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What You Need to Know About Helical Pile Foundations
First invented nearly 200 years ago, this incredible foundation solution is unlocking wild efficiency, economy, and durability for homeowners and contractors in Winnipeg and across Manitoba
But, don't worry if you're not familiar with the technology.
On this page, find out what you need to know about this fantastic foundation solution and how it can help your next project. Scroll down to reveal:
How A Helical Pile Works
See how the unique design of a helical pile unlocks your ability to build projects faster, easier, and for less money, compared to other foundation solutions
Pile Adapter
This adjustable adapter transitions from the helical pile to your structure. We have several styles of adapter to suit your needs.
Wind Lift
A wind lift secures to the top of the pile and allows for easy attachment of our adjustable adapters.
Pile Shaft
Manufactured from quality steel in Canada, the pile shaft forms a sturdy core for the helical pile.
Helix Plate
Helix plates deliver most of a helical pile's load capacity. The design eliminates soil disturbance and makes installation easy.
Pilot Point
A 45 degree angle at the end of the helical pile helps it penetrate tough soils and ensures pin-point accuracy.
What Can You Build On a Helical Pile Foundation?
Incredibly adaptable and delivering high-performance in a wild range of soil conditions, we can support your dream-projects on helical piles
Benefits of Helical Pile Foundations
Why are more people choosing helical pile foundations for their projects? There's a lot of reasons, but here's a few to consider
Built For Our Manitoba Climate
Our tough climate puts a huge amount of stress on your foundation. So, it's critical you have a solid footing. Helical piles are built to overcome our challenging conditions and protect your flagpole, sign, or light, from soil movement.
Approved By Engineers
Helical piles are recognised and accepted as a safe and reliable foundation by local and national engineers. In fact, helical foundations are included in international building codes and studied by universities across the world.
Fast, Efficient, Easy Installation
Time is money in your building project. The faster your foundation is ready to use, the sooner you'll be enjoying that new flag, sign, or light standard. Our experienced team can install your foundation in a single day and let you build faster
Zero Mess Or Damage To Your Property
While some foundations require extensive digging and disruption to your yard, helical piles are turned into the ground without displacing the soil. The result? No piles of dirt to haul away, torn-up landscaping, or concrete waste left behind
Environmentally-Friendly, Lower Carbon
Construction is a big contributor to carbon emissions, but an easy way to reduce your environmental footprint is to use helical piles. Not only can they be easily removed and 100% recycled someday, they output far fewer carbon emissions than concrete.
Can Be Installed In Almost Any Location
Our compact machines ensure that we can install helical piles for your flagpole, sign, or light, in practically any location. Working around tight-access spots and obstructions, we'll put your foundation exactly where it needs to go.
How a Helical Pile Foundation is Installed
Wondering what it takes to have a helical pile foundation installed for your project? Great news, it's a simple and streamlined process!
1. Design
Great foundations are built on great designs. The first step is to understand your project, soil conditions, and key considerations. This information is then used to engineer a perfect helical pile solution.
2. Install
Using special attachments on equipment like excavators, a helical pile is smoothly rotated into the ground with no disturbance. They can even be placed within inches of existing structures!
3. Finishing
After your helical piles are installed, special adjustable adapters are used on the top to make it a breeze to transition from the foundation to your structure. Simple, convenient, and accurate.
4. Success!
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your foundation will never shift, move, or fail. Beyond occasional inspection, helical piles require zero on-going maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Helical Pile Foundations
What are helical piles, exactly?
Helical piles are a type of deep foundation technology, comprised of a steel shaft with one or more "helical plates" welded to them. They're turned into the ground, somewhat like a giant screw, to reach firm and supportive layers of soil.
The pressure of the soil on the helix plates prevents the helical pile from moving up, down, or side-to-side. A durable and strong support for projects like home additions, decks, sunrooms, light commercial, and more!How much does a helical pile foundation cost?
The cost of your helical pile foundation depends on things like:● Size of helical piles required● Type of structure to be supported● Number of piles needed● Site location ● Ground conditions● Finishing work
That's why we can't offer a "one size fits all" answer. Some companies will give "ballpark" prices, but this often leads to headaches down the road. If you'd like an accurate estimate of the cost of your helical pile foundation, get in touch with our team!Why do people choose helical pile foundations?
There's an abundance of reasons to go with a helical pile foundation, here's just some of them:● No excavation● Faster to install● No cure time● More versatile● Zero mess● No ground disturbance● Great for tight spaces● Lower carbon emissions● More efficient and economical
What can you use helical piles to support?
Practically anything! Helical piles are used extensively throughout Manitoba for a wide range of projects. Here at Glawson Piling, we use helical piles for:● Decks & Patios● Sheds, Garages, Outbuildings● Home Additions● Boardwalks● Footbridges● Lightpoles● Car Ports● Stair Systems● And a whole lot more!
If you have a different project in mind for helical piles, get in touch and we'll be happy to help.Are helical piles approved by engineers?
Helical piles are absolutely approved by engineers, both here in Manitoba and across the world. They have a place in international building codes and are an accepted foundation solution for residential, commercial, and industrial construction.
Can I install a helical pile by myself?
Unfortunately you cannot install a helical pile on your own. It's a technical process that demands skill and experience to do properly. An improperly-installed helical pile will be much more likely to fail or be inaccurate. Plus, you need equipment like a special drive to rotate the pile into the ground.
The best thing to do is work with an experienced and trustworthy contractor to ensure your foundation is installed safely and correctly.What's the lifespan of a helical pile foundation?
The ultimate lifespan of a helical pile depends on several factors, such as moisture levels and soil corrosivity.
However, the Almita-brand piles we use at Glawson Piling are rated for a 50-year life, and could last far beyond that. There are structures in the world over 150 years old, still standing on a helical pile foundation.
Get In Touch With The Glawson Piling Team
Our friendly foundation professionals are always happy to answer your questions or offer advice on your foundation needs. Whether you prefer phone, email, or social media, here's how to connect with us...
Office
285 Gunn Rd Sunnyside, MB R5R 0C7
Hours
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 4 PM
Contact
(204) 201-1565moc.gnilipnoswalg%40selas