Foundation Repair - Helical Piers Explained: Why They're the Smart Choice for Stabilizing Foundations

Friday, August 29th, 2025 by Ashley Herrera

Why Homeowners Need Helical Piers

Not all foundation problems are the same—and not all piers are either. While push piers are ideal for many homes, there are situations where helical piers offer the best long-term solution.

Helical piers are designed with screw-like plates welded along a steel shaft. They are mechanically advanced (literally screwed) deep into stable soil until they reach load-bearing capacity. This makes them an excellent choice for homes and structures where:

  • The soil near the surface is weak or loose

  • The building is lighter in weight (like a single-story home or addition)

  • New construction requires support before settlement begins

  • Traditional driven piers may not achieve proper depth or resistance

When installed correctly, helical piers provide a reliable foundation system that can support vertical and lateral loads and prevent ongoing settlement.


The Science Behind Helical Pier Installation

The key to helical piers is torque correlation—the measurement of resistance as the pier is screwed into the soil. Each pier is turned using hydraulic equipment, and torque readings are taken to confirm the system has reached stable, load-bearing strata.

This means there’s no guesswork. The depth, torque, and soil conditions all work together to verify that the pier is strong enough to permanently support the foundation. Once installed, a steel bracket connects the pier to the home’s footing, transferring weight from unstable soils above to stable soils below.


Benefits of Helical Piers for Homeowners

✔️ Permanent stabilization for homes experiencing settlement
✔️ Fast, clean installation with minimal disruption
✔️ Can be installed year-round, even in tight access areas
✔️ Proven capacity confirmed by real-time torque measurements
✔️ Effective for both existing foundations and new construction projects


Helical Piers vs. Push Piers: What’s the Difference?

Both pier systems are highly effective, but the choice depends on site conditions and project needs.

  • Push Piers: Best for heavier structures where the weight of the building itself helps drive the pier deep into stable soils. Often recommended for multi-story homes or severe settlement cases.

  • Helical Piers: Ideal for lighter structures such as single-story homes, porches, or additions. They can also be used in areas with poor surface soils or for new construction to prevent future settlement.

By offering both options, Vesta ensures every homeowner receives a solution tailored to their home’s design and soil conditions.


Protecting Your Home’s Value and Safety

Foundation problems don’t fix themselves. Left untreated, settlement can cause widening cracks, sticking doors, uneven floors, and even structural failure. Helical piers provide homeowners with peace of mind, knowing their home is supported on stable soils that won’t shift or wash out over time.


Free Foundation Evaluation

If you’ve noticed cracks in your walls, uneven floors, or doors and windows that stick, it may be time to have your home inspected. Vesta offers free foundation evaluations, where our experts will determine if helical piers—or another foundation solution—are right for your home.

📞 Contact us today to schedule your free inspection, explore our Before & After gallery to see real-life results, and visit our other Technical Papers page to learn more about the science behind foundation repair solutions.