When you develop foundation problems, a contractor will come to your home, inspect and then determine the problem. They will also tell you the best repair method. There are many ways to repair a foundation and one of these methods is with Helical Piers. If the contractor suggest that helical piers would be the best way to recover your home’s foundation, you may wonder what helical piers are and how they are used to repair your home’s foundation. Dallas Foundation Repair will share how helical piers work and what to expect if your home needs this method to repair the foundation.
What are Helical Piers Used For?
Helical piers is much like a large screw that sinks into the ground and the head of the screw then supports the foundation. There are three major sections to a helical pier. The first section is the “lead” or “starter” which can come in various lengths. They can be anywhere from 3 to 20 feet long. The second section is the “extensions” that are connected to the lead or start section. The last section is the “remedial bracket” which connects the lead, and extension to the home’s foundation. The bracket will lift and stabilize the foundation and is connected to the rest of the pier that will hold the foundation in place.
Preparation to Install Helical Piers
When a foundation needs helical piers, the first step is excavation where each pier will be installed. The excavation will dig out about a 3×3 size hole and go about 18 inches deep or more. Each pier will be installed no closer than every 6 feet. The hole will be dug along the edge of the foundation so the pier can be installed. This may involve removing plants and could damage the surrounding landscape. However, it is necessary to repair your foundation. Once the holes for the piers have been dug out, the remedial bracket will be fitted. If needed, the hole will be dug larger. If the excavation was successful, the next step is to determine how deep the helical piers will need to go to support the home.
How Deep Should Helical Piers Be?
It is important to calculate the load or the weight the piers will be supporting. Additionally, the conditions of the soil will also need to be determined. The helical pier may need to only be 7 feet deep to support the home or it could also go 150 feet deep. If the soil is hard, the amount of torque will also need to be determined to know how much power is needed to screw the pier into the ground. Once the needed calculation has been completed, the helical pier can now be installed.
How is Helical Piers Installed?
The hole has been dug and the needed calculation has been completed. It is now time to install the piers. The piers are installed with the use of a hydraulic driver head that is attached to a hydraulic power pack and hydraulic pump. The driver then screws the start or lead section into the ground as deep as needed to support the home. Afterward, the second section is attached, which are the extensions. The remedial brackets are then attached to the foundation and to the extension section of the pier. Once the piers are completed, the holes are than filled in and the foundation is now supported.
Slab Foundation Repair in Lewisville, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Plano, Richardson, Grapevine, Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Arlington & Great Dallas, Texas
If your foundation develops problem that requires action, contact Dallas Foundation Repair and schedule our services today.
