How Helical Piles Support a Foundation
When a home or commercial building begins to settle, the problem is often connected to the soil beneath the foundation. Soil can shift, compress, wash away, or lose its ability to support the weight of the structure. When the foundation no longer rests on stable ground, cracks, uneven floors, wall movement, and other structural problems may appear.
Helical piles provide a way to transfer the weight of a structure to stronger, more supportive soil. They consist of steel shafts with circular bearing plates, known as helices, attached to them. The piles are rotated into the ground until they reach soil that can properly support the required load.
Once installed, the weight of the structure is transferred through the shaft to the bearing plates below. Helical piles can support both downward pressure and uplift, making them useful for a wide range of residential, commercial, and construction applications.
At A+ Waterproofing & Foundation Repair, we provide helical pile installation for properties throughout the Lehigh Valley and Poconos.
What Causes a Foundation to Settle?
Foundation settlement may occur when the soil beneath a structure changes. Some soils shrink during dry periods and expand when they absorb water. Poor drainage can wash soil away or leave the ground overly saturated. Improperly compacted fill soil may also settle under the weight of a building.
Signs that your foundation may be moving include:
- Cracks in basement walls or floors
- Stair-step cracks in brick or block
- Doors and windows that stick
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Gaps around window or door frames
- Bowed basement walls
- Cracked drywall
- A leaning chimney
These symptoms do not automatically mean that helical piles are required. A professional foundation inspection is needed to determine what is moving, why it is moving, and which repair method is appropriate.
When Are Helical Piles Used?
Helical piles are commonly used when a foundation needs to be anchored to more stable soil. They can be installed for existing structures that have shifted or settled, but their uses extend beyond traditional home foundation repair.
Possible applications include:
- Foundation stabilization
- New construction support
- Light construction foundations
- Concrete slab stabilization
- Shoring
- Tiebacks and wall anchors
- Slope stabilization
- Boardwalks and pedestrian bridges
- Pipeline support
Because they are available in different sizes and capacities, helical pile systems can be customized for the weight of the structure and the conditions of the property.
What Are the Benefits of Helical Piering?
One of the main benefits of helical piles is their efficient installation. The equipment is relatively small and maneuverable, allowing the system to be installed in areas where larger foundation equipment may be difficult to use.
Helical pile installation does not require the same type of soil removal associated with some traditional foundation methods. The system is pre-engineered, available in a variety of capacities, and designed to provide significant load-bearing support.
The installation process also gives the foundation team useful information about soil resistance as each pile is advanced. This helps determine when the pile has reached the required depth and supporting soil.
How Are Helical Piles Different from Push Piers?
Helical piles and push piers can both be used to stabilize a foundation, but they work differently.
Helical piles are rotated into the soil using the helix-shaped bearing plates. Push piers are driven into the ground using the weight of the structure until they reach a stronger soil layer. The best choice depends on the structure, soil conditions, access, and type of foundation movement.
We evaluate the property before recommending either system. Our goal is to select a solution that addresses the cause of the settlement and provides dependable structural support.
Find the Right Solution for Your Foundation
Foundation movement should not be ignored. Cracks and uneven surfaces may continue to worsen when the structure is not properly supported.
A+ Waterproofing & Foundation Repair provides customized helical pile, push piering, waterproofing, and foundation repair solutions for residential and commercial properties throughout the Lehigh Valley and Poconos.
Contact us today to schedule a free estimate. We will inspect your foundation, explain the available options, and help you choose the right solution for your property.
