Commercial Helical Piers in Charlotte, NC
When a building settles, cracks, or needs deeper support for new loads, helical piers (also called screw piles or helical piles) are one of the fastest, cleanest solutions available. Foundation Repair Services installs commercial helical piers in Charlotte and across the Carolinas for:
- Underpinning settled foundations
- Settlement arrest / stabilization
- New construction piles
- Uplift anchors
- Tieback applications
Call now: (704) 545-0206
Or request an appointment here.
Serving Charlotte and surrounding areas (including Pineville, Matthews, Concord, Huntersville, Mint Hill, and more)
Quick Answer: What Are Helical Piers?
A helical pier is a steel shaft with one or more helix plates that is rotated (screwed) into the ground until it reaches suitable bearing strata and the required capacity. Once installed, the pier is connected to the structure using engineered brackets, helping transfer load into stable soil.
Helical piers are a common choice when:
- Competent bearing soil is deeper below grade
- Access is tight (limited headroom or tight work areas)
- You need rapid installation and immediate load capability
Related deep foundation options:
Signs Your Commercial Building May Need Helical Pier Underpinning
If you’re seeing any of these, it’s time to get a foundation assessment:
- Step cracking in masonry or brick
- Interior drywall cracks that keep returning
- Doors/windows sticking or out of square
- Uneven floors or sloping slabs
- Separation at expansion joints
- Gaps around columns, canopies, or attached structures
Why Commercial Clients Choose Helical Piers
Fast installation + minimal disruption
Helical pier systems are typically quicker to install than many grouted alternatives, and you can often load the system immediately.
Torque-based capacity verification
Pier capacity is correlated to installation torque, which helps confirm performance during installation.
Tight-access friendly
Helical piers can be installed with relatively small equipment, making them ideal for constrained commercial sites.
Clean work site
Helicals produce minimal spoils compared with excavated systems.
Note: Helical piers are not ideal in every condition. In particular, they generally cannot be installed into/through rock, and buckling/lateral stability must be evaluated for certain soils and unbraced lengths. If rock or tough subsurface conditions are present, a micropile system may be a better fit:
Commercial Applications for Helical Piers in Charlotte, NC
We commonly install helical piers for:
- Underpinning for settled commercial foundations and slabs
- Structural support for additions and new loads (columns, canopies, mezzanines, equipment pads)
- Uplift resistance for certain structural conditions
- Tieback / anchoring applications (where engineered)
If your project is specifically a retaining wall or tieback scenario, see:
Tieback Anchors
Retaining Walls (Commercial)
Types of Helical Systems (Terminology Clarified)
You’ll hear multiple terms used interchangeably. Here’s what they typically mean on commercial projects:
Helical Piers
A general term for helical underpinning elements used for compression and/or tension support.
Screw Piers / Screw Piles
Common “jobsite language” referring to the same helical concept: a pile rotated into the soil instead of driven.
Helical Piles
Often used in new construction contexts, but frequently interchangeable with “helical piers.”
If you’re planning a new build or addition on challenging soils, start here:
New Construction Piles (Commercial)
Our Helical Pier Installation Process
- Site review + scope definition (repair vs new support vs uplift/tieback)
- Engineering coordination as required (load paths, bracket selection, spacing)
- Installation using torque motors to target capacity
- Bracket connection to footing/foundation/grade beams as designed
- Load transfer / stabilization per plan requirements
- Documentation and closeout for commercial project needs
Need broader deep foundation capabilities beyond helical?
Pile Services & Deep Foundation Repair
Why Foundation Repair Services
- Experienced in commercial foundation repair and deep foundation systems
- Serves commercial owners, property managers, and builders
- Regional expertise across North Carolina and South Carolina
Charlotte Contact
Foundation Repair Services
2008 Gateway Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208
(704) 545-0206
Request an appointment
More FAQs About Helical Piers
Are helical piers the same as screw piles?
Yes. “Helical piers,” “helical piles,” and “screw piles/piers” are commonly used interchangeably, depending on the project and region.
How deep do helical piers go?
Depth depends on soil conditions and required capacity. Piers are advanced until they achieve the specified capacity (often torque-correlated) and reach competent bearing.
Can helical piers be installed through rock?
Typically, no. If rock is encountered, micropiles are often a better solution:
How long does helical pier installation take?
Many commercial installations can be completed quickly relative to other deep foundation methods, and piers can often be loaded immediately after installation.
Do helical piers work for new construction?
Yes—helical systems are frequently used for new construction piles, especially in poor soils:
Get a Helical Pier Quote in Charlotte, NC
If your commercial foundation is settling—or your project needs deep support—our team can help you choose the right system and install it efficiently.
📞 Call (704) 545-0206
📅 Request an appointment