Due to its diverse landscape and climate, building structures in Canada requires a lot of care. No matter whether you want to construct a house, an office space, or just a deck, the foundation is definitely the most important aspect. While concrete foundations have been the norm for decades in Canada, there is actually a much better option available.
A helical piles foundation is an advanced system, which uses sturdy, galvanized steel shafts screwed deep into the ground. The process is incredibly quick while offering unparalleled stability compared to poured concrete foundations, which require huge excavations and a considerable time to settle.
Unsurpassed Speed of Installation
The first reason why many Canadian builders turn to this system is related to its speed. Instead of having to wait hours or even days for concrete to cure, all the work is done almost instantly by hydraulic machinery, which screws the steel piles into place. Such speed is especially important when dealing with the short building season we have in Canada.
High Capacity of Supporting Weight
While the steel shaft looks rather thin, compared to a massive concrete pillar, it is able to bear incredible weight thanks to its unique design. The helical plates that are welded onto the shaft act as a mechanism, distributing the load into the competent soil. This allows these piles to support both residential and heavy industrial structures.
High Economic Efficiency
Time is money on virtually any construction site. Since the installation is faster and involves far fewer people, as well as minimal soil preparation, it leads to reduced costs. With this system, the expensive procedure of soil removal, pouring concrete, and additional costs incurred due to bad weather is avoided.
Versatile in Any Ground
As we know, soils in different parts of Canada are vastly diverse and vary significantly in terms of composition and load-bearing capacity. Helical foundations allow the structure to sink deep into the ground until reaching a layer, which is suitable for supporting the load. These piles perform great in both sandy and clayey soils.
Protection Against Frost Heaving
Winter in Canada can be particularly harsh, and frost heaving can cause severe damage to the traditional concrete foundations. Being installed below the local frost line, these piles naturally protect the building from heaving. Additionally, they have outstanding resistance to both seismic and wind loads.
Minimal Environmental Impact
Conventional building methods destroy the whole ecosystem because of the digging and concrete pouring processes involved. In contrast, helical piles make minimal contact with the ground and do not leave a trace of pollution. Moreover, they save a lot of soil, since there is nothing to displace and remove from the ground.
Protect Your Property with Proper Foundation
Choosing a proper foundation means ensuring the longevity of the building. With the use of advanced and reliable piles, you will avoid the usual pitfalls of construction works. Start with the solid foundation of your property, built to withstand all adverse Canadian conditions. Consult a geotechnical engineer to see whether helical piles can be used on your specific plot of land.