Screw piles have become a common feature of the construction site. Ideal for providing a secure foundation where more traditional methods simply aren’t appropriate, they’re easy to use, cost-effective, and fast. But while screw piles have become a go-to for the likes of solar arrays, garden rooms, and home extensions, that’s not the limit of their remit. In fact, screw piles have a full range of applications. Here are a few of the less common.

Five Unusual Uses for Screw Piles

Playground equipment

For safety purposes, both commercial and domestic play equipment should be anchored. Both swings and slides can move with the momentum of their users. Swings, in particular, can be extremely dangerous if not fully secured to the ground. And we’ve all seen trampolines making their bid for freedom on windy days, much to the chagrin of the unfortunate garden fence that got in its way. While the common way to secure play equipment is cement, screw piles are much quicker, cleaner, and considerably more environmentally friendly.

Marquee

For pubs or hotels wanting to permanently install an event marquee, the options are pretty limited. Ground stakes need regular attention and aren’t infallible in wind. Bolt-in concrete anchors are a possibility, but they’re messy, take time to set, and not great for the environment. They’re also difficult to remove when no longer needed. Heavy weights present a trip hazard. And tie-down kits have the same fallibility as stakes. Screw piles, however, are quick to install, remove trip hazards, require no groundwork, and are easy to remove if it later becomes necessary.

Piers, boardwalks, and fishing platforms

If you’re building any structure by water, screw piles have a role to play. It was the need to find a way to safely ground structures in wet areas – lighthouses, piers, anything on flood plains – that originally inspired the creation of screw piles. So, it stands to reason that they’re the perfect choice for commercial and domestic water-based structures today. Whether you’re building a dock for a river-side home, or a pond skimming platform for your kids, screw piles will ensure that the structure has safe and durable foundations.

Environmental and landscaping support

If you need to stabilise a retaining wall, securely ground a gazebo, or install a fence without damaging tree roots, screw piles provide the perfect solution. In fact, they’ve rapidly become the foundation of choice where tree preservation orders (TPO) are in place. Largely because they provide an excavation-free solution. Screw piles are also an incredible tool for sea wall construction and repair.

5G Masts

Screw-piles are an excellent solution for supporting 5G masts due to their versatility, speed of installation, and minimal environmental impact. 5G networks require numerous small, distributed masts to ensure proper coverage. Screw-piles can be installed rapidly with minimal machinery, significantly reducing installation time. This speed is especially critical for the rollout of extensive 5G infrastructure.No need to wait for concrete to cure, meaning masts can be erected immediately after the piles are in place. 

Screw piles are versatile, flexible, and can be used in more construction scenarios than most people imagine. The key is to ensure that you use the right screw pile for the right project.

Do you need support with screw pile design, supply, or installation? UK Helix can help.