Friends Don't Let Friends Install Concrete Piles

Rethinking Traditional Practices

In Central Alberta, homebuilders typically extend basement excavations beyond the basement walls to pour concrete footings for decks. Initially, this seems efficient, especially with crews and concrete already on-site. However, despite initial convenience, concrete footings come with substantial long-term drawbacks, particularly regarding settling and structural integrity. Enter screw piles—a modern solution that addresses these concerns by providing unmatched stability, flexibility, and long-term reliability.

Concrete Footings: Hidden Costs and Technical Drawbacks

While integrating concrete footings into basement pours may seem cost-effective initially, this traditional method comes with several critical issues:

• Backfill Settling: When the trench dug for concrete footings is backfilled, compaction over time inevitably occurs, causing depressions beneath decks. These depressions often fill with water, creating persistent, difficult-to-remedy issues and leading to homeowner dissatisfaction.
• Structural Rigidity and Misalignment: Concrete footings, once set, offer little to no adjustability. If positioning is incorrect due to layout changes or errors, expensive and time-consuming rework becomes unavoidable.
• No Warranty Protection: Traditional concrete piles typically do not carry warranties, leaving builders and homeowners exposed to risks associated with frost heaving, cracking, and long-term structural failures.
• Limited Installation Conditions: Concrete pours are highly sensitive to weather conditions. Cold, wet, or freezing conditions dramatically affect curing, potentially weakening the concrete and delaying project timelines.

The Screw Pile Advantage: Technical Justifications

Screw piles provide a compelling alternative with clear technical advantages specifically designed for modern homebuilding practices:

• Installation into Virgin Ground: Unlike concrete piles requiring excavation and backfill, screw piles are installed directly into stable, undisturbed soil layers below the frost line. This approach eliminates the risk of settling associated with backfilled trenches, ensuring long-term stability.
• Torque-Verified Performance: Each screw pile installation involves precise torque measurement to confirm exact load-bearing capacity. This method provides immediate, measurable assurance of foundation performance, ensuring piles will neither heave nor sink.
• Adjustability and Relocation: Screw piles are uniquely flexible. If piles are misaligned or site plans change, screw piles can be easily unscrewed and repositioned or adjusted vertically with minimal effort and cost.
• All-Weather Installation Capability: Screw piles can be installed throughout the year, regardless of extreme weather conditions. This capability allows builders to maintain project timelines without weather-related delays typical of concrete foundations.
• Galvanized Adjustable Caps: Postech screw piles are fitted with adjustable, galvanized steel caps, simplifying deck leveling and framing. Galvanization ensures corrosion resistance and durability, significantly reducing long-term maintenance.
• Comprehensive 25-Year Warranty: Postech provides a robust, 25-year warranty, giving builders and homeowners peace of mind. This assurance underscores the confidence in screw piles' structural integrity and reliability over time.

Cost Comparison: Concrete vs. Screw Piles

Conclusion: Building a Foundation for Success

Traditional concrete footings may appear convenient during the initial basement pour, but the hidden costs and long-term structural risks significantly outweigh initial efficiencies. Screw piles, by contrast, provide stable, adjustable, warranty-backed foundations installed directly into stable soil. They streamline your project, eliminate costly callbacks, and offer unmatched performance in Central Alberta’s demanding environment.

When it comes to deck foundations, it's clear that screw piles are not just an alternative—they’re the smarter choice for forward-thinking homebuilders.

Take the Next Step: Contact the Screw Crew

Ready to revolutionize your approach to deck foundations? Contact the Screw Crew at Postech Screw Piles Red Deer for a no-obligation site assessment. Discover firsthand how screw piles can enhance your building process, protect your reputation, and boost homeowner satisfaction.

Because true professionals know friends don’t let friends pour concrete.