.
Putting Them In
Putting in helical piers doesn’t take too long and isn’t too messy. It usually goes like this:
1. Check Things Out: Someone looks at your foundation and the ground.
2. Make a Plan: Engineers figure out how many piers you need and where they go.
3. Screw Them In: Machines screw the piers into the ground.
4. Hook It Up: The piers are bolted to your house.
5. Lift (If Needed): Your house gets lifted back up.
6. Lock It Down: Everything’s secured, and they clean up.
Most of the time, it’s done in a few days without too much mess.
When to Use Them?
They’re useful in different situations:
* Fixing a foundation that’s sinking.
* Building on ground that’s not very strong.
* Supporting things like decks and porches.
* Holding up retaining walls and solar panels.
* Anytime you need something solid to build on, these can work.
Why They’re Good
* Quick to Install: No waiting for concrete to dry.
* Holds Weight Right Away:*Can hold weight as soon as they’re in.
* Not Too Messy: Doesn’t require a lot of digging.
* Works Anytime: Can be installed in most weather.
* Good for the Environment: Doesn’t make a lot of extra dirt.
* Lasts Long: Should last as long as your house.
Helical Piers vs. Other Ways
Compared to other fixes, helical piers can be cheaper and last longer:
* Push Piers: Need the weight of the building to push them in, which isn’t good for light houses.
* Concrete Piers: Require a lot of digging and take a long time to set.
* Slabjacking: Just lifts concrete, but doesn’t make the foundation any more stable.
Helical piers are made ahead of time, fitted precisely, and don’t make a big mess.
Things People Think That Aren’t True
* “They’re just for big buildings.” Nope! They’re good for houses too.
* “They’ll ruin my yard.” Nah, they don’t need much digging.
* “They’re just for fixing foundations.” Actually, they’re good for building new stuff too.
How Much Do They Cost?
It depends on:
* How many you need
* How deep they need to go
* How big your foundation is
* The ground and how easy it is to get to
Usually, it’s around $1,500 to $3,000 per pier.
It’s not cheap, but it’s a fix that should last.
What You Get in the Long Run
If they’re put in right, they’ll hold up for years. You’ll get:
* A foundation that’s stable and won’t sink anymore.
* Your house will be worth more because it’s structurally sound.
* You won’t have to worry about your foundation.
It’s a one-time fix to keep your house standing strong.
In Short
If your foundation is moving around, helical piers might be what you need. They’re quick, not too messy, and made to last, so they’re ways to fix foundation problems.
Call a foundation person to take a look and see if helical piers are the right choice for your house.
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