1. What are helical piers, and what are they used for?
Helical piers are steel foundation supports that are mechanically installed into the ground to provide a stable, load-bearing foundation for structures. They are commonly used to support decks, fences, additions, porches, retaining structures, and other projects where a reliable footing is needed.
Unlike traditional concrete footings, helical piers are installed by driving the steel shaft and helical plates into the soil until the required depth and load-bearing conditions are reached. This can provide a stable support without waiting for concrete to cure.
2. Why choose helical piers instead of traditional concrete footings?
Helical piers can be an excellent alternative to traditional concrete footings, particularly in Minnesota where frost, changing soil conditions, and seasonal movement can create challenges for foundations.
Because helical piers extend below the frost-affected soil and are mechanically installed into stable bearing soil, they can provide dependable support while reducing some of the concerns associated with frost movement and settling.
They also offer a major practical advantage: there is no concrete curing period. Once the piers are properly installed, construction can continue without waiting for a footing to cure.
3. Can helical piers be installed during a Minnesota winter?
Yes. At Iserman Contracting & Excavating, we can install helical piers year-round, including during Minnesota’s winter months.
Gene Iserman has adapted our installation equipment to work in frozen and frost-affected ground conditions. This allows us to install helical piers when traditional excavation and concrete footing work may be difficult or impractical.
That means winter doesn’t necessarily have to put your project on hold.
4. Why install helical piers during the winter?
Winter installation can give you a head start on your spring construction project.
For example, if you’re planning a deck, fence, porch, or other outdoor project for early spring, installing the helical piers during the winter can get the foundation work completed ahead of time. When spring arrives, your contractor can potentially move directly into the next phase of construction rather than waiting for footing installation and concrete curing.
Planning ahead can turn a spring project into a ready-to-build project.
5. What types of projects can helical piers support?
Helical piers are versatile foundation supports and can be used for a variety of residential and light-commercial applications. Depending on the project and required load, they may be used for:
- Decks and porches
- Fences and fence enclosures
- Additions
- Garages and accessory structures
- Walkways and elevated structures
- Structural repairs and footing support
- Other projects requiring stable, deep foundation support
Every site is different, so the appropriate helical pier size, depth, and configuration depends on the structure, soil conditions, and required load.
6. Do I need concrete footings for my deck or other outdoor project?
Not necessarily. Helical piers can be an alternative to traditional concrete footings for many projects, including decks, porches, fences, and other structures that require stable footing support.
Instead of excavating a large hole, placing a form and waiting for concrete to cure, a helical pier is mechanically installed into the ground to provide deep, stable support.
For Minnesota homeowners, helical piers can also offer an advantage in areas where frost movement, poor soil conditions, or settling can make traditional shallow footings more challenging.
7. Can helical piers be installed in the winter in Minnesota?
Yes. At Iserman Contracting & Excavating, we install helical piers year-round, including during Minnesota winters.
Gene Iserman has adapted our installation equipment to work in frost and frozen-ground conditions, allowing us to install piers when many traditional excavation and concrete projects have to wait for warmer weather.
That means you don’t necessarily have to wait until spring to get your project started.
8. Why would I install helical piers before spring?
Installing your footings in the winter can give your spring project a head start.
If you’re planning a deck, fence, porch, or other outdoor project for early spring, installing the helical piers during the winter can get an important part of the project completed before the ground thaws.
When spring arrives, your project can be ready to move forward rather than starting with excavation and footing installation.
For homeowners who are eager to enjoy that new deck when the weather warms up, getting the foundation work done ahead of time can make a big difference.
9. Will frost cause my deck or other structure to move?
Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles can be hard on structures. When water in the soil freezes and expands, it can cause soil to move, which may contribute to shifting, settling, or uneven footings.
Helical piers are installed deeper into the ground to reach stable bearing soil below the frost-affected zone. This makes them a strong option for projects where long-term stability is important.
The right pier depth and configuration depend on the project and site conditions, which is why proper installation matters.
10. Can helical piers be used if I already have a problem with settling or a failing footing?
They can often be used to provide additional or replacement structural support, depending on the situation.
If you have a deck, porch, addition, or other structure with a footing that has settled, shifted, or failed, helical piers may provide a way to establish new, stable support without relying on the existing footing.
Every situation is different, so the structure and soil conditions should be evaluated to determine whether helical piers are an appropriate solution.