Helical piers, also known as helical piles or screw piles, are steel foundation anchors designed to stabilize structures that suffer from foundation settlement or shifting. These piers are commonly used for both residential and commercial properties and provide long-term support for your home or building.
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Helical Pier Installation
Helical piers are a non-invasive way to permanently stabilize your foundation. If you notice signs of foundation-related damage to your home or business, helical piering could be the solution. Call the foundation repair contractors at Standard Water Control Systems for a free assessment and estimate.
Helical piers are a non-invasive way to permanently stabilize your foundation. If you notice signs of foundation-related damage to your home or business, helical piering could be the solution. Call the foundation repair contractors at Standard Water Control Systems for a free assessment and estimate.
What is a Helical Pier?
How Do Helical Piers Work?
A hydraulic machine mechanically rotates each pier into the more stable soil layers or bedrock beneath the foundation. Using a pressure gauge, work crews measure when the piers reach the proper resistance needed to bear the intended load. After they reach optimal depth, the screw-like shape ensures a firm grip in the soil to prevent the structure from moving. A top bracket is then installed to transfer the weight of your home or building to the pier and stabilize the foundation to prevent further damage.
7 Signs You May Need Helical Piers
Your foundation supports the weight of your entire building. Issues with it shifting or sinking could manifest across all areas of the structure. Here are some key warning signs that you may need helical piers to stabilize things:
- Cracks in walls: The most common sign is cracking basement walls. Horizontal or stair-step cracks in brickwork or drywall are also tell-tale signs of foundation movement.
- Doors and windows sticking: If doors and windows suddenly become difficult to open or close, it could be a sign of shifting.
- Uneven floors: Floors that slope or dip often point to foundation problems.
- Gaps between walls and ceilings: Visible separation can indicate significant structural issues.
- Bowing basement walls: Pressure on your foundation walls from soil movement may cause bowing or tilting.
- Leaning chimney: A chimney that tilts is a likely sign that foundational shifting has occurred.
- Musty/leaking basement: Foundation shifts can expose your basement to outside moisture which can lead to mold growth and a musty smell.
Why is My Foundation Shifting?
Several factors can contribute to the symptoms mentioned above, including:
- Soil erosion: Water running through the soil can wash it away, leading to instability.
- Expansive soil: Some soils, like clay, expand and contract with moisture changes, which puts pressure on your foundation.
- Poor soil compaction: If the soil wasn’t properly compacted during construction, it could lead to settling over time.
- Water damage: Leaks or poor drainage around your foundation can weaken the soil, leading to movement.
- Tree roots: Large trees near your home may cause soil displacement as their roots grow.
- Poor construction: Buildings with deteriorating walls or improper foundation installation will begin to shift.
How We Install Helical Piers
As your premiere helical pier installers in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, we follow a quick, non-invasive process that begins with a thorough assessment of your foundation. Here’s what to expect:
- Foundation inspection: A professional will assess your foundation to determine the number and placement of piers.
- Excavation: We dig small guiding holes where the piers will be installed.
- Pier installation: The helical piers are driven deep into stable soil layers using hydraulic equipment.
- Connection to the foundation: Once installed, the piers are connected to the foundation with brackets that lift and stabilize the structure.
- Restoration: After installation, the excavation sites are filled and your property is restored to its original condition.