When we undertake a renovation in our backyard, screw piles seem to be the popular and effective choice for most projects. In this article, we’ll explore how screw piles can transform and enhance your outdoor renovation projects.

TERRACE AND DECK RENOVATIONS

Terraces and decks are essential outdoor living spaces, particularly popular during the summer months. Using screw piles for the foundation of these structures offers several advantages.

Fast, solid installation: Screw piles can be installed quickly, without the need for extensive excavation work. Also, this type of foundation is adapted to withstand ground movement and extreme weather conditions. Your deck or terrace will remain stable and in good condition for many years to come.

An adaptable foundation solution: Whether your soil is sand, clay or gravel, screw piles can be used effectively to create a stable foundation. What’s more, screw piles can be installed under an existing project. An interesting option if the only purpose of the renovation is to solidify the structure.

STRUCTURE ADDITIONS TO THE OUTSIDE YARD

Garden structures such as pergolas, garden sheds and greenhouses can transform your outdoor space into a true peaceful haven. Screw piles are ideal for these projects for the following reasons.

Structural flexibility: screw piles can be precisely positioned to suit a variety of structural designs. This offers great flexibility for creating unique, customized structures.

An affordable solution: In most cases, the budget allocated to these renovations needs to be as small as possible. This means finding the right balance between solid (concrete) and affordable (sonotube). Screw piles represent the middle ground, as they are more affordable than concrete and more durable than concrete or sonotubes. You can read more on the subject in our article “Screw Piles VS Sonotubes”

This makes screw piles a practical and effective solution for a variety of exterior renovation projects. Their rapid installation and adaptability to various soil types, as well as their durability, make them an ideal choice for decks, terraces, garden structures, verandas and balconies. By choosing screw piles, you can significantly transform your outdoor spaces, creating stable, durable and aesthetically pleasing structures. Trust the PROS to help you with your outdoor renovation projects this summer, and benefit from our screw pile installation expertise.

Contact us today to find out more about our screw pile installation services.

Sustainable construction is more than a trend; it’s a necessity in our rapidly evolving world. As we look for ways to reduce our impact on the environment, every aspect of construction must be examined from an ecological perspective. Among the emerging solutions, the use of screw piles for foundations stands out for its many ecological advantages.

Minimal Impact on the Site

One of the main advantages of screw piles is their minimally invasive installation. Unlike traditional techniques, screw pile installation requires less excavation and earth moving. This means less disturbance to the local ecosystem, preserving the surrounding flora and fauna. What’s more, this method significantly reduces the amount of construction debris, contributing to a cleaner, greener construction site.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Screw piles are also advantageous in terms of carbon emissions. Their installation requires less heavy machinery and takes less time than traditional foundations. This translates into a significant reduction in fuel consumption and, consequently, greenhouse gas emissions. What’s more, the manufacture of screw piles generally consumes less energy than the production of large quantities of concrete.

Durability and Longevity

Durability is another strong point of screw piles. Manufactured from corrosion-resistant materials, they offer a long service life, reducing the need for frequent replacement or repair. This longevity means less material required over time, and a reduction in the structure’s overall environmental impact.

Recyclability

At the end of their life, screw piles have the advantage of being recyclable. Unlike concrete foundations, which can be difficult and costly to remove and recycle, screw piles can be unscrewed and removed with minimal impact on the site. They can then be recycled, helping to reduce construction waste.

Adaptability to Sensitive Sites

Screw piles are ideal for projects on ecologically sensitive sites, such as wetlands or land with abundant vegetation. Their precise, controlled installation maintains the integrity of these delicate areas, offering an environmentally-friendly foundation solution.

Conclusion

In our quest for more environmentally-friendly construction, screw piles are proving to be both a practical and ecological foundation option. At Pro Post Foundations, we’re proud to offer this sustainable solution to our customers, contributing to a greener future for all. By choosing screw piles for your next project, you’re taking another step towards sustainable and responsible construction.

Winter is here, bringing with it a number of challenges for your foundations. The question is: Will structures supported by sonotubes withstand the cold?

Sonotube Foundations and Winter’s Challenges

Between freezing and thawing, the increase in humidity, and the risk of collapse, your sonotubes are truly put to the test. Find out how freeze-thaw cycles and winter’s humidity can threaten the integrity of your structures.

The Effect of Cold on Sonotubes

Freezing and Thawing : These cycles are among the greatest enemies of your sonotube.  Water in the soil freezes, expands and can displace sonotubes, compromising the stability of your structure.

Moisture and Subsidence : An Unknown Danger for Sonotube Foundations

Water Saturated Soil : Winter isn’t just synonymous with snow and ice; it’s also a time when soil moisture can increase considerably. This excessive moisture can infiltrate around and under the foundations, making the soil less stable and more malleable.

Risk of Subsidence : When soil becomes saturated with water, it loses some of its ability to support structures effectively. For sonotubes, this means an increased risk of subsidence. Moist and soft soil can shift, losing its optimal alignment and level, thus jeopardizing the structural integrity of the entire building.

Soil Movements : Moisture can also cause lateral soil movements. These movements can exert uneven pressure on the sonotubes, leading to cracks or deformations which, over time, can cause significant damage to your building.

How Screw Piles Can Save Your Foundations

In the unforgiving world of foundations, screw piles stand out for their robustness against Mother Nature’s challenges. Designed to withstand extreme conditions, they represent a formidable solution to winter weather. Here’s how.

Depth Stability : Unlike sonotubes, which are more prone to shallow soil movement, Pro Post Foundations screw piles are anchored deep, below the frost line. This ensures that your foundations remain stable, even in the face of freezing and thawing.

Galvanized Steel : The galvanized steel of screw piles stands out as a superior material choice, especially when compared with traditional wood and concrete. Unlike wood, which can deteriorate under the effects of moisture and cold, or concrete, which is susceptible to cracking in freezing temperatures, galvanized steel offers exceptional resilience. Its galvanized coating acts as a protective shield against corrosion and oxidation, two common problems in winter. Furthermore, steel neither expands nor contracts significantly with temperature variations, guaranteeing exceptional stability.

Winter shouldn’t be a source of stress for homeowners. By understanding how this season affects your foundations and by considering alternatives such as screw piles, you can protect and preserve your home’s structure and safety. Contact Pro Post Foundations today for more information and make sure your foundations are ready to face winter’s challenges.

General contractors are there to turn your ideas into a reality, but sometimes optimal cost management isn’t their priority. The choice of foundation for your project is an excellent example of this. Some contractors favor concrete despite its higher cost, often because of its reputation. 

While most are honest and give proper advice, understanding this factor is crucial in making informed decisions. In this article, we’ll be exploring why concrete is often preferred and how you can avoid this mistake by opting for a modern, efficient, and cost-effective alternative: screw piles from Pro Post Foundations.

1 – The myth of concrete strength

Concrete has long been seen as the ultimate choice for strong, durable foundations. Its reputation for robustness has led many general contractors to favor it, sometimes without considering equally reliable alternatives. However, screw piles offer comparable, if not superior, strength, while being more cost-effective.

2 – The temptation of established standards

General contractors may be inclined to follow established industry standards, and concrete is often perceived as the standard for foundations. This preference may be influenced by old habits and traditional designs. However, it’s important to recognize that standards are evolving, and modern solutions such as screw piles offer a more innovative, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective alternative.

3 – The Hidden Cost of Concrete

While the initial cost of concrete may seem justified by its reputation for strength, it’s essential to consider the hidden costs associated with its transportation, installation and the time it takes to cure the concrete, which means the project must wait a predetermined amount of time before the structure can be built. Screw piles, on the other hand, offer fast, efficient installation, reducing overall project costs.

Why you should choose screw piles from Pro Post Foundations

Pro Post Foundations offer a modern, cost-effective alternative to traditional concrete foundations. Screw piles guarantee rapid installation, exceptional stability and adaptability to a variety of soil types. By choosing screw piles, you can not only save on costs, but also benefit from a more environmentally-friendly solution, contributing to the sustainability of your project.

In conclusion, while general contractors are reliable experts, it’s essential to be aware of market trends and explore innovative alternatives. Opting for screw piles from Pro Post Foundations can not only meet your foundation needs, but also offer a cost-effective, sustainable solution to ensure the success of your construction project.

Today, let’s dive into a topic that concerns every carport owner: how to extend the life of this essential structure. A carport often represents a considerable investment, so making informed decisions about the type of shelter and the type of foundation can play a decisive role in its lifespan.

Follow our detailed guide to ensure long-lasting protection of your carport and your vehicle.

1. Choosing the right type of carport

We invite you to read another of our blogs which answers in detail “How to choose and install your carport”. In that article we detailed the different types of carports available on the market.

In short, be sure to consider the size, material and design of the shelter to meet your specific needs. A well-chosen carport will stand up better to the elements, prolonging its lifespan.

2. Choose the Right Foundation

The foundation of your carport plays a crucial role in its stability and longevity. Among the available options, such as concrete, concrete blocks, sonotubes and screw piles, each choice has its advantages and disadvantages.

Concrete : Strong and sturdy, concrete provides a sturdy foundation. However, it can be prone to cracking over time, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Concrete blocks: An alternative to poured concrete, concrete blocks offer flexibility and are attractively priced. However, their stability can be affected by ground movement or strong winds.
Sonotubes: Designed to minimize ground contact, sonotubes can be a lightweight option. However, precise installation is required to ensure optimum stability. In addition, annual adjustments may be required if the ground is subject to movement.

Screw piles

Our specialty at Pro Post Foundations, screw piles are an innovative and durable solution. They are particularly well-suited to variable soils, and their durability is unrivalled. Screw piles are more expensive than sonotubes, but less expensive than concrete slabs.

By choosing the right foundation for your terrain and local conditions, you strengthen the base of your carport, contributing to its longevity.

The lifespan of your carport depends greatly on the decisions you make from the start. By choosing the right type of shelter and the right foundation, you can ensure optimum protection of your vehicle for many years to come.

At Pro Post Foundations, we’re here to guide you in making informed choices for your carport foundation. Contact us for personalized advice and lasting solutions. Extend the life of your carport with us, your trusted partner in the installation of solid foundations.

The limits of concrete foundations

When it comes to investing into projects on your property, you’ll probably think of concrete as the basic building material. However, it’s essential to consider if concrete, or concrete sonotubes, are really the best choice in terms of long-term investment.
In this blog, we’ll explore why concrete can be a bad investment, highlighting its financial and environmental limitations.

Budget management and concrete

1. High initial costs

Concrete foundations involve significant initial costs, mainly due to the cost of raw materials, skilled labor, and specialized equipment.
In addition, excavation is often unavoidable, representing a significant expense. These costs can put a significant pressure on a project’s budget, which may discourage you from going ahead.

2. Maintenance and repair costs

Concrete requires regular maintenance to avoid problems such as cracking, corrosion and deterioration. Maintenance and repair costs can accumulate over time, reducing your return on investment.

Concrete’s environmental limits

1. High Carbon Footprint

The production of cement, the main component of concrete, is a major source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Concrete’s high carbon footprint is a significant contributor to climate change.

2. Impact on natural resources

The extraction of sand, gravel and other raw materials for concrete production can lead to degradation of the local environment, especially in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

More Sustainable Alternatives

It is essential to consider more sustainable alternatives to concrete, such as glue-laminated timber construction, modular buildings, or screw piles foundations. These options offer both environmental and financial advantages, providing better investment potential.

Conclusion

Making the right decisions when investing in a property is essential to maximize returns while minimizing risk.
Obviously, we strongly recommend that you opt for screw piles foundations. Their cost-effectiveness, durability and environmental footprint are at the core of our mission at Pro Post Foundations. We believe in the affordability of sustainability.
In addition, it’s important to note that piles offer the notable advantage of being easily re-useable. More details can be found in this article: Sonotubes VS Screw Piles
Make a wise decision and invest in sustainability.

With winter just around the corner, many homeowners feel the urge to spruce up their outdoor spaces before it gets too cold. However, it can be difficult to get started. Inspiration can be lacking, and time constraints seem to work against us. But it’s possible to make the most of your property.

That’s why we’ve come up with this list of 10 quick and easy projects, featuring the use of screw piles as foundations to guarantee stability and durability. If  you missed part 1 of our article, click here to read it.

Children’s play area: Like the children’s tree house, the playground is a must for children when the terrain allows it. To prevent the play area from shifting as children run around in it, it’s best to have a solid foundation firmly anchored to the ground.

Fence: Whether made of wood, metal or any other material, a fence needs to be sturdy. With a foundation on screwed piles, it will stay upright and never tilt.

Spa terrace: A small deck next to your spa will allow you to keep your resting area upright throughout your spa’s use. Remember to use a solid foundation to withstand the weight of snow.

Wooden Deck: A wooden deck to border your pool or simply for an outdoor resting area will enable you, like the terrace, to enjoy your property but in an elevated position. You’ll be able to keep an eye on your entire property.

Garden tool sheds: With pre-built sheds becoming more and more affordable, it may be worth making this your fall project. Think of Pro Pieux Fondations: screw pile installation takes just a few hours and can be handled within a week. Your shelter will be installed like a charm!

Pergola: For protection from the sun and shade, nothing beats a pergola. A pergola creates a pleasant, shaded area in which to relax.

Wooden walkway: To get from one area to another, a walkway may sometimes be necessary. As you may be transporting heavy objects and passing over it several times a day, be sure to install it on a reliable foundation.

Chicken shed: Urban chicken sheds are becoming increasingly popular in municipalities that allow them. This is a small building where you can keep a few chickens and enjoy the eggs they give you. They are often slightly elevated and enclosed by a fence to prevent your chickens from flying away.

Carport: A carport can come in very handy in the Canadian climate. A carport is the perfect way to protect your car from the elements. However, it’s important to ensure that the foundation is solid, with professional installation on screw piles to ensure a stable, durable structure.

Glass Winter Garden: A glass greenhouse allows you to grow your vegetables for much longer. Bear in mind, however, that such a construction made mainly of glass is quite heavy, and will need to sit on a solid foundation to prevent the framework from working.

In short, autumn is the ideal time to undertake these landscaping projects. By opting for screw piles as a foundation, you’ll ensure fast, solid and durable installation, all at a competitive price. There’s no need to wait. 

Give in to your creativity and transform your outdoor space into a functional, welcoming and pleasant place to live, which you’ll be able to enjoy not only this winter, but for many seasons to come. Don’t hesitate to ask for a quote from a professional installer to make your plans a reality in the best possible conditions. 

Enjoy your new project!

At some point, every homeowner wants to get the most out of their property. Unfortunately, when it comes to doing something about it, inspiration isn’t always there, and time is often the determining factor in whether or not we take action.

That’s why we’ve put together this two-part list of 20 sustainable project ideas to make your yard more beautiful and your outdoor space more functional. You have the choice of using a variety of foundations for any of these projects, including a foundation on screw piles for greater stability.

Here are 10 ideas to help you get started

Hammock stand: A hammock is a must for relaxing. It’s essential that your mount is sturdy and secure, so you can relax without worry. Screw piles are the ideal foundation for optimum comfort.

Bird feeder: These feeders offer a magnificent view of the local wildlife. By fixing the feeder securely, you can enjoy this spectacle time and time again.

Address sign: Make life easier for your visitors by clearly displaying your address with a sturdy pole and solar lamp, so they can find you effortlessly at any time of day.

Mailbox solidification: A leaning mailbox is not only unaesthetic, but it can also cause delivery problems. Make sure it remains stable and indestructible.

Firewood Shelter: A sturdy firewood shelter protects your wood from the elements, avoiding the inconvenience of flying covers. Make sure it’s well anchored to stay in place.

Outdoor Storage Bin: Outdoor storage bins are essential for keeping your space clean and organized. With a sturdy fastening, your bin will stay in place, enduring changing weather conditions.

Garden Bench: A well-anchored bench is ideal for receiving guests in your backyard or near your outdoor fireplace. It provides a comfortable space to sit and relax outdoors.

Compost bin: A pivoting compost bin facilitates the process of composting your household waste, enabling you to create nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

Raised Vegetable Bins: Raised vegetable containers are an ideal solution for gardens. Their height facilitates maintenance, allowing you to grow vegetables in a more accessible way.

Children’s hut: A children’s tree house is a popular outdoor play area for children. Whether raised or on the ground, a solid foundation ensures the structure’s stability and safety, so children can play with you in complete peace of mind.

By completing these projects before the winter, you’ll have a free mind for the coming summer season, because your projects will already be done. You have the choice of using different foundations for these constructions, but of course we recommend installing your project on screw piles for all their advantages. What’s more, the autumn season will guarantee installation in a very short timeframe.

Take advantage of autumn to get these projects done before winter arrives!

PREPARING A PLAN AND CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF FOUNDATION
Step 1

As labor costs continue to rise and material prices keep climbing due to inflation, more and more people are turning to the idea of building their own outdoor patio to transform their backyard into a dream space.

However, before diving headfirst into this project, it’s essential to understand just how crucial the preparation of a well-thought-out building plan is. Indeed, it’s this initial step that will lay the foundations of your success. At this stage, it’s a good idea to take inspiration from online videos and photos to determine the style of your patio.

The success of such a project will also require choosing the right foundation to ensure stability and durability. There are several foundation solutions available for such a project, but the one we’re focusing on today is, in our opinion, one of the most durable on the market: screw piles.

PREPARING THE SITE FOR THE NEW CONSTRUCTION
Step 2

Once you’ve clearly defined your screw pile patio construction project, it’s essential to start preparing the ground. This crucial step will guarantee the stability of the future structure.

You must ensure that the surface is perfectly level and uniform. In addition, it’s imperative to ensure that any debris or obstacles that could interfere with the progress of the work are moved or removed. By taking these preventive measures, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays once your site is in progress.

ACQUIRING THE NECESSARY MATERIALS
Step 3

Before you start building, it’s essential to obtain the necessary materials such as lumber, screws, beams and any other items specific to your plan. Carefully planning your materials list will ensure that you will have everything at hand when you need it, saving you time and hassle along the way. If you don’t have a suitable vehicle to transport the materials, consider using a vehicle rental service from a local business to make transportation easier.

FOUNDATION INSTALLATION

Step 4

When it comes to choosing the ideal foundation for your patio, you’re often faced with several options, such as sonotubes and traditional concrete.

However, let us guide you towards a particularly advantageous alternative: screw piles. They stand out for their quick installation, which only takes a few hours, and their use of adapted machinery that won’t damage your ground. Additionally, screw piles are an excellent value for money. Not only are they economical, they’re also long-lasting, ensuring a solid, stable foundation for your patio.

Book your installation now!

ASSEMBLING THE STRUCTURE

Step 5

Once the piles/foundation are securely in place, start by fastening the horizontal bearing beams, ensuring a solid base for your structure. Next, fasten the joists perpendicular to the load-bearing beams, taking care to space them evenly to ensure balanced weight distribution. Once you’ve assembled this basic structure, you can lay your flooring boards to finalize your patio. Make sure all connections are secure and levels are correct throughout the process. With screw piles as a foundation, you’ll enjoy faster assembly and a solid structure for your outdoor space.

CONCLUSION: FINITION ET AMÉNAGEMENTS

Last Step

In a nutshell, building a patio is an exciting adventure that starts with careful planning, choosing the right materials, and creating a solid foundation. Screw piles are the ideal solution to ensure the stability of your project. Once you’ve taken this crucial step, you can concentrate on finishing and landscaping your patio, giving free will to your creativity to create an outdoor space that perfectly suits your needs and lifestyle. Whether you want a peaceful spot to relax or a lively gathering place for loved ones, screw piles ensure that your patio will live up to your dreams, offering both strength and durability for many years to come.