How Helical Piles Work
A helical pile consists of a steel shaft with one or more helical plates (like giant screws) welded to it. The pile is driven into the soil using a hydraulic torque motor — essentially turning it like a corkscrew until it reaches stable bearing soil. As the pile descends and the soil resistance increases, the torque required to turn it increases. This torque is monitored and recorded in real-time, giving us precise information about soil capacity at every depth.
A&Z uses CCMC-certified Almita helical piles, which meet all Canadian building code requirements. Each pile installation is documented with torque readings and depth verification. After the job, you receive a final conformity report confirming everything was installed to spec.
Where Are They Used?
Helical piles work for almost any structure that needs a permanent foundation — decks, sunrooms, three-season rooms, sheds, garages, porches, and more. They're especially popular for deck footings and outbuildings because they can be installed quickly with minimal disruption to your yard.
They work reliably in all soil types — Ottawa's challenging Leda clay, sandy soils, rocky areas, and everything in between. Unlike traditional concrete foundations that struggle in wet clay, helical piles screw through problem soil layers to reach stable ground below. This makes them ideal for Ottawa's variable geology.
Advantages Over Traditional Foundations
Traditional concrete footings and sonotubes require digging holes, pouring concrete, and waiting 7–28 days for it to cure. During that curing period, you can't build on the foundation. In Ottawa's climate, freezing temperatures can halt concrete work entirely.
Helical piles eliminate these challenges. There's no concrete to pour or cure, no excavation creating mess and haul-away costs, and no weather delays. Installation happens in hours. You can start building immediately. The piles are removable and reusable if plans change. Site disruption is minimal — no heavy equipment digging trenches or piling soil spoil on your property. And because each pile is torque-verified at installation, you get documented proof of capacity, not assumptions.
