Summary
Helical and screw pile foundations are fast to install, even during winter, mess-free, incredibly strong, stable, and eco-friendly. However, they do have limits, as they require proper installers and specialized machinery. While each pile costs between 200$ to 300$, the initial investment might surprise clients. But over time, this is one of the most economical foundation types, built to last for decades.
Are you planning on building a deck, a backyard shed, or even a house? If you don’t want to spend weeks excavating, pouring concrete, and waiting for it to cure, there is a fair chance that helical and screw piles might just be your answer.
These modern foundation systems offer strength, stability, and a significantly faster installation. However, before you hire anybody, let’s explore what they really are, the advantages, the disadvantages, and how much you can expect to pay.
- In this article, we help you decide if helical and screw piles are the right fit for your project’s foundation.
What is a helical and screw piles foundation?
Picture giant metal screws with a helical blade at their tip. Drilled deep into the ground, they together hold up entire structures.
Made of anti-corrosion steel, these piles are turned into the soil using specialized hydraulic machinery. Firmly anchored into almost any kind of soil, they eliminate the need for massive concrete footings. Once in place, they support decks, cottages, home extensions, and full houses.
The beauty of it is that they’re quick to install, even during the colder winter months, cause minimal disturbance to your yard, and you are able to build right away. You don’t have to wait for anything to dry. This modern process is an efficient alternative to traditional foundations.
Advantages of helical & screw piles foundation
Helical and screw piles aren’t just another building trend. Introduced in the 1900s, they genuinely make life easier for both homeowners and contractors.
If you want to learn more, here’s why so many people are now choosing them over traditional foundations:
Fast installation
No waiting for concrete to cure, and if you didn’t know, you can build the same day they’re installed.
Minimal mess and disturbance
Forget giant holes and mountains of dirt. The ground stays neat, and your landscaping barely notices.
Year-round installation
Yes, they can be installed even in frozen ground, which is perfect for Canada’s unpredictable weather.
Incredibly strong and stable
Designed to handle light and heavy loads, they offer long-lasting support for many projects.
Easy to adjust, remove or reuse
If you ever need to move or reuse them for another project, it’s surprisingly doable and straightforward.
Eco-friendly
Compared to other types of foundations, there is way less soil disruption. That means a smaller environmental footprint.
Quick installation and minimal excavation
One of the biggest advantages of helical and screw piles is how fast they turn into a full, strong foundation. With that statement, we are talking hours, not days. Can you imagine? You can have a complete foundation built in half a day.
How does that work?
- After assessing the soil conditions, the project, and the construction plan, a specialized crew shows up.
- With a small hydraulic machine, they line up the piles and anchor them one by one into the ground.
- During the install, there are no big holes, no concrete trucks, no messy site.
The whole process is so clean that your lawn or landscaping barely looks disturbed. Even better, you can start building right after the last pile is installed. That means no downtime for your project and more time actually enjoying it. That’s life-changing, right?
Strong load-bearing capacity
Do not let their simple appearance fool you. Pile foundations are very surprising when it comes to strength. Anchored solidly into the ground, this system provides any structure with a rock-solid base that won’t budge.
Very adaptable, these piles can handle light but also heavy loads without breaking a sweat. Because they are screwed right into stable soil layers, below the frost line to be precise, they distribute the weight evenly and keep everything steady, even on tricky or uneven ground.
Suitable for various soil conditions
One of the coolest things about helical and screw piles is how suitable they are. What is your ground made of?
- Sand
- Clay
- Rock
The soil composition isn’t a problem. In fact, without relying on the perfect soil, these piles actually work with the natural ground underneath. They find their grip and hold tight.
With the know-how of a professional team, a customized solution is provided to suit your specific soil conditions and project needs. In that way, maximum stability is ensured, always.
This characteristic makes them a lifesaver in places where traditional foundations struggle or require expensive preparation work. Drilled deep down, they bypass weak or unstable layers and are anchored into very solid soil.
Disadvantages of helical & screw piles foundation
While helical and screw piles have a lot going for them, they’re not perfect for every situation. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Upfront cost
While they are cheaper in the long term, they sometimes are pricier initially compared to some traditional foundations, especially for smaller projects.
Not always ideal for super rocky ground
If your soil is packed with huge boulders, installing piles can get tricky or even impossible. To evaluate the feasibility, a professional opinion is needed.
Need for specialized equipment
You can’t just do it yourself with a drill. The installation requires hydraulic machinery and experienced operators.
Load limits
While strong, they have limits. Extremely heavy industrial projects might need something more heavy-duty.
Higher initial cost in some cases
It’s no secret. Helical and screw piles might occasionally cost more upfront compared to traditional concrete footings, but not always.
This is mainly because the materials are steel, and the installation needs specialized equipment and skilled hands. For smaller jobs or simpler soil conditions, the cost difference might make you pause. But here’s the thing. That initial investment pays off with:
- Faster installation times
- Less landscaping damage
- No waiting around for concrete to dry
- No maintenance, no repairs
- Longer lifespan
When you look at the whole picture, it actually is a smarter choice for many projects.
Not always ideal for very rocky ground
If your land is composed of bedrock just beneath the surface, it might complicate the installation.
While the professionals, have over time, developed proper drilling techniques compatible with rocky ground, the crew might need to add steps to the process. Blasting or pre-drilling to clear a path adds some extra time, and the cost is likely to increase.
However, for some foundations, hitting a large rock can stop the process cold or even damage the pile itself. So before committing to screw piles, if your land feels more like an obstacle, it’s worth getting an expert’s opinion.
Requires specialized installation equipment
To be properly installed, these bad boys need a special hydraulic machine. That means you’ll need a team that knows what they’re doing and uses the right gear.
This specialized setup isn’t something every contractor has on hand, which limits the options. However, when you hire the right knowledgeable company, and there are plenty, you don’t have to worry about that.
To help you find the right installers, you can count on our free referral services, as you are only one click away from reliable companies.
Helical & screw piles prices : How much do they cost?
Are you wondering what it could cost to get helical or screw piles under your project this year? Well, prices vary quite a bit depending on the structure you plan to build, its weight, the size and depth of the piles you need, and your soil conditions.
What is the average price per pile?
- On average, expect to pay between 200$ and 300$ per pile.
The total cost includes the piles, installation, specialized equipment and skilled installers. However, to get a real price, you should definitely get a few quotes from local experts and compare them. That way, you get a fair price and know exactly what to expect for your foundation investment.
What factors affect the cost of helical & screw piles foundation?
The price of your helical or screw pile foundation isn’t set in stone. It depends on a bunch of things, like:
- Soil type
- Pile size and depth
- Project size and load
- Access to the construction site
- Local market
- Company pricing policies
In addition to the price per pile, don’t forget to factor in any extras like site preparation or accessibility challenges that can add a few hundred dollars to the total. Knowing these helps plan and understand better when you get your quotes.
FAQ - Helical & screw piles foundation
How long do helical piles last?
Helical piles are built to last. Made from galvanized steel, they resist rust and corrosion, which means they easily hold strong for 75 years or more, especially with proper installation.
Since they’re screwed deep into the soil, they don’t shift or settle like some traditional foundations. Built tough and ready to support your project through decades of weather, wear, and time, investing in helical piles offers long-term peace of mind.
Can helical piles be removed, reused and recycled?
Yes! One of the tricks about helical piles is that they can be unscrewed and removed if needed. Unlike permanent concrete footings, these piles can be taken out of the ground with the right equipment.
That means if you need to relocate your structure or fix something underneath, you won’t have to do it all over again. Reusing piles isn’t always practical for every job, but the option is there, making them a flexible and eco-friendly foundation choice.
Are screw piles better than concrete footings?
It depends on your project, but screw piles offer some serious advantages over traditional concrete footings. They install faster, create less mess, and you can build on them right away.
Plus, they’re suitable for tricky soils and frozen ground. In most residential or light commercial cases, screw piles win for speed and convenience. To answer this question properly, always check with a professional to choose what suits your land and needs best.
Get free quotes for your helical & screw piles foundation!
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