When building a new home or adding onto an existing one, the foundation is one of the most critical elements to get right. A strong, stable foundation ensures that your structure remains level, safe, and resistant to shifting soil conditions over time. While traditional concrete foundations have long been the standard, modern builders and engineers are increasingly turning to helical piers for their reliability, versatility, and efficiency in both new construction and home addition projects.
What Are Helical Piers?
Helical piers are steel shafts fitted with helical (spiral-shaped) blades that are screwed deep into the ground to support a structure’s foundation. Unlike conventional concrete footings that rely on soil compaction, helical piers anchor directly into load-bearing strata, providing immediate stability even in poor soil conditions. This makes them ideal for areas with expansive clay, loose sand, or waterlogged ground—situations where traditional foundations can fail or shift over time.
Advantages in New Construction
For new home builds, helical piers offer several major benefits. One of the most significant is their ability to support heavy loads without the need for extensive excavation or curing time. Because the installation process involves drilling the piers directly into the soil, there’s no waiting for concrete to dry—construction can proceed immediately after installation.
This speed and efficiency not only save time but also reduce project costs. Helical piers are also minimally invasive, meaning they can be installed with small, portable equipment that causes little disruption to the job site. Builders appreciate their precision: each pier’s load capacity can be measured during installation, ensuring that every part of the foundation meets engineering standards before the first wall goes up.
Benefits for Home Additions and Expansions
When it comes to adding a room, deck, garage, or second story to an existing home, matching the new foundation to the old can be challenging—especially if the original structure has settled over time. Helical piers make this process easier and more stable by providing independent, adjustable support.
Because they can be installed in tight spaces and on uneven terrain, helical piers are ideal for retrofit projects where access is limited. They also create a deeper, more reliable foundation for additions, preventing differential settling between old and new structures. In essence, they allow homeowners to expand their properties confidently, knowing that their investment is supported by modern engineering and proven stability.
Durability and Environmental Benefits
Helical piers are made from high-strength galvanized steel, offering long-term resistance to corrosion and ground movement. They can last decades with little to no maintenance, making them a sustainable and cost-effective foundation solution. Additionally, the installation process produces minimal soil disturbance and no chemical runoff, making it an environmentally friendly choice for residential and commercial projects alike.
As construction technology continues to evolve, helical piers have become a cornerstone of reliable foundation design. Their strength, adaptability, and ease of installation make them an excellent choice for both new builds and home additions. By integrating these advanced supports from the start, builders and homeowners alike can ensure lasting structural integrity—no matter what lies beneath the surface.