Helical Pier Installation in Waterloo, IA

Waterloo homeowners and building owners know how quickly foundation problems can grow if left unaddressed. From seasonal moisture swings to pockets of soft soil along the Cedar River, structures in the Waterloo area often experience settlement, shifting, and uneven support – issues that only get worse with time.

Tomlinson Cannon has served Eastern Iowa since 1948, providing dependable foundation solutions rooted in experience, integrity, and craftsmanship. When a foundation begins to sink or shift, one of the most effective ways to stop the movement and restore stability is through helical pier installation.

Our team installs engineered helical pier systems designed for Iowa’s complex soil conditions, offering a strong, reliable way to lift and support foundations for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re dealing with cracks, sloping floors, or stubborn doors and windows, our helical pier solutions are built to last.

FAQ: Understanding Helical Piers

Below are some of the common questions we get from Waterloo homeowners who are hearing about helical piers for the first time.

Q: What exactly are helical piers?

A: Helical piers – also called screw piles or helical piles – are long steel shafts with one or more helix-shaped plates attached near the tip. These plates allow the pier to “screw” into the ground when driven by hydraulic equipment. Once installed deep into stable soil layers, they transfer the weight of your home or building away from unstable surface soils and onto firm, load-bearing strata far below.

Q: Why would my Waterloo home need helical piers?

A: Foundations rely on stable soil. But Waterloo’s geology includes layers of clay, silt, and fill that shift easily with moisture changes. If the soil under your home can’t support the load, the structure begins to settle unevenly. Helical piers bypass the problem soil and anchor your home into dependable ground, stopping movement and restoring structural integrity.

Q: Do helical piers work for both repairs and new construction?

A: Absolutely. Helical piers are used extensively in foundation repair (especially to lift sunken foundations), but they’re also ideal for new construction. Builders choose helical piers because they provide immediate load support, install quickly, and offer dependable strength even in areas with questionable soil. This makes them a smart choice for additions, decks, garages, and new builds in Waterloo.

Q: How long do they last?

A: High-quality helical piers, like the Grip-Tite® systems we install, are engineered to last the life of the structure. They are made of corrosion-resistant steel, installed to verified load-bearing depth, and require no ongoing maintenance.

Why Helical Piers Are a Smart Choice in Waterloo

Helical piers are particularly effective in areas where soil conditions change dramatically with weather, and Waterloo experiences exactly that. The region’s clay soils swell with moisture during wet seasons and shrink during dry periods. This expansion and contraction causes foundations to shift, settle, and crack.

Helical piers solve these problems because they:

• Anchor deep below seasonal soil movement
• Provide immediate load-bearing capability
• Install cleanly in tight areas or near existing structures
• Allow for controlled lifting of sunken areas
• Create a permanent, stable support system

Unlike shallow concrete footings, helical piers don’t rely on surface soils. That makes them an ideal match for Waterloo’s climate and soil profile.

Signs You May Need Helical Piers

Foundation problems rarely fix themselves. If you notice any of the following issues around your home or building, it may be time to schedule an evaluation:

• Horizontal or vertical cracks in foundation walls
• Cracking drywall or plaster inside the home
• Floors that slope or feel uneven
• Windows and doors that stick
• Gaps forming at the tops of walls
• Bowed, leaning, or bulging basement walls
• Visible sinking or settlement around the foundation perimeter

Even minor symptoms can signal a deeper problem underground. Our evaluations are honest, straightforward, and based on decades of experience – not sales pressure.

Our Helical Pier Installation Process

Tomlinson Cannon has refined our installation process over generations. Every step is designed to ensure stability, accuracy, and long-term performance.

1. Site Evaluation and Diagnosis

We begin with a detailed inspection of the structure, identifying settlement patterns and determining the root cause of movement. We measure, document, and map out the affected areas.

2. Engineering the Pier Layout

Each installation is planned according to the building’s load requirements, soil conditions, and the degree of settlement. We calculate the number, spacing, and depth of helical piers needed to permanently stabilize the structure.

3. Minimal Excavation

Small access holes are dug along the foundation where piers will be installed. This approach avoids the large-scale digging associated with traditional foundation repair.

4. Installing the Helical Piers

Using hydraulic equipment, we advance the steel pier shafts into the ground. As they rotate, the helical plates pull the pier downward until they reach load-bearing soil. We monitor torque levels during installation to ensure the pier is seated securely.

5. Lifting and Stabilization

If lifting is appropriate, we slowly raise the settled section of the foundation using hydraulic jacks. Once the home is returned toward its original position, we secure the piers with heavy-duty brackets to hold the structure in place.

6. Backfilling and Final Cleanup

After installation is complete, we backfill the access holes and leave the site clean, stable, and ready for normal use.

Upsides and Downsides of Helical Piers

Although we’ve addressed basic questions in the FAQ, many homeowners want a clearer comparison between helical piers and traditional poured concrete footings. Here’s how they differ:

Helical Piers Advantages

1. Dependable Support in Poor Soil

Concrete footings rely on the top few feet of soil, which are often the least stable. Helical piers bypass shallow soil entirely.

2. No Waiting for Concrete to Cure

Concrete can take days to reach load capacity. Helical piers support weight immediately, allowing work to continue without delays.

3. Minimal Disturbance

Because installation requires only small excavation points, the process is cleaner and faster than forming and pouring footings.

4. Effective Year-Round

Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycle limits when concrete can safely be poured. Helical piers install effectively in nearly any season.

5. Excellent Option for Lifting Structures

While concrete footings can stabilize new construction, they can’t be used to lift a sinking foundation. Helical piers can.

Helical Piers Disadvantages

1. Higher Material Cost

Steel piers cost more than concrete, though overall project expenses may balance because installation time is shorter.

2. Requires Specialized Training

Proper installation demands experienced technicians and hydraulic equipment; not all contractors are qualified.

3. Rocky Soils Can Be Challenging

While Waterloo doesn’t typically have severe rock layers, extremely dense rocky soil may make pier installation difficult.

Helical Piers for New Construction in Waterloo

Beyond foundation repair, helical piers are an excellent choice for:

• Room additions
• Decks and porches
• Garages
• Light commercial buildings
• Agricultural structures
• Elevated walkways
• Solar arrays

For builders, the biggest advantages are speed and certainty. There’s no waiting for concrete to cure, no worry about weather, and no risk of settling due to poor surface soil.

Why Homeowners in Waterloo Trust Tomlinson Cannon

Tomlinson Cannon has been stabilizing Eastern Iowa homes for more than 75 years. We approach every job with the same principles we were founded on – experience, integrity, and proven solutions.

When you choose us, you get:

• Clear, honest evaluations
• Decades of hands-on experience with Iowa soils
• Engineered pier systems designed for long-term stability
• Installation that meets or exceeds industry standards
• A local team committed to protecting your home from the ground up
• We don't rush jobs, oversell, or guess. We do the work the right way the first time.

Secure Your Foundation with a Proven Solution

If you’re seeing signs of foundation settlement or planning a new build in the Waterloo area, Tomlinson Cannon can help. Our helical pier systems provide permanent, reliable support backed by generations of expertise.

Protect your home with a solution that lasts.

Contact Tomlinson Cannon today to schedule an evaluation.