Helical Piers

Backed by 80 years of structural engineering experience, the A.B. Chance® Helical Pier Foundation System provides a safe, reliable, solid and cost-effective solution for unstable foundations.

 

Helical piers with steel shafts are screwed into the ground around the perimeter of the foundation until they reach a secure, stable soil level. Then the piers are attached to the foundation with adjustable brackets, and the weight of the home or building is supported by the steel piles. During this process the cracking and bowing of foundation, walls and floors is reversed. Once installed A.B. Chance® Helical Piers will prevent further structural damage from occurring, and no further maintenance is necessary.

 

A.B. Chance® Helical Piers can only be installed by a certified contractor such as FSI.

 

The immediate benefits of using the Helical-Piers are:

• Predictable Results
• Lower Installation Costs
• Installs in Any Weather
• Holds Design Load in Specific Soils
• Installs in Limited Access Situations
• Clean: no extensive excavation, waste removal or heavy equipment
• Versatility
• Faster Installation than other methods

 

A.B. Chance® Helical Piers are now commonly used in new home construction on sites with poor soil conditions to eliminate the risk of future foundation problems.

The Reinforcer®

 

Instead of expensive and aggressive structural reconstruction or unattractive steel reinforcing beams, FSI uses the Reinforcer®, a patented, state-of-the-art alternative to repair and support cracked and bowing basement or foundation walls.

 

The Reinforcer® composite systems are Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) made of carbon or glass fibers in an epoxy resin matrix specifically designed for strengthening Concrete and Masonry structures. (source: The Reinforcer® Stops Bowing Walls by Nationwide Reinforcing)

 

The Reinforcer® counteracts the exterior pressure on basement walls caused by underground sources, relieving the pressure on the bricks and mortar and stopping the cracking and bowing of basement walls. The buckling or bowing of basement walls is a common problem in Southeast Virginia due to the high moisture content in the soil. This is an even greater concern in those areas prone to flooding.

 

The Reinforcer® can be used on most foundation materials, including concrete, breeze blocks, brick or clay tile. It is an attractive, subtle alternative to ugly, ungainly steel reinforcing beams. And, at less that 1/16th of an inch thick, the Reinforcer® is almost unnoticeable when painted to match your walls. Best of all, the Reinforcer® costs considerably less than more invasive options.