Portland

Helical piles in Portland, Oregon

Rain-soaked hillsides are one of Oregon's biggest foundation risks. The U.S. Geological Survey reports at least 1,700 landslides within Portland between 1928 and 2016, many in the West Hills. The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries publishes a homeowner's guide to landslides to help owners spot warning signs.

Helical piles reach firmer soil beneath loose colluvium with minimal excavation, which avoids adding water or spoil to a slope. West of the Cascades, the 12-inch minimum in the Oregon Residential Specialty Code usually controls, and engineered designs account for seismic loads from Cascadia earthquakes.

Helical pile companies serving Portland

One company is based in Portland.

• Concrete Lifting Solutions LLC: a concrete contractor in Portland; ask which foundation systems it installs before booking.

Costs and what to ask

HomeGuide reports typical installed prices of roughly $2,000 to $4,000 per pier nationwide. Oregon jobs on steep or wooded lots may cost more because of access and engineering. Read our helical pier cost guide for what a quote should include.

Questions to put to any installer:

• Is the pile layout stamped by an engineer for a sloped or landslide-prone lot?
• Will the crew log torque at every pile and hand over the log at the end?
• What are the shaft size and helix configuration, and how is the steel protected in wet ground?
• Is a permit required through the City of Portland, and who handles it? What does the warranty include in writing?

For the wider picture, see our page on Oregon helical pile installers.