The Top Benefits of Installing Helical Piers

Foundational issues in homes pose a silent threat. It’s easy to overlook swelling doors, cracks in the walls, and slanted flooring. However, when you ignore these prominent signs of foundation damage, your home is at risk of completely separating from its foundation.

The moisture levels in the Pacific Northwest are notably higher with frequent rainfall. Therefore, the risk of foundation-related concerns is more pronounced. Homeowners must vigilantly address foundation issues before these problems get out of hand.

The top benefits of installing helical piers for foundation repair are far-reaching! Read on to understand how helical piers work and their advantages when it comes to fixing up your home’s underground support system.

What Are Helical Piers?

Helical piers resemble large screws. They have a helical shape that allows them to easily penetrate the ground. The design supplies a strong anchoring that promotes stability and minimizes soil disturbance during installation.

Manufacturers commonly make helical piers from high-strength steel. The durable material will withstand harsh weather and heavy loads without bending or breaking and provide long-lasting support no matter the soil conditions.

Foundation repair contractors will begin by evaluating the home’s foundation and soil composition. They then drill the piers into the ground until they reach stable soil. Each pier connects to the foundation, transferring weight and providing additional support. This process enhances the overall integrity of the home.

Adjust Doors and Windows for Proper Closure

Doors and windows that close completely are important to strengthen a home’s security, maintain indoor temperatures, and prevent the HVAC system from overworking. If they won’t shut properly, your home is likely suffering from a settling foundation or shifting soil.

Instead of making quick fixes by adjusting hinges, you can use piers to tackle the root cause. Helical piers are a long-term solution for stabilizing the home’s foundation.

Close Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks are a homeowner’s nightmare. Moisture seeps in from frequent rainfall, which creates dampness and potential mold growth.

Helical piers stabilize the foundation to reduce the chances of further cracking. Stability prevents new cracks from forming and provides a safer living environment.

Establish Support in Unstable Soil Conditions

The soil conditions in Washington and Oregon are notably diverse, featuring sandy soils, clay, and silt loams. Each soil type possesses distinct properties that affect drainage, compaction, and stability. Frequent rainfall saturates these soils, altering their texture and moisture content that leads to shifting or settling issues.

Additionally, the hilly terrain of the region creates pockets of different soil conditions that complicate foundation stability. With such complex soil conditions, helical piers provide support no matter the soil’s composition. They anchor deep into stable soil layers to establish reliable reinforcements for homes.

Create Minimal Soil Displacement

Other foundation repair methods, such as slab jacking and underpinning, involve soil displacement, which may exacerbate existing instability issues. Many homeowners prefer the minimally invasive option that helical piers offer.

Little-to-no soil displacement means your yard and garden remain intact. Homeowners appreciate the reduced mess and quicker installation process.

Use Less Invasive Tactics for Installation

Less soil displacement comes with a minimally invasive installation approach. The installation process involves minimal digging, meaning it doesn’t affect your yard along the way. You’ll avoid the mess by using this straightforward approach to foundation issues without turning your property into a construction zone.

The tools used for helical piers are also compact. They create less noise and disruption, making the process less stressful for you and your neighbors.

You’ll also find that the installation time is quicker. Other methods may take weeks, but helical pier installation typically requires only a few days. Quick installations mean your home is back to normal faster, allowing you to continue with your daily routine with minimal interruption.

Provide an Environmentally Friendly Repair Solution

Helical piers are not just effective; they are environmentally conscious. Their installation process minimizes soil disturbances and the potential for erosion. With less digging, existing vegetation and root systems remain undamaged.

Furthermore, the metal materials used in helical piers are durable and recyclable. You can feel good about the repair solution that supports both your structure and the environment.

Immediately Provide Load-Bearing Capacity

Homeowners must take foundation issues seriously. One of the top benefits of helical piers is they create immediate support. Once installed, they will instantly bear the weight of your home.

You will notice extraordinary improvements in the alignment of doors and windows because they will close properly again. The cracks in the foundation become less pronounced, and the even weight distribution prevents further settling. You can rest easy in your home without worrying about the security or stability of your foundation.

Customize Helical Piers for Precise Installation

Every home is unique, and so are each home’s foundation needs. Helical piers offer customization options to match these specific requirements.

The piers come in various sizes and lengths. Every adjustment ensures a perfect fit for your foundation with targeted support to exactly where it’s needed. The accurate design stabilizes your home, prolongs the life of your foundation, and produces exceptional results.

Reach Commonly Inaccessible Areas Below Ground

The limited space in crawl spaces makes it difficult to perform repairs effectively, while deep-set footings are often beneath layers of soil and debris. Manufacturers design helical piers for efficient installation in tight or tricky locations to address these challenges.

Installation in tight spaces is also possible with helical piers. The small equipment maneuvers around obstacles and fits into confined areas. With this immense flexibility, homeowners can address foundation issues without extensive excavation.

Install Helical Piers During Every Season

Many household repairs can only take place when the ground is soft enough or during a particular season. If your home’s foundation needs urgent attention, you won’t need to delay repairs. Helical piers work well in both dry and wet seasons. This adaptability ensures that your home remains stable no matter the season.

The constant rainfall in the Pacific Northwest puts homes’ foundations to the test. TerraFirma is the comprehensive foundation repair service your home needs. This includes installing helical piers for foundation repair, basement waterproofing, vapor barriers, and crawl space repair.

We’ll come out to your property free of charge to evaluate the situation and create a project estimate. From there, we’ll establish the best course of action to get your home back into shape.

Our company serves all of Oregon and has multiple locations in western Washington. Visit our website to schedule a free estimate. We will do everything we can to guarantee your home is stable and properly supported.