Oklahoma City

Helical piles in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Expansive soil is the main foundation concern in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Geological Survey notes that more than 75 percent of the state's bedrock units are possible sources of expansive soils, and that smectite clays can swell to 1.5 to 2 times their dry volume when wet. Wet springs followed by hot, dry summers drive repeated heave and settlement under slabs and footings.

Helical piers let a contractor reach soil below the most active clay zone and verify capacity with installation torque, often without large excavations around a finished house. Oklahoma's adopted code leaves the frost line to the local jurisdiction, and Oklahoma City and Tulsa commonly use 18 inches, according to a compilation by FootingDepth. Confirm the number with the city. Helical anchors can also resist uplift on carports and storm shelters when an engineer designs them for it.

Helical pile companies serving Oklahoma City

Two companies based in Oklahoma City are listed.

• Vesta Foundation Solutions: A foundation repair company offering helical and push piers, foundation wall repair, waterproofing and concrete repair.
• Torcsill Foundations LLC (Oklahoma City, OK): A helical pile and anchor company serving energy, industrial, marine, power and renewable projects with engineering, manufacturing and installation.

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. Oklahoma jobs vary with the number of piers, depth to stable soil and access. See our helical pier cost guide for the main cost drivers. Questions to ask:

• Does a local soils report show how deep the active clay zone extends on this lot?
• Will the engineer account for uplift on the shaft in swelling clay?
• Will you give me torque logs for each pier?
• What shaft size and galvanizing are used, and what does the warranty cover?

Nearby listings include Norman and Tulsa. See all Oklahoma helical pile installers.