Addition on helical piles

10/22/2022 at 11:19:59 PM

Depends on the engineering etc...you have to check the local development office. Helical piles are allowed in many places but it all depends on frost line, soil etc. and is dependent as well to size of structure, load bearing etc., to determine if allowed and the size/depth. Footing walls on pilings are usually the preferred method in Canada for residential additions. Open crawl space floors have to be fully insulted, and covered with plywood underneath. Floors do not typically require a vapor barrier but check codes in your area as this can depend on where it is being built, use etc. There are ways to do this work from the top if it is really close to ground but before any mechanicals obviously

10/23/2022 at 6:20:35 AM

So I have talked with a reputable helical pile installer who have used them for additions in my area as well as they do provide the structural drawings for the piles! Just wondering if anyone has any experience using them or the pros vs cons to a regular foundation

10/23/2022 at 11:11:18 AM

Personally as a alternative to a full foundation I only like using footing walls and a full concrete pad in the crawl pace as it is a a much better job in all ways especially for warmth and moisture protection etc. Even in houses 60 years ago this was the norm but with dirt crawl space typically, but a foundation is a foundation. I only ever considered using screw piles on a Client job for very small additions that were cantilevered out maybe only several feet from a existing structure. IMO screw piles are for decks only on residential construction. I never use them in additions.