What are helical piers, and when are they needed? Picture this: a homeowner in North Texas notices a hairline crack creeping across her living room wall. She calls a few contractors, and one word keeps coming up in every conversation: helical piers.
She has no idea what that means, only that her foundation apparently needs them. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. Helical piers are one of the most trusted foundation repair solutions in Texas, and understanding how they work can make a stressful situation feel a lot more manageable.
Helical Piers: How Do They Work?
Helical piers are steel shafts with helix-shaped plates, similar in concept to a giant screw, that get twisted deep into the soil until they reach stable, load-bearing strata. Once in place, they transfer the weight of your home away from shifting or weak surface soil and onto ground that will not move.
This matters most in areas with Blackland Prairie clay, which expands when wet and contracts when dry. That constant movement is one of the leading causes of foundation problems across the Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin regions.
Helical Piles Foundation Systems vs. Traditional Piers
Helical piles foundation systems differ from concrete pressed pilings in a few key ways:
| Feature | Helical Piers | Concrete Pressed Pilings |
| Installation Method | Torque-driven (screwed in) | Hydraulic ram pressure |
| Access Needs | Works in tight, low-access areas | Requires more excavation and space |
| Soil Disturbance | Minimal | Greater |
| Load Capacity Verification | Measured live during installation | Estimated, not measured live |
| Soil Suitability | Wide range of soil conditions | Best suited to specific soil types |
How Helical Piers Installation Process Works
- Assessment: A foundation specialist evaluates soil conditions and structural damage.
- Excavation: Small access holes are dug at designated pier locations.
- Installation: Each pier is hydraulically screwed into the ground until it reaches load-bearing soil.
- Torque Verification: Installers measure resistance to confirm the pier has reached adequate depth and strength.
- Attachment: Brackets connect the piers to the foundation.
- Lifting: The foundation is carefully lifted back toward its original position where possible.
Helical Piers for Decks and Other Structures
Helical piers are not just for house foundations. Helical piers for decks, patios, pergolas, and other outdoor structures have become increasingly popular because they:
- Install quickly with minimal digging
- Work well in yards with limited access
- Provide strong, stable support without a full concrete footing
- Hold up well against Texas soil movement over time
If you are planning a new deck or noticed your existing one has started to sag or shift, helical piers are worth asking about.
Helical Piers Cost: What Affects the Price
The cost of helical piers varies from one project to another because every foundation repair has unique requirements. Pricing is typically influenced by factors such as the number of piers needed, the depth required to reach stable load-bearing soil, site accessibility, the extent of existing foundation damage, and whether foundation lifting or leveling is part of the repair.
The best way to determine the cost of your project is to have a licensed foundation repair contractor inspect your property and provide a detailed, itemized estimate based on your home’s specific conditions.
Conclusion: Are Helical Piers Right for Your Home?
Helical piers tend to be a strong fit when:
- Soil conditions are inconsistent or expansive
- Access to the work area is limited
- You need a solution that works for both structural and light-load applications
- You want a repair method with measurable, verifiable results during installation
It is worth noting that GL Hunt Foundation Repair does not install helical piers. Our team specializes in Steel Piers, Steel Hybrid Piers, Concrete Piers, TexJack, and Sonotube® systems.
If you are dealing with foundation settling, cracks, or uneven floors, our specialists can inspect your home and recommend the repair method best suited to your soil conditions and structural needs.
Call GL Hunt Foundation Repair today for a free, no-obligation evaluation.
FAQ
How much do helical piers cost?
Cost depends on the number of piers, depth needed, soil conditions, and site access. Every foundation is different, so pricing varies by project. A foundation specialist can inspect your home and provide a detailed, itemized estimate specific to your situation.
What are the disadvantages of helical piers?
Helical piers can cost more upfront than some other methods, and installation requires specialized equipment and trained crews. In certain soil conditions, deeper or additional piers may be needed, which can affect timeline and overall project scope.
Can I install my own helical piers?
Installing helical piers yourself is not recommended. Proper installation requires torque monitoring equipment, soil knowledge, and structural engineering judgment to ensure piers reach load-bearing depth. Improper installation can lead to continued settling or costly damage down the road.
Which is better, ground screw or helical pier?
Ground screws are typically designed for lighter loads like decks or fences, while helical piers are engineered for heavier structural loads, including full foundations. For most home foundation repairs, helical piers are the stronger, more reliable choice.
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