Foundation issues are a common concern for homeowners and property developers in San Antonio. The region’s expansive clay soil and variable moisture levels make it difficult for traditional foundations to maintain long-term stability. When the soil shifts or settles, the entire structure can be compromised, leading to cracks in walls, uneven flooring, and even structural damage.
Helical piers offer a smart, engineered solution for stabilizing and repairing compromised foundations. Known for their reliable performance across a range of soil conditions, helical piers are a top choice for foundation repair in both residential and commercial structures.
Read to learn more about how these foundation piers work, their benefits compared to traditional methods, and what to expect from the installation process.
What Are Helical Piers?
Helical piers, also known as helical piles, are deep foundation solutions consisting of steel shafts with helical plates welded near the tip. These plates allow the pier to be mechanically screwed into the soil, reaching stable soil layers deep below the surface. Once installed, the pier provides support by transferring the structure’s load to stronger, load-bearing soil.
Originally used in the construction industry for lighthouses and industrial structures, helical piers have become a popular option for modern residential foundation repair. Unlike composite pier foundations, concrete piers, or push piers, helical piers can be installed with minimal excavation in traditional concrete foundations and offer excellent performance in various soil types, including expansive clay and sandy soils.
Components of a Helical Pier System
- Steel shafts: Typically square shaft or a round central shaft designed to withstand high stress
- Helical plates: Welded onto the shaft to enable penetration into the soil and provide anchoring
- Brackets: Attach the pier to the foundation for load transfer
How Helical Piers Work to Stabilize Foundations
The core principle behind helical piers is simple: transfer the structural load from unstable soils near the surface to deeper, stable soils below. The steel shaft and helical plates are rotated into the ground using hydraulic equipment until they reach soil with sufficient load-bearing capacity.
The installation torque correlates with the pier’s load capacity. Once the desired depth and torque are achieved, brackets connect the helical pier to the existing foundation. This provides immediate stabilization and, in many cases, allows for lifting the foundation back to its original position.
This method works exceptionally well for a variety of foundation types, including slab foundation systems, concrete slab foundations, and light to heavy commercial structures.
Types of Foundations Suitable for Helical Piers
Helical piers are compatible with many common foundation types found in San Antonio and across Texas.
- Slab foundations: The most common type of foundation in which these piers are used. They help counteract soil shifting under concrete slab foundations without requiring large-scale excavation.
- Pier and beam foundations: Offer stabilization for aging beam systems by supporting key load points. Wondering how this compares to the slab foundations? Read about it here
- Crawl space foundations: Provide deep support beneath the structure, mitigating foundation settlement in areas with unstable soils.
- Commercial and light industrial buildings: Steel pier foundations and helical systems offer support for both lighter structures and heavy structures.
Advantages of Helical Piers Over Traditional Repair Methods
Let’s explore why these advanced deep foundation systems are becoming the preferred choice for stabilizing foundations in the challenging soil conditions of San Antonio.
Faster and More Efficient Installation
The entire installation process for helical piers is streamlined. No concrete curing is needed, and heavy excavation is typically avoided. With minimal mobilization costs and ease of installation, most projects are completed in a day or two.
Less Disruption to the Property
Because the helical piers installation service uses specialized machinery, specifically specialized hydraulic equipment rather than heavy equipment or machinery, there’s minimal soil disturbance and less damage to landscaping, sidewalks, or existing structures both in and around the affected property.
Works in a Wide Range of Soil Conditions
Helical piers are suitable for many soil types, including soft clay, expansive clay soil, and sandy soils. Their design allows them to reach stable soil layers where load-bearing capacity is optimal.
Immediate Load-Bearing Capacity
Once the steel shaft is installed and reaches the target depth, the pier is ready to support the structure. This eliminates downtime and speeds up the construction process.
Durable and Long-Lasting
With corrosion-resistant coatings and high-strength materials, steel pier installations offer decades of reliability and structural support.
Versatile Applications
Whether you’re repairing an existing home, retrofitting a basement wall, or working on new construction projects, helical pile installations are adaptable for both residential and commercial use.
What to Expect During Professional Installation
While helical piers are among the least invasive solutions for foundation repairs, they still require more work than most property owners can do by themselves, as the professional installation process ensures a correct assessment of the problem, planning, and execution of the repair.
Here’s what to expect:
Initial Inspection and Soil Evaluation
An expert will evaluate the type of soil and perform a structural analysis of the foundation to determine where piers should be installed and how deep they need to go.
Equipment and Installation Process
Helical piers are screwed into the ground using hydraulic torque equipment. The installation torque is carefully measured to ensure the shaft reaches stable soils with enough load capacity to support the structure.
Bracket Attachment and Load Transfer
Once the target depth is reached, steel brackets are secured to the foundation wall or footing. This transfers the weight of the home or building to the helical piers.
Final Adjustments and Leveling
After load transfer, technicians may adjust the elevation of the structure using jacks, helping to correct uneven settling or restore a level floor.
Signs You May Need Helical Piers
Foundation issues can manifest in various ways, indicating when it might be time to consider helical piers as a solution. Recognizing these signs early can prevent more extensive and costly damage to your property.
- Cracks in Basement Walls or Exterior Walls: Visible cracks, especially those that are wider than an eighth of an inch or that grow over time, are classic indicators of foundation stress and potential instability. These may appear in stair-step patterns on brick or concrete block walls or as vertical, horizontal, or diagonal cracks on poured concrete surfaces.
- Visible Sagging in Concrete Slab Foundations: If sections of your concrete slab appear lower than others, or if there’s noticeable separation between the slab and the wall, these are signs that parts of your foundation are sinking. This sagging can occur due to settling soils and may compromise the structural integrity of the entire building.
- Sticking Doors or Windows: When doors and windows start to jam or stick without obvious causes like warping, it often signals that the foundation has shifted or settled unevenly. Over time, the frames can become misaligned, making it difficult to open or close them.
- Uneven Floors or Sloping Surfaces: Floors that are not level or that have noticeable slopes often point to shifting foundations. This can lead to issues like cracked floor tiles or trip hazards and usually requires more than surface-level fixes.
- Previous Foundation Repair Attempts That Failed: If you’ve had previous repair efforts that haven’t held up, such as patches or reinforcements that haven’t stopped the damage from spreading, helical piers might provide a more permanent and effective solution by addressing the issue at its root.
- Evidence of Foundation Movement Due to Changing Soil Moisture or Poor Drainage: If you observe soil shrinkage, expansion, or pooling water near your foundation after heavy rains or during droughts, this can lead to soil instability. Poor drainage and fluctuating moisture levels increase the likelihood of foundation movement, making helical piers a viable preventive measure.
Cost Considerations and Long-Term Value
When considering foundation repair solutions, understanding the cost implications and the long-term value of each option is crucial. Helical piers, while potentially representing a higher upfront cost, offer significant benefits in terms of durability and reliability.
This section will explore how this option can provide homeowners in San Antonio with a cost-effective foundation solution in the long run.
Cost Breakdown
The cost per foot for helical pier installation varies based on the type of structure, depth of installation, and soil conditions. Though initial costs may be higher than some concrete foundation repairs, helical piers often provide a better long-term solution.
Long-Term Savings
The durability and low maintenance of helical pier systems mean fewer repairs over time. When compared with other methods, the life cycle cost benefit makes helical piers a cost-effective choice for many property owners.
Protecting Property Value
A strong foundation not only ensures safety but also maintains the value of your home or commercial structure. Foundation issues left untreated can reduce resale value and result in expensive repairs down the line.
Why Choose Xpert Foundation Repair
Helical piers offer an effective, efficient, and long-lasting solution for foundation stabilization in a wide range of soil conditions. Whether you’re dealing with foundation cracks, structural instability, or a new construction project that demands a strong foundation, helical piers deliver exceptional load-bearing capacity with minimal disruption.
If you’re experiencing foundation issues or want a trusted partner for your next project, contact Xpert Foundation Repair today, as we offer:
- Deep expertise with San Antonio’s expansive clay soils and regional soil conditions
- Experienced team with hundreds of successful stabilizations.
- Use of state-of-the-art equipment for efficient installation and long-lasting results
- Transparent pricing with detailed cost estimates and inspection reports
Our team of professionals can assess your property, recommend the right solution, and ensure your home or building rests on a solid foundation for years to come.
