Michel Gratton, a new customer of Techno Metal Post, shares his positive experience with building his front porch and home addition on our helical piles.

When he built his house three years ago, and the time came to add the front porch and back addition, he knew he didn’t want a concrete foundation nor concrete piers as their support. That’s when he reached out to his friend Paulo, a construction expert, for advice on a solid and durable foundation solution.

Paulo immediately suggested Techno Metal Post’s helical pile foundation. He explained how they were a strong, quick and aesthetic alternative to support his structures, so Michel immediately contacted an installer. He told us, “The professionals came with their installation equipment and within four hours, had installed seven piles total for the front and back of the house. Four piles went to support the back addition, while the other three piles went to support our front porch. The piles have an impressive load capacity, so I know for sure nothing will budge.” This ensured Michel of their solidity and durability for his project and was convinced he made the right choice by opting for TMP’s helical piles. He added, “It wasn't a question of price, but of choice and quality. The job was really well done, and we are truly happy with the results!”

Michel’s testimonial highlights some advantages of using our helical piles for different types of projects in a solid and aesthetically pleasing manner. An ideal foundation solution for those looking for an alternative to traditional concrete piers.

We thank Michel for sharing his story with us and helping others who might need to make an informed decision…

To get a free quote for your project or for more information, please reach out to your local installer.

Techno Metal Post is the only North American certified helical pile manufacturer that fully welds shaft couplings together. Why is this, and what key differences/advantages does this type of coupling have?

The short answer is that they are stronger than bolted couplings. Please read on for more details-

The buckling of columns is a concern in structural engineering. Imagine pressing down on a yardstick or slender rod with your hand, which initially carries some load. Then, at a certain point, the slender column will deform sideways near the middle of its height and become unstable. This failure mode is called buckling.

Helical piles are slender columns in the ground. Usually, the ground will prevent buckling by laterally bracing the shaft throughout its length, however, this is not always the case. Occasionally helical foundation shafts extend up into the air, through water, are placed into fluid, or very soft soil. Sometimes the fluid soil zone can be well below the ground surface, and whenever the shaft is not fully braced by soil, buckling should be considered. This is one reason why a fully welded shaft is better than a bolted shaft.

Bolted couplings will have some slack, or freedom to move laterally and cannot be manufactured perfectly snug or tight. Bolt holes are larger than the bolt diameter to promote easier installation, and coupling sleeves are also oversized for the same reason. This manufactured slack in the couplings must be accounted for in the buckling design. Fully welded couplings, which do not have any slack, are stiffer and stronger than bolted couplings. These features are appreciated by engineers and building officials alike.

What about weld inspection? Yes, it’s true that building codes do recommend that welds are inspected. This is also true for bolted connections. One key point is that Techno Metal Post's coupling welds are proof-tested for strength during installation.

The stress placed on the weld during installation is greater than the stress the weld will see once the structure is built. Techno Metal Post's evaluation report IAPMO ER 481 even says so.

IAPMO ER 481 Section 3.2.1

This section of IAPMO ER 481 has been successfully used to show building officials why weld inspections are not needed. If the weld is strong enough to twist the pile into the ground, it will be strong enough to resist the load it was installed to.

What about weld corrosion? In the case of bare steel, weld strength calculations take into account a sacrificial corrosion thickness, in the same way as for the pile shaft. If the shaft is hot-dipped galvanized, this galvanized coating adjacent to the bare steel weld will protect the weld. This works similarly to Techno Metal Post’s sacrificial anodes that are applied to bare steel shafts. When using a galvanized steel pile, it is recommended to apply a coating of zinc-rich paint to the weld before you twist it into the ground, as an added precaution.

As always, reach out to the engineering team if you have any questions.

Techno Metal Post’s helical piers are recognized as a versatile and sustainable foundation solution for a wide range of construction projects. Our foundation system plays an especially important role in nature conservation and preservation efforts alike. These include projects in restricted or remote areas such as parks, protected areas, or even as simple as backyards! The ability to maneuver around plants and existing structures makes them an ideal choice for projects aimed at preserving the natural environment, while still meeting construction goals.

Recently, a residential deck project, showcased the benefits of using helical piers in a nature preservation initiative. The homeowner wanted to expand their living space and build a deck off their patio door, however, there was a 60-year-old tree growing in that very spot. Therefore, they decided to build the deck around the tree in order to preserve it. Instead of using traditional construction methods, they opted for helical piers to minimize environmental impact.

This eliminated the need for digging, pouring, site disturbance, and added weight around the large root system. The advantage of using helical piers for this project, was that the installation process avoided damaging the tree's roots and nearby vegetation. In the video below, we see how the installer maneuvers around a large root to properly install his pier.

The specialized and compact installation equipment maintained noise to a minimum, which is always appreciated in a residential neighborhood! What’s more, the homeowner was pleased to know that her deck would remain stable during winter, thanks to the green sleeve that glides along the piers, preventing them from heaving during freeze/thaw periods.

The final result was an aesthetic deck that not only displayed the tree's beauty but also highlighted sustainable construction practices. Should there be any need for future maintenance, it will be easy with a helical pier system in place. In addition, during construction, sufficient space was left between the wooden structure and the tree to allow for potential growth.

This project illustrates a perfect example of why helical piers are an excellent choice for nature-focused projects. Their versatility makes them a perfect solution for projects that prioritize the preservation of natural spaces.

At Techno Metal Post, we are proud to have an exceptional and dedicated team of engineers, who play a crucial role in supporting our network of dealers, their customers and other professionals.

Our engineering teams in Canada, the United States and Europe are specifically and fully trained in all aspects of our products, whether for residential, commercial or industrial projects. All our engineers ensure that all our certifications are up to date and in compliance with the requirements and regulations of the various markets. They also oversee that every new dealer receives training to obtain an installer's certificate. The certification confirms that the installers understand and master the basic parameters of Techno Metal Post design and installation.

The Engineering Department's primary task is to provide technical support to Techno Metal Post's entire dealer network.  Essentially, when needed, dealers can provide their project plan to the engineering team for review, to then receive proper information and recommendations to draw up a suitable work proposal.

For smaller projects such as decks or extensions, our engineers have created technical documents that installers can refer to before and during installation.  These documents help to ensure that all installed piers have adequate load-bearing capacity, thereby ensuring their stability.

As for commercial projects, a closer collaboration with our engineering department is usually required, to ensure that the technical aspects are properly addressed. If necessary, our engineers can also visit the site to validate the bearing capacity of the piers and carry out loading tests using specialized equipment.

We asked Valérie Groleau, an engineer working for our Canadian division, to explain what her day-to-day work process looks like.  She explains, "Part of the service we provide involves analyzing plans and then providing recommendations on the load-bearing capacity for our piers, ensuring that they are validated and comply with requirements.  We pride ourselves in providing outstanding customer service to our dealers, their customers and industry professionals."

She added, "For commercial projects, we work mainly with engineering firms in order to showcase our products and propose innovative solutions. For each project, we also provide all the information required for the design and installation of the piers in order to obtain the consultant's approval."

The engineering department's commitment to customer service and technical expertise is what really sets them apart from the rest. Techno Metal Post prides itself on always being available to its customers, offering direct contact and rapid responses. Techno Metal Post's engineering department is unique and essential to anyone who does business with them.

We are delighted to announce new beginnings for Alexis Verdu, who will be serving the Périgord-Quercy region in France. Alexis, 28 years old now, has been with Techno Metal Post for around 2 and a half years and soon approaching his third anniversary with the company.

He says that his arrival at Techno Metal Post was quite unexpected and somewhat unusual. In fact, it was through Julien Pondaven, a fellow parent at his children's school, that Alexis joined the network. Julien offered Alexis the opportunity to work alongside him, and Alexis immediately fell in love with the company's atmosphere as well as the procedures put in place by them. This inspired him to become more involved, which ultimately led to him to become a dealer himself. Prior to joining Techno Metal Post, Alexis spent 7 years in the military, where he gained extensive travel and life experience. After all that exposure, he then decided to make a direct transition from the military to Techno Metal Post. As for his personal life, Alexis is in a relationship and has two daughters.

During his first 2 years with Techno Metal Post, Alexis worked with Julien on numerous construction sites, which allowed him to gain a wealth of experience while working on various types of projects. He continues to collaborate with Julien from time to time. For Alexis, Julien is not only a reliable and skillful colleague but also an excellent example to follow, particularly in the southwest region of France.

We are happy to have Alexis on board as an official new dealer with Techno Metal Post!

We welcome Julien Sérot, with Techno Pieux Pyrenees Est, in becoming one of our most recent dealers to join our network in France. Julien is married with three children (ages 3, 6 & 9), and was involved in the field of large-scale retail & distribution, in what is known in France as the “Intermarché”. At a young age, he started working at his uncle and aunt's Intermarché (owned by independent entrepreneurs within a network) and later worked in the same industry for about a decade.

After his experience in the retail sector, Julien ventured into real estate by purchasing and renovating a house in the city center. Seeking self-sufficiency, he learned various skills through different resources, including obtaining an electrician training program to further help him renovate his home. His diverse career path led them to work in a factory as a machine operator before transitioning to pest management.

Turning towards a new life, the family sold their renovated house and decided to build a new one from the ground up. When faced with foundation challenges during a soil analysis, he was advised to install helical piles. After some research, he called Yves de Franssu with Techno Metal Post France and quickly learned that you have to be a trained and certified dealer in order to install piles. That was a key moment in May 2022, which eventually led him to become a Techno Metal Post dealer.

This decision was a shift in his professional trajectory and Julien established his business in October 2023. We are very pleased to have him join our network, and we wish him much success!

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of a new dealership in Virginia. Roy Phaup and Shirley Duncan, both experienced in the construction industry, have joined forces to provide quality screw pile services in the Greater Richmond area.

Roy Phaup, a 65-year-old veteran, spent 37 years in the military as a skilled helicopter and airplane mechanic. In addition to his military experience, he has also built garages, additions, carports, and has done mechanical and renovation work.

Shirley Duncan, 58 years old and a mother of three, is a self-sufficient individual that has worked with the public for over 40 years. She has a variety of skills including the last 10 years mainly construction and remodeling. She has a passion for hands-on work and helping those around her. She thrives on staying busy and possesses a unique blend of analytical and creative skills.

Roy and Shirley make a great team and enjoy working together. They prioritize delivering the best results rather than repeating tasks.

Their interest in starting a Techno Metal Post dealership sparked about 5-6 years ago while watching an episode of HGTV featuring Mike Holmes installing a retaining wall using Techno Metal Post helical piles. They were captivated by the concept and started envisioning the countless projects they could accomplish with TMP.

This initial fascination led Roy to make his first contact with Techno Metal Post about 3 or 4 years ago, expressing his keen interest in becoming a dealer. About a year ago, Roy reconnected with TMP and had the opportunity to meet Serge and Ian in Virginia in December 2023, solidifying his commitment to join the Techno Metal Post family.

We are very excited to have them join our Techno Metal Post family and wish them all the best in their new roles.

Introducing the talented, passionate, and close-knit team behind TMP of Buffalo. They’ll be serving the Buffalo-Niagara region, in close collaboration with their parent corporation, recognized as Buffalo’s premier general contracting company. Founded by Domenic's father and uncle, the company will mark its 75th anniversary in 2026 and has since grown and diversified, now led by Domenic and his children, Phil, Nick, and Michelle.

Domenic, with 53 years of experience and a hard-working ethic, has built a strong foundation in masonry and business. He is also a radio host of the popular Buffalo show "Hammer Time Radio" and also appears on local television. His dedication to customer satisfaction and family culture has shaped the company's core values. Domenic is also a proud grandfather of eight.

Phil, the eldest, married and father of 3, worked for his family throughout high school, but mostly during summer. He also worked for a friend’s father's construction company doing framing work and gaining hands-on construction experience. Phil later took on the project management role of his family’s business, working hard and working his way up. Many years later, now focuses on design, sales, and marketing, which he loves doing, with a team of project managers.

Nick got his degree in business management at Canisius College and also started working for the family business throughout the summer months. He worked in various construction roles such as framing, tiling, drywall, roofing, and siding. Nick became a rough framing carpenter, building additions and focusing on that for a while. He eventually switched things up and obtained a Six Sigma certification along with his real estate license, before starting the sunroom division at the company. Nick is married with two boys.

Michelle, a mom of 3 now, had been working in the office for her dad, throughout high school. She also went to Canisius College to study marketing, digital media, and graphic design. Eventually, she made her way back to the family’s business and dove into the marketing side of things before later discovering her love for interior decorating. Michelle got certified in the field and started working with customers on all the design components of their projects. Michelle has also been involved in several high-profile decorating projects, giving back to the community through her creative talents.

Tyler, a University of Buffalo graduate, began his career in radio, where he produced Domenic’s radio show and met his present-day girlfriend. Bonds were made soon after, and he eventually decided to join this family’s enterprise. He climbed the rungs quickly to become a carpenter’s assistant and has now switched focus to handling sales, design, engineering, and permitting for the company.

Matt, a childhood friend of Phil, has extensive experience in construction and a university degree in environmental science. He got involved in framing and built houses for about 15 years. He joined the company in 2021 starting off in sales and has also fast-tracked to design for them as well. He loves having the opportunity to connect with clients and contribute to their homes’ projects. He’s got 2 kids who are involved in a lot of travel sports, making him a very busy dad.

The team chose Techno Metal Post for its innovative solutions, seeing it as a game-changer for deck projects and a perfect complement to their diverse offerings. With this new addition, TMP Buffalo is set for even greater achievements built on a foundation of love, dedication, and teamwork. Welcome to the family everyone!

Exciting News! We are proud to announce the arrival of Justin Rettenmayer, as the new owner of Techno Metal Post Western Montana.

With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Justin specializes in landscape construction, patios, and outdoor design. Working alongside his wife, who specializes in garden design, Justin has the privilege of bringing his clients' visions to life, creating beautiful and functional outdoor areas that truly enhance their properties.

In recent years, Justin has been drawn to the innovative technology of TMP helical piles. It all started when he noticed their increasing presence on job sites. Intrigued, he connected with a guy who had successfully used helical piles for a cabin foundation. This encounter sparked Justin's interest, leading him to reach out to Kevin Robinson, the previous owner of TMP Western Montana, to learn more.

Now, as the new owner of Techno Metal Post Western Montana, Justin is excited to continue providing high-quality helical pile solutions to clients in the Missoula area and surroundings. With his dedication and expertise, he aims to deliver reliable and efficient foundation support for various construction projects, ensuring stability and longevity for his clients.

If you are seeking a trusted professional who can provide reliable helical pile solutions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Justin Rettenmayer.