Here at JM Construction, we’ve been using helical piers on more and more projects. We’ve found that they have made our operations more efficient, allowing us to shorten project schedules and create even higher quality dream homes for our clients.
What are Helical Piers?
Helical piers are foundation supports used to stabilize and strengthen buildings like your house. They’re made of a steel shaft with metal discs welded in a spiral pattern. They’re installed by threading them into the ground, which transfers the weight of the structure built on top of them onto load-bearing soil. Helical piers are versatile in that they’re able to be used for new construction projects or retrofitting existing projects.
How We Use Helical Piers at JM Construction
In the past, we always used poured-in-place concrete footings or precast footings. However, those were fairly labor intensive and required quite a bit of manpower to execute. We would need to excavate, set the concrete, backfill and perform all the required inspections that go along with that particular application.
Now, depending on the nature of the project, helical piers can be used, changing our process for the better. We use a few different companies that either use a mini excavator with an attachment or a proprietary machine that’s purpose is to drill these helical piers, also known as screw pile foundations, into the ground. These hydraulic machines are designed with state of the art equipment to determine and register the bearing capacity of each individual pier to meet requirements set forth by the structural engineer for that particular project.
These installations are accepted across the state of Massachusetts as being compliant with current building codes for a wide range of projects including decks, porches, garages, additions and even entire homes.
Benefits of Helical Piers
JM Construction’s use of helical piers in your home construction project is extremely beneficial to you and your home.
Saves Time and Money
Time is money, so when helical piers save us time, they save you money. They make it so the foundational step of construction is completed more efficiently and with less labor, which results in a shorter construction schedule. In fact, drilling can take as little as 10 minutes. There are also fewer inspections that need to be made, which further frees up time in the project’s schedule. We’re then able to pass these net cost savings on to our clients.
Permanent
On the topic of saving money, the longer something is designed to last, the less you have to spend replacing them. As helical piers have an estimated lifespan of 150 years, this basically makes them a permanent fix. Because you won’t have to replace them, you’re saving a lot of money on repairs further down the line.
Disadvantages of Helical Piers
Good as helical piers are, they aren’t perfect for every construction project or situation. Here are the few disadvantages.
Not Ideal for Rocky Soil
New England is fairly well known for its rocky soil. This can make it more difficult to install helical piers. That’s because design-wise, helical piers resemble a screw. If you’ve ever tried to drill a screw into a rock, you’ll recognize that it’s not an easy task and usually not worth the trouble. However, not everyone’s soil and property is the same. When you call JM Construction, we’ll tell you upfront whether your soil is appropriate for helical piers so you’ll know from the get go what to expect.
More Expensive
While helical piers will save you money in the long run, they do carry a higher upfront cost than other foundation supports. This is due to the quality and durability of the piers, but so while it’s worthwhile to many, it’s a valid concern when planning your budget. Weigh the short-term and long-term costs with our designers so you can ensure you’re getting the best price for your project.
When you call on JM Construction to work for you, know that we are committed to using high quality tools and tried and true techniques. This is how we increase efficiency, save you money and, ultimately, achieve the final results you’re dreaming of for your project. Using helical piers under the right circumstances is just one example of our approach.
