Frequently asked questions

If the sleeve comes out of the ground completely after a few years, there's no need to worry. By then, the soil around the helical pier will have had time to settle properly, allowing it to resist heaving caused by freezing.

A helical pier foundation is a reliable and sustainable solution that’s perfectly adapted to support a house. Thanks to their high load-bearing capacity, controlled installation process, and performance in challenging soil conditions, they’re often an ideal alternative to traditional concrete foundations.

Techno Metal Post's exclusive green sleeve slides along the pile during freeze-thaw cycles, while the pier itself remains in place, ensuring the structure's stability. Designed and developed to withstand soil movements, Techno Metal Post helical piers deliver a reliable and durable foundation solution.

It's common for people to ask how to build a deck on a helical pier foundation. In fact, Techno Metal Post has developed various products that enable the connection between the pier and the structure it supports.

Whether we're talking about pile caps, anchoring systems, support systems, or support plates, all these terms describe the connecting components that facilitate your project's construction.

You have several support options available to you:

-Adjustable or fixed pile caps

-U-shaped or square plates

When we speak specifically of adjustable connections, we're referring to height-adjustable supports. These can be easily set during the deck-building process, facilitating your project. In the case of fixed pile caps, no height adjustment is possible. This option is only suitable for projects with predetermined heights.

We offer these support systems in different sizes, depending on the materials being used. An explanatory video is available to help you better understand how these connections are used.

U-shaped plates are particularly popular because they allow the beam to be inserted and then screwed into from the side. Square plates, on the other hand, offer more working freedom. It's really a matter of personal choice, depending on your construction process.

Consult your installer to discuss your needs and determine which product is right for you.

Our helical piers can only be installed by our team of certified installers, using our unique, custom-built equipment. We pride ourselves on providing a high quality foundation solution for every project. To achieve this, our certified installers must do the work. As each screw pile is installed, the torque is measured by our machines as the pile is driven into the ground and the allowable load capacity is accurately calculated. This method ensures that each installed pile will support the intended load for all types of projects. That said, we would be happy to review your project and provide you with a quote to meet your needs. We invite you to contact your local Techno Metal Post installer to get your project started.

Installing a helical pier foundation will save you time and money because it doesn't require excavation, concrete curing time, or any site repairs. It also ensures structural stability, saving you the extra costs caused by potential ground movement.

In the United States, there are two certifications for Techno Metal Posts: IAPMO Er-481, based on IRC (International Residential Code), and ICC-ES ESR-3418, based on IBC (International Building Code).

In general, a geotechnical investigation (soil test) is not required for small residential projects. However, depending on the type of project to be carried out, the codes in force and the local authorities, a geotechnical study report may be requested and required for the issuance of your construction permit.

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.

The compliance report specific to your project can be provided once the installation of the piles 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: www.clickbeforeyoudig.com

Click here to read the detailed article.

It is the responsibility of the structure designer (builder, contractor, architect, etc.) to lay out the piles before the installation team arrives. We can propose a pile layout, but it must be validated by the structure designer. However, for simple and light structures (normal terrace, extension, etc.), we can make the location of the piles that you will have to approve.

To support a deck, 2.4-inch-diameter helical piers are typically used, each capable of supporting over 10,000 pounds. The maximum load capacity is determined based on the torque measured during the installation, which reflects the soil’s resistance, and is then validated by engineering standards.

Yes, the piles are initially screwed into the ground at an angle under the existing structure and then straightened. The minimum height required is 24 inches (60 cm).

The number of helical piers required for a deck depends on several factors, but the rule of thumb is to maintain a spacing of 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters) between piles. Additionally, whether the deck is attached to an existing structure or is free-standing also impacts the number of piles needed.

Yes, helical piers (helical piles) can be installed in most types of soil.

Our installation equipment is capable of screwing the piers 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 pier 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 fit through a standard door frame (29 inches / 75 cm).

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

As a general guide, the price of a pile used to support a deck or an addition can be in the range of a few hundred dollars, whereas a helical pile designed to support a five-story building can cost a few thousand dollars.

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 pier 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 pier 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 pier. Our exclusive polyethylene green sleeve can be placed on the pier during installation to protect it from ground movement. During frost-thaw cycles, the sleeve glides along the pier with soil movement, while the pier remains fixed, ensuring structure stability.

Once installed, our pier/pile caps connect the pier 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 pier models designed for different projects: smaller piers for light applications (decks, sunrooms) and larger piers 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 pier 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.