Are you having foundation problems? You might have heard that helical piers are a great solution for foundation repair. They can help stabilize your structure but offer a less invasive alternative to other underpinning methods. However, there’s one pressing question you need to consider: is it a cost-effective solution?
In this article, we’ll discuss how much you can expect to pay for this type of foundation support and explore if there are other alternatives.
What Are Helical Piers And How Do They Work?
Before discussing the cost, let’s first understand what helical piers are, how they work, and whether they’re worth the price.
So, what are helical piers?
Helical piers or piles are long, screw-like steel posts that contractors drill into the ground to help hold up buildings and other structures. Think of them like giant screws.
When the ground or your foundation isn’t strong enough on its own, these piers add extra support. They’re twisted into the soil until they reach a layer that’s solid enough to hold the weight above. Then, a lifting bracket is attached to the top of the pier, which is used to support or lift the structure.
Helical piers offer significant advantages. They don’t require a large workspace or cause considerable disruption, so they are ideal for fixing foundation problems. And because they screw into the ground, they can be put in pretty quickly compared to some other methods.
The piers are usually crafted from steel, a material known for its strength and durability. Their helical design, resembling a coil or spiral, not only provides enhanced stability compared to other pier types but also helps maintain their position over time. It prevents them from sinking into the soil.
What Is Underpinning?
Underpinning is a way to make the foundation of a structure stronger and more stable. Sometimes, the ground underneath a property might start to sink or wasn’t strong enough from the start. When this happens, the structure might be unsafe because its base isn’t solid.
Underpinning fixes this by making the foundation deeper or wider to stand on firmer soil or spread the house’s weight over a more extensive area.
What Is The Cost Of Underpinning With Helical Piers?
The cost of underpinning helical piers depends on many factors. In general, the table below shows the expected cost per pier.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Helical Piers
Materials
In 2016, Helical Pile World released an article on the average pile prices in the US. Take a look at the table below.
However, it is important to note that these estimates were released almost a decade ago. The cost of helical piers has increased since then, so it is safe to assume that the current prices are higher than what was listed in 2016.
A helical pile can cost $75 to $100 per linear foot. Contractors can add $20 to $35 or more per foot beyond the standard length. Most residential projects require a helical pile ranging from 10 to 15 feet.
Number Of Piers Needed
The total number of helical piers required for a project directly impacts the cost. This number is determined by the structure’s load requirements and the soil conditions. More piers mean higher materials and labor costs.
The installation cost is typically computed per pier. So, you need to count the number of piers needed and multiply that by the price per pier.
Typically, a house requires 3 to 5 helical piers, depending on the need. If the quote for one pier is $3000, you can expect to pay $30,000 for ten piers. The price can quickly add up and more for commercial buildings.
Labor Cost
Apart from the material, a big chunk of the installation cost goes to labor. You are not just paying the engineer and the laborers for the installation. You also need to account for the equipment and the required permits for the project.
The cost of labor varies significantly by region and is a big part of the overall cost of helical pier installation. Certain areas may also have higher demand for specialized labor, affecting availability and price.
Due to this, the labor cost sometimes equals the material cost which is pretty expensive.
Type Of Soil
Different soil types may affect the complexity of the project. Dense, rocky soil may be more challenging to penetrate, requiring special equipment or configurations. While sandy or loamy soils may require deeper installations to reach stable, load-bearing strata.
The soil type can also significantly impact the choice of helical piers and the installation method, affecting overall costs.
Extent Of Damage
The level of damage to the foundation or structure influences the complexity and scale of the installation project. More severe damage may require additional or stronger piers, temporary supports, and structural repairs, all of which increase the overall cost.
Landscaping
Installing helical piers can disrupt the surrounding landscape. The cost of restoring or modifying landscaping after installation can be significant, mainly if large machinery is used or access to the site is limited. Additional costs will be incurred to return the site to its original condition.
Helical Piers vs. Other Foundational Supports
Installing helical piers can be more expensive than other types of foundation supports.
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the estimated prices for different foundation supports:
Helical Piers vs. Concrete Piers
Concrete piers can provide solid support and are permanent once set. However, the installation process is more intrusive and time-consuming, requiring digging and curing time for the concrete. Helical piers can be installed faster and with less landscape disruption. They’re more versatile in varying soil conditions and can be loaded immediately after installation, with no curing time required.
Helical Piers vs. Steel Piers
When we talk about steel piers in comparison to helical piers, we’re often referring to push piers or straight (non-helical) piers. These piers are also made of steel but are driven straight down like a nail into the ground by hydraulic equipment until they reach a stable soil layer. They don’t feature helical plates and rely entirely on depth and friction for their bearing capacity.
Helical Piers vs. Straight-Shaft End-Bearing Piers
Straight-shaft piers depend on end-bearing strength, meaning they must reach a stronger layer of soil or rock that can support the load. Helical piers, by contrast, can be adjusted in length and helix size to accommodate varying soil conditions without the need to reach a deep, solid bearing layer. They provide versatility in installation and an immediate load-bearing capacity, making them suitable for a range of projects where soil conditions are less predictable.
Are Helical Piles Cheaper Than Concrete Piers?
On average, helical piers cost between $1,600 and $2,100 per pier installed, with many people spending about $1,900 per pier to address issues like settling or sinking foundations.
In contrast, concrete piers are typically less expensive than helical pile foundations. However, this initial cost advantage for concrete may come with trade-offs in terms of stability and durability, as concrete piers can be more prone to shifting, cracking, and settling over time.
Working With A Professional
As you can see, the cost of underpinning with helical piers can be pretty high, especially if you need to install multiple piers. However, the long-term benefits of using helical piers to stabilize your foundation can be worth the investment.
If you are having foundation problems, contact our team at HydroHelp911. We can help you inspect your property’s foundation damage and determine if helical piers are the best solution or if there is a better alternative.
Contact us, and we will gladly help you with your foundation repair needs in North Carolina.
