Expansive soils, with their ability to swell and shrink with changes in moisture levels, pose a significant challenge for homeowners. These soils can cause severe damage to foundations, leading to uneven floors, cracked walls, and doors that refuse to close properly. Fortunately, helical piles offer a proven solution for stabilizing homes built on expansive soils, ensuring long-term foundation integrity and peace of mind. Let’s explore the importance of residential helical piles repair and how it can help your property.
Understanding Expansive Soils
Expansive soils contain clay minerals that absorb water and expands, then contracts as they dry out. This constant cycle of swelling and shrinking creates movement in the soil, which can destabilize foundations. Homes built on these soils are particularly vulnerable to foundation settlement caused by soil shrinkage during dry periods and foundation heaving resulting from soil expansion during wet periods. Expansive soils can also cause uneven load bearing, with variations in soil movement causing differential settlement, leading to structural damage.
What Are Helical Piles?
Helical piles are long steel shafts with helical (screw-like) plates welded to them. They’re screwed into the ground to reach stable soil layers or bedrock, bypassing the unstable expansive soils near the surface. Once installed, these piles provide a stable foundation that resists the effects of soil movement.
How Helical Piles Address Expansive Soil Challenges
Anchoring to Stable Soil Layers
Helical piles are installed below the active zone of expansive soils deep into the ground, where soil moisture changes can no longer cause movement. This creates a solid and unchanging anchor point for the foundation, minimizing the impact of soil swelling or shrinking.
Providing Uniform Load Distribution
Because they evenly distribute the weight of the structure across multiple deep anchor points, helical piles prevent uneven settlement, reducing the risk of cracks and structural instability.
Flexibility in Installation
Helical piles can be installed in various soil conditions, including highly expansive clays without the need for extensive excavation. This makes them a versatile and minimally invasive option for foundation repairs in homes already showing signs of damage.
Long-Term Durability
Made from corrosion-resistant steel, helical piles are designed to withstand environmental conditions over decades. Homeowners then benefit from a reliable, low-maintenance solution to foundation issues caused by expansive soils.
The Installation Process for Helical Piles
A professional evaluates the soil conditions and determines the appropriate depth for helical pile installation. The piles are then mechanically screwed into the ground until they reach a stable layer. Once in place, the piles are connected to the foundation using brackets, providing immediate stabilization. Finally, the foundation is lifted, leveled, or reinforced as needed.
Advantages of Helical Piles for Homes on Expansive Soils
There are numerous benefits to helical piles repair. For instance, it is non-invasive, requiring minimal excavation. This makes it an ideal solution for existing homes. Plus, piles can be installed in days, minimizing disruption to your everyday life. Helical piles are also cost-effective, offering a long-term solution without the need for frequent repairs. They’re also suitable for a variety of structures, from homes to decks and patios.
Signs Your Home May Need Helical Piles
Cracks in walls, ceilings, or floors.
Doors and windows sticking or misaligning.
Noticeable gaps between walls and ceilings.
Sloping or uneven floors.
Repeated repairs to the foundation without lasting results.
If you notice these issues and your home is built on expansive soils, consulting a foundation repair expert can help determine whether helical piles are the right solution.
Residential Helical Piles Repair in Mississippi
Expansive soils can wreak havoc on homes, but with the installation of helical piles, homeowners can protect their properties from ongoing foundation damage. If your home is showing signs of foundation distress due to expansive soils, consider the long-term benefits of helical piles. Investing in this proven technology ensures your home remains safe, stable, and secure for years to come. Contact Foremost Foundations and Construction at 601-405-1052 to learn more.
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