Introduction

Whether you've been dreaming of building a new shed, garage, greenhouse, or any other type of outbuilding, you need to start with a solid foundation. That might sound pretty obvious, but it's surprising how often this aspect doesn't receive the attention it deserves.
We understand that choosing a foundation isn't really the most thrilling part of building something, which is why it can easily end up as an after-thought. But, here's the thing...
...your foundation should actually be one of the first things you consider when constructing any type of outbuilding.
Not only does your foundation set the stage for your entire project in terms of stability and longevity, it also dictates how easy it is to build.
Now, when it comes to your foundation options, your first thought might be to go with something like poured concrete. This usually comes in the form of 'sonotubes', which are those cardboard tubular concrete forms commonly seen at home improvement stores.
But while concrete foundations are a common solution, and there's nothing inherently wrong with them, helical piles have become a popular alternative in our region. 
Their speed, strength, versatility, and ease of installation, has made them a favourite among building professionals in Moncton and area.
In this post, we’re going to walk you through the essentials you should know about helical piles and how they compare to "traditional" concrete foundations. From uncovering which types of structures they can support to why you should consider them for your project, you're going to leave with the insights you need to make the right foundation decision.
So! No matter what type of building you're looking to, well, build, join us as we dive into the most important aspect of the process - your foundation.

What Are Helical Pile Foundations?

Even though helical foundations have become quite a popular option in our area, we wanted to give a quick break-down on this technology in case you're unfamiliar. If you already know about 'em, feel free to skip this part!
For those who don't know, a helical pile is comprised of a steel shaft with one (or more) "helix plates" attached to it. These helix plates are specially-shaped pieces of round steel that both allows the pile to smoothly rotate into the ground, and helps provide load capacity.
Here's how it works:

Thanks to this unique design, a helical pile is able to hold significant structural loads even when installed into weak or loose soils. This is especially useful here in New Brunswick, where many areas contain soil conditions that aren't exactly amazing for deep foundations.
The design also allows a helical pile to resist uplift forces that try to pull the foundation out of the ground. These usually come from things like wind pressing on the structure, or the soil heaving upwards during our annual freeze/thaw cycle.
This unique installation method, combined with the novel way a helical pile resists structural loads, makes them a solid option when it comes to supporting an outbuilding. It's also the reason they've become so popular in our region!
But, how does a helical pile really compare to concrete? And, is one option better than the other?

Concrete vs. Helical Pile Foundations

When choosing the foundation for a shed, garage, or other outbuilding, it often comes down to poured concrete or helical piles. Although some folks are tempted to choose shallow surface foundations like concrete blocks, we don't recommend these for several reasons.
First, it may not comply with your local code depending on the size and design of the structure. More importantly, the support you'll get from a shallow foundation is going to be unimpressive (and even disappointing).
The ground in many areas of New Brunswick can be prone to shifting and movement as we go through our annual freeze/thaw cycle. This causes shallow foundations to quickly become misaligned and out of place, leading to structural problems. 
Having to go back and install a proper deep foundation is always more challenging, and expensive, once the structure is already built. So, it's best to stick with a proven deep foundation solution the first time and skip the headaches.
With that caveat out of the way, let's compare the pros and cons of concrete versus helical pile foundations:

Concrete - Pros and Cons

Pros of Using Concrete

Cons of Using Concrete

Helical Piles - Pros and Cons

Pros of Using Helical Piles

Cons of Using Helical Piles

The "Winning" Foundation Solution

So, which of these two foundations is the 'winner'? Well, it depends on your project! Both helical piles and concrete come with their own pros and cons, so it really comes down to your specific needs and situation.
For example, if you have generally good soil conditions and don't mind getting your hands dirty, it would likely be less expensive for you to install your own concrete foundation. But, that will also take a lot more effort and time - plus you have to be careful to do it right.
If you're dealing with tricky soils, want to cut construction time, and don't feel like doing the work yourself, then helical piles could be a great value for you. It's less time, work, and hassle, leaving you with a strong and lasting support.
And if you're looking to pour something like a concrete slab for a garage floor, you might still find that helical piles have a place. They can, for instance, be used to reinforce the slab and ensure it won't suffer damage during our harsh winters.
Ultimately, the foundation option that's best for you is going to depend on factors like:

The best way to identify which option will suit your needs is to get in touch with a trusted foundation professional. They'll be able to assess your requirements and recommend a best-fit solution.

What Kinds of Outbuildings Can Use Helical Piles?

An Important Note About Supporting Prefabricated Sheds & Outbuildings

One of the popular ways for people to add a shed or other outbuilding to their property is by purchasing a pre-built unit. These are constructed at a central location, then either shipped to your site or you can pick them up yourself. They can be an affordable alternative to building yourself or hiring a contractor, and you can find them in in a variety of sizes and designs.
Prefab buildings can be a great option, but there is something important to know about supporting them!
The majority of prefab structures are built on "skids", which is essentially smaller-dimension lumber attached to the bottom in order to make delivery easier. They aren't designed to sit on these skids long-term, so you'll still need a proper foundation to support them.
Some manufacturers will provide concrete blocks for you to place on the ground, then lower the shed onto them. However, we don't recommend this option as it isn't really a true foundation solution. Because the concrete blocks sit on the surface, it won't be long before they'll shift around as the ground moves.
That can ultimately lead to structural issues, doors or windows that won't close, cracks in roofs or walls, and even water damage. So, we recommend you use a "pier and beam" foundation to provide a sturdy platform for your structure to safely sit on. 

This involves installing rows of helical piles and placing a strong wooden beam across them. Then, your prefab building can be put on-top. It's a simple, and trusted, way to provide a lasting foundation that won't shift, heave, or move.
While having a proper helical foundation installed for your prefab building will add a bit to the cost, it also ensures you enjoy a reliable structure for many years to come. 
Our team has installed countless helical piles to fix failing buildings, so believe us when we say it's far easier to do it right the first time!

6 Key Benefits of Helical Pile Foundations

1: Speedy & Easy Installation

Of all the benefits that a helical foundation brings, people tend to get most excited about the speed and ease of their installation. As we covered, poured concrete foundations do require a fair amount of effort and time before you can build on them. Helical piles, conversely, can be installed in as little as a few hours and are ready to use immediately.

2: Fits in Tight Spaces

Adding a new structure to your yard can often mean working around some relatively narrow confines. And honestly, the last thing you want is a bunch of equipment rolling in and tearing up your property just so you can build a shed. With a helical foundation, we use compact equipment that can access even the narrowest spaces without leaving a mess behind.

3: Strength and Stability

If you're investing in a nice new outbuilding, you don't want to worry about whether it's going to start sinking or heaving due to a weak foundation. Because of a helical pile's unique design, they're extremely resistant to shifting or settling over time. And, thanks to a tough galvanized coating, your foundation will last anywhere from 50 to 75+ years.

4: Ideal for Poor Soils

We don't need to tell you this, but it sure can rain a lot in our area. When you combine that with sandy, mucky, and loose soils, it can be a big challenge to install a firm foundation that will stand the test of time. However, since we install helical piles all the way to stable soil layers, they deliver serious strength even in the toughest soil conditions.

5: Economical

We'll be honest, a helical foundation can have a higher "per pile" price when compared to concrete - but that isn't the whole story. If you consider the overall economy of helical piles, from faster installation to reduced site prep and an incredibly long lifespan, they actually cost you less in the long-run. Once they're in the ground, you won't have to think about them ever again.

6: No Mess Installation

We already alluded to this, but the process of installing a helical pile leaves zero mess behind for you to deal with. No excavation means no piles of dirt or torn-up landscaping to worry about, and we don't have to fuss with setting forms or pouring concrete. This preserves your property while eliminating the headaches which can come with other solutions.

Conclusion

If you've made it all the way here, congratulations! You now know a whole lot more about your foundation options and the things you should consider when choosing one for your shed or outbuilding project.
We covered a lot of ground in this post, so here's the six key takeaways you should leave with:

We've said it before and we'll say it again: there is no "one size fits all" foundation for your project. 
Depending on your budget, soil conditions, and willingness to do some work yourself, concrete could be a completely fine option for your needs.
That said, and maybe this seems a little biased coming from us, we still recommend you take some time to investigate a helical pile foundation. You might just find it's more economical than you think to have one installed, and their long-lasting performance is great peace of mind.
Our team at Postech Moncton is more than happy to discuss your project and help you determine if a helical foundation is a good option for you. And if we don't think it is, we'll be honest about it.
So, if you'd like more information about helical piles and are interested in getting a free no-hassle estimate, contact us today! With over 13 years in business and tens of thousands of piles installed, we're here to put you on a solid foundation.