Foundation repair
Helical Piles for Deep Foundation Support
Helical piles screw deep into the ground, typically 20 to 60 feet, to support heavier structures and reach stable soil. An engineer or the helical manufacturer determines how many piles a structure needs, and they must be installed by a certified crew. Poly-Lift installs helical piles across Northern Utah for a permanent foundation.
What helical screw piles are
A helical pile is a deep foundation system, essentially a large steel screw, that has been used since the early 1900s. It is well suited to fractured footings, lighter loads, high groundwater, and a wide range of soil conditions.
The pile is screwed deep underground to spread the weight of the structure into stable ground, and multiple piles are installed to create a platform the home or building can rest on.
The three parts of a helical pile
A helical pile has a lead section, extensions, and a termination. The lead section goes in first and penetrates the soil, carrying the load into the ground through its helical plates. Extensions bolt onto the lead section, one after another, until the pile reaches the required torque and depth. The termination connects the pile to your foundation, fastened with six bolts for a secure fit.
Advantages and limits
Helical piles bring real strengths, and a couple of honest limits worth knowing:
- Work in a wide variety of soil conditions
- Install year round, in any weather
- Rapid installation with immediate load-carrying capacity
- Low carbon footprint, and can be removed and reused
- Need more room to install than push piers
- Do not work well in gravel, rock, and cobble, which is common in parts of Cache Valley
How it works
How we install a helical pile
- 01
Expose and prepare
We expose the foundation and prepare the footing to take a bracket.
- 02
Drive the pile
The pile is set at an angle, then driven vertically, adding extensions until it reaches the depth and torque the engineer specifies.
- 03
Bracket and lift
We set the foundation bracket with six bolts and use hydraulics to pressurize the piles and lift the foundation.
- 04
Secure and finish
With the structure lifted, we fasten the pipe to the bracket, cut it flush with the foundation, and the repair is complete.
Helical Piles FAQ
Can I install helical piers myself?
No. Helical piers need to be put in by a certified installer, and the job often requires engineering to get the count and depth right.
How long do helical piers last?
They are permanent and will last the lifetime of the structure.
How many helical piles do I need?
It depends on the size and weight of the structure. An engineer or the helical manufacturer determines the exact number needed.
How deep do helical piers go?
They are driven to a depth set by engineers, generally between 20 and 60 feet depending on the use and soil.
How long does it take to install helical piers?
They can go in fairly quickly. The exact time depends on the depth required and the size of the structure.
Does homeowners insurance cover foundation repair?
Usually not. Most homeowners policies treat settling as maintenance and exclude it. Coverage sometimes applies when a sudden event such as a burst pipe or flood caused the damage, so it is worth a call to your agent. If it is not covered, financing is available.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, financing is available. Ask when you call for your free estimate and we will walk you through it.
Guides
Related services
Get a free estimate for helical piles
Every job starts with a free on-site look and an exact price before any work begins.
Service area
Serving Cache Valley and Northern Utah
One local crew, based in Logan. We travel across the valley and beyond for concrete lifting and foundation repair.