Helical Piles
Foundations First Northwest
(503) 610-6268
WA#FOUNDFN814CD, OREGON CCB#219837
Professional Helical Pile Installation
If your home is settling, floors are sagging, or cracks are spreading, helical piles (helical piers) can be a reliable way to stabilize the structure and transfer weight to deeper, more stable soil. They are installed by screwing steel shafts into the ground until they reach suitable bearing layers, helping stop movement and support long-term foundation stability.
Foundations First Northwest installs helical pile systems throughout the Portland Metro, Oregon Coast & Surrounding Areas. For a free estimate, we inspect the affected areas, identify the cause, and provide a written proposal outlining the recommended work.
Contact us today to request your free estimate.
Helical Piles and Your Foundation
When soil can’t reliably support the weight of a home, the foundation can settle unevenly. That settlement often shows up as:
-
Cracks in foundation walls or interior drywall
-
Doors and windows that stick or won’t latch
-
Uneven or sloping floors
-
Separating trim, cabinets, or gaps at joints
-
Sagging floors above crawl spaces
Helical piles work by transferring the load away from weaker surface soils and into deeper, more stable layers.
Warning Signs You May Need Helical Piles
If you are trying to spot early signs that helical piles may be needed, look for changes that suggest ongoing foundation movement. Common warning signs include cracks that widen or keep returning, doors or windows that start sticking, and floors that slope, dip, or feel uneven.
You may also notice small gaps forming around trim or where walls meet ceilings. If you see several of these at once, or they seem to be getting worse, it is worth having the foundation evaluated.
Cracks that keep getting worse (inside or outside)
Small cracks happen, but cracks that widen, lengthen, or keep coming back after patching are often a sign the foundation is still moving. Helical piles can stabilize the affected area by transferring the load to deeper, more reliable soil—helping stop ongoing settlement before the damage spreads.
Doors and windows that stick or don’t line up
When a foundation settles unevenly, the house frame can shift just enough to throw openings out of square. If doors rub, won’t latch, or windows become difficult to open/close, it can indicate structural movement. Helical piles may be recommended to support the settling side and prevent further shifting.
Sloping or sagging floors
Floors that feel uneven, dipping, or increasingly “off level” can point to loss of support below. Often from settlement along a perimeter wall, at a corner, or under a load-bearing area. Helical piles can underpin the foundation in those spots to restore stable support and protect the structure long-term
What Are Helical Piles
Helical piles are steel foundation elements with one or more helix-shaped plates. They are advanced into the ground by rotating the shaft until the pile reaches the target depth and capacity. Install torque is monitored as part of verifying installation performance.
Helical foundation systems are commonly evaluated under the ICC-ES acceptance criteria used for helical systems and devices
When Helical Piles Are a Good Fit
-
Foundation underpinning for settlement repair
-
Crawl space support where posts/footings are failing or floors are sagging
-
Additions and structural supports where deeper load transfer is needed
-
Sites where access is limited and a controlled installation is preferred
Every home is different. That’s why we start with a detailed inspection and a plan based on observed movement, layout, and site conditions.
Comprehensive Helical Pile Solutions
When you hire Foundations First Northwest for helical pile installation, you get a complete, start-to-finish approach:
Foundation Inspection and Diagnostics
We inspect the foundation and structure, take measurements, and identify where movement is occurring and why.
Repair Plan and Placement Layout
We determine pile locations based on load needs and the areas showing settlement or loss of support.
Helical Pile Installation
Helical piles are installed by rotating steel shafts into the soil to reach suitable bearing conditions. This method is designed to be controlled and measurable during installation.
Stabilization and (When Appropriate) Lift
In some cases, helical piles can help stabilize and may allow for controlled lift of settled areas. The right approach depends on the structure, the amount of movement, and the risk of cosmetic cracking.
Long-Term Protection Recommendations
If we see conditions that could contribute to ongoing movement (like poor drainage), we’ll call them out so you can address root cause, not just symptoms.
We also work with proven systems and partners used in the foundation industry, including Chance Helical.
Helical Pile Installation Questions: Answered
What are helical piles
Helical piles are steel shafts with helix plates that are rotated into the ground to support structures by transferring loads to deeper, stronger soil layers.
Are helical piles disruptive to install
Most installations are planned to minimize disruption. Because piles are installed by rotation (not driven by impact), it can reduce vibration and allow for a more controlled process in many settings.
Do helical piles work for crawl space floors that feel bouncy or sagging
Often, yes. Especially when the issue is inadequate support beneath beams/joists or settlement in supporting points. The right fix depends on what we find during inspection.
How do helical piles stop foundation settlement?
They add structural support by bypassing weaker near-surface soils and anchoring into more stable bearing layers, helping prevent continued downward movement.
How long do helical piles last?
When designed and installed correctly using evaluated systems, helical piles are intended as long-term structural supports. (We’ll review site-specific conditions and system options during your estimate.)
Why Choose Foundations First Northwest for Helical Piles
Homeowners throughout the Portland Metro choose Foundations First Northwest because we deliver:
-
Over 40 Years of Combined Experience
-
Clear explanations and straightforward recommendations
-
Quality materials and proven installation methods
-
Free, no-obligation estimates
-
Local knowledge across Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas County and surrounding areas
If you want a fix that’s designed to last (not a temporary patch) our team is ready to help.
Get Your Free Helical Pile Estimate
If you’re seeing signs of settlement or structural movement, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Contact Foundations First Northwest today to schedule a free inspection and estimate.
We’ll evaluate what’s happening, explain your options clearly, and recommend a helical pile plan when it’s the right fit for your home.
Call Us!
Free Helical Pile Estimates
Don’t let small foundation problems become major structural issues. Contact us today for your free inspection and estimate.
Client Testimonials
Here’s what our satisfied customers are saying:
Living U
Professional, timely and willing to share their knowledge and educate me and my clients on their specific issue and affordable options and not try to gouge them just because they have a nice house and a timeline to address the issue. Will definitely use them moving forward. They saved my seller’s thousands of dollars based on another bid we received.
Cindy K
FFNW
Learn More About
Foundations First Northwest
Watch Us
Youtube Channel
I am pleased with the services performed by Foundations First Northwest. Everyone I interacted with from the company, either on the phone or in person, was professional and polite. The job was finished within the time proposed. Pictures documenting the work was part of the package. The foreman, Lehi went above and beyond by giving explanations throughout the process.