Why Deck Helical Pier Foundations May Be Better than Concrete Footings For Your Deck Project
Bridge Média - 31 March 2023
When it comes to building a deck, choosing the right foundation is crucial to ensure a safe, stable, and long-lasting structure. Two popular options for deck foundations are deck helical piers and concrete footings.
While both options have their pros and cons, deck helical piers are gaining popularity for their ability to distribute weight more evenly and require less excavation and disturbance to the soil.
In this post, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of using deck helical piers for your deck foundation, the drawbacks of using concrete footings, cost comparison, and how to install deck helical piers for your deck project.
The Benefits of Using Deck Helical Piers for Your Deck Foundation
Deck piers, also known as helical piers, helical piles or screw piles, are a popular alternative to traditional concrete footings for deck foundations.
List of the main advantages of deck helical piers over concrete footings:
- Faster installation compared to concrete footings
- Immediate use: can build on them right away without waiting for concrete to cure
- No need to deal with spoils or excavated soil after installation
- Minimal damage to surrounding areas during installation
- Can be installed in any weather conditions, including rain or shine
- Helical piles allow for same-day deck building, without the need to return to the job site later
- Suitable bracket options available for any type of understructure or frame, regardless of beam size.
Another benefit of using deck helical piers is the ease of placement/relocating to accommodate the point loads of the deck, providing stability and reducing the risk of settling or shifting over time. Additionally, deck helical piers can be adjusted and leveled more easily than concrete footings, which can save time and money during the installation process.
The Drawbacks of Using Concrete Footings for Deck Foundations
While concrete footings have been a popular choice for deck foundations for many years, they do come with some drawbacks. One of the biggest issues with concrete footings is their tendency to crack or settle over time, especially in areas with freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete footings also require more excavation and can be more time-consuming to install than deck helical piers. Additionally, once installed, it can be difficult to make adjustments to the level of the deck, which can be problematic if your yard is not perfectly level.
Cost Comparison of Deck Helical Piers vs Concrete Footings
The cost of deck helical piers versus concrete footings can vary depending on several factors, including :
- Size and complexity of your deck
- Local building codes and regulations
- Cost of materials and labor in your area
- Accessibility of the installation site
- Soil conditions and stability
- Type and quality of materials used
- Design and layout of the deck
- Weather conditions and seasonal availability of materials and labor.
Generally speaking, deck helical piers can be a more cost-effective option for your deck project in the long run.
The Environmental Impact of Using Deck Helical Piers vs Concrete Footings for Your Deck Project
In addition to the cost and practical considerations of using deck helical piers vs. concrete footings, it's also important to consider the environmental impact of your deck foundation.
Concrete production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which can have a negative impact on the environment.
Deck helical piers require less excavation and disturbance to the soil, which can help preserve the landscape of your backyard and reduce the carbon footprint of your deck project.
How to Install Deck Helical Piers for Your Deck Project
Installing deck helical piers requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a stable and long-lasting foundation for your deck.
Steps to install deck helical piers for your deck project :
- Determine the location and spacing of the piles based on the deck design.
- Attach the pile to the excavator and carefully screw it into the ground to desired torque.
- Ensure the piles are level and properly aligned.
- Install pile caps or brackets to the top of the piles.
- Attach the deck framing to the pile caps or brackets using special hardware.
It's very important to follow all local building codes and regulations during the installation process to ensure a safe and secure deck foundation. We highly recommend that you call upon one of our certified installers to do the job right so your deck will sit on a solid and steady foundation.
Conclusion
Whether you're building a small backyard deck or a large outdoor living space, choosing the right foundation is critical to ensure the safety, stability, and longevity of your structure. While concrete footings have been a popular choice for many years, deck helical piers offer several benefits that make them an attractive alternative.
By considering factors such as size and complexity, local regulations, and cost, you can make an informed decision about whether deck helical piers or concrete footings are the right foundation option for your specific project. With proper planning, preparation, and installation, you can build a beautiful and functional deck that will provide years of enjoyment for you and your family.
About GoliathTech
Since 2004, GoliathTech has been the most important manufacturer and installer in the helical (screw) pile industry worldwide. Our patented helical pile foundation system surpasses industry standards and has earned us multiple awards and prizes.
Carried out by certified installers, our quick installation process avoids excavation, which protects your landscape and allows you to begin building as soon as the piles are in the ground. Moreover, you can anchor GoliathTech’s helical pile foundations into any soil or space year-round. Installed deep into the ground, beneath the frost line, they solidly support the structure in even the most extreme conditions. Our technology guarantees that a helical (screw) pile foundation won't move or crack over time.
Integrating both strength and know-how, GoliathTech offers the best anchoring solution to support your residential, industrial, commercial, and municipal projects. Trust the experience and expertise of GoliathTech for your foundation projects. Find a certified GoliathTech installer in your region or become a franchisee.
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