How Utah Screw Pile Ensures Integrity and Accuracy
When it comes to installing helical piles, precision matters. The deep foundation elements of your project are not easy to double check; which is why choosing the right helical pier contractor is an important step in your deep foundation build. The torque load applied during installation directly correlates to the axial load a pile can safely bear; meaning: The tighter the helical pier, the more weight the pier can hold. This critical relationship requires accurate calculations and careful adherence to installation protocols. Its a simple concept, but adhering to this formula is what seperates a quality helical pier from a subpar contractor. Compromises in the torque of a helical pier can lead to devastating structural failures. (Draper, Utah 2023 Article)
The Importance of Torque and Load Multipliers
Before we dive into criteria for the right contractor, lets discuss torque readings for determining a helical pile’s load-bearing capacity. Each pile has a torque-to-capacity ratio, which translates the installation torque into a reliable axial load (weight) value. While this calculation might seem straightforward, errors can arise from inexperience or negligence. An operator might miscalculate, mis read or even fail to record a torque reading altogether. When faced with time pressures or challenging soil conditions, some installers may adopt a “good enough” approach, leaving the site without verifying the pile’s load capacity or even pile location. This attitude undermines the structural integrity of the entire foundation, posing significant risks to the quality of the project.
At Utah Screw Pile, we use a digital torque monitoring system to continuously measure torque throughout the full installation of each pier. Our digital torque indicators are calibrated every year, with testing records available upon request. Some contractors still rely on outdated pressure gauge systems that estimate torque based on hydraulic pressures of the tractor. While cheaper, this method requires regular recalibration, are subject to hydraulic leaks and is documented as the least accurate method to measuring torque during the helical pier installation.
The Cost of Inexperienced Helical Pier Installers
National franchises often market themselves as cost-effective or the sole alternative to concrete footings on decks; but this can come at the expense of experience and attention to detail. This is especially problematic in areas like Utah, where diverse geological conditions demand tailored solutions on every installation. Unlike international franchises, Utah Screw Pile doesn’t settle for one-pier-fits-all solutions, Instead, our team is lead with over a decade of experience in drilling all over the western US. Every job is unique; and a wide selection with quick availability is how Utah Screw Pile stays poised to utilize the BEST solution and maintains a top tier while you are choosing the right helical pier contractor.
Licensed Contractors
In addition to technical expertise, it’s crucial to ensure your helical pier installer is properly licensed in the state of Utah and certified by a reputable US based certification program like ours. Hiring a licensed contractor means you’re working with a professional who has met state-mandated requirements, carries appropriate insurance, and is accountable to the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Unlicensed installers or national franchises may offer cheaper bids, but leave you vulnerable to substandard work with no legal recourse. Before starting your project, always verify your contractor’s status by searching the Utah DOPL License Lookup. It’s a small step in choosing the right helical pier contractor that will protect your project from costly mistakes.
IBC-Certified Materials, Tailored to Your Project
We pride ourselves on the expertise of our certified crews. Whether your project requires custom caps, owner provided cross-bracing, or specific CHANCE® hardware, we ensure every component is precisely suited to your needs. Choosing the right helical pier contractor means access to the full range of CHANCE® products and a responsive 4-day availability of every CHANCE® product, we are equipped to deliver solutions that meet and exceed industry standards.
All CHANCE® products are ICC-ES certified and fully compliant with the International Building Code (IBC), ensuring engineers, inspectors, and project owners can trust the performance and documentation of every pile. You can review the official ICC-ES Evaluation Report (ESR-2794) for details on certification standards and approved applications. Beyond standard CHANCE components, Utah Screw Pile also offer custom brackets, caps, and configurations tailored to your site conditions. This is true whether you’re underpinning a shifting foundation or anchoring a deck in expansive clay. CHANCE® products are proudly manufactured in Centralia, Missouri, which not only supports U.S. jobs but also ensures stable availability and shields your project from overseas tariffs or unexpected delays in the global supply chain.
Why Choosing the Right Helical Pier Contractor Matters
Choosing Utah Screw Pile means partnering with a team that prioritizes accuracy and integrity. We meticulously verify torque readings digitally on every pier we install. We also ensure proper loads, and refuse to leave a site until every pile meets the required specifications as designed. Our commitment to quality eliminates the risks of “good enough” installations, providing you with a foundation you can trust. Don’t compromise the integrity of your foundation. Trust Utah Screw Pile to deliver reliable, certified helical pier installations tailored to your project’s unique needs. Contact us today by phone, email, or through our website’s contact form to discuss your project and ensure your foundation’s long-term stability.