Sandston

Helical piles in Sandston, Virginia

Sandston is in Henrico County just east of Richmond, where the state guide notes Piedmont clays around Richmond. Northern Virginia has a specific problem soil, marine clay, that Fairfax County's homeowner's guide describes as shrink-swell clay that can cause poor foundation support, while Hampton Roads has low, wet ground.

The Virginia Residential Code has footings extend below the frost line set by each locality, with values generally between about 12 and 24 inches. Helical piers can be advanced through weak or reactive layers to reach better bearing, and installation is quick and quiet enough for established neighborhoods. Counties may ask for an engineer's design on problem soils.

Helical pile companies serving Sandston

One company is based in Sandston.

• Technical Foundations: a deep foundation contractor offering helical piles, micropiles, auger cast piles and shoring across Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Costs and what to ask

HomeGuide reports typical installed prices of roughly $2,000 to $4,000 per pier nationwide. Virginia prices vary with soil, pier count, and access. Read our helical pier cost guide for what a quote should include.

Questions to put to any installer:

• Will a licensed engineer design the piles for Piedmont clay, and can you see the calculations?
• What installation torque will be logged for each pile, and will you receive the torque records?
• What shaft diameter and wall thickness are proposed, and is the steel galvanized in clay?
• Who pulls the permit with Henrico County, and what does the written warranty cover?

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