Albuquerque

Helical piles in Albuquerque, New Mexico

New Mexico's main foundation hazard is soil that collapses when it gets wet. The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources reports that collapsible soils have affected developments from Velarde to Las Cruces and from Alamogordo to Socorro. Lawn irrigation, leaking pipes and septic systems can trigger collapse under homes.

Albuquerque's homeowner permit guide lists a 16-inch frost line depth and Seismic Design Category C. Clay layers and hard caliche can also affect how far a pile goes. Fixing the water source matters as much as the piers, since a leaking line can keep other parts of the house moving.

Typical jobs include deck and shed foundations, home additions, garages and cottages. Helical piers install without large excavations, which is useful on valley-margin and foothill lots where many collapse problems occur.

Helical pile companies serving Albuquerque

The directory lists one company serving Albuquerque.

• GoliathTech New Mexico: installs helical piers for decks, additions, garages and foundations in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe.

Costs and what to ask

HomeGuide reports installed helical piers typically cost about $2,000 to $4,000 each nationally. In New Mexico, deep loose soils or caliche can change pile length and installation time. Read our helical pier cost guide.

• Is a geotechnical report advised for collapsible soil, and who orders it?
• Does the quote include a test pile where caliche is likely?
• Will you provide torque logs for each pier?
• What shaft size and galvanizing are used, who pulls the City of Albuquerque permit, and what does the warranty say?

More New Mexico options are under New Mexico helical pile installers.