In Winnipeg, Red River clay is prominent. In and around the city, the soil can range from clay to sand, depending on the specific area. Building and foundation work in Winnipeg can therefore be quite challenging because of drainage and compaction issues.
Helical piles are a foundation solution that can help you overcome these challenges.
- In this article, we explore the market for helical piles in Winnipeg, including the basics and the costs of screw piles, the installation process, and major companies in the area.
Keep reading to find out if your project is a good candidate for a helical pile foundation and how much you should budget.
Find a Friendly Team to Install Your Helical Pile Foundations in Winnipeg
Do you have a specific construction project in mind? If so, you may not have all the skills required to build it from A to Z. Porches, decks, home additions, and many other structures can be built on helical piles in Winnipeg. You only need to find a good installer.
Professionals will know what type of piles you need and use the appropriate methods to install them. For example, if you are building a 12′ x 12′ wooden porch, it will not have to bear the same weight as if you were building a large home addition, even if you’re adding a roof or a pergola to your porch.
- In order to get the job done well, you should hire experienced contractors. But do not go with the first one you find. Take the time to get quotes from at least 3 helical pile installers in Winnipeg.
What Is The Cost Of A Typical Helical Pile?
Piles are usually made of galvanized steel. They can be of various diameters (from about two to six inches) and lengths, and there’s also a range of plate sizes from a few inches to over two feet. In short, there is a multitude of possible combinations, which means prices vary widely.
For example, let’s examine a 2 3/8″ helical pile, 10 feet long with a 12-inch helix plate, that can support 5,000 lbs in average Winnipeg soil. These helical piles cost about $300 per pile (material and labor).
- A medium-sized patio could use this type of pile. If the patio requires 4 to 6 piles, the total installation would range from $1,200 to $1,800.
Most residential projects can be achieved using this type of helical pile. Below you will find a table representing prices for different load-bearing capacities.
| Load | Price per pile, installed |
|---|---|
| 5,000 lbs | $300 |
| 10,000 lbs | $400 |
| 15,000 lbs | $550 |
| 20,000 lbs | $680 |
These estimates are general guidelines. Don’t hesitate to consult local helical pile installers who can visit your site for a specific quote.
What Can You Build On a Helical Pile Foundation?
Decks, patios, home additions, retaining walls – you can build anything on helical piles! What makes them so great is that they are suitable for any type of structure and can be installed in almost any weather condition.
The wide variety of structures you can build on helical piles in Winnipeg might surprise you. It includes:
- Play structures
- Exterior pizza ovens
- Boardwalks
- Signage
- And more!
How Do Helical Piles Work?
Here’s how the process of installing helical piles works, from supply to installation:
Plan ahead
First, you need to determine if your soil presents some challenges with the help of a geotechnical engineer. Is it made of clay or sand? How deep will the piles need to be to reach the solid layer in the soil?
If you hire a contractor who has an engineering department, he will conduct a site visit to evaluate soil composition and depth to stable strata as well as load-bearing requirements. His engineers will design the foundation plan based on this information. You need this engineer-stamped design in order to get the permit from the City of Winnipeg.
Choose the right pile type
You have to get some knowledge about your soil before you order the piles for a very simple reason: the type of piles needed changes according to soil type. The dimensions of the piles will also vary according to how much weight the pile must support. You should get CCMC-approved piles.
Proceed to installation
Installers with a lot of experience in similar projects and the right equipment can complete the installation in just a few hours. They will start by marking the site. Then, they will use a hydraulic drive head mounted on a mini-excavator or skid steer to rotate the pile into the ground. If the load-bearing layer is deep, shaft extensions are bolted on. Once the work is completed, a bracket or cap plate will be attached to the pile head so you can build your structure on top.
Simply wait for the installers to be done and start building your patio (or anything else)!
Benefits of a Helical Pile Foundation
There are multiple benefits to a helical pile foundation, especially in difficult soil conditions, if you’re looking for an environmentally-friendly solution, or if you are in a rush. With screw piles, you will benefit from:
- Fast installation
- Resistance to frost when installed below the frost line
- No excavation (and no debris to move)
- No soil displacement and 100% recyclable
Customer Reviews of Major Contractors in Winnipeg
The helical pile industry in Winnipeg is a competitive market. That is great news for consumers like you! It’s one of the places in Canada where you can find the cheapest prices for screw piles.
Below you will find an overview of four major companies offering helical pile installation in Winnipeg, including their rating (from 1 to 5 stars) on Google. There are more, so don’t be shy to do your own research and ask for quotes from most of them.
Glawson Piling - Rating: 5.0 stars
Locally owned and operated, Glawson Piling is a good choice for your home or other residential property. They also do light commercial helical pile installations. Their work is tailored for Manitoba's challenging conditions.
VersaPile - Rating: 4.9 stars
VersaPile offers services for residential, commercial, and industrial structures. They have received praise for their efficient installations, customer service and attention to detail.
Postech Screw Piles Winnipeg - Rating: 4.9 stars
Whether you need a deck in your backyard or a commercial structure, Postech can help you. They work on various projects and their clients commend their reliability and timely project completion.
AM Screw Pile & Construction - Rating: 5.0 stars
AM Screw Pile & Construction is a licensed Almita helical pile installer operating in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. They are noted for their customer-focused approach, quality craftsmanship, and affordability.
Get Your Quote for the Best Helical Pile Foundation in Winnipeg
Screw piles offer a reliable and efficient foundation solution. It is especially true in Winnipeg because of its diverse soil conditions. Whether you’re building a small deck or a larger structure, choosing the right helical pile installer can save you time, money, and future headaches.
- Simply fill out our form in order to get quotes from experts in helical pile installation in your area.
With a competitive market full of experienced installers in Winnipeg, you have plenty of options! Take the time you need to conduct thorough research on each company, and enjoy your strong and durable foundation!
