Helical Piers. What is needed for the successful introduction of helical piers in Guilford County, NC.

Abstract

In the face of a housing shortage and climate crisis, helical piers, a widespread technology used since the mid-1800’s, is a style of foundation that offers higher efficiency than traditional foundation types. This study focuses on why builders continually use traditional foundation building practices that take longer to install, require more skilled labor, and have larger embodied and operational carbon emissions associated with them, than building with helical piers. Currently the use of helical piers in new construction is non-existent in Guilford County, North Carolina. Interviews, a building performance survey, and observations allowed for the collection of data from homeowners, renters, building professionals, and building inspectors to better understand why this building technique has not been introduced. Outcomes are used to inform on the successful introduction of helical piers in Guilford County. The results revealed that most residents are unfamiliar with helical piers, contractors are nervous to try a new building system, and that Building Inspectors are open to more helical pier installations but see becoming a successful foundation system in Guilford County as a challenge. There are successful helical pier installers 100 miles south of Guilford County however, and the conclusion has recommendations on steps that can be taken to have a successful introduction of helical piers in Guilford County.