Prevent Problems Before They Start

If you’re building a new home, it is important to pay attention to the details in order to prevent problems before they start.  This is especially important in areas with problem soils, such as clay soil.  Contractors and engineers should be aware of the soil type to know whether or not the use of helical piers is necessary.  Installing helical piers at the start of building your home could later prevent settlement issues.

Helical piers can be installed after the footings are dug for a new home.  They are mechanically screwed into the ground until they reach bedrock.  Piers can be installed to support both the foundations and the floor slabs.  After they have reached the proper depth, the concrete footings and walls are poured around the piers, keeping them stable and permanently in place.  Helical piers help transfer the weight of the home down into the stronger soil, preventing foundation settlement from occurring later down the road.

In many urban areas, the ‘good’ land is developed quickly, leaving only properties with less desirable soils.  These soils may not have been strong enough to support a large structure such as a home.  However, as cities grow and the amount of available land decreases, builders and developers look for ways to use every available space.  It is important to be aware of this to ensure that you won’t have to worry about foundation settlement problems in the future.