Warrantied Helical Piers for Stabilizing Failing or Settling Foundations
The distinctive appearance of a helical pier explains how it works to solve foundation settlement problems.
The helical plates attached to the shaft of a helical pier help to advance the pier deep into the soil during installation, and anchor it solidly in place when competent load-bearing soil is reached.
A strong steel bracket is attached to the top of each pier to connect the pier to the foundation.
At Ohio Basement Systems, we use foundation helical piers for structures that are showing damage from settlement.
What Are Helical Piers?
Helical piers can stabilize settling foundations by connecting footings and walls to solid, load-bearing soils. The helical plates welded to the shaft of a helical pier are designed to pull the pier into the soil when the pier is installed.
By measuring turning resistance as a pier is driven, the contractor can determine when the pier has reached competent load-bearing soil. Piers are connected to the foundation with strong steel brackets.
What It Does:
Helical Piers are made of steel and include a set of helical blades on the lower section of the pier.
These piers are mechanically advanced into the soil using small construction equipment or hand equipment. As they are installed to appropriate depths and capacities, they prevent any future settlement issues. In many scenarios, these foundation piers will be able to lift your home back to level position by the completion of the installation.
Technical Features
- Year-Round Installation
- Warrantied for 25 Years
- Galvanized Steel Design Available
- Suitable For Both Heavy & Light Loads
- Does Not Rely on Weight of Structure For Depth & Capacity
- Round Shaft Has High Resistance To Bending
- Provides Opportunity to Attempt to Lift Foundation to Original Position
Foundations will experience settlement issues when the soils below the house prove unable to support the weight of the structure. Helical pier systems create a solid supporting base that transfers the weight of your home downwards to strong supporting soils.
How Helical Piers Work
First, soil is removed from the area where the helical pier will be installed. Helical pier sections are mechanically “screwed”, or advanced, into the soil.
Once proper depths and capacities are achieved, heavy-duty steel foundation brackets are positioned below and against the foundation footing.
The weight of the home is then transferred through the helical piers to deep, competent soils. Lifting the home back towards its original position is attempted. Then, the soil around the foundation is carefully replaced.
Installing Our Foundation Helical Pier System
The Helical Pier System permanently stabilizes settling, sinking structures. We can customize a system that is ideal for your foundation and soil conditions.
To install helical piers, our contractors will take these following four steps:
Preparing The Foundation Footing
For an outside installation, the soil around your foundation must be excavated to expose the footing at each pier location. For an inside installation, a section of your slab floor will need to be removed to expose the footing. The slab is restored after the installation.
A section of the footing will be cut away so that the steel bracket connected to the pier will support the wall directly.
This approach will provide more effective support than lifting the section of the footing that extends beyond the walls.
Installing Helical Shafts
Next, steel helical piers are turned down into the soil until competent strata is reached. Extension shafts are added as necessary to reach greater depths.
These steel foundation piers are the strongest components in our foundation repair arsenal and are responsible for transferring the weight of your structure to solid, load-bearing soil.
Our foundation piers are available with a galvanized steel design. These piers are corrosion-resistant, for long-lasting durability.
Installing Foundation Brackets
Unlike push piers, helical piers are driven fully and completely before their brackets are attached.
This is mainly because helical piers don’t require the heavyweight of the structure to be driven into the soil. This makes them ideal for lighter structures, such as decks and concrete stairs.
Once all helical piers are installed, steel brackets are attached to connect each pier to the footing.
Lifting The Foundation
Once all piers and brackets have been installed, the settlement of your foundation will be permanently halted.
At this time, one of our team of in-house foundation contractors will determine whether or not it makes sense to lift your foundation back to its original position. This operation has the potential to close cracks in your foundation and return doors, locks, and windows to their original functionality.
When To Use Foundation Helical Piers
With knowledge of local soil conditions, helical piers can be an ideal solution because the installing contractor will know exactly how deep to install the piers to reach a stable soil layer that can support your home. If your goals are the following, helical piers are a good choice:
- You need the best opportunity to lift your home back to its original position.
- Lighter structures, such as decks or stoops, are in need of stabilization.
- You’d like minimal disturbance during installation.
- You’re looking for a fast, effective installation.
- Restoring your property value is a priority.
Once your helical piers have been installed, you can count on your problem to be solved — once and for all!
Your Professional Helical Pier Installers In Ohio!
At Ohio Basement Systems, we’re proud of our permanent, warrantied solutions for foundation settlement of all types. Our team of professional contractors has repaired settling foundations throughout Ohio, and we’re ready to help you.
If you would like a free foundation helical pier installation quote, call or e-mail us today! We’re proud to serve Akron, Cleveland, Strongsville, and all surrounding areas.
