The cost of underpinning with helical piers depends mainly on how many piers your home needs, how deep they have to go to reach stable soil, the soil itself and how easy it is to reach the foundation. A free inspection sets the number of piers, and the written estimate states the price.
Helical piers are often used in foundation repair because they help stabilize a structure with less disruption than some other underpinning methods. This article covers what drives their cost and how they compare with other foundation supports.
What Are Helical Piers and How Do They Work?
Helical piers, also called helical piles, are long steel shafts with plates shaped like a screw near the end. They are turned into the ground until they reach soil that is solid enough to hold the weight above. A bracket is then attached to the top of the pier to support the structure, and in many cases to lift it back toward its original position.
Helical piers do not need a large workspace, and because they screw into the ground, they can often be installed fairly quickly compared with some other methods. That makes them a common choice for fixing foundation problems.
The piers are made of steel, and their helix plates bear on the soil around them, which helps them hold their position.
What Is Underpinning?
Underpinning makes the foundation of a structure more stable. Sometimes the ground under a house starts to sink, or it was not strong enough from the start.
Underpinning addresses this by carrying the weight of the house down to firmer soil, or by spreading that weight over a larger area.
What Is the Cost of Underpinning With Helical Piers?
The cost of underpinning with helical piers depends on several factors, covered below. The price for your home is set in a written estimate after a free inspection. For a ballpark figure first, try our foundation cost calculator.
What Affects the Cost of Helical Piers?
Materials
Materials are one part of the cost. The pier length and the number of helix plates both affect the price, and extra pier length adds to it.
Number of Piers Needed
The number of piers has a direct effect on the cost. It depends on the weight of the structure and the soil, and more piers mean more material and labor.
Labor
Labor is a large share of the cost. It covers the crew, the equipment and any permits the project needs.
Type of Soil
Soil affects how complex the job is. Dense, rocky soil can be harder to get through, and soft or sandy soils can mean deeper installations to reach stable soil. In the Carolina Piedmont, piers often pass through clay that shrinks and swells, and on the coast, through sandy soil with a high water table.
Extent of Damage
The amount of damage to the foundation affects the size of the project. More damage can mean more piers, temporary supports or structural repairs.
Access and Landscaping
Piers are installed beside the foundation, so the area around the house affects the work. Tight access, or plantings and hardscape close to the walls, can add to the job.
How Do Helical Piers Compare With Other Foundation Supports?
Helical Piers vs. Concrete Piers
Concrete piers can provide solid support, but they take digging and curing time for the concrete. Helical piers can be installed faster with less disruption to the yard. They work in a range of soil conditions and can carry load right after installation, with no curing time.
Helical Piers vs. Push Piers
When steel piers are compared with helical piers, the comparison is usually with push piers. Push piers are also steel, but they are driven straight down with hydraulic equipment, using the weight of the house, until they reach a stable soil layer or rock. They have no helix plates.
Helical Piers vs. Straight Shaft End Bearing Piers
Straight shaft piers depend on end bearing, meaning they must reach a stronger layer of soil or rock that can carry the load. Helical piers can be adjusted in length and helix size to suit the soil, and they carry load as soon as they are installed, which suits sites where soil conditions are harder to predict.
Are Helical Piles Cheaper Than Concrete Piers?
The cost of helical piers and concrete piers depends on the home, the soil and the number of piers. Each fits different conditions, and an inspection shows which one suits the home. The written estimate states the price.
Common Questions About Helical Pier Cost
How Much Does Underpinning With Helical Piers Cost?
The price depends on how many piers the home needs, how deep they go, the soil and access around the house. Your free inspection gives you a written estimate for your home.
How Many Helical Piers Does a House Need?
It depends on the weight of the structure, the soil and the area that has settled. The inspector lays out the number of piers and where they go in your written estimate.
Do Helical Piers Come With a Warranty?
Yes. Our pier warranty covers no additional settlement in the area where the piers are installed, with the conditions listed on our warranties page.
Get a Free Helical Pier Inspection
If you are having foundation problems, HydroHelp911 can inspect the foundation and show whether helical piers are the right repair or whether another method fits better. We serve homeowners across North and South Carolina.
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Written by
Cory Parks
Owner & President, HydroHelp911
Cory Parks founded HydroHelp911 and leads its structural and moisture repair work for homeowners across North and South Carolina, from the clay soils of the Piedmont to the saturated, sandy ground along the coast.
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