Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
about screw piles

This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on several factors, such as the type of structure being supported and the density of the soil.

The best way to know how much your screw pile foundation will cost is to talk to your local Postech dealer and tell them about your project. They can give you a free and accurate quote that includes installation. They can also schedule the installation during the call.

• Fast & Ready: Screw piles win the race against time, installing quickly without the wait for curing, unlike concrete’s slow pace.

• Eco & Budget-Friendly: They’re lighter on the planet and your wallet, offering a recyclable, less labor-intensive choice. Concrete? Not so much.

• Versatile & Tough: Adaptable to various soils and unfazed by the weather, screw piles stand strong. Concrete can be picky and prone to cracking.

• Effortless Choice: For a speedy, green, and reliable foundation, screw piles are the clear winner.

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Yes. There are different ways this can be done, depending on the structure and how high it is off the ground. Your Postech installer will recommend the best pile installation method for your structure.

We recommend a minimum spacing of 12 to 18 inches to install a pile under an existing structure.

Yes. Postech has non-helical piles and adapted base mount systems to create a solid foundation in bedrock.

Also, What happens when you hit a rock?

There are a few things your Postech installer can do if the pile happens to hit a rock:

• In the overwhelming majority of cases, the installer can simply deviate around the rock to allow the screw pile to continue its descent.
• If the rock is too large, and if construction parameters allow, the installer will install the pile in another spot.
• If the screw pile must be installed in a very precise spot, excavation may be necessary, but these cases are rare.

A solid foundation is key for any building’s longevity and stability. It keeps the structure safe from damage and ensures it lasts a long time. Postech Screw Piles, an innovative alternative to traditional foundations, provide durability without the need for special inspections, working well in different terrains and conditions.

Screw piles are versatile and can be used for a variety of structures, including decks, sunrooms, home extensions, sheds, and even fences. They offer a solid foundation for various applications, showcasing their flexibility and reliability in different construction scenarios.

Postech Screw Piles offer several benefits, including being made of Canadian steel, which supports local production and is environmentally friendly. They don’t require excavation, preserving the surrounding ecosystem, and are reusable and movable.

They’re CCMC certified, ensuring industry safety standards, and feature Thermal Pile technology to prevent movement during freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, they come with a lifetime warranty (25 years, but expected to last at least 75 years).

No. Postech Screw Piles must be installed by certified installers with the necessary training and equipment to ensure a foundation that can solidly support your structure for life.

Postech installers frequently work with homeowners, contractors, engineers, and architects. They can ensure a fast and flawless installation.

No. All Postech Piles are hot-dipped galvanized according to standard ASTM 123A. This also makes Postech Screw Piles better for the environment than non-galvanized steel piles.

Our screw piles stand apart for 5 main reasons:

• We use Canadian steel and our welders are CWB certified.

• We thermally insulate the inside of our piles. This means they are less likely to move due to frost than other piles.

• We galvanize our steel piles to prevent them from rusting. Because they last longer than non-galvanized piles, this means a more stable, longer-lasting foundation for your structure.

• Our piles are “True Pitch” piles with a fin that lets the pile be installed in the ground without having to work the soil. True pitch piles are faster and easier to install and remain firmly in place longer than other piles.

• The biggest difference? Our team! Our deep expertise and friendly, professional service across Canada are what make Postech the best screw piles for your project.

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The ideal distance between piles depends on several factors, such as the span of the beams, soil conditions, etc. Your local Postech installer can advise you on the ideal pile spacing for your project.

Generally, we recommend keeping each screw pile eight (8’) to ten (10’) feet apart, based on industry best practices.

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The load or weight that a pile can support depends on the density of the soil. The denser the soil, the higher the pile’s load-bearing capacity.

For very loose soil, we will either use piles with bigger or multiple blades to achieve the necessary torque or add extensions to the pile so that it can be drilled deeper to reach denser soil. Your Postech dealer can determine which option is best for your project.

While installing the last few inches of the screw pile, your Postech installer uses a pressure gauge on the excavator’s arm and a guide chart to confirm the hydraulic pressure and the pile’s load-bearing capacity.

Yes. There must be enough space between the soil and the structure (including trellises, stairs, etc.), to allow for heaving of the soil due to frost. 

When the structure is in contact with the soil, this limits the usefulness of the pile because the frost will make the soil heave and move (raise) the structure.

Your Postech installer can recommend the minimum distance for your local soil conditions.

Not with Postech Screw piles. Our galvanized steel piles are already thermally insulated on the inside to prevent cold air from moving down the inside of the shaft. We also install the blade of the pile below the frost line. 

This means our piles are completely unaffected by frost heave, so you get a more stable foundation for life.

Absolutely. Postech Screw Piles have been tested against all key industry standards and are approved by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC #13102-R). This means that Postech Screw Piles are approved as a construction material in Canada and meet high quality standards as well as building codes.

Always use screw piles that are CCMC approved. Most local and state governments and insurance companies require 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.

Yes! We can install piles in virtually any terrain. When you discuss your project with your Postech installer, they’ll be able to determine if any special installation equipment is needed.

Yes. All our Postech screw piles are guaranteed for life against manufacturing defects and movements due to frost. 

We use a variety of installation equipment based on the project, but our standard equipment is a  compact Kubota U17 mini-excavator. They are 52 inches wide but can pull into 40 inches when needed. 

That means the minimum clearance needed is 40 inches plus a hair.

The useful life of a screw pile depends on the type of soil in which it’s installed and it’s chemical properties (pH, humidity, etc). In average soil, you can expect a pile to last about 75 years.

Your Postech installer will know the type of soil commonly found in your area and can give you a more exact lifespan estimate.

Yes. Your Postech installer will simply make a small hole in the asphalt where the screw pile will be installed. Afterwards, a slight touch-up of the asphalt will be needed.

Yes, you need to know if there’s anything buried on the site where the piles will be installed, such as water main, electrical cables, sewer, gas main, or any other underground installations).

If you are unsure, check with your town or city for the location of underground installations on your property.

Bracing structures with screw piles is an engineering strategy often employed to enhance the stability and durability of various constructions, from residential homes to large commercial buildings.