Frequently asked question
FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions about our screw piles. And you, what’s your question?
There are 5 main differences that make our screw piles stand out in the market.
First, we use Canadian steel and our welders are CWB certified.
Then, there is our thermal insulation, it is important to have the inside of the pile insulated to prevent movements due to frost.
In addition, our piles are galvanized. Galvanization is very important to prevent rust on the piles.
Then there is the “True Pitch” pile. It is a fin that allows us to install the pile into the ground without having to rework the soil. This type of pile allows for a faster, more efficient installation that will last longer.
Finally, the big difference at Postech Screw Piles is our team! The people who install the piles, the people who manufacture them, it is the people surrounding Postech that will make the difference. It’s a personalized service and that’s what makes the pile so effective.
The load or weight that a pile can carry is determined by the type of soil in which it is installed. The denser the soil, the higher the load bearing capacity.
In very loose soil, your Postech installer will decide between a bigger blade or extensions (to reach denser soil) so that the necessary torques are achieved.
While installing the last few inches of the screw pile, the trained Postech installer validates hydraulic pressure, with the help of a pressure gauge located on the excavator arm. They then can assure, using a precise guide chart, the load bearing capacity of the screw pile.
Postech Screw Piles are recognized by the Canadian Construction Material Centre and conform to the National Building Code.
Postech Screw Piles are the affordable solution to your foundation requirements. However, it is difficult to determine an exact cost since several factors must be taken into account: The structure being supported, type of soil, length, region, etc. We recommend you contact the Postech dealer in your area for more details. They will be pleased to provide you with a price that includes installation.
Our piles are not equipped with a drilling head. However, in the overwhelming majority of cases, the installer will be able to deviate around the rock to allow the screw pile to continue its descent. If the rock is really too large, and if construction parameters allow, the screw pile may be installed at another location. In the case where the screw pile must be installed in a very precise location, excavation may become necessary, but these cases are rare.
Yes. However, the proposed locations of the screw piles must be relatively close to the edge of the structure. If the piles must be installed in the middle of a structure, there must be access to allow the screw piles to be installed. For example, in the case of a wood patio, the client may need to remove some floorboards to allow installation in a precise location.
Yes. It is very important to leave sufficient space between the soil and the structure (including trellises, stairs, etc.), to allow for heaving of the soil due to frost. If the structure is in contact with the soil, then the pile’s usefulness is limited, because the frost will make the soil heave and move (raise) the structure.
Absolutely not. The frost has no hold on the galvanized steel shaft. The base (blade) acts as an anchor and prevents the screw pile from moving with the frost heave. That’s why the screw pile must be installed so that the blade is BELOW the frost line. In fact, Postech has developed a process which prevents cold air from moving down the inside of the shaft. See section THERMAL PILES for more details.
Absolutely. Postech Screw Piles have been tested using many required and vigorous industry standards (see Technical Information section) and are approved by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC #13102-R). This organization is responsible for evaluating and approving all products that are recognized as construction materials in Canada. What this means is that Postech Screw Piles meet high quality standards. For your protection, it is very important to use screw piles that have been tested and approved by the CCMC. In fact, most local and state governments, as well as insurance companies demand it.
What’s important is that you know if there are certain installations buried on your property at the locations where you wish to have screw piles installed, (water main, electrical cables, sewer, gas main, or any other underground installations). If you do not know what installations are buried on your property, it will be difficult for our installers to know. Please check with your local municipal government for the location of underground installations.
We use some different sizes of equipment, but the standard for more of Postech dealers is a Kubota U17 (42 inches but when it’s necessary, they put it in 40 inches).
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