Do Helical Piers Work?
/Helical piers can be extremely beneficial if your Niagara home requires foundation work. If you have recently had a foundation repair contractor recommend helical piers, you may be wondering what they are and how they can help. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of helical piers and why they might be the right solution for you.
What are Helical Piers?
Helical piers (also called helical anchors) look like long screws, and they work by securing your home’s foundation to a beam or other structure. These screws go deep into the ground and provide a high level of support which makes them ideal for homes with foundation issues. Helical piers also have other applications as well such as for the repair of stairways or chimneys.
The Pros of Helical Piers
Helical piers have a number of advantages, including:
They are strong and sturdy – helical piers are designed to support very heavy loads. They can be used to support both residential and commercial structures.
They are versatile – helical piers can be used in a variety of applications.
They can be easily installed – for a trained professional, helical piers are easy to install. They make very little vibration and won’t cause a lot of disruption to your property.
Once a helical pier is installed, the structure load can be transferred right away.
The Cons of Helical Piers
Helical piers also have a few drawbacks, including:
Cost – helical piers can be expensive.
Require a professional to install – you should only have helical piers installed by a professional, and not all contractors may be able to perform the job for you.
The Installation Process for Helical Piers
If you are having helical piers installed on your property, you will want to know what to expect when the contractor comes to your property. While each installation may have slight variations depending on your circumstances, the process will generally go as follows.
After your contractor has determined that helical pier installation is the best course of action for your foundation problem, they will arrange a time with you when the work is to begin. The first step in the installation will be to drill holes into the ground where each pier will be placed. Helical piers will then be screwed down into the holes before the holes are backfilled with soil.
Once the piers are in place, the contractor will install a beam that can support the weight of your home. Finally, the soil that is backfilled around the piers will be compacted to create stability.
Contact Foundation Fix today
If you are experiencing issues with the foundation of your Niagara home, helical pier installation may be the best solution for you. For an assessment of your property and an estimate for repairs, contact Foundation Fix today!
