FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Helical Piles
Helical piles simplifies construction projects requiring a foundation. Our helical piles are installed using machines specifically designed for this purpose. These helical piles are screwed into the ground until they reach the required depth and torque to support a wide range of structures that require a foundation, including decks, fences, sheds, house extensions, pergolas, and other residential or commercial projects. Our machines ensure quick and efficient installation, allowing you to start building immediately without the need for digging holes or pouring concrete.
Our team use specialized equipment to screw the pile into the ground until it reaches the required bearing capacity. The helix of the pile supports the load. A gauge on the installation machine measures the torque, allowing us to confirm the bearing capacity on-site during installation. This ensures our team know the exact allowable load capacities of each pile once installed.
After installation, our pile caps are used to connect the pile to the framing system. Prime pile caps come in various sizes and types to match different framing structures.
Yes, Prime piles are versatile and can be installed in a wide range of soil types, including clay, granular, rocky, silt, and organic soils.
Yes, in Canada, our Prime Piles are certified by the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC). This certification ensures that our products meet the stringent standards of the National Building Code of Canada.
Our smallest machine, the Bobcat MT 100, requires a minimum access width of just 38 inches (97 cm), allowing it to easily maneuver through a standard door frame.
The installation time for each helical pile is approximately 30 minutes.
One of our most frequently asked questions is about the cost of helical piles. The price varies depending on the type of project. For instance, the cost for piles used in a deck foundation will differ from those used in a house extension or supporting a cottage structure.
Several factors influence the cost, including:
- Types of Loads Needing Support: Heavier structural weights require larger support systems, leading to higher project costs. We evaluate the necessary piles to accommodate the load.
- Length of the Piles: In low-density soil, extensions may need to be added to the helical piles to reach proper soil density, which increases the expense.
- Helix Dimensions: The diameter of the helix also affects the cost. For example, a screw pile with a 16-inch helix will be more expensive than one with an 8-inch helix
Prime Pile provides exceptional service from manufacturing to installation, ensuring our customers benefit from our advanced technology and industry-leading performance. We stand out by offering a 25-year limited warranty on our screw piles, backed by a team of accessible and innovative experts dedicated to providing peace of mind to our customers.
Permit
Yes, we offer permit application services. We can provide engineered and engineer stamped permit drawings for your project as needed. Our goal is to streamline the permitting process and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Yes, we provide stamped foundation plans before installation. These plans are available for clients who wish to use them in their permit applications. Our goal is to assist in ensuring a smooth permit approval process by providing detailed and certified foundation plans upfront.
Yes, Conformity Reports can be provided upon completion of pile installation for projects for your projects.
Yes, we provide specialized engineering services for helical piles. Simply send your plans to us, and we will coordinate with our engineers on your behalf.
General
Helical pile foundations offer significant advantages over traditional concrete foundations. Here’s why they’re preferred:
Faster Installation: Installed in hours with no curing time.
Year-Round Use: Works in winter and frozen ground.
Immediate Load Capacity: Build right away.
Minimal Disturbance: No major excavation or mess.
Cost-Effective: Lower labor and equipment costs.
Eco-Friendly: Less soil disruption, no concrete waste.
Adjustable & Removable: Easy to modify if needed.
Precise Performance: Installed to exact depth and torque specs.
Helical piles are a faster, cleaner, and more efficient alternative to concrete foundations.
When comparing the costs of using concrete sonotubes versus Prime Pile screw piles, you save on labor and on-site time while investing in engineering expertise and precision for a high-quality foundation.This ensures your structure is not only guaranteed but also strong, safe, and durable.
Our engineering team specializes in geotechnical and structural engineering. They assess each project to determine the optimal Prime Pile Post models based on structure type, project loads, and soil conditions. Maximum load capacity varies depending on these factors.
The number of piles needed based on project size and whether it is attached to an existing structure or free-standing. Attached project require fewer, smaller-diameter piles as the existing structure supports lateral loads. Free-standing project require more and larger-diameter piles to support lateral loads.Typically, deck designers specify the number and location of piles, with a general rule of thumb suggesting 8-10 feet spacing between piles.
Our engineers carefully assess your project requirements to determine the load capacity for each pile and the total number of piles required. Based on these engineering calculations, we prepare a comprehensive quotation and submit it for your review.Yes, helical piles can be reused.
You can begin your project immediately after piles are installed. Unlike concrete, there is no drying time required.