Question 1

Are helical piers right for Oklahoma clay soil?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Our red clay swells when it's wet and shrinks when it's dry, and that movement happens in the upper layers of soil. Helical piers are screwed down through that active zone into firmer, stable soil below, so your home stops riding the clay up and down.

Question 2

Can steel piers fix settlement caused by drought?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Drought shrinks the clay and lets part of a foundation drop. By transferring the weight to piers that bear on stable soil or rock beneath the dry zone, we can stabilize the foundation and, in many cases, lift it back toward its original position.

Question 3

Are helical piers used for new construction?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Builders and engineers use them for slabs, home additions, porches and decks, garages, columns, and retaining walls. They carry load the moment they're installed, so there's no waiting on concrete to cure.

Question 4

How do you verify the load capacity of each pier?

Accepted Answer

With helical piers, we monitor installation torque on every pier — torque correlates directly to load capacity, so each one is confirmed as it goes in. With Atlas Resistance® Piers, each pier is driven to refusal and the hydraulic pressure is recorded, giving a measured support value for every location.

Question 5

Do I need an engineer's report or a permit?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the city and the scope of the work. Some repairs need a permit and some don't; larger or commercial projects often involve a structural engineer. We'll tell you what applies to your project and work with your engineer if you have one.

Question 6

Helical piers vs. resistance piers — which do I need?

Accepted Answer

Both are steel and both reach stable soil. Resistance piers use the weight of the house to drive them, so they suit heavier structures. Helical piers don't depend on structure weight, which makes them a great fit for lighter structures, slabs, porches, and new construction. After we inspect, we'll recommend the one that fits — and explain why.

Question 7

How long does foundation repair take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential repairs are completed in one to three days, depending on how many piers are needed and access around the home. We'll give you a realistic timeline with your quote.

Question 8

Do you offer warranties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We stand behind our work and offer warranties on our pier installations. We'll walk you through the warranty terms for your specific project before any work begins.

Question 9

Is the inspection and quote really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We'll come out, look at the foundation, explain what we see, and give you a written quote with no obligation and no pressure. If your foundation doesn't need work, we'll tell you that too.

Foundation Repair Questions, Answered

Let's take a look at your foundation.