Frequently asked questions

Techno Metal Post's green sleeve plays an essential role as a barrier between the earth and the pile; therefore designed to reduce the effects of soil friction on the pile.

In regions that are affected by freeze/thaw cycles, the sleeve slides along the pile, reducing the chances of the pile lifting or heaving during winter. This ensures stability and durability throughout the seasons.

For applications such as deck foundations or other residential structures, we also recommend our high-density polyethylene green sleeve to lessen the effects of soil expansion around the pile.

Eventually, over the years, the sleeve might gradually move upwards. Cutting off the excess with a utility knife will prevent extra build-up on top of the pile as well as improve its aesthetic appearance.

Our screw piles can only be installed by our Techno Metal Post team using our custom-built machines. We pride ourselves on delivering a high-quality foundation solution on every project and to achieve this, our certified installers must complete the work. As each helical pile is installed, the torque is measured by our machines and the exact allowable load capacity is calculated. This guarantees that each finished pile for your project will support the structural load in the soil type present on-site. We would be happy to review your project and provide you with a quotation to get you what you need. Here is a link to our TMP dealer network so that you can get in direct contact with someone now to get things started.

Using helical piles will save you time and money, since they don’t require any excavation, concrete curing time or site repairs. Also, ensuring your project’s stability will prevent additional costs resulting from probable soil movement.

More details can be found in the following article: Helical Piles vs. Concrete Piers

In Canada, Techno Pieux / Techno Metal Post has been evaluated by the CCMC (Canadian Construction Materials Centre) under number 13059-R, which confirms that the technology complies with the National Building Code of Canada.

In general, most residential or light commercial projects do not require a soil test. Techno Metal Post doesn’t provide soil testing, but can perform a Pile Test (torque reading test) to determine the necessary depth to reach proper bearing capacity and the size of the helix required for a specific project. In some places, regional policies dictate that a soil test must be done (so check with the authorities in your area).

Techno Metal Posts are screwed into the ground by our certified installers using specialized and exclusive hydraulic equipment. The pile is screwed into the ground until it reaches the soil layer that provides the required bearing capacity for your project. It is the helix that carries the load. On the installation machine, there is a gauge that measures the torque during the driving process, which allows us to confirm the bearing capacity on site during the installation of the pile. This way, our certified installers know the exact allowable load capacities of each pile after installation.

Once installed, our pile caps are installed at the head of each pile to secure the structure. Pile caps are available in several sizes and varieties, depending on the dimensions and materials used for the structure.

Conformity reports can be provided after the pile installation is completed.

This depends on where you are located.

In Canada, Techno Pieux / Techno Metal Post is evaluated by the CCMC (Canadian Construction Materials Centre) under number 13059-R, which confirms that its technology complies with the National Building Code of Canada.

The property owner is responsible for verifying the site before the Techno Metal Post installer arrives. They must contact their underground services provider and provide written proof that it has been done. The contractor may also be involved in the verification process.

• To help you find the services in your area, go to: https://lsbud.co.uk/

Click here to read the detailed article.

It is the responsibility of the structure designer (builder, contractor, architect, etc.) to do the pile location. TMP can propose a pile location but it must be validated by the designer of the structure. For simple structures (standard deck, extension, etc.) installers can do the pile location.

The load-bearing capacity of a Techno Metal Post cannot simply be guessed - it must be calculated, planned for and adapted to each project. There are two key elements involved: the model of the pile and the installation depth.

1. The diameter and strength of the pile

Our engineers have created a pile selection table to help you choose the appropriate pile model, based on the loads being supported. This process ensures that each pile is properly proportioned to the project's specific requirements.

2. Installation depth and load-bearing capacity of the soil

Each pile is installed by one of our certified professionals, in accordance with the soil’s properties. Our installers follow a correlation chart to confirm that the pile's load-bearing capacity is appropriate for the type of soil encountered.

An engineered-based system

At Techno Metal Post, every project is carefully assessed by our engineering department to guarantee a foundation solution tailored to your needs.

The quantity and installation depth of the piles required are predetermined for each type of project, then validated by on-site load tests.

Our piles are designed to adapt to all types of soil, guaranteeing reliable foundations in even the most challenging conditions.

For example: a terrace project using the Techno Metal Post P2 model (with a 60 mm diameter), each post can support up to 5 tons.

To know more, watch the following video...

Yes. Piles are initially screwed into the ground at an angle under the existing structure and are then straightened. Minimum height required must be 24”.

This depends on the size of the deck- the bigger the project, the more piles will be required. The rule of thumb is to maintain a spacing of 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters) between the piles. It also makes a difference whether the deck is attached to an existing structure or free-standing.

If the deck were attached to a house, it would require fewer piles since the existing structure would take on a portion of the load. However, for a free-standing deck, more piles would be needed.

Examples:

- A 10' x 10' deck that is attached to a house needs 2 TMP helical piles.

- A 10' x 10' free-standing deck needs 4 TMP helical piles.

Before starting your project, please don't hesitate to contact a professional to obtain more information and ensure you comply with construction standards.

Techno Metal Post's helical piles can be installed in a wide variety of soil types: clay, granular, rocky, silt, and organic.

Our installation equipment is capable of screwing the piles through soil containing moderate-sized rocks. Our machines provide sufficient torque to efficiently move these rocks. If necessary, the functions of the telescopic and mobile mast will be used to "steer" the pile around the rock during installation. In the case of shallow bedrock or larger rocks, a specialized anchoring system can be used.

Our smallest machine, the R2D, can easily maneuver through a standard door frame (29 inches / 75 cm).

We can install piles year-round, including winter. If necessary, we can pre-drill the area with an auger or use our “Thermarod” to thaw the ground before installing piles.

To install a pile at a depth of 6 feet, it takes about 30 minutes per pile.

No. We will install the number of piles required according to the characteristics of your project. Our Engineering Department can help you determine the number of piles required for your application.

This is one of our most popular questions! It is important to know the type of project the piles will be used for. For example, the cost of piles for a deck foundation will be different from those used in a house extension or for supporting the structure of a cottage.

Several factors determine the cost, so we have listed a few examples below for your reference.

Types of loads needing support

Heavier structural weights require larger support systems, and this results in a higher-priced project.  We evaluate the piles needed to accommodate this load.

Length of the piles

When dealing with low-density soil, extensions must be added to the length of the helical pile.  Although this allows you to reach proper soil density, it will also increase your expenses.

Helix Dimensions

A helix with a larger diameter will affect the overall cost as well.  For example: a screw pile with a 16-inch helix will be more costly compared to one with an 8-inch helix.

When you calculate the cost for the time and labor required to use concrete sonotubes, Techno Metal Posts represent a better deal - especially in terms of efficiency, technology, durability, and quality. With our screw piles, you save on labor and installation time while getting engineering expertise, precise installation, and a durable foundation that is guaranteed. Most importantly, the certainty that your structure will be strong, solid, and durable.

The Techno Metal Post team supports all its customers with a high level of service, from the stages of manufacturing to installation, so they can benefit from our technology and industry-leading expertise.

Techno Metal Post offers their customers peace of mind, thanks to a team of accessible and innovative experts, and a 25-year limited warranty on its screw piles.

The Techno Metal Post helical pile is a giant metal screw manufactured in our facility using premium North American structural steel and is available with an optional hot-dipped galvanized finish.

The pile is installed by our certified professionals using specialized, proprietary hydraulic machines and is screwed into the ground until it reaches the required bearing capacity. The bearing capacity is confirmed on-site using our installation equipment, which measures torque in real time during the installation. This allows our installers to determine the exact allowable load capacity of each pile. Our exclusive polyethylene green sleeve can be placed on the pile during installation to protect it from ground movement. During frost-thaw cycles, the sleeve glides along the pile with soil movement, while the pile remains fixed, ensuring structural stability.

Once installed, our pile caps connect the pile to the framing system. Techno Metal Post pile caps come in many sizes and varieties, depending on the structure’s frame. We manufacture a variety of helical pile models designed for different projects: smaller piles for light applications (decks, sunrooms) and larger piles for applications such as cottages, garages, and buildings.

Techno Metal Post simplifies life by providing an alternative foundation solution that can be installed in most soil conditions, eliminating the need for traditional concrete footings.

We have designed and manufactured a helical pile that screws into the ground until it reaches a specific torque and depth. This process allows our certified installers to accurately determine the pile's load-bearing capacity. Projects can range from decks to multi-story commercial buildings.

The piles are installed by our team of trained and certified professionals, using our specialized hydraulic machines designed for the sole purpose of pile installation. Our technology is certified and recognized by qualified officials across several countries, and we ensure the installation complies with building code standards while maintaining high-quality control.

What’s more is our unique and exclusive green sleeve slides along the pile in response to ground movements, ensuring its stability during freeze and thaw cycles. You can start building on them immediately, without the hassles of digging holes or pouring concrete.