One of the most frequently asked questions we get on social media is, how to deal with rocks during a helical pier installation. The answer, of course, depends on the size and location of the rock as well as the specific circumstances of the project. In this article, we look at the different methods and solutions that Techno Metal Post uses to ensure a successful outcome.

In the case of small to medium-sized rocks, our specialized installation equipment is powerful enough to maneuver around them, allowing the pier to be installed. As the pier screws into the soil, the helix naturally displaces these rocks. Generally, if the installer comes across only a few small shallow rocks that are manageable, digging by hand is also another option for removal. When faced with very rocky land, our installers can use a specialized pier, which has been already approved by our engineering team, to bypass rock obstructions.

When the rocks are too large to be pushed or manually removed, alternative solutions are required. One such option is to install the pier right next to the rock, provided that it doesn’t deviate from the designated line and doesn't interfere with the project plans. Such relocation is always done following the approval of the project designer. However, if a large rock or boulder is obstructing the desired location and can’t be moved, it may be necessary to bring in a small excavator to remove it.

Depending on location, certain sites are composed of mainly bedrock. If the bedrock is deep enough, it can serve as a footing, provided that the helix is below the frost line. If the bedrock is shallow or even exposed, a specialized anchoring system could be used. This approach ensures that the installation remains secure and stable.

Whether it's pushing small rocks, working around large rocks, or anchoring directly to bedrock, installation professionals always find a solution to ensure a successful project.

 

We are happy to introduce Scott Gagliano, our new dealer from Southeast Wisconsin, who has started a new chapter in his professional life. With a rough carpentry and framing background, he’s transitioned to taking ownership of an existing TMP dealership from Jim Hilligoss. He’s been married 26 years now and has a son and dog to complete his strong family life. His wife Gwen has helped manage his previous business and intends to continue doing so for the SE Wisconsin dealership.

Having been a rough carpenter for 33 years, Scott has primarily focused on framing for large-sized home constructions and in recent years, felt the need to shift gears and explore new opportunities. The physically demanding nature of the job motivated him to consider other solutions. The opportunity to buy an existing dealership happened when Jim, the previous owner, decided to sell. Scott had known Jim for about two years, having first met at a framing job where Jim was installing piles for a deck job. Impressed with the work, he began exploring this avenue.

Scott spent weeks researching this field, comparing TMP to other companies in the market. He found himself consistently drawn back to TMP, confident that it was the right choice for him. He said, “I find it almost shined out! you know?”

During this time, Scott teamed up with Brian Kelly, another dealer from Southwest Wisconsin to complete two installation jobs, further confirming his decision to join the TMP family.

The transfer of ownership happened quickly, taking just a few months from start to finish. Scott is eager to continue Jim’s legacy and looks forward to what the future holds.

We are excited for Scott and anticipate great success in his new venture!

We are thrilled to introduce Jeff Strite and Sean Hamon, as new dealers with Techno Metal Post NoVa LLC. With a love for construction and the outdoors, these two gentlemen will be serving the North Virginian region.

Jeff, now 57 and married, grew up with friends whose fathers built houses, allowing him to work in construction every summer during school breaks. Eventually, people in his hometown started asking him to put up fences and build decks for them, leading him down a different career path, despite pursuing a business degree. Jeff quickly realized he didn’t want to do what everyone else did because his heart was to start his own business.

In 1990, the economy was down, making it hard to start a construction company, so Jeff took a sales job he disliked. Between jobs, he backpacked around the world, traveling from the Middle East to Asia. He prioritized travel, taking winters off to explore different continents and experience mountaineering. During this whole time, he also started building his deck and outdoor living company, Exterior Wood Designs. His current company, Core Outdoor Living, has now merged with a general contractor who wanted to put his resources towards outdoor living.

As for Sean, he’s married with two kids who help shape his work/life balance. He owned an outdoor living construction company which took up much of his time but left little room to make memories with his family. Trying to be faithful to his values he decided to close his business and went to work for another outdoor construction company where he met Jeff through a common supplier. He later joined Core Outdoor Living, which he’s been a part of for nearly 2 years. In conversations with Jeff, Sean had shared his ideas about outdoor living including his interest in helical piles and their environmental benefits. A future meeting in Pennsylvania led them to a TMP introduction, which seemed like a perfect fit for them. TMP offered a turnkey dealership and ongoing support, so they connected via a video call and decided to move forward together. They say it’s a great motivation because it aligns with their values and goals.

We wish them much success in their new venture with TMP!

Techno Pieux du Nord starts a new chapter, as we welcome Dany Gaudreault and Marie-Danièle Perron, who acquired the dealership from its former owner Yves Merette. Here's some background information...

In 2004, Dany began working at a manufacturing company as a summer employee. Thanks to his many skills, he quickly made his way up the ranks, eventually becoming a team leader working in collaboration with a foreman. In May 2023, he accepted the position of supervisor, which he held until February 2024.

As for Marie-Danièle, in spring of 2015 she graduated as an engineering technician and then studied to become a mechanical engineer at the University of Chicoutimi. After working for a few years, she took maternity leave. Upon returning to the workforce, she transitioned into her current role as a maintenance engineer.

Previously, the couple had tried to acquire a business, but their efforts were fruitless. They took the next step and presented their business plan to a major financial institution offering support to prospective entrepreneurs and then, in the fall of 2023, a new opportunity presented itself. They were approached and offered the chance to acquire an existing dealership.

After signing non-disclosure agreements, discussions then quickly progressed. They visited our Techno Metal Post headquarters and were immediately won over by the team, the facilities and by TMP overall. Finally, in February 2024, they signed to become owners of the Techno Metal Post North dealership.

Over the years, Dany's experience in renovation and construction has proved to be an invaluable asset in launching this new business. As for Marie-Danièle, she plans to assist her husband with the administrative work and submission process that's involved with the business, while continuing her career as an engineer.

We decided to explore a topic that doesn't get much attention yet deserves merit for its participation in the helical pier world. In this article we help our readers better understand TMP’s specialized installation equipment, and give them a look into how things got started.

From the start, Techno Metal Post has boasted a dedicated team of mechanical engineers, who to this day, continues to oversee the company's advancement. Together, they developed a line of cutting-edge equipment, created exclusively for the installation of helical pier foundations. In total, four models were created, each designed for different project requirements. They are: R2D, ET1, EM1 & EM2.

Before we comment on their features, let’s review their humble beginnings. We spoke to Étienne St-Laurent, a mechanical engineer who is now the company's Director of Operations and Finance, to discuss his involvement in the development of Techno Metal Post's installation equipment.

He told us that the creation of the R2D dates back to 2001. Before that, pier installation was achieved using a hitched trailer equipped with a boom and gearbox. Limited accessibility became an issue, motivating Clément Binet, co-founder of Techno Metal Post, to collaborate with a sub-contractor and create the first R2D machine. The goal was to create a machine that could access very restricted areas and, more specifically, fit through a 30" door frame. Later, Étienne collaborated to enhance the R2D, making it faster and more efficient. His main role, however, was developing the ET1, a large-scale machine, designed to meet specific load-bearing capacity requirements of over 20 tons per pier.

Over time in France, the R2D eventually proved too small for certain jobs needing a larger, more robust machine. The ET1, in contrast, was oversized and the demand for it was limited. After returning from his trip to France, Clément then designed the EM1 as an intermediate alternative tailored to suit the French market. In time, the EM1 was developed in 2010. This machine is the result of combined effort between Étienne and Maxime Binet, a mechanical engineering technician who remains involved in research and development to this day. An optimized, more efficient version of this machine, the EM2, was launched in 2018, thanks to its many improvements.

We also spoke with Éric Laplante, Mechanical Production Manager, about some key points regarding the installation equipment. He showed us around the facility as he pointed out the machines. Here is what he had to say:

Eric: “All mechanical and electrical components are designed and manufactured here, in Thetford Mines, Québec. Hydraulics, engine, and body are assembled here and made by us as well. The only part we source externally is the bottom section, specifically the traction system.”

“How long does assembly take?”

Eric: “It takes about one month to manufacture one EM2 or R2D. Overall, we can produce up to twelve EM2s and twelve R2Ds per year, depending on the demand.”

Eric added, “The hydraulic system is what screws the pier into the ground. Also, an important fact is, machines can be fitted with 2 different hydraulic motors- a faster one offering lower torque, and a slower one capable of generating higher torque. So, it really depends on the project requirements.”

He pointed to the main head piece attached to the arm and said, “See where the 2 hoses connect at the top? The fork at the end of the boom holds a gearbox equipped with these interchangeable motors which are connected with that 2-hose system. There are 4 bolts in the lower portion that can be unscrewed so that the motor can be lifted out and replaced by another. The gearbox stays in place, and the installer needs to change only the motor. This process is quick and easy and can be completed directly on site. It’s worth mentioning that only the R2D operates with gas/fuel, while the others are all diesel.”

“How are the machines operated?”

Eric: “All machines are equipped with wireless remotes. They turn, move forward and backward through a remote-control box, that’s been designed specifically by our team. The R2D, however, also has a manual control option for forward and reverse. We can also offer a wired remote with the same functionalities.”

“Can you tell us about the bio-hydraulic oil that’s used? I thought that was very interesting.”

Eric: “Well, we use bio-hydraulic oil for hydraulic functions and mineral motor oil for diesel or gas engines. The engine drives a pump which generates the hydraulic pressure required to operate the various parts of the machine."

Now that we have a better picture of how the machines work, lets review the advantages they provide for both the installer and customer-

• Compact, the smallest being able to manoeuvre through tight spaces.
• Powerful, including the smallest machine model.
• Can access difficult terrain without site disruption.
• Requires no excavation or concrete.
• An environmentally conscious and cleaner method.

Visit our Installation Equipment page for more details on each machine.

Our network expands within Spain, as TMP welcomes Jaime Romero and his friend Arnaud as new dealers for TMP Madrid. Recently, these gentlemen came to Canada simply out of curiosity, to visit the Techno Metal Post offices, which they had heard so much about on several occasions. Accompanied by Guillaume Danis, owner of Techno Metal Post Oxford and market developer in Europe, these future business partners were truly impressed by the positive and collaborative spirit within the company.

Their story began when Arnaud, originally from France, fell in love with a beautiful Spanish woman while on a trip to Madrid. During their time together, she introduced him to her friend's life partner, Jaime, who later became his good friend. The two of them, having very different career backgrounds, would often discuss the idea of starting a business together.

Arnaud is a friend of the de Franssu family, who oversees several Techno Metal Post companies in France. Therefore, he was well aware of their success, and increasingly saw the same potential to develop the almost untouched market within Spain. It was at the beginning of 2024 that Arnaud and Jaime decided to take the first step in their new venture together and visit TMP located in Canada, where the company was founded.

After a week of meetings and discussions, everyone knew they would be part of the family! It is with great pleasure that we welcome them and wish them much success!

We recently had the pleasure to sit down with Jonathan Lavallée, local dealer and owner of TMP Thetford. He gave us an insight into what it's like to install helical piers during winter in his area of Thetford Mines, Qc, Canada. We explored both the challenges and solutions of installing piers in cold regions, specifically in winter. The number of winter installations isn’t a common occurrence for Jonathan, yet the demand is still there due to specific projects. On his end, a typical year can see the completion of over a dozen projects during the winter months.

Jonathan mentioned the first step he takes, just before the installation, is to clear the snow from the site to access the frozen ground. He then uses a type of auger to pre-drill a hole and break the ice and/or the frozen ground, before installing the piers. It's often the preferred method for winter installations because it’s usually faster and more efficient.

Aside from operating the auger, Jonathan also uses another method for accessing the ground below. Thawing is considered a less common approach, yet an available technique, nonetheless. In past situations, he’s drilled a small hole about an inch wide with a heated electrode. This process takes about half an hour to thaw a 12-inch radius, depending on the frozen state of the ground.

These types of helical pier installations are more common in the colder regions of Canada and certain parts of the United States, where the ground freezes.

Jonathan commented how winter installations, in his territory, are more common for large commercial projects in city centers, rather than residential projects. He says that most orders are received before the holidays, with the best time to install piers being from April to the end of December. Typical winter installation projects include house extensions in residential areas.

Even if conditions aren't optimal, installations are still possible; simply reach out to your local dealer to determine the next steps. It's worth noting that in certain cold regions where temperatures aren't especially low, accessing those areas becomes much easier with either of our installation machines.

We thank Jonathan for spending time with us and sharing the challenges of winter installations, and how to overcome them.

It's such a great pleasure to welcome Jesse Touzin and Véronique Dupéré to our amazing Techno Metal Post family! We recently had the opportunity to meet with these new dealers, who will be serving Vancouver Island on Canada's West Coast.

Originally from Quebec, they were captivated by the climate and charm of Vancouver Island, where they have been living for 8 years now.

Jesse has been a driller for over 25 years, for various Canadian companies. He knows all the hidden treasures the ground can hold, "even if each hole is unique," he says. For the past 4 years, he has owned a deep-sea fishing business, and it was there that he met Kevin Parkin, owner of Techno Metal Post Kelowna. From the moment he arrived for the fishing trip, the topic of conversation revolved around Techno Metal Post technology. It was Kevin who a few years earlier, had come to MacMillan Provincial Park, to install over a hundred helical piles on which to build the magnificent footbridge that meanders through the Cathedral Grove trails.

Jesse was immediately sold on the idea that this was the way forward for his career. He had always wanted to own a viable year-round business, and now he had the opportunity to have all that, along with all the marketing, mechanical and engineering support provided. He's never been more certain of his decision, apart from the moment he met his partner Véronique!

Véronique, his long-term partner, is involved in many of his projects, and together they form a wonderful team! She's been in the restaurant business for 24 years now and says that she's decided to step out of her comfort zone by accepting this challenge with Techno Metal Post. But Véronique isn't afraid of a good challenge: a skilled hiker, she's climbed and reached some 6000m summits, including some Himalayan mountains. Véronique's enthusiasm and people skills will enable her to offer her customers outstanding service.

We wish them much success!!

 

In this article, we would like to highlight the advantages of using helical piers as a foundation solution for structures near or in water. When it comes to building structures near bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or coastlines, traditional concrete foundations can pose significant challenges due to a probable high-water table or the need for shoring and water pumping. However, helical piers offer a revolutionary alternative that provides numerous benefits.

Helical piers offer several advantages when it comes to building or repairing structures such as houses, cabins, docks, boathouses, boardwalks, and retaining walls near or in water. One major advantage is the ease of installation. Techno Metal Post's installation equipment allows the piers to be installed near or in water, with minimal impact. This means that the construction process is swift and efficient, without the need for extensive excavation, dewatering, or site damage/disruption.

A high-water table is a common challenge faced when building near water. Traditional concrete foundations often require extensive dewatering, which can be time-consuming and costly. Not to mention, the damage they might undergo through environmental conditions, is inevitable.

Helical piers, on the other hand, can be installed without the need for dewatering. They are screwed directly into the ground, without excavating or removing soil, minimizing the impact of the water table on the construction process. This not only saves time and money but also reduces any environmental repercussions.

Another advantage of using helical piers near or in water is their exceptional stability. They help ensure the long-term durability and safety of the structure, giving you peace of mind knowing that your investment is built on a solid foundation.

One significant advantage of helical piers near or in water is their resistance to corrosion. They are offered with a hot-dipped galvanized coating, which acts as a protective barrier against the corrosive effects of water and moisture. This coating enhances the durability and longevity of the piers, ensuring they can withstand the harsh environmental conditions associated with bodies of water.

Furthermore, helical piers are an environmentally friendly choice. Their installation process requires minimal disturbance to the surrounding ecosystem, as it does not involve heavy and loud machinery and/or excavation. This makes them an ideal option for projects that aim to minimize their impact on aquatic habitats while preserving the natural beauty of the area.

However, it is important to mention that the installation of Techno Metal Posts is not recommended in lakes that undergo periods of deep freeze, which eventually leads to ice accumulation. The movement from this ice, thereafter, can cause damage to the piers and the structure.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about helical piers and their applications, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you with your foundation needs.

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