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Why Helical Piers Are the Key to Long-Lasting Foundation Stability

Introduction to Helical Piers

Imagine a towering bridge or a building that has weathered centuries of change. Wondering how these monumental structures have maintained their stability through the ages? The secret lies beneath the surface – in their foundation. Thousands of years ago, builders used stone and brick piers, but today’s engineers have revolutionized this critical process with helical piles, or helical piers. Picture a massive steel rod, twisted like a giant screw, sinking deep into the earth. As it twists deeper, it locks into the soil, creating an anchor to support immense loads, preventing sinking and shifting, keeping structures grounded and standing tall for many, many years to come. 

Regional Importance in Memphis

Due to the unique soil and environmental conditions In Memphis, Tennessee, helical piers for foundation stability can be critical. Memphis sits on the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, which is composed of expansive clay, silt, and sand. These soil types can shift and expand or contract based on moisture levels, leading to foundation issues such as cracks in walls and floors, sagging floors, and sticking doors and windows. 

Helical piers offer an ideal solution in this region because they can be installed deep into the ground to reach stable, load-bearing strata. The spiral design of the piers helps them anchor securely into the soil, transferring the weight of a structure from unstable layers to more solid, deeper soil. This ensures long-term stability, even in areas prone to soil movement due to seasonal changes or heavy rain.

Additionally, the Bluff City experiences a range of weather conditions, including flooding and periods of drought, which can exacerbate soil instability. Helical piers are versatile and can be installed year-round, even in extreme weather, making them a reliable foundation repair solution for Memphis homes and buildings. Their quick installation, minimal excavation, and ability to be used in tight spaces further contribute to their appeal in urban areas, where maintaining the landscape and minimizing disruption is important.

Understanding Helical Piers

You may have heard both terms helical piles and helical piers they are essentially the same product. Both are deep foundation elements designed to transfer and resist vertical and horizontal loads using compression or tension. They may also be known as screw anchors, screw piers, helical pilings, or even heli piles. You might’ve even heard them referred to as screw foundations, helical anchors, or helical screw piles.

We’ve explained that helical piers are deep foundation elements used to support structures by anchoring them into stable soil or bedrock. These steel rods, resembling giant screws, have helices or plates that “screw” into the ground, transferring the weight of the structure to solid, load-bearing soil. They are commonly used to repair sinking or settling foundations. Helical piers are designed to last decades, with some lasting over 100 years under ideal conditions. Regular maintenance ensures they remain stable and effective.

Helical piers are capable of supporting heavy structures, with individual piers carrying between 10,000 to 20,000 pounds, making them an ideal solution for both residential and commercial foundation repair. Multiple piers are typically used for larger structures, such as two-story homes, which can weigh 100 to 200 tons, to ensure the weight is evenly distributed. The residential helical piles will also prevent further settling. Their high load capacity, resistance to soil movement, and long lifespan make helical piers a reliable and effective foundation stabilization solution.

The Installation Process

Helical piers provide a lasting foundation repair solution, and understanding the steps of the process can help you feel confident in their installation. Here’s how it works:

1. Excavation & Soil Preparation: 

A foundation repair expert exposes part of the footing and prepares the soil for proper pier placement.

2. Drilling & Pier Insertion

A mechanical tool drives the helical piers deep into stable soil or bedrock, using their circular design to twist securely into place.

3. Grouting & Securing: 

Grout is injected to fill any voids, ensuring a strong bond between the pier and the surrounding soil.

4. Load Transfer & Testing: 

A foundation bracket connects the pier to the footing, transferring the structure’s weight to stable strata. The expert may apply additional force to lift the home back to level if needed.

5. Backfilling & Compaction: 

Once the piers are secured, the excavation is backfilled and compacted to complete the installation

Why Choose Helical Piers Over Alternative Solutions?

You may be wondering how helical piling compares to steel, concrete, or straight-shaft end-bearing piers. In many cases, foundation repair experts recommend helical piles for your house foundation as the best solution for foundation settlement or other foundation issues. In summary, here’s why they stand out from the alternatives:

  • Faster Installation: Requires less excavation and labor.
  • Minimal Environmental Impact: Preserves surrounding landscape.
  • Cost Efficiency: Lower installation costs compared to traditional foundation repairs.
  • Versatility: Suitable for both residential and commercial applications.
  • Installation in Difficult Areas: Can be installed in tight spaces with smaller equipment.
  • Works in All Seasons: Can be installed year-round, even in frozen ground.
  • Longevity and Warranty: Backed by warranty for long-term stability.

Helical piers provide a reliable and long-lasting remedy for foundation issues by transferring structural loads from unstable soil to solid, load-bearing strata. Their proven effectiveness, versatility, and ability to be installed in various soil conditions make them a top choice for residential homeowners and commercial builders seeking stability and peace of mind. 

Groundworks is dedicated to delivering lasting foundation repair solutions, no matter the cause or severity of the problem. Contact our team today for a free estimate and to determine if helical pile installation is the right choice for your home. Ready to talk to an expert about helical piles for foundation repair? Schedule a free inspection.

Yes, Groundworks engineers tailor each installation to meet the specific soil requirements of your project.

Some people who have had problems with foundation sinking are suspicious when they hear that helical piers can raise their foundation back to the original level. After all, it’s absolutely true that your home and its foundation are incredibly heavy; that’s why the foundation is sinking, after all. Could these piers really make it easier for your foundation to stop sinking and raise the foundation up? 

  •  Incredible Strength

Helical piers have hydraulic drivers in them, which means they’re incredibly strong. This is one reason that helical piers can actually raise the foundation. Because they’re so strong, they can support the entirety of your home’s foundation without having to rely on the soil underneath the foundation.

  • Lots of Force

Once you have helical piers underneath the foundation, they can push up with a lot of force. You might have to see it to believe it, but it’s true that helical piers can make sure your foundation goes back to its normal space.

They are drilled to reach load-bearing strata, depths varying based on soil conditions to ensure optimal support.

Ted Dryce

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.