GoliathTech University: Tutorial 16
Does your house seem to be showing signs of sinking or settling? Are you starting to see cracks in the bricks or concrete? In that case, you may need to consider underpinning. This technique helps reinforce your foundations for better stability over a longer period. If you've noticed anything unusual with your home, take the time to read this article. We might have the answers you’re looking for.
Topics covered in this article:
- What are the signs of a sinking house?
- Why choose helical screw piles?
- The steps for underpinning a house
- A quick installation
- The cost of underpinning

What are the signs of a sinking house?
The signs that your house might be starting to sink include:
- Cracks around the basement windows
- Cracks in your bricks
- Cracks in the drywall
- An uneven floor
- Recent water infiltration
If you have identified any of these points, it is likely that your house is experiencing issues with settling or sinking. Depending on the severity, prompt intervention is necessary. Underpinning a house is no small task!

Helical Piers: a wise choice
A house supported by underpinning relies on helical screw piles, a technique that involves anchoring steel piles into the ground to support and stabilize the structure. This method is particularly effective in addressing sinking issues. When signs of settling appear, such as cracks around basement windows, cracks in the brick or drywall, or an uneven floor, helical screw piles can reinforce the existing foundations and halt the progression of damage.
Helical screw piles are anchored deep into the ground until they reach a stable layer, distributing the weight of the house evenly and ensuring long-term stability.
Why choose helical piers?
Stability and Durability
Helical screw piles offer exceptional stability, even in the most challenging soils. They ensure a solid and durable foundation, reducing the risk of cracks and settling.
Quick and Efficient Installation
Unlike concrete foundations, helical screw piles can be installed within a few days or even hours, depending on the project. This method is non-invasive, minimizing disruptions to your property and land.

Steps to underpin a house
1. Consult your construction plans
The first step is to consult the original plans of your house to discuss effectively with an expert. A structural engineer will need these to determine the placement and maximum loads for the helical screw piles. Afterward, you can contact your nearest certified GoliathTech installer.
2. Installation of helical piers
With the necessary information, our certified GoliathTech installer will begin excavation around your foundation. Once the footing is exposed and prepared, the helical screw piles will be installed according to the engineering design and secured beneath the foundation footing. Our installer will use a hydraulic jack to ensure the footing is properly supported.
3. Finishing after underpinning
The final step involves filling the excavated areas and calling in the landscaper. This is the perfect opportunity for new flowers or ornamental plants. The main goal of underpinning is to ensure that the structure stops settling.

Quick Installation
During the installation of helical screw piles, our certified installers use specialized equipment to ensure an efficient setup in just a few hours. The process begins with a thorough soil assessment to determine the best location for each pile, taking into account the terrain's specific characteristics and the loads to be supported.
The steel piles are then screwed directly into the ground using advanced hydraulic machines, which ensure uniform and controlled penetration. This method avoids vibrations and shocks, preventing cracks or settling.
Moreover, this approach minimizes disruptions to surrounding structures, providing a durable and reliable solution for your construction projects.
Cost of Underpinning
The price to stabilize a foundation through underpinning depends on several key factors. One of the main determinants is the total area that needs to be supported: the larger the area, the higher the cost. The condition of the soil also plays a crucial role.
Stable and compact soil requires less complex interventions compared to clay or sandy soil, which might require longer and more numerous piles to ensure stability. The size of the house also influences the number of piles needed, and thus the total cost.
Finally, the severity of the settling is a major factor: significant settling may require a more intensive and therefore more expensive intervention. This is why it’s essential not to wait for the situation to worsen. The sooner you act, the more you can limit costs by avoiding more complex and costly work.
Conclusion
If you notice signs of sinking or settling in your home, it is crucial to act quickly.
At GoliathTech, we understand the importance of protecting your investment and ensuring the safety of your home. Our experts are here to provide you with a detailed evaluation and offer solutions tailored to your specific needs.
By choosing GoliathTech, you opt for peace of mind and a solid foundation for years to come.
Don't let a settling issue compromise the safety and value of your home.
Find a GoliathTech installer near you, and contact us to discuss your project. Together, we will help you transform your home into a safe and durable place where you can continue to build your dreams.
About GoliathTech
Since 2004, GoliathTech has been the most important manufacturer and installer in the helical (screw) pile industry worldwide. Our patented helical pile foundation system surpasses industry standards and has earned us multiple awards and prizes.
Carried out by certified installers, our quick installation process avoids excavation, which protects your landscape and allows you to begin building as soon as the piles are in the ground. Moreover, GoliathTech’s helical pile foundation can be anchored into any soil or space year-round. They are installed deep into the ground, beneath the frost line, to solidly support the structure in even the most extreme environments. Our technology guarantees that a helical (screw) pile foundation won't move or crack over time.
Integrating both strength and know-how, GoliathTech offers the best anchoring solution to support your residential, industrial, commercial, and municipal projects. Trust the experience and expertise of GoliathTech for your foundation projects. Find a certified GoliathTech installer in your region or become a franchisee.
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