Helical piles, also called screw piles, are popular types of foundation solutions for many residential and commercial structures. They are used for decks, patios, sheds, cottages, and home additions. They can also be used for commercial structures such as billboards, boardwalks, footbridges, etc.
Why are they also called screw piles? That’s because of the way they turn and go deep into the ground.
Helical piles are hollow steel tubes that keep structures stable by anchoring the load to the ground, similar to a driven pile. They are screwed deeply, oftentimes section by section, for safety and longevity.
They can be used in new construction or to repair existing structures in most soil conditions. They are popular in complex soil conditions, and for use in situations wherein traditional foundation systems are not allowed or access is limited.
If you are planning a renovation and want to see if installing helical piles is ideal for your project, reach out to our partners for advice!
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Advantages of using Helical Piles vs. Traditional Foundations
For building a solid foundation, helical piles have several advantages over poured concrete foundations or concrete footings.
If you are planning on building a deck, a patio, or a home addition, know that many Canadians are now using helical piles because of these advantages.
1.Faster to install.
Piles can be installed in just a few hours whereas concrete foundations require several days including curing. Using helical piles will speed up your project’s timeline.
2.No Digging or Excavation
Compared to conventional footings that need soil removal and backfilling, screw piles are screwed into the ground, thus reducing site disturbance. Excavation equipment is not required, thereby reducing the impact on landscaping.
3.All-year-round availability
Concrete foundations depend on the weather and are not ideal during winter. Helical piles, on the other hand, can be installed at any season, even when the ground is frozen. This feature makes it perfect for the Canadian climate.
4.Immediate load-bearing capacity
Helical piles don’t require curing. As such, they are ready to bear weight immediately after installation. Your construction can continue without any delays.
5.Portability
Helical piles are easy to relocate or remove, in case you built a temporary structure or need to move it.
6.Environment-Friendly
Helical piles cause less ground disturbance and environmental impact, making them an eco-friendly choice for foundations.
7.Suitable even for poor soil conditions
Helical piles can be installed even in unstable, soft, or wet ground where other foundation systems fail.
As you can see, helical piles for foundations are practical and convenient for all types of construction projects.
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Helical Piles vs. Concrete Foundation: Comparison Table
Weigh your options based on the project type, cost, and soil conditions. Below is a comparison table of helical piles vs. concrete foundations to guide you.
Description | Helical Piles | Poured Concrete Foundation
|
Installation Time
| 1-2 Days
| 1-2 weeks, including curing |
Weather dependency
| Can be installed in rain, snow, or sun
| Must avoid freezing and wet conditions |
Soil Conditions
| Suitable for most types of soil
| Requires stable and well-draining soil conditions
|
Load capacity
| High – can be scaled with multiple piles
| High – suitable for most types of structures |
Environmental Impact
| Minimal | High |
Permits
| May need engineering design and stamped reports
| Required |
Ease of use in Tight Spaces
| Excellent | Limited |
Reusability | Able to be removed and reused
| Fixed |
Durability | More than 50 years with proper coating
| 50 – 100 years |
Frost resistance
| Excellent | Must be installed below frost line to prevent foundation shifting
|
Suitability
| Best for decks, home additions, modular structures, remote cabins
| Garages, large homes, basements |
You can choose helical piles for your foundation if you want a cost-efficient, fast, and environment-friendly installation for home additions, decks, or cottages.
Opt for poured concrete foundations if you are constructing a full basement or a large home or a permanent structure.
How much does it cost to install Helical Piles in Canada?
The cost to install helical piles ranges from $300 to $600 per pile, based on factors such as:
-
Soil Conditions:
Hard or rocky soil will need specialized equipment which could increase labor and time. -
Pile Size & Load Requirements:
Larger piles for heavy loads are more expensive because of material and engineering requirements. -
Site Access:
Narrow or challenging locations may need small machinery or manual labor which would increase costs. -
Number of Piles:
The more piles you need, the higher the project cost although the cost per unit could drop based on volume. -
Engineering & Permits:
Certain projects may need soil testing or custom engineering which could increase the overall cost.
Generally, prices across Canada are consistent but there could be slight differences per region:
| Province | Average Cost per Pile |
| Ontario & Quebec | $300 to $500 |
| Alberta | $400 to $600 |
| British Columbia | $400 to $600 |
| New Brunswick / Newfoundland & Labrador | $350 to $550 |
Helical piles are faster to install with minimum excavation. They are reliable in Canadian climates and offer long-term stability.
The upfront costs are worth it considering the convenient installation process and lower risk of foundation shifting.
Average Cost of a Helical Pile Foundation
A helical pile foundation is a smart solution for residential construction. How much will a foundation using helical piles actually cost?
Refer to the brief examples below to guide you in planning your budget and looking for the best deal.
| Type of Project | Average Cost |
| Deck (4-6 piles) | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Medium Deck | $3,800 – $6,000 |
| Home Addition | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| Custom Home Foundation | $16,000 – $25,000 |
| Commercial Project | $25,000 or more |
Of course, these figures are only average prices and they could vary based on the size, specifics of your project, and your choice of contractor.
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Types of Helical Piles for Foundations
In Canada, helical piles are popular for residential, commercial, and industrial foundations because of their resilience, ease of installation, and performance in cold and variable soils.
The best type of helical pile to use depends on the site conditions, structural requirements, and building codes.
1. Round Shaft Helical Piles (RS)
- Common for residential and commercial buildings
- Can withstand frost-heaving
- Suitable for clay-heavy or loose soil
- Stronger lateral load capacity, best for deep foundations
- Used for new home construction, garages, modular structures, and lakefront cottages
2. Square Shaft Helical Piles (SS)
- Ideal for underpinning and tension load applications
- Performs well in frozen or dense soils such as in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Northern Ontario
- High torque installation for deeper penetration and uplift resistance
- Used in basement wall stabilization, home additions, and retaining walls
3. Combo Helical Piles (SS-RS)
- Ideal for projects requiring deep penetration and heavy support
- Good for areas with variable or layered soil such as in Quebec and British Columbia
- Combines torque-driven square shaft with load-bearing round shaft
- Used in custom home builds, engineered foundations, and sloped lots
4. Grouted Helical Piles
- For high-load capacity in poor or collapsing soils
- Protects against corrosion and adds capacity. They are ideal for cities like Vancouver and Montreal with complex urban soils
- Offers more bearing strength and durability
- Used in commercial buildings, seismic zones, and retrofits
In cold, wet, or coastal Canadian climates, galvanized steel helical piles are popular because of their resistance to corrosion, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance.
Do you need help in choosing the best helical piles for your foundation needs? Get customized advice from our reputable partners by filling out our short online form today.
Why helical piles are ideal for the Canadian climate?
Nobody will dispute that Canada is cold and has severe temperatures. From extremely hot summers to freezing winters, the Canadian climate is unique.
Weather conditions have a big impact on foundations. In Central Canada where the frost line extends up to 10 feet, the conditions for deep foundations are challenging.
Helical piles are ideal for the Canadian climate because they can be installed all year round, don’t require extensive excavation, and take a shorter time to install.
Consider using helical piles for your foundation for convenience and savings.
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How to choose the right Helical Pile Contractor
Choosing the right contractor is as critical as selecting the right type of helical pile to use for your foundation.
Working with a reputable and experienced installer will ensure your foundation is up to code, durable, and able to last under Canadian climate conditions.
Here’s what to look for in a helical pile contractor:
Look for Licensing & Certification
- Ensure that the contractor is licensed to operate in your city or province.
- Check if the company is certified by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) or manufacturers like Chance or Goliath Tech
- Verify the company’s liability insurance and WSIB (Workers' Safety Insurance Board) coverage
Experience with your Type of Project
- Check with the contractor how many projects they have completed that are similar to yours (decks, custom homes, home additions).
- Experienced contractors understand regional soil conditions
Specialized Equipment
- Good contractors possess the right hydraulic drive heads, torque monitoring systems, and installation rigs.
- Using the right equipment ensures proper depth, alignment, and torque values required for engineering compliance.
Request a Site Assessment
- Reputable contractors will conduct a site inspection first to check the soil type, access, load requirements, and frost depth.
- The company will then provide a written proposal detailing the required number of piles, estimated depth, pile type, and estimated cost.
Warranty and Aftercare
- Check the warranties for workmanship and materials
- Reputable contractors can provide 25–50 year warranties on helical pile systems.
Refer to the checklist below for a quick round-up of what to look for in a helical piles contractor.
| Requirement | Description |
| Licensed and Insured | Liability and WSIB Coverage |
| Experience in similar projects | Foundation works |
| Certified Helical Products | Chance, GoliathTech, Postech, etc. |
| Site inspection | Free or low-priced inspection fee |
| Reviews and testimonials | With positive and verified customer reviews and references |
| Warranty | Provides a reasonable warranty for workmanship and materials |
Always compare the pricing, inclusions, and timelines of at least 2 to 3 certified contractors. Stay away from unusually low prices as they may be indicators of shortcuts or a lack of experience.
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