Helical Piles for Deck Building

Time-consuming Process:

Day 1: Drill post holes and wait for a building inspector.
Day 2: Pour concrete and wait for it to cure.
Day 3: Return to complete the deck.
This involves multiple trips, significant downtime, and labor-intensive digging and soil removal.
Weather-Dependent:

Concrete requires temperatures above 5°C to cure, limiting construction to warmer months and often delaying project start times.
Fixed Placement:

Any changes in design or misplacement require starting the process over, including digging new holes and dealing with soil disposal.

Helical Piles for Deck Building is the Modern Alternative

Helical piles offer numerous advantages over traditional concrete pilings:

Speed and Efficiency:

Entire projects can be completed in a single day as there’s no need for concrete pouring or waiting for inspections.
Engineers provide specific depth, size, and torque requirements. As the piles reach the required torque thresholds, building can commence immediately.
Flexibility:

If design changes or placement errors occur, helical piles can simply be unscrewed and repositioned without significant disruption or additional material costs.
Reliability and Consistency:

Helical piles adapt to various soil types, ensuring a stable foundation. Unlike concrete posts, which may shift in different soil conditions, helical piles provide consistent support as they are installed based on torque readout measurements.
Weather Independence:

Installation is possible year-round, including in winter conditions.

This flexibility allows deck builders to start projects early and maintain steady workflow through colder months.
Practical Advantages
Eliminating Concrete Curing:

No need for curing time, formwork, or associated costs. Helical Piles for deck building will speed up project timelines and reducing labor costs.
Reduced Commuting Time:

Projects move swiftly to completion without the need for multiple site visits, further optimizing resource allocation.
Long-Term Durability:

Helical piles, made from galvanized steel, resist corrosion and last over 20 years, unlike concrete which can degrade and heave over time due to weather fluctuations.
Cost-Effective:

When comparing overall costs, including labor, materials, and waste removal, helical piles generally offer savings over traditional concrete foundations.

FAQs

Are helical piles good for deck foundations?
Yes, helical piles are effective for deck foundations, providing quick, reliable support in various ground conditions. They are driven to the precise depth required by engineering specifications.

How much do helical piles cost?

The cost depends on the number of posts, load capacity, soil type, and other factors. Despite initial costs, helical piles often result in overall savings due to reduced labor and material expenses.

How long do helical piles last?

Helical piles, particularly those made from galvanized steel, can last over 20 years due to their resistance to corrosion.

Are helical piers better than concrete for decks?
Yes, helical piers are superior in many aspects: faster installation, less weather dependency, suitability for high water tables, and stability without heaving or sinking.

What happens if the soil is soft?

Extension bars can be added to helical piers to reach the necessary torque load in soft soil conditions, ensuring stable and secure installation.

Can you install screw piles in winter?

Yes, helical piles can be installed in all weather conditions, including extreme cold, eliminating delays related to weather-dependent concrete curing.

Where are helical piles used?

Helical piles are widely used in civil engineering for supporting heavy loads in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. They are also used for underpinning existing foundations without disturbing the soil.

By switching to helical piles, deck builders can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the reliability of their projects.