Frequently Asked Questions

Helical piles, also known as helical anchors or helical piers, are a steel screw-in piling and ground anchoring system used for building deep foundations. These are typically manufactured from high-strength steel using varying sizes of tubular hollow sections for the pile of anchors shaft. This transfers the weight of the structure onto the piles, increasing structural integrity.

For residential applications, piles are used in combination with existing concrete slab foundations, or are used on their own for pier-and-beam type foundations. In construction projects where there is a large amount of loose topsoil, helical piles can be used to “Screw” the foundation into the ground, with pile lengths able to reach sturdier soil underground. This reduces the amount of digging required for a project, while ensuring the structural integrity of the building. Reducing the amount of digging also reduces the total cost of the project.

The cost of the pile depends on the design, size, and weight of the structure, and soil conditions. Generally, helical piles cost between $15 - $30 per foot, making a 20 foot helical pile cost around $300 - $600 each. One of our skilled technicians can provide a better estimate of the total cost on-site.

Many factors determine the life expectancy. Though Helical Piers can be galvanized to prevent rusting, the varying soil conditions can affect the life expectancy. It is the general estimation that piles last over 150 years in normal soil conditions.

This question depends on various factors, such as your soil’s pH, the design and size of piles being installed, and much more. One of our skilled technicians can help you determine the right pile for your application, and can give you a detailed analysis on how much load will be on the piles.

On average, modern screw pile load capacities exceed 2,000 kN, around 220 US Tons. Most residential houses are between 40-180 US Tons.

The answer depends on how large your structure is. Most helical piles are spaced between 5 - 10 feet apart from each other, depending on soil conditions. If you were to take a tape measure around your structure’s foundation, you could estimate the number of piles required for your project.

Most helical piles are installed between 10 - 25 feet below the soil, but this question depends on what type of soil you have. In extreme cases, piles can be installed as deep as 100 feet below the soil.