Chesapeake

Helical piles in Chesapeake, Virginia

In Hampton Roads, the issue is low, wet ground. The state guide notes that in low-lying Tidewater areas, high groundwater can make open footing excavations difficult, which is another situation where screw-in piles save time. Helical piers can also pass through weak or reactive layers to reach better bearing, and installation is quick and quiet enough for established neighborhoods.

The Virginia Residential Code has footings extend below the frost line set by each locality, and values generally fall between about 12 and 24 inches, with southern and coastal localities often shallower. Fairfax County's deck details call for 24 inches, but that is a Northern Virginia figure, so confirm Chesapeake's. Waterfront piers, docks and boardwalks are typical Tidewater uses.

Helical pile companies serving Chesapeake

Two companies based in Chesapeake are listed.

• Hawk Crawlspace & Foundation Repair: Handles waterproofing, crawl space repair and encapsulation, foundation jacks and helical pier installation.
• Garbarino Construction: A family-owned pile driving and deep foundation contractor offering helical piles among auger cast, sheet, concrete, steel and wood piling.

Costs and what to ask

HomeGuide reports that helical piers cost about $2,000 to $4,000 each installed nationally, with about $3,000 typical. Virginia prices vary with soil, pier count and access. See our helical pier cost guide for the main cost drivers. Questions to ask:

• How does the design handle high groundwater at this site?
• Will you provide installation torque logs?
• What galvanizing protects the steel in wet or brackish soil?
• Who pulls the Chesapeake permit, and what does the warranty cover?

Nearby listings include Norfolk and Virginia Beach. See all Virginia helical pile installers.