We’re happy to introduce Kraig Roche, as the owner of Techno Metal Post Mohawk Valley, a dealership located in Amsterdam, N.Y. Kraig is a dedicated family man, with a wife, Kati, and his first-born son, Trevor, who is now 7 months old. Kraig's drive for TMP Mohawk Valley comes from his desire to have a flexible career that allows him to be a more involved parent, which is extremely important to him. He tells us, “I was looking for something that was going to grow and benefit everyone, including my family. This is a huge motivation for me and I'm pretty excited”. 

He brings 13 years of experience as a sales rep in the auto parts industry to his new role as a TMP dealer. His experience in building relationships and getting to know people in the field has inspired him to bring Techno Metal Posts to his community. Although Kraig doesn't have a broad construction background, he considers himself a handy man and technical person wrapped in one. He believes that his technical skills blend well with the machinery aspect of TMP.  

Kraig first discovered Techno Metal Post while watching an episode of "Maine Cabin Masters" during his paternity leave. While he also travels extensively for his job, Kraig came across TMP Hudson Valley's post display in Highland, N.Y., which further piqued his interest. Curious about our helical piles, he decided to look further into it. When he realized that there were no dealerships in his area, he saw the potential for growth and with many signs pointing in the same direction, Kraig knew he had to move forward and so he reached out to us. Fast forward to October, and Kraig is now proudly representing TMP Mohawk Valley! 

Kraig demonstrates real motivation and is truly excited to bring TMP Mohawk Valley to his region.  We’re truly happy to have Kraig with us and we wish him much success ahead! 

We're happy to introduce Ben Zenner with Techno Metal Post Midwest Minnesota LLC. Ben, who's originally from central Minnesota, is happily married and has a great love for the outdoors. He lives surrounded by lakes, and over the years he's developed a real interest in water skiing and spends much time on the water. During the cold winter months, he enjoys snowmobiling and hitting the local ski slopes for downhill skiing.

Ben's professional career began after he studied carpentry at a technical college. He owned a business specializing in home improvements and touched on many areas including decks, siding, windows, and additions for residential homes. He said he dealt mostly with concrete if the project called for it. After several years as a carpenter, he transitioned to work for a local lumber yard, where he now focuses on estimation and sales.

One day, while browsing the web, Ben came across an ad for helical piles. Curious about the engineering behind the product, he began looking into its benefits and reached out for more details. He explains, “I like the clean look of helical piles, as well as the minimal disruption they cause to the surrounding area. Compared to heavy equipment such as skid loaders or working with concrete, as I've done in the past, the piles seem to offer a better solution.” Ben enjoys what the pile industry offers and considers Techno Metal Post’s helical piles a complementary addition to his projects.

He believes our innovative products are a valuable addition to the construction industry, offering many advantages to professionals and customers alike.

In this informative article, we've compiled our most frequently asked questions and provided summarized answers to better assist you. We feel these concise Q&A’s will help to clarify and address your key questions, while offering some insight into Techno Metal Post's services. Essentially, before starting any project, it’s important to consult your local installer in order to discuss your needs and obtain more information.

Let’s dive in…

 

Q1. Why use a helical pile foundation instead of concrete?

Using helical piles will save you time and money, since they don’t require any excavation, concrete pouring and curing time or site repairs. Also, ensuring the stability of your project will help prevent future expenses that may result from probable soil movement.

More details can be found in the following article: Helical Piles vs. Concrete Piers

 

Q2. Is it possible to install helical piles in rocky soil conditions?

Our installation equipment can screw piles through soil containing small to moderate sized rocks. In the case of shallow bedrock, the installer will propose a specialized anchoring system.

The following article provides the details: Solutions for Dealing with Rocks During Installation.

 

Q3. How much do helical piles cost?

It is important to know the type of project the piles will be used for. For example, the cost of piles for a deck foundation will be different from those used in a house extension or for supporting the structure of a cottage.

Several criteria determine the cost, and we have listed a few below:

• Types of loads needing support
• Length of the piles
• Helix dimensions

 

Q4. How many helical piles are required for a deck?

This depends on the size of the deck- the rule of thumb in any project is to maintain a spacing of 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters) between the piles.

Also, if the deck were attached to a house, it would require fewer piles since the existing structure would take on a portion of the load.

 

We hope these brief explanations provided you with a good starting point and clearer understanding of our products. For more in-depth information, we invite you to explore our complete FAQ and Articles page.

Techno Metal Post proudly welcomes Barry Charest and Kaden Keene, who have joined forces to serve the Southwest New Hampshire region.

Barry, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Army, also served as a police officer for nine years. Throughout his career, he achieved major milestones, including earning military medals and others for his bravery as a police officer, such as rushing into burning buildings to save people. On a personal level, Barry is a culinary arts graduate, a football coach, and a proud father of four children aged 19, 17, and 16-year-old twin daughters. In his well-deserved downtime, he enjoys hunting and lobster fishing. While he was working as an officer (which he is still to this day part-time), he started his company “Uncle Barry's Carpentry LLC”.

He came across Techno Metal Post when the N.H. carpentry industry began its boom. He met and collaborated closely with Alex (now the former owner) who was installing piles for Barry’s deck-building projects. Alex eventually decided to move on from TMP and Barry reached out to us requesting installers for his area. Eventually, these conversations led to Barry expanding his existing business and acquiring the New Hampshire dealership. We believe that Barry's experience as a TMP customer will provide him with a unique perspective as a new dealer.

Kaden is a longtime friend of Barry’s and has worked at his Carpentry shop for a long while. Because of their trusted relationship with one another, Barry invited Kaden to join him as one of his installers for TMP S.W. New Hampshire. Kaden eagerly accepted the opportunity and has already become comfortable and skilled with our installation equipment.

We are thrilled to welcome both Barry and Kaden to the TMP family and are excited to see the growth of their dealership in New Hampshire. We’ve got an amazing dealership in the making!

In this article, we explore the different types of applications that are possible with helical piles and how they can simplify your life. Demonstrating their versatility and numerous advantages, they are the go-to choice for homeowners and contractors alike. If you’re searching for a reliable and alternative foundation solution, Techno Metal Post supports your projects with their helical pile foundations!

Our helical piles are commonly used as a foundation solution for homes, cottages, and the increasingly popular modular or prefab home. Like all houses, prefab structures also require a solid and stable foundation and one way to achieve this is to build directly on helical piles. We deliver precise installation even on sloped terrain and the piles are adaptive to most soil conditions so you can feel safe that your home is properly supported. Looking for peace of mind? They are certified, guaranteed, and tested to meet the highest standards, ensuring your modular home remains stable and secure. It is easy to obtain building permits when using our product because they are Code Compliant and accepted by Building Departments. Overall, they’re a great alternative to traditional concrete foundations, which normally require soil removal, curing time, and an inspection before you proceed with your project. Because no excavation is required and they are simple and quick to install, you can complete your project in no time!

As for decks and stairs, they are among the most common projects in the residential sector and can be built as single or multiple-level structures on our piles. Whether decks come with or without a roof, they still call for a sturdy base, and this is especially true if they support heavy objects such as a hot tub. No matter their size or frame material, choosing a durable foundation to support your project is essential.

Are you building a house addition or designing a sunroom? Yet again, helical piles are an ideal choice as an alternative foundation for homeowners who are looking to expand their indoor living space. They withstand the heaviest loads, and the toughest soil conditions, no matter the size of your project.

Along with those mentioned above, our piles have also become increasingly popular as a foundation solution for sheds, whether they are used for storage or designed as a small living space. It is worth mentioning that in a near future, if you ever needed to displace the shed to install a pool, the piles can be easily removed and relocated. When it comes to carports, it's important to remember that these structures can be vulnerable to uplift forces caused by strong winds and storms. Choosing to install Techno Metal Post helical piles will maintain the stability of your structure. Our piles are guaranteed to remain solid and durable, ensuring year-round stability, no matter the climate conditions.

Our specialized installation equipment can easily access and maneuver in tight and restricted areas. This convenience is a huge advantage because there’s no limit to where it can operate, and it won’t hinder a project’s advancement. Another important benefit is it simplifies the job completion in little time, without site disruption or damage to the surrounding environment. These points alone can help save money and frustration from potential landscape repairs.

Despite potential ground movements, Techno Metal Post’s helical piles remain in place, thanks to our exclusive green sleeve. It slides vertically along the pile, preventing it from heaving in colder climates that encounter ‘frost and thaw’ cycles.

To see the versatility of our helical piles in action, the 3D animation below visually demonstrates the development of a residential project incorporating all the types of applications mentioned above, while highlighting their unique advantages. And don't forget that Techno Metal Post is the foundation solution for all your projects, from a clothesline to a 5-story building!

Michel Gratton, a new customer of Techno Metal Post, shares his positive experience with building his front porch and home addition on our helical piles.

When he built his house three years ago, and the time came to add the front porch and back addition, he knew he didn’t want a concrete foundation nor concrete piers as their support. That’s when he reached out to his friend Paulo, a construction expert, for advice on a solid and durable foundation solution.

Paulo immediately suggested Techno Metal Post’s helical pile foundation. He explained how they were a strong, quick and aesthetic alternative to support his structures, so Michel immediately contacted an installer. He told us, “The professionals came with their installation equipment and within four hours, had installed seven piles total for the front and back of the house. Four piles went to support the back addition, while the other three piles went to support our front porch. The piles have an impressive load capacity, so I know for sure nothing will budge.” This ensured Michel of their solidity and durability for his project and was convinced he made the right choice by opting for TMP’s helical piles. He added, “It wasn't a question of price, but of choice and quality. The job was really well done, and we are truly happy with the results!”

Michel’s testimonial highlights some advantages of using our helical piles for different types of projects in a solid and aesthetically pleasing manner. An ideal foundation solution for those looking for an alternative to traditional concrete piers.

We thank Michel for sharing his story with us and helping others who might need to make an informed decision…

To get a free quote for your project or for more information, please reach out to your local installer.

Techno Metal Post is the only North American certified helical pile manufacturer that fully welds shaft couplings together. Why is this, and what key differences/advantages does this type of coupling have?

The short answer is that they are stronger than bolted couplings. Please read on for more details-

The buckling of columns is a concern in structural engineering. Imagine pressing down on a yardstick or slender rod with your hand, which initially carries some load. Then, at a certain point, the slender column will deform sideways near the middle of its height and become unstable. This failure mode is called buckling.

Helical piles are slender columns in the ground. Usually, the ground will prevent buckling by laterally bracing the shaft throughout its length, however, this is not always the case. Occasionally helical foundation shafts extend up into the air, through water, are placed into fluid, or very soft soil. Sometimes the fluid soil zone can be well below the ground surface, and whenever the shaft is not fully braced by soil, buckling should be considered. This is one reason why a fully welded shaft is better than a bolted shaft.

Bolted couplings will have some slack, or freedom to move laterally and cannot be manufactured perfectly snug or tight. Bolt holes are larger than the bolt diameter to promote easier installation, and coupling sleeves are also oversized for the same reason. This manufactured slack in the couplings must be accounted for in the buckling design. Fully welded couplings, which do not have any slack, are stiffer and stronger than bolted couplings. These features are appreciated by engineers and building officials alike.

What about weld inspection? Yes, it’s true that building codes do recommend that welds are inspected. This is also true for bolted connections. One key point is that Techno Metal Post's coupling welds are proof-tested for strength during installation.

The stress placed on the weld during installation is greater than the stress the weld will see once the structure is built. Techno Metal Post's evaluation report IAPMO ER 481 even says so.

 

IAPMO ER 481 Section 3.2.1

 

This section of IAPMO ER 481 has been successfully used to show building officials why weld inspections are not needed. If the weld is strong enough to twist the pile into the ground, it will be strong enough to resist the load it was installed to.

What about weld corrosion? In the case of bare steel, weld strength calculations take into account a sacrificial corrosion thickness, in the same way as for the pile shaft. If the shaft is hot-dipped galvanized, this galvanized coating adjacent to the bare steel weld will protect the weld. This works similarly to Techno Metal Post’s sacrificial anodes that are applied to bare steel shafts. When using a galvanized steel pile, it is recommended to apply a coating of zinc-rich paint to the weld before you twist it into the ground, as an added precaution.

As always, reach out to the engineering team if you have any questions.

Techno Metal Post’s helical piles are recognized as a versatile and sustainable foundation solution for a wide range of construction projects. Our foundation system plays an especially important role in nature conservation and preservation efforts alike. These include projects in restricted or remote areas such as parks, protected areas, or even as simple as backyards! The ability to maneuver around plants and existing structures makes them an ideal choice for projects aimed at preserving the natural environment, while still meeting construction goals.

Recently, a residential deck project, showcased the benefits of using helical piles in a nature preservation initiative. The homeowner wanted to expand their living space and build a deck off their patio door, however, there was a 60-year-old tree growing in that very spot. Therefore, they decided to build the deck around the tree in order to preserve it. Instead of using traditional construction methods, they opted for helical piles to minimize environmental impact.

This eliminated the need for digging, pouring, site disturbance, and added weight around the large root system. The advantage of using helical piles for this project, was that the installation process avoided damaging the tree's roots and nearby vegetation. In the video below, we see how the installer maneuvers around a large root to properly install his pile.

The specialized and compact installation equipment maintained noise to a minimum, which is always appreciated in a residential neighborhood! What’s more, the homeowner was pleased to know that her deck would remain stable during winter, thanks to the green sleeve that glides along the piles, preventing them from heaving during freeze/thaw periods.

The final result was an aesthetic deck that not only displayed the tree's beauty but also highlighted sustainable construction practices. Should there be any need for future maintenance, it will be easy with a helical pile system in place. In addition, during construction, sufficient space was left between the wooden structure and the tree to allow for potential growth.

This project illustrates a perfect example of why helical piles are an excellent choice for nature-focused projects. Their versatility makes them a perfect solution for projects that prioritize the preservation of natural spaces.

At Techno Metal Post, we are proud to have an exceptional and dedicated team of engineers, who play a crucial role in supporting our network of dealers, their customers and other professionals.

Our engineering teams in Canada, the United States and Europe are specifically and fully trained in all aspects of our products, whether for residential, commercial or industrial projects. All our engineers ensure that all our certifications are up to date and in compliance with the requirements and regulations of the various markets. They also oversee that every new dealer receives training to obtain an installer's certificate. The certification confirms that the installers understand and master the basic parameters of Techno Metal Post design and installation.

The Engineering Department's primary task is to provide technical support to Techno Metal Post's entire dealer network.  Essentially, when needed, dealers can provide their project plan to the engineering team for review, to then receive proper information and recommendations to draw up a suitable work proposal.

For smaller projects such as decks or extensions, our engineers have created technical documents that installers can refer to before and during installation.  These documents help to ensure that all installed piles have adequate load-bearing capacity, thereby ensuring their stability.

As for commercial projects, a closer collaboration with our engineering department is usually required, to ensure that the technical aspects are properly addressed. If necessary, our engineers can also visit the site to validate the bearing capacity of the piles and carry out loading tests using their specialized equipment.

We asked Valérie Groleau, an engineer working for our Canadian division, to explain what her day-to-day work process looks like.  She explains, "Part of the service we provide involves analyzing plans and then providing recommendations on the load-bearing capacity for our piles, ensuring that they are validated and comply with requirements.  We pride ourselves in providing outstanding customer service to our dealers, their customers and industry professionals."

She added, "For commercial projects, we work mainly with engineering firms in order to showcase our products and propose innovative solutions. For each project, we also provide all the information required for the design and installation of the piles in order to obtain the consultant's approval."

The engineering department's commitment to customer service and technical expertise is what really sets them apart from the rest. Techno Metal Post prides itself on always being available to its customers, offering direct contact and rapid responses. Techno Metal Post's engineering department is unique and essential to anyone who does business with them.