Cabin Foundation Settlement - How Helical Piers Permanently Stabilize Your Cabin

Why do foundations settle and sink?

Foundation settlement is often caused by dry, shrinking soil in drought-like weather in combination with wet, soft soil in rainy weather. In warm drought years, similar to this summer's weather, the soil dries out and shrinks. This creates voids in the ground that the foundation will settle into. In combination with this, when the rain does come after a drought, the soil becomes soft and weak, causing the foundation to settle further. Other common causes for foundation settlement are the freezing and thawing of the soil, poorly compacted soil, and groundwater movement. 

In small structures like cabins, decks, and porches, these changes in the soil can result in more dramatic settlements than in larger structures. 

What are helical piers?

Helical Piers are steel piers that are used to permanently stabilize foundations of homes, cabins, decks, and other structures. As the name suggests, the piers are designed with helix-shaped blades that allow for the piers to be drilled into the ground. Helical piers are ideal for permanently stabilizing structures, whether the structure is light or heavy. Helical piers are a great option if you are looking to:

• Lift the cabin to its original position
• Stabilize the structure
• Have minimal disturbance during installation
• Permanently solve your cabin's foundation settlement issues

How do helical piers work?

Helical piers are drilled into the ground using hydraulic equipment in sections. Additional steel sections are added to the pier to drill the pier to the correct depth. Once the pier is at the correct depth, the steel foundation bracket is attached to the pier and to the foundation footing. This transfers the weight of the cabin onto the load-bearing soil deep beneath the cabin. This can also lift the cabin's structure back to its original position.

Schedule your free, no-obligation estimate for your cabin!

If you think helical piers are the right solution for your cabin, schedule a free, no-obligation estimate with one of our foundation repair Design Specialists, call 1-218-525-0720 in Duluth or 1-218-525-0720 in the metro, or fill out our Free Estimate Form here.