How Cantsink Helical Piers Make Projects Better

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Whether you’re building a brand-new home, repairing the foundation of an existing building, or taking on any construction project where you need maximum support, helical piers are a great option. Helical piers, also referred to as helical piles, are one of the best tools for stabilizing foundations and providing reliable structural support. Helical piers deliver superior results compared to other foundation repair and support methods. Using a high-quality steel pier, like those made by Cantsink, can give you priceless peace of mind when it comes to the longevity of your work. Cantsink helical piers are used in construction applications such as:

-New residential or commercial buildings
-Remedial foundation support
-Pool support
-Utility pole support
-Home elevation/foundation raising
-Tieback support
-On-ground solar and utility support
-Foundation support in extreme terrain

Instead of spending your precious time and resources on foundation support or foundation repair solutions that may or may not stand the test of time, trust the power of helical piers instead. These steel shafts feature helical blades that reach into competent soils, providing the most secure grip for any structure. With the quality helical piers from Cantsink, you can rest assure that your clients aren’t going to come to you in another year or two complaining that their building’s foundation is sinking or cracking.

The installation of helical piers is a simple and straightforward process that requires minimal use of heavy equipment. These piers can be installed in tight spaces, and the arrangement and design of helical piers can be customized to meet individual project needs.

Helical piers are one of your greatest assets for ensuring structural integrity for both new and remedial construction jobs. The engineers at Cantsink will work with you to design the exact helical piers you require, all manufactured in Georgia from 100% American-made steel. Our products are ICC certified and come from our net-zero-emissions facility.

Reach out to learn more about Cantsink’s products and our programs for industry experts and installer certification.

Best Helical Pile Designs

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When it comes to stabilizing foundations for both residential and commercial buildings, helical piles are an industry favorite. These durable metal shafts with circular blades have been used in a wide variety of applications for both new construction and remedial foundation support for existing buildings. But not all helical piles are created equally! If you want your hard work to stand the test of time, or if you’re tackling a particularly difficult job, you’ll need the highest quality materials on the market. The world’s best architects, engineers, and contractors look for certain specifications in their helical piles and want to use the highest quality helical pile designs available.

If you’re shopping for the most trusted helical piles to use for your foundation projects, here are a few important features to consider:

  1. International Code Council certification

An International Code Council (ICC) certification means that a helical pile design has passed the most rigorous standards in the construction industry. Thorough testing and verification processes are required in order to receive this designation from the ICC.

  1. Made with 100% American steel

Durable steel that is manufactured in the United States is something that simply can’t be beat. Steel is the strongest material for helical pile design, and U.S. steel has proven its durability and stood the test of time.

  1. Corrugated helix

The helical anchor of a pile is the crux of its performance, and a corrugated helix has shown to provide greater strength compared to the standard flat plate helix.

  1. Both pipe and square shafts

Helical piles can be used in a variety of applications, but some situations call for specific designs in order to maximize foundational stability. You should have a choice between round or pipe style shafts and round corner square shafts from your preferred helical pile manufacturer.

Cantsink is a trusted name among foundation and construction industry experts for the proven quality of our helical pile designs. Our products have been used in projects in many countries, and we can customize our helical piles to suit your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and our installer education and certification programs.

How Helical Piles Support the Utility Industry

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Helical piles have a wide range of applications, from residential and commercial foundations to pools, solar arrays, utility lines, and much more. Over the past decade, the utility industry has embraced the use of helical piles for building new utility supports as well as reinforcing established ones. Electricity is an integral part of our day-to-day lives, so protecting those power lines is a job worth investing in. And that’s why helical piles are essential.

There are several factors that make utility construction more complex than other jobs. First, the equipment comes with high voltage and a higher danger. Second, the poles, lines, and wires are outside, exposed to the elements. And third, utility lines often must be moved or rerouted due to construction or zoning changes. Because of these unique challenges, only the best support products will do.

Here are a few reasons why helical piles are the perfect fit for the utility industry:

Instant load bearing- Concrete piers are a common choice, but they are heavy and take a long time to cure. Helical piles offer instant results, ready to bear weight as soon as they’re installed. This allows for faster completion of utility projects.

Lightweight and movable- Cantsink helical piles are made from 100% steel and are simple to install and remove. This can save time, fuel costs, and labor.

Vibration resistance- Whether used to support wind turbines or utility lines, helical piles won’t be shaken by the vibration of the wind. No matter the weather, these piles will stay put, even under great mechanical stress.

Versatile installation- Helical piles can be installed in tight spaces and in any kind of weather, with no tedious digging needed. They’re the ideal solution for valuable power lines, solar arrays, wind turbines, or other utilities that require timeliness and accuracy.

For utility poles, solar setups, and similar applications, there is simply nothing that beats helical piles. Want to learn more about how helical piles can support your utility project? Contact Cantsink today!

Helical Piles vs. Concrete Piers

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In the realm of construction, there is increasing demand for better, stronger, and longer-lasting ways to build and support foundations. New technologies are making the building process faster and more efficient, too, and products like foundation piers offer unmatched stability and versatility. However, not all foundation piers are created equal.

For many years, contractors have used concrete foundation piers to provide additional support to new foundations. And while these have some advantages, they are quickly being replaced by helical piers, also known as helical piles. Let’s explore the differences between these two systems:

Concrete Piers
Concrete piers are a solid, reinforced foundation support system, and are often used for larger buildings or especially heavy loads. Typically, concrete piers must be cast on-site, requiring extensive soil excavation and time for the concrete to cure. The creation and setting of bored concrete piers require specialized equipment and plenty of room to move around. The end result is usually quite sturdy, depending on the quality of the soil and the proximity to a water table. However, concrete piers are very difficult to remove or repair.

Helical Piles
Helical piles are manufactured with high strength steel and are shipped to the build site preassembled. Like concrete piers, helical piers can be customized for the unique needs of the structure and location, although this customization is done during the offsite design and manufacturing process. Helical piles have many benefits over concrete foundation piers. They are lighter, stronger, and easy to install. The piles are screwed into the ground to the ideal depth (very dense soils), creating no additional soil waste. They are effective even in areas of poor soil quality, as they are secured into a deeper, more stable level underground. Helical piles don’t require complex machinery or a lot of labor to install. Installation is a faster process than that of concrete foundation piers, and since no soil removal is required, the impact to the surrounding area is minimal.

Both concrete foundation piers and helical piles offer stability and support for foundations, but there are many reasons why more contractors are choosing helical piles over concrete piers. Curious to learn more about the advantages of helical piles? Contact Cantsink today!

How Cantsink Stands Against the Competition

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If you’re a contractor or work in the foundation repair industry, you want to deliver your best possible workmanship on every project. It’s vital your clients trust the quality of your work and that you ensure the foundations and buildings you construct will stand the test of time. This is why choosing a reputable helical pier manufacturer is essential. There are several companies here in the U.S. that make helical piers, so how do you choose which is best for your projects?

The first thing to consider is the design. Some companies provide only one style of pier, such as a round or square shaft. And many companies use a standard flat plate steel helix, which is not as strong as the corrugated helix that we use at Cantsink.

Second, determine whether the piles are customizable. Often you may be limited to a few standard sizes, which may or may not work for your project. Cantsink is one of the only manufacturers that provides custom helical pile designs for its clients, and we can create the ideal piers for your needs.

Third, look at the materials and manufacturing process. Many companies import steel or other alloys from overseas, while Cantsink uses only 100% American-made steel. And unfortunately, the manufacturing of helical piles can be dirty and resource intensive, and many plants produce a great deal of carbon emissions. At Cantsink, we are focused on sustainability and run a net-zero energy operation with solar power for both our company headquarters and manufacturing facility.

Fourth, consider whether training or certification is provided around the proper installation of the helical piles. Most foundation pier companies don’t offer specialized training or give much direction on how to best use their products. However, when you find a company that does, like Cantsink, you can feel confident knowing you are making the most of this incredible technology.

Other factors to consider when choosing a helical pile manufacturer include quality-control measures, customer service, and pricing, and we’re sure you’ll find that Cantsink beats the competition in these areas as well!

Are you ready to learn more about what makes our company stand above the competition? Get in touch with us today!

The Lifespan of Helical Piles

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In the realm of foundation support, helical piles (or helical piers or screw piles) are one of the best tools in the industry. These durable steel piers lend unmatched strength to a variety of applications, from new construction to remedial support for homes, commercial buildings, pool decks, stairs, utility stations, and more. One of the benefits helical piles are known for is their lasting durability, which can provide the contractor and the homeowner tremendous peace of mind. But what is the lifespan of helical piles? What level of staying power can we expect from these products?

There are several manufacturers of helical piles, and each one’s product may vary slightly in design and material. If you want the longest-lasting product, make sure you go with a manufacturer that you can trust, with patented technology, who uses 100% American steel in manufacturing their piles.

Generally, most contractors and helical pile designers will estimate a lifespan of approximately 150 years. There is a wide range of potential lifespans, estimated between 75 and 350 years, and the biggest factor determining the longevity of a helical pile is soil condition. How well a pier foundation ages typically comes down to factors that have nothing to do with the pier itself. While a well-designed, well-made helical pile may not last as long in very poor or volatile soils, it can last several lifetimes in ideal, stable soils.

Soil movement, both lateral and vertical, can affect the long-term outcome of a pier support system. In regions with significant ground movement, such as coastal areas, mountainous areas, and regions with fault lines, piers may wear faster. Additionally, areas with highly acidic, rocky, or quickly eroding soils may also contribute to more wear and tear.

An experienced, helical pile designer should be able to estimate the lifespan of their helical piles based on soil conditions and local climate. However, a good rule of thumb is 150 years in typical conditions.

Would you like to learn more about what makes Cantsink helical piles a superior quality product? Reach out to us today!

What Does It Mean to Be ICC-Certified?

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Working in the construction industry, you have most likely heard about ICC-certified foundation products. This classification adds a certain level of credibility to a product, providing reassurance that the product is of the highest quality and will be dependable for use in any of your construction projects. But what exactly does it mean to be ICC-certified?

The International Code Council (ICC) is a U.S. association dedicated to creating high standards for compliance processes to ensure safe, affordable, sustainable, and resilient structures. The ICC is the leading source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions that include product evaluation, accreditation, technology, training, and certification. Members of this council are committed to preserving health, safety, and welfare in the built environment. Many cities and county governments across the country model their construction codes and regulations after the ICC’s standardized building codes. In addition to drafting building codes, the ICC certifies inspectors, whose job is to approve construction projects based on these high standards.

The ICC-Evaluation Services (ICC-ES), a branch of ICC, also reviews products used in the construction industry, and certifies those products that meet their high standards for safety and durability. When you choose an ICC-certified product for your construction project, you can rest assured that product meets or exceeds the most stringent industry standards, as the product has been tested and verified through an objective and impartial process. An ICC-certification isn’t simply a stamp of approval, it’s an indication that the product has undergone extensive testing and verification processes, and proved worthy of this classification.

For your new construction or foundation repair projects, using ICC-certified helical piles helps to ensure your company maintains the highest standards in quality for every job. Cantsink is an environmentally friendly piling manufacturing company that has engineered and manufactured 100% American steel ICC-certified helical piles and foundation support products for new building and deep foundation construction projects since 1988. Its Atlanta office and manufacturing plant are net-zero energy facilities, as Cantsink values the quality of its products as well as the protection of the environment. To learn more about the ICC-certified helical pile products designed and manufactured by Cantsink, reach out to Cantsink today!

Applications for Helical Piles & Piers

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Every building project is different, and that means they most often need unique but robust configurations of structural support. Many factors can come into play when determining the most appropriate method for foundation repair and whether a helical pile or pier would be most effective. Let’s discuss a few of the many applications for helical piles and piers.

Foundation support for new building construction is probably the first application that naturally springs to mind, and you would be correct! Helical pile and pier systems from Cantsink are certainly the most dependable, high-quality options available for new building construction, while still being budget friendly. A strong and stable foundation is the most important thing to establish during a new construction project.

While new building construction is certainly a popular application for helical piles and piers, these methods are also useful for supporting existing structures. Older buildings can experience foundation failure for a variety of reasons, including settling soil and erosion. Standing water from damaged or inadequate plumbing can create unstable soil. Flooding and oversaturated conditions can even cause houses and other structures with deteriorating or improperly built foundations to sink into the ground. Helical piles and piers for structural remediation and home elevation are quick to install with a minimally invasive procedure. The installation process is incredibly easy and does not add further stress to the foundation. Helical piers won’t heave, sink, or even remotely budge in wet or dry soils.

An equally common but lesser known application for helical piers is for the construction of swimming pools. Cantsink’s helical piers use 100% American steel in their construction, making them the ideal choice for swimming pool stabilization. The pressure of an entire swimming pool full of water can create movement and concrete cracking without a strong, secure, and stable foundation. Helical piers will continue doing their job long after installation, remaining inconspicuous—something we consider an added bonus. It’s reassuring to know these hidden support products are doing their job while you’re enjoying the beauty and serenity of your pool area.

From its commitment as an “early adopter” of solar for its net-zero-energy manufacturing facility in 2010, Cantsink has grown with the solar market.

Cantsink built a versatile line of stability products and services essential to successful utility-scale solar projects drawing on its own good experience with solar. These Cantsink offerings have evolved with the expanding solar market for the past decade. Solar developers and installers nationwide can employ Cantsink’s expertise with solar supplies and services for reliable construction groundwork.

The company offers support services such as pull testing, analysis, and engineering to assist with site preparation. Once specifications for the site are established, Cantsink can supply top quality beams and other products, ensuring long-term stability for all types of racking and panel design.

Cantsink is the stability expert, having focused exclusively on structural stability since its inception more than 30 years ago. The company has been on Solar Power World’s list of Top Solar Contractors since 2013, rising steadily through the rankings over the years.

Cantsink offers beams, testing, and engineered analysis of tests to be sure each project uses the correct size beam for long-term performance.

Cantsink has provided equipment and services to many satisfied clients in the solar industry. One project manager, Doug Merrill, who worked with Cantsink on a North Carolina project, praised Cantsink’s high-quality service and value.

“In all email exchanges, conference call interfaces, and face-to-face experience with Cantsink, [it] has been the best I have been a part of in my 30 years of field construction,” Merrill said. “Cantsink is fast, responsive, and 30 percent cheaper than any other solution we explored. A total win/win.”

With time-tested knowledge, experience, equipment, and crews, Cantsink proudly serves the utility-scale solar market. A decade of hands-on performance makes Cantsink products and services the reliable choice for successful solar project operation.

Cantsink’s quality testing and analysis can help to ensure the right beams are being used for the specific soils on each site.

Contact Cantsink today to learn more about the company’s products and services for utility-scale solar.

Signs That You Need Helical Piers

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When it comes to foundation support and repair, helical piers are some of the most durable and versatile tools in the industry. But how do you know if your project calls for helical piers? Without the appropriate foundation support product, your client’s structure could be at risk for major problems down the line, so it’s vital to choose the best product for the job. Sometimes conventional concrete foundation systems just don’t cut it, and you need a product you can count on to stand the test of time. Helical piers offer long-lasting foundation support, but may not be ideal for every foundation project. Here are a few ways to determine whether helical piers are appropriate for your project:

You’re repairing a damaged foundation.

Most of the time when working on a failing structure, helical piers offer a great advantage. You can install them easily, with minimal disruption to the existing concrete. Piers can provide quick, permanent stabilization to homes and buildings that are already sinking or settling.

You’re working on uneven ground.

One benefit of using helical piers is that they don’t require a smooth surface, unlike poured concrete or masonry applications. If you’re building a structure on watery or otherwise unstable ground, piers are ideal because they are installed vertically. They can provide support even in the most challenging landscapes.

You’re building in poor weather.

No matter where you are located, you know that projects don’t stop simply because of the season. If you’re working in rain, snow, or icy conditions, helical piers can help you avoid project delays. You can stay on track and still deliver strong, reliable results with the right piers.

You have limited time.

There are many options for building strong foundations, but most take a long time to construct and require extensive waiting periods for curing. Helical piers can be installed in one to two days, depending on the scope of the project, and need no time to set.

Want to learn more about the best applications for Cantsink helical piers? Contact our team today!

How to Become a Certified Helical Pile Installer

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Cantsink is proud to be one of the top names in the foundation industry, and we not only provide the best helical pile products on the market but also offer free training for the proper installation of our products. We believe in spreading the message of environmentally responsible, durable, and efficient foundation products for both residential and commercial applications. Many of the top construction companies across the nation have come to us for our certifications and training, which sets them apart from others in the field. Our team of engineers wants all of our construction clients to feel confident in the use of our helical piles, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have.

Helical piles are one of the most frequently utilized and trusted methods for building new foundations and repairing existing ones. However, in order to make the most out of these products, it’s important that you are properly trained on their installation. Our lineup of foundation stabilization products can be tailored to meet the needs of your clients, and we provide the training you need to understand the proper planning and implementation of these products.

When you become a Cantsink certified installer, you will have the tools you need to take your foundation stabilization business to the next level. It’s vital to use a high-quality helical pile product to achieve optimal stability and longevity for your foundation projects, whether residential builds or large commercial repairs. Our commitment to quality and our ICC-certified performance has made us a respected name in the industry, and we want to share our knowledge with you! Cantsink engineered products are made from 100% American steel in our Atlanta facility, and are backed by a 40-year warranty. Our helical piles are affordable and reliable, making them the top choice for hundreds of foundation repair companies across the country.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming a Cantsink certified installer.