Toano

Helical piles in Toano, Virginia

Toano lies near Williamsburg, and the Virginia 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. Piers can be advanced through weak layers to reach better bearing, and installation is quick and clean.

Virginia leaves frost depth to each locality, with values generally between about 12 and 24 inches, and southern and coastal localities often use shallower depths. Confirm James City County's figure with the building office. Marine clay is a Northern Virginia issue and is not described for this area, so a soils report is the better guide here.

Typical Williamsburg-area jobs include foundation repair with helical or push piers, crawl space repair and waterproofing, often combined. Ask which pier type suits the load and soil, and why.

Helical pile companies serving Toano

One company in the directory is based in Toano.

• The Drying Co./ThermalTec: a Virginia waterproofing and insulation company that also installs helical and push piers for foundation repair in Greater Richmond, Williamsburg and Newport News. Helical evidence is limited.

Costs and what to ask

HomeGuide says helical piers typically cost about $2,000 to $4,000 each installed nationally. Virginia prices vary with soil, pier count and access. Our helical pier cost guide explains the factors.

• Is there a soils report, and does high groundwater change the design?
• Will you provide torque readings for the inspector?
• What galvanizing protects the steel in wet soil?
• Who pulls the permit, and what does the warranty cover?

Other Virginia companies are listed under Virginia helical pile installers.