Short answer: yes. Helical piles are widely used to support home additions, sunrooms, porches and garages, especially where digging large footings next to an existing house is difficult or the soil is weak. The piles must be specified by an engineer and installed to the plan.
Most people know helical piles from decks, but the same steel foundations are a strong option for small structures attached to a home. Here is when they make sense in the Toronto area.
Why use helical piles for an addition or sunroom?
- Little excavation beside your existing foundation, which reduces the risk of disturbing it.
- No curing time: framing can start soon after the piles are in.
- Works in clay, fill and wet soil that are common around Toronto.
- Measured capacity: each pile is installed to a recorded torque.
- Less damage to lawns, driveways and landscaping.
When are they a good fit?
Helical piles suit sunrooms and small rear additions, porches and covered patios, garages on poor soil, and sites where a concrete truck or excavator cannot easily reach the back yard.
Permits and engineering
Additions and sunrooms usually need a building permit and engineered drawings. Your designer or engineer specifies the number, size and depth of the piles. Citywide works with homeowners, builders and engineers to install piles to the plan and can provide installation records for inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Can helical piles be installed close to my house?
Yes. Because there is no large excavation, piles can be installed close to existing foundations, which is one of their main advantages for additions.
Can they be installed in winter?
Yes, helical piles can be installed year-round. Read more about installing helical piles in winter.
How do I know which type of pile I need?
Your engineer will choose based on loads and soil. For background, see the four main types of helical piles.
Next steps
See how we handle residential helical pile foundations for homes across the GTA.
Planning an addition or sunroom? Get a free helical pile quote from Citywide or call 416-721-9971.