Screw piles are a hassle-free foundation method for your next project. Despite the technology being over 200 years old, installing screw piles has rocketed in popularity, serving anything from commercial projects to sheds and garden rooms.
We’ve designed this step-by-step guide to demystify the installation process. Once you’ve learned everything there is to know about installing screw piles, why not find out more by reading our guide to different piling types and how to choose the right piling method for your needs?
What are screw piles suitable for?
For years, screw piling was used for structures as diverse as festival staging and seaside piers. But the market demand for a quick and easy alternative to traditional foundations means screw piles are now used for anything from sheds and decks to equipment platforms, silos, and warehouses.
What are the benefits of screw piles?
First and foremost, screw piles are quick and easy to install meaning projects can be completed in time and on budget. They cause minimal disruption, and the process isn’t labour-intensive, which makes it a cost-effective option for many.
Concrete foundations usually require perfect weather conditions — but that’s not the case when installing screw piles! Screw piles are ready to go when you are and are immediately load bearing.
What’s more, you can install pilings in clay, chalk, sand and even where there’s high groundwater without the need for a pump. You can work on sloping ground or around obstructions, such as service pipes and tree roots.
Better yet, you’ll have the option to adjust or even remove foundations later as the project evolves. With no concrete involved, they’re a solid environmental choice and can be used in ecologically sensitive areas.
Can screw piles be used with other foundation methods?
Sometimes, in construction, a project requires a combined approach when it comes to foundations. Screw piles can be used for additional stability, with pilings installed every 2-3m for optimum support.
Screw piles can be used in support of steel beams, concrete rafts, and ring beams when the ground is sandy or prone to flooding and erosion. Once the extra stabilisation is no longer required, screw piles are easy to remove — simply unscrew them using a groundworks vehicle.
Installing screw piles: What we use
Before our team makes a start, we consider:
- The number and size of screw piles required for your project
- The size and weight of the structure
- Ground conditions and soil type, including uneven terrain
- Planning considerations and building regulations
- Budget and project deadlines
We also make sure we know the answers to the following questions for a hassle-free installation:
How deep do screw piles need to be?
Typically screw piles need to be at least 3m deep for domestic installations and up to 30m deep for large-scale projects.
Do screw piles need to be filled with concrete?
The beauty of screw piles is that they don’t require filling with concrete, making them an environmentally sustainable choice.
What is the minimum distance between screw piles?
When properly installed, screw piles can handle substantial loads making them an excellent choice for residential and commercial construction. As a general rule, screw piles should be placed 2.4m to 3m apart for smaller structures like decks and garden rooms, and closer together for larger projects that need greater load bearing.
Step-by-step guide to installing screw piles
Before starting your next project, let’s take a look at the step-by-step installation process together:
1. Confirm the layout
We must be clear on the specifications for your project and the positioning of your screw piles before starting. Good preparation is half the battle of achieving great end results.
2. Know your soil type
Soil composition has a significant impact on its load-bearing capacity. This is why we conduct a professional soil analysis beforehand to give us an idea of the soil type.
A simple way to test soil is to push a metal tube into the earth and then squeeze it in your hand. Clay soil is sticky and hard to mould, while sandy soil breaks apart easily.
3. Contact an installer
If you haven’t already, once you’re ready for screw pile installation, book a date with us. We operate in locations across the North West, including Liverpool, Manchester, and Bolton.
4. Screw pile installation
Screw piles are quite literally screwed into the ground, but the form the installation takes depends on factors such as the size of the screws, soil type, pile depth, and the available space.
Installation for large-scale projects is done using ground machinery, whereas small-scale residential projects can sometimes be completed by hand.
5. Build your project
Once the screw piles are installed, you’re ready to start construction. There’s no need to wait for any concrete to dry, so you can start building the same day if you like!
Screw pile installation made easy with WL Piling
There are numerous benefits to choosing screw piles over conventional foundations, or using them in conjunction with more traditional methods.
Easy to install with minimum disruption, they’re a fantastic choice for noise-sensitive installations, and they’re better for the environment.
If you need fast and straightforward screw pile installation, contact WL Piling today to discuss your next project.
