What are helical piles?

Helical piles are steel shafts with helical plates welded at intervals along the shaft. They are screwed into the ground using hydraulic equipment, much like a large screw. The helical plates provide bearing capacity in the ground, supporting the structure above.

When are helical piles used instead of traditional underpinning?

Helical piles are preferred when stable ground is too deep for mass concrete underpinning, when access is restricted, when vibration must be minimised, or when the ground contains voids or very soft layers that cannot support traditional foundations.

How deep can helical piles go?

Helical piles can typically be installed to depths of 15-20 metres, though deeper installations are possible with extension shafts. The depth is determined by ground conditions and the location of suitable bearing strata.

How are helical piles connected to existing buildings?

Helical piles are connected to existing foundations using steel brackets that are bolted or cast into the existing structure. For new builds, pile caps are cast on top of the pile heads to support the new foundations.

Are helical piles suitable for Cornwall's ground conditions?

Yes. Helical piles are well suited to Cornwall's variable geology, including areas with shallow mine workings, clay soils, and made ground. They can penetrate through poor ground to reach competent bearing strata at depth.

How much do helical piles cost?

Costs depend on pile length, diameter, number of piles, and access conditions. Typically, a residential helical piling scheme in Cornwall costs between £8,000 and £30,000. We provide detailed quotations after site investigation.

Helical Piling in Cornwall

Install helical piles to support foundations in difficult ground conditions — ideal for Cornwall's variable geology and restricted access sites.

Helical piling provides deep foundation support by screwing steel piles into the ground to reach stable bearing strata. This technique is particularly suited to Cornwall's challenging geology, where shallow mining voids, variable ground conditions, and restricted access are common.

Unlike driven piles, helical piles are installed with minimal vibration and noise, making them ideal for residential areas and sensitive sites. The installation process is quick, clean, and can be carried out in spaces where conventional piling rigs cannot access.

Our helical piling services cover new build foundations, underpinning existing structures, retaining wall foundations, and temporary works. Each pile is load-tested on site to verify its capacity before being connected to your structure.

If you're unsure whether helical piling is the right solution for your situation, our team can help. We assess every property individually and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the specific ground conditions, building construction, and cause of movement. Get in touch to discuss your situation.

What to Expect from Our Helical Piling Service

Every helical piling project we undertake follows a structured process designed to deliver the best possible outcome. It begins with a thorough site assessment where we examine the damage, investigate the ground conditions, and identify the underlying cause of movement. Only once we fully understand the problem do we design the repair solution.

During the works, we maintain clear communication with you at every stage. You'll know what we're doing, why we're doing it, and what to expect next. We work efficiently to minimise disruption while never compromising on quality. After completion, you'll receive full documentation including completion certificates, monitoring data where applicable, and comprehensive guarantees.

Our helical piling work is accepted by all major insurance companies. If you're making an insurance claim, we format our reports and documentation to meet insurer requirements, making the claims process as smooth as possible. Our insurance claim management service can handle the administrative side for you.

Why Choose Our Helical Piling Service

Low Vibration

Helical piles are screwed in, not hammered. This means minimal vibration and noise — important in residential areas and near sensitive structures.

Immediate Loading

Unlike concrete piles, helical piles can be loaded immediately after installation with no curing time required.

Tight Access

Compact installation equipment means helical piles can be installed in restricted access locations where conventional piling cannot reach.

Removable

If required in the future, helical piles can be unscrewed and removed, making them a sustainable foundation solution.

The Helical Piling Process

Our five-step process applies to all our services including helical piling. We start with a thorough assessment, carry out any necessary investigations, design a repair solution tailored to your specific situation, execute the works to the highest standard, and then make good all finishes.

Throughout the process, you'll have a single point of contact who manages everything from technical coordination to insurance liaison. This integrated approach ensures nothing falls through the gaps and the project moves forward efficiently. Many of our clients tell us that this coordinated service is one of the biggest reasons they chose to work with us.

We also work closely with structural engineers to ensure every helical piling project is properly designed and specified. This engineering oversight provides confidence that the solution will be effective and long-lasting, and produces the documentation that insurers and future property buyers expect to see.

Areas We Cover for Helical Piling

We provide helical piling services across all of Cornwall. Select your area below to learn more about our local service.

St Austell Truro Falmouth Penzance Newquay Bodmin Camborne Redruth Helston Liskeard Launceston Bude Saltash Wadebridge Padstow

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services

Helical Piling often works alongside other specialist services to deliver a comprehensive subsidence solution. Explore our related services below.

Underpinning Foundation Reinforcement Resin Injection Retaining Walls

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