Calling in the Contractors

Piling or Helical Piers? Which Option Is Best for Your Foundation

2 January 2018 by Frank Elliott

If you need extra support for your home, you may need to contact a piling contractor. These professionals can add metal pilings under your home, but if needed, they can also help you explore other options. In particular, you may want to consider helical piers. Here's what you need to know about these two options.

What Is the Difference Between Piling and Helical Piers?

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, and they overlap in a lot of key ways. Namely, both are used to support an existing foundation. They can also be used to support a new foundation. However, there are also important differences.

Typically, piles drive straight into the ground, but helical piers consist of a pier or base with extensions. The extensions go away from the pier and they support the foundation by distributing its weight into nearby soil.

Should You Use Piles or Helical Piers?

Your foundation repair contractor can tell you which option is best for your needs, but this information get help you get an idea of what you might need. In most cases, pilings are great for situations where you need to add more weight to your existing structure. For instance, if your current foundation is fine, but you want to add another story to your home, you may want to consider piling.

In contrast, if your home is sinking into the ground because your soil quality is subpar, you may want to opt for helical piers. As indicated above, this solution doesn't rely on the soil immediately next to or below your home. Instead, the helical extenders go into nearby, stronger soil.

How Does the Soil on Your Lot Affect Your Choose?

In addition to the points made above, the soil on your lot can also influence your decision in other ways. In particular, if you have bedrock almost immediately under your home, the foundation repair specialists may not be able to drive pilings that deeply into the ground, and as a result, helical piers may end up being a better option.

In other cases, your home's foundation may be sinking because the soil immediately around your foundation is too wet or not strong enough, but there may be more stable soil underneath it. In this case, piling can work.

Luckily, most companies that specialize in foundation repair use both of these options. As a result, you can typically call one company and they can help you decide which option is best for your needs.

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