Helical Pier Installation
You may have noticed a crack in your basement wall, or maybe a corner of your home is sinking just enough to make it feel like something is off-kilter. These issues might seem insignificant at first, but they aren’t going to go away on their own.
Helical pier installation is a permanent foundation stabilization method used to stop further movement and return the structure to its original level. By anchoring into load-bearing soil below the problem zone, helical piers restore support with minimal impact to your property.
At Bramwell-McKay Masonry Restoration, our responsibility is not just to fix your foundation, but to understand the story your building is telling. If helical piles are the right solution, we’ll install them with the same diligence and respect we’d bring to our own homes.
What is a Helical Pier Installation?
Helical pier installation offers a long-term, engineer-approved way to repair foundations compromised by shifting soil, poor compaction, or excessive moisture. The helical piers themselves are essentially large metal screws, twisted deep into the ground with a hydraulic drive head until they reach load-bearing soil or bedrock. Once in place, the piers are attached to the foundation and used to transfer the load of your structure to more stable ground.
For homes and buildings showing clear signs of settlement, this is often the most reliable way to permanently correct the problem.
Push Piers vs. Helical Piers
In your search for a solution to your foundation problems, you may have also heard of push piers. They are driven into the ground using the weight of the structure, making them ideal for heavier buildings where deep penetration is needed without pre-drilling.
Helical piers, on the other hand, are screwed into the soil and don’t rely on the structure’s weight. Push piers are generally better for heavy structures on firm soil, while helical piers are more versatile for different soil types.
There are a lot of foundation stabilization options out there, but don’t worry. We help you find the solution that makes sense for your specific soil profile, structure type, and long-term goals.
How Helical Piers Work: A Look at the Installation Process
At Bramwell-McKay, we begin every pier installation with a close look at the site. We examine the symptoms, soil conditions, structure type, and history of the issue. From there, we design an installation plan based on your building’s actual needs. Here is a look at how our experts install helical piles:
We start by exposing the footing near the problem area. This is done with small, targeted excavations to avoid disrupting existing landscaping.
Using heavy equipment outfitted with a hydraulic drive head, each pier is twisted into the ground. We monitor torque in real-time to ensure the depth and soil strength are sufficient to support the building's weight.
Once the helical piers reach the right depth, we anchor them to the foundation using steel brackets.
Depending on the circumstances, the system can be used to stabilize the foundation where it currently sits or to gently lift it back toward its original position.
After the piers are in place, we restore the soil and ensure the area is clean and safe.
This method works well for single-story homes, additions, and even larger commercial structures. It can be used proactively during new construction or reactively to correct serious foundation movement.
Foundation Repair Using Helical Piles
We offer a full range of foundation repair services using helical piles, including:
When It’s Time to Install Helical Piers, We’re Your Trusted Partner
From the moment you call, we start listening to you and your building. Every structure tells a story, and we’ve been learning to read every line, shift, and crack for over four decades. We ask the right questions, study the details others miss, and explain our findings in a way that shows you the best path forward.
Helical pier installation is just one of many solutions in our arsenal. Sometimes it’s the right path, and sometimes it isn’t. Our role is to give you an honest answer, backed by our years of practical know‑how. We’ll never push a service you don’t need, because we treat each project like it's our own home.
Talk to Our Experts and Get Your Project Off the Ground
You don’t have to keep wondering if your structure is safe. If you’re seeing the warning signs or you just want an expert opinion from someone who understands, we’re here to walk you through it.