How Do Helical Piers Help Fix My Cracked Foundation?

When your Maryland home's foundation develops cracks or bows, it's a structural issue that can be the start of a cascade of other problems. Cracks in your concrete foundation can lead to water intrusion, resulting in mold growth and indoor air quality problems, and even compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and maintain the safety and value of your property. One of the best ways to do this is by stabilizing your foundation with helical piers, which are driven deep into the soil and anchored to stable earth. This stabilization is essential to halt further damage and restore your home's structural integrity.

Why Stabilizing Your Foundation NOW Matters

Stabilizing your foundation is not just about fixing current problems; it’s about securing the future of your home. Foundation cracks and bows are likely to only get worse, and waiting to fix the issue will become more and more difficult and expensive as time goes on.

What Are Helical Piers and How Are They Installed?

Helical piers, a key component in our foundation repair services, are long tubes with helical blades that make them resemble giant screws. Here’s how they are used to stabilize your home’s foundation:

1. Site Assessment: Before installation, a thorough examination of the foundation and soil conditions is conducted. This step determines the depth at which the piers must be installed to reach stable soil.
2. Pier Positioning: Helical piers are positioned at strategically determined locations around the foundation to ensure even distribution of the load.
3. Driving the Piers: Using hydraulic machinery, the piers are driven into the ground.
4. Load Transfer: Once the piers reach the desired depth, heavy-duty brackets are attached to the foundation and the top of each pier. This step is crucial as it transfers the weight of the foundation from the unstable soil to the piers.
5. Foundation Stabilization: With the weight of the foundation now supported by the piers, adjustments are made to stabilize and, if possible, lift the foundation back to its original position.
6. Site Clean-up: After the installation, the site is cleaned, leaving minimal impact on the surrounding landscape.

How Do Helical Piers Fix Cracked Foundations?

Helical piers effectively address cracked foundations by providing a solid support system. They transfer the weight of your home from the unstable soil, prone to shifting and settling, to the more stable, deeper soil layers. This transfer not only stops further cracking but also helps close existing cracks and straighten bowing walls, restoring your foundation's strength and stability.

The Importance of Working with a Whole-Home Contractor on Foundation Problems

Dealing with foundation issues is not just about the immediate repair; it's about understanding and addressing the root cause. As a whole-home contractor, our approach encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of your home. We know that foundation problems can result from water and moisture issues or because of the clay soil common to the Eastern Shore and Annapolis area, leading to further issues like crawl space problems, structural damage, and mold growth.

Our expertise in building science allows us to provide solutions that not only fix your foundation but also enhance the overall health, safety, and durability of your home.

• Addressing the Root Cause: Often, foundation issues stem from water and moisture problems. Proper diagnosis is key to effective repair.
• Beyond the Foundation: We look at your home holistically, considering crawl space encapsulation, waterproofing, and structural repairs.
• Mold and Indoor Air Quality: Mold growth from foundation leaks can lead to health concerns. Addressing this is part of our comprehensive approach.
• Energy Efficiency and Comfort: Our solutions aim to make your home more comfortable as well as more affordable to heat and cool.

Choosing the right foundation repair method and contractor is crucial. Helical piers offer a reliable, long-term solution for foundation stabilization. As Maryland’s leading whole-home contractor, the team at Total Home Performance can ensure that every aspect of your home's well-being is considered, offering solutions that go beyond just foundation repair. Trust us to bring our building science expertise to your home, ensuring it is healthy, safe, energy efficient, comfortable, and durable.

Spotted a crack in your foundation? Call 410-822-1390 or contact us online to talk to your local whole-home experts about solving the problem for good.