Helical screw piles are a very useful technology when it comes to supporting structures in Montreal. They can be installed even when it’s cold outside, and they fit into tight spaces, which is especially useful in highly populated neighbourhoods.
But are helical piles cheap? No, high-quality piles are not cheap, but they are certainly worth your money.
- In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the costs of helical piles in Montreal, from which piles to choose to common contractors.
Once you determine whether your construction project can be supported by helical piles, you can benefit from their many advantages and start building much faster than you would have with a concrete foundation.
What Is a Helical Pile Exactly?
A helical pile is also known as a helical pier or screw pile. It is a screw-shaped foundation solution used to support structures. They can be especially useful where soil conditions are not suitable for traditional shallow concrete foundations.
The piles consist of a steel shaft with one or more plates welded to it. Just like a giant screw, they are screwed into the ground using hydraulic machinery. They can reach a depth of 20 feet sometimes, but 8 feet are usually sufficient. The goal is to reach where the soil can adequately support the load, often reaching stable subsoil layers. This way, the piles transfer building loads to deeper, more stable soil or bedrock.
What Can Helical Piles Be Used For in Montreal?
In most construction projects, helical piles can replace concrete foundations. They can also help restore an existing foundation that is sinking, for instance. Here are 3 major uses for screw piles in Montreal:
- Supporting new structures (homes, decks, boardwalks, light commercial buildings).
- Underpinning existing foundations (to stabilize sinking or settling buildings).
- Supporting signs, utility poles, solar panels, etc.
Are screw piles suitable for any type of soil?
Yes, screw piles work in most soil types, including clay, sand, and fill, which are common in Montreal. A soil test can confirm suitability for your project.
How To Know If Your Foundation Is Sinking?
If your foundation is sinking or sagging, don’t wait, ask immediately for helical piles quotes to help restore the building’s structure. There are several visible and invisible signs to watch for. Here’s a breakdown of the most common warning signs, even the subtle ones. Since homes in areas like Montreal have to live with freeze-thaw cycles, clay soils, and heavy moisture, be on the lookout for these signs:
- Cracks in exterior foundation walls (especially near corners or window/door openings).
- Uneven floors, such as a noticeable slope when walking across a room.
- Cracks in exterior siding.
- Gaps around doors and windows, where there were none before.
- Cracks in drywall, especially if they continue to grow over time.
- Sticking doors or windows.
- Bowing or sagging basement walls.
- Water infiltration in the basement, or leaks, moisture.
- Water pooling near the perimeter of the house.
- Erosion, sinking ground, or gaps between the soil and the foundation wall.
Every house usually has a few small cracks. But if they are wider than 1/4 inch, keep increasing, or if you notice multiple signs occurring at once, it’s very likely foundation settlement is to blame. In this case, it’s time to get quotes for helical pile underpinning!
The Advantages of Screw Piles
There are many reasons to buy helical piles for any kind of foundation:
- No excavation needed (saving time and preserving the environment).
- Quick installation.
- Load-bearing capacity is immediate, which means you can start construction right away.
- Fits in tight spaces.
- Adapted to good and poor soil conditions.
How long does it take to install a screw pile foundation?
Most residential screw pile foundations can be installed in one day, depending on the number of piles and site conditions. It is a clear advantage of screw piles over concrete!
Are screw piles a good option for uneven ground?
Helical piles can be installed at variable depths, making them ideal for sloped or uneven ground without major excavation.
To get the most for your screw piles installation, make sure to hire a company that has its own engineering department and offers good warranties.
Which Helical Piles Are Worth Your Money?
In Montreal, helical piles are widely available for both residential and commercial construction, and they come in various types. Smaller helical piles sold in hardware stores are usually cheaper than those offered by professionals, but they are not as good.
Here’s a breakdown of the helical piles you can find:
Material Types
Galvanized steel helical piles are the most commonly used in residential projects such as decks, patios and small additions. They are corrosion-resistant and have a lifespan of 50+ years in most environments. They offer the best value for money.
Bare steel piles are less expensive upfront, but more prone to rust over time, especially outside. They can be used in interior/controlled environments.
Hot-dip galvanized steel is a higher-end version of galvanized steel: piles are dipped in molten zinc for thicker, more uniform coating. This type of pile is suitable for high-humidity, commercial or public infrastructure projects.
Stainless steel is only used in specialty or high-value projects. It is much more resistant, but very expensive and usually an overkill for residential jobs!
Shaft Types
There are basically two types of shaft. The round shaft is very common and typically used in light residential applications. It makes the piles easier to install in soft or clay-heavy soils.
A square shaft is stronger in tension, often used for underpinning or lifting existing foundations.
Helix Configuration
Helical piles can have a single or multiple helices of 8 to 14 inches. Single-helix piles are used in light structures or when soil resistance is shallow. Piles with 2 to 4 helices are suitable for higher load-bearing capacity or deeper installations.
If you’re doing a residential job in Montreal, a galvanized steel round shaft pile with a single or double helix will cover 90% of typical needs.
Common Brands and Suppliers in Montreal
There are a few excellent and reliable suppliers in Montreal, among which you will find:
- Pro pieux
- Vistech
- GoliathTech
- Pieux Xtreme
Choosing the right one for you depends on the type of structure you want to build and factors such as soil conditions.
Is there a warranty on the installation of screw piles?
Professionals typically offer a 25-year warranty on materials and 1 to 5 years on installation. This information should figure in your quotes.
Are installers familiar with the local building regulations in Montreal?
Certified installers in Montreal must follow CCMC-approved standards and are typically well-versed in local codes and permit requirements. Always confirm this during the quote.
What Will Your Helical Pile Contractor Cost in Montreal?
- Your helical pile foundation could cost you $500 per pile (material + labor), more or less, for example depending on soil conditions, the length of the shaft and the load-bearing capacity needed.
High-quality helical piles require engineering and precision in their design and manufacture. They are a critical component of the structure.
You should at least check that the piles you are buying are CCMC-approved. Moreover, make sure you work with an honest contractor who will source excellent materials. For instance, look at their reviews and talk to their customers before you sign a contract.
Illustration Of The Costs Of A Home Addition
Say you need a helical pile foundation for a home addition in Montreal. The size will be 240 square feet in moderate soil conditions.
- Pile type: Galvanized steel, round shaft, 2 ⅞ inches diameter.
- Depth per pile: 10 feet.
- Load-bearing requirement: Standard residential (medium load).
The company you picked bundles engineering and installation for a better price. But you still have to pay for the construction permit required by the city of Montreal, a soil test and the setup. Look at the table below for a breakdown of the costs you can expect to pay.
| Cost Breakdown | Total | $6,000 |
|---|---|
| Number of piles | 10 |
| Cost of 1 pile, installed | $450 |
| Mobilization, soil test, permit drawings | $1,500 |
Important Cost Factors for a Helical Pile Foundation in Montreal
The quotes you received are different from the illustration above? Prices vary from one contractor to another, but also according to a series of external factors. In Montreal, the most important cost factors are:
- Soil conditions: soft clay often requires deeper piles; rocky or dense soils may increase installation time and equipment wear.
- Load requirements.
- Quality of materials.
- Number of piles required, determined by structure size, weight, and load distribution.
Are Grants Available To Help Cover The Costs Of Helical Piles in Montreal?
If you are planning to renovate your home because it has become dangerous for its inhabitants or need an addition, you may be eligible for a grant from the Société d’habitation du Québec, administered in conjunction with the City of Montreal. The program is called Rénovation Québec and helps homeowners dealing with damaged foundations, among other things.
The City of Montreal also put in place a program called Stabilization of Residential Building Foundations Program. Financial aid is available for the installation of helical piles as well as for related work like the consolidation and waterproofing of foundations, excavation and backfilling.
Get Helical Piles To Build a New Structure Or Stabilize An Older Home in Montreal
Are you encountering foundation challenges in Montreal? While helical piles may come at a high upfront cost compared to traditional methods, they are a worthwhile investment for both new construction and structural repairs.
- Fill out our form to get detailed quotes from the best contractors in Montreal. Take the time to choose the right contractor and ask any questions you may have.
Helical piles are a fast, safe, and reliable foundation option. Ready to move forward? Get quotes from experienced local contractors.
