Helical Pier Installation in Iowa City, IA

Foundation problems are nothing new to homeowners and building owners in the Iowa City area. Between the area’s variable clay soils, steep-grade neighborhoods, older housing stock, and the rapid freeze-thaw cycles common to Johnson County, structures can experience settlement that slowly worsens over time. When that happens, you need a solution engineered to provide dependable long-term support, not a temporary patch.

Tomlinson Cannon has been stabilizing foundations across Eastern Iowa since 1948, and we continue to rely on one of the most proven approaches for long-term structural support: helical pier installation. Our team uses Grip-Tite® foundation pier systems, known for their strength, corrosion resistance, and reliable performance in challenging soil conditions.

If your foundation is sinking, cracking, or showing signs of settlement, our helical piers provide a permanent way to anchor the structure into solid, load-bearing earth. When installed correctly, they halt downward movement, restore stability, and protect your home for the long haul.

Why Helical Piers Are a Strong Choice in Iowa City

Iowa City’s geology features a range of soil types – from expansive clays to loose fill – paired with seasonal moisture changes that cause soil to shift, shrink, and soften. These conditions make shallow concrete footings vulnerable. Over time, the support beneath the foundation weakens, leading to cracks, sloped floors, sticking windows, or visibly sunken areas of the home.

Helical piers bypass these problem soils entirely. Because they are screwed deep into stable soil layers, they:

• Transfer the weight of your home to solid, undisturbed material
• Prevent further settlement
• Offer immediate load-bearing strength
• Allow controlled lifting of sinking sections
• Provide long-term stability unaffected by weather or moisture

Whether you’re in an older neighborhood close to downtown, a modern subdivision on the east side, or a rural property in the surrounding area, helical piers provide the dependable support your foundation needs.

Our Helical Pier Installation Process

Tomlinson Cannon’s approach is built on decades of hands-on experience and a commitment to doing the job right the first time. Here’s what you can expect during a typical installation:

1. On-Site Evaluation and Diagnosis

We begin with a thorough inspection of the affected areas. We examine cracks, measure settlement, assess soil conditions, and determine exactly where support is failing.

2. Custom Pier Layout

Based on the building’s needs, we design a pier plan that identifies the placement, depth, and number of piers required. Each Grip-Tite® pier is installed to meet strict load requirements, ensuring long-term structural reliability.

3. Small-Scale Excavation

To access the foundation, we dig small holes along the exterior wall. Because the equipment is compact and targeted, this process is far less disruptive than traditional foundation repair.

4. Installing the Grip-Tite® Foundation Piers

Using hydraulic drive equipment, we screw each steel pier shaft deep into the ground. Torque readings are constantly monitored to confirm the pier has reached stable, load-bearing soil.

5. Stabilization and Lifting

If the foundation has sunk, we carefully lift it back toward its proper elevation using hydraulic jacks. This process requires precision, and every adjustment is made slowly to prevent stress on the structure.

6. Bracket Attachment and Permanent Support

Once the foundation is stabilized, each pier is connected to the footing using a strong, engineered bracket. This transfers the building’s weight to the pier system.

7. Backfilling and Site Restoration

Finally, we fill in the excavated areas and leave the site clean and stable.

When You Should Consider Helical Piers

Some signs of foundation settlement are obvious. Others are easy to overlook until they become severe. In Iowa City homes – particularly older homes or homes built on sloping lots – the following symptoms often point to a need for helical pier installation:

• Stair-step cracks in brick or foundation walls
• Uneven or sagging floors
• Gaps between walls and ceilings
• Doors or windows that suddenly become difficult to open or close
• Cracks in drywall
• A visible drop or slope along the foundation perimeter
• Leaning or bowing basement walls

Settlement rarely resolves on its own. The earlier the underlying cause is addressed, the better the long-term outcome.

Benefits of Using Grip-Tite® Helical Piers

Tomlinson Cannon installs Grip-Tite® foundation solutions because they deliver results that match our standards for durability and performance. These systems are:

• Engineered for precision – torque monitoring ensures proper depth and load capacity
• High-strength materials – built to endure decades of stress and soil movement
• Corrosion-resistant – designed for longevity in moisture-prone environments
• Proven – used in both residential and commercial applications nationwide
• Versatile – ideal for both repairs and new construction projects

When your foundation relies on the quality of the pier, shortcuts simply aren’t an option. Grip-Tite® products ensure the structural integrity we promise.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Helical Piers

While helical piers are one of the strongest foundation solutions available, we believe in giving you a clear picture of the pros and cons.

Upsides

1. Immediate Structural Support. Helical piers support the building as soon as installation is complete; no curing time required.
2. Effective in Poor or Unpredictable Soil. Because they anchor deep below troublesome layers, shifting soil near the surface no longer affects the foundation.
3. Cleaner, Faster Installation. No large excavation equipment. No concrete trucks. Minimal disruption to the property.
4. Works in Most Weather Conditions. Cold, wet, or hot weather can delay concrete work. Helical piers can be installed during most Iowa seasons.
5. Capable of Lifting Structures. Concrete footings can hold a structure up, but they can’t raise one that has already settled. Helical piers can.

Downsides

1. Higher Upfront Material Costs. Steel components cost more than concrete, but the long-term reliability can reduce overall expense.
2. Requires Skilled Installers. Improper installation can compromise the entire system, so choosing an experienced team matters.
3. Not Ideal in Highly Rocky Soil. Though uncommon in Iowa City, dense rock layers can interfere with installation depth.

FAQ: Common Questions About Helical Piers

What are helical piers made of?

They are made of heavy-duty steel shafts with helix-shaped plates welded near the tip. These plates allow the pier to screw deep into the soil until it reaches strong, stable ground.

Will the installation damage my yard?

Minimal excavation is required – usually small holes along the affected foundation areas. Compared to traditional excavation for concrete footings, the disturbance is significantly smaller.

Can you lift my foundation back to level?

In many cases, yes. Once the piers reach load-bearing depth, we can use hydraulic jacks to gently raise the settled portion of the structure.

How long do helical piers last?

Grip-Tite® foundation piers are engineered to last the life of the structure. They are corrosion-resistant and deeply anchored in stable soil.

Why Iowa City Trusts Tomlinson Cannon

Since 1948, Tomlinson Cannon has provided dependable service grounded in craftsmanship, integrity, and experience. We’ve worked on homes throughout Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and beyond – each with its own soil challenges and foundation concerns.

When you choose us, you get:

• A straightforward evaluation from seasoned professionals
• Engineered solutions backed by Grip-Tite® products
• Installation informed by decades of local experience
• No-pressure recommendations and clear communication
• A foundation repair approach that focuses on doing the job right – not doing the job twice

We’re a local company built on long-term relationships and long-term results.

Strengthen Your Foundation with a Proven Solution

If your Iowa City home is showing signs of settlement or you’re planning a construction project that requires dependable load support, helical piers may be the right choice.

Protect your home with a foundation system built to last

Contact Tomlinson Cannon today to schedule your evaluation.