Helical Screw Piles
Recently attention has focused on a widespread number of complex soil conditions around Invermere and throughout the Columbia Valley that are not well-suited to conventional concrete foundations and footings. Helical screw piles are a proven and increasingly popular technology for supporting buildings and decks, as well as under-pinning failing structures. Helical screw piles can be installed to a much greater depth than conventional concrete foundations and are engineered.
What do helical screw piles look like?
A screw pile consists of a bare or galvanized steel shaft with a 45 degree cut at the bottom and one or more formed helical plates welded along the shaft.
How do screw piles work?
Imagine using your power drill to install a screw into a block of wood. The thread or helix on a screw pile allows it to be turned into the ground in the same way- quickly and accurately. The helix significantly increases the bearing capacity and pull-out resistance making screw piles a superior option for deep foundations under structures such as transmission towers, but also for projects with lighter loads such as decks and fences.
Helical screw piles offer many other advantages over conventional concrete foundations: they can be installed summer or winter, there is no excavation and no soil to remove from site, little or no disturbance to surrounding landscaping, no back-filling and no settling. In high water table situations helical screw piles are sometimes the only solution for an otherwise unbuildable site. Helical screw piles can be installed quickly and since there is no waiting for concrete to cure, construction can commence immediately. Helical screw piles are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Reinhart Construction Ltd recently became the only custom home builder and general contractor in the East Kootenays to be equipped and trained as a helical screw pile installer. Invermere, Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs are in our immediate service area, but we also travel to Cranbrook, Fernie, Golden, Kimberley and surrounds. We can provide a solution to any difficult soil or site access conditions your property may present.