Despite the fact that screw piles are becoming increasingly popular and widely used, they remain somewhat misunderstood. Myths and misconceptions abound, deterring many people from using them. So, in this blog, we’re going to have a look at some of the most common myths relating to screw piles.
The Truth Behind 6 Common Screw Pile Myths
Screw piles don’t last long
One of the most commonly stated myths is that they are short lived. Consequently, many contractors only consider them for temporary projects. But the reality is that helical piles can be just as durable as other foundation types. At UK Helix, all of our Machine installed screw piles come with a 100 year factory guarantee. Even our lighter weight DIY piles are guaranteed for 50 years. This makes them viable for a whole range of projects, from solar arrays to home extensions and public structures, such as piers.
Screw piles are only useful for small structures
Screw piles were originally designed for the construction of lighthouses and piers. Neither of which are particularly small! However, in recent years, there’s been a move towards the DIY installation process for structures such as garden rooms and sheds. And they do such a good job in that scenario that they’ve more or less created their own niche. But when used commercially, screw piles can be used for all kinds of structures, from farm buildings to houses, from factories to sub stations. You just have to choose the right piles for the job.
Screw piles destroy the soil structure
The whole point of screw piles is that they use the structure of the soil they are screwed into to provide the tension they need to support the structure above. If you use properly made helical piles and install them correctly, they thread through the soil. They don’t displace it. They certainly don’t disturb the soil structure. They work with it and use its strength.
Screw piles are expensive
When you’re looking simply at raw materials, that statement is potentially true. Helical piles can be more expensive to purchase than the makings for traditional cement foundations. However, the important thing to remember is that the cost of a project is never purely about materials. Screw piles are really quick to install. They require less labour, less site preparation, no muck removal and produce no waste. They avoid site damage, and they are ready to use instantly. All of which generate significant savings. And can mean that they are frequently cheaper than other foundation types when the total project costs are considered. Remember, “time is money” and screw-piles are fast.
Screw piles can only be used in limited conditions
The reason screw piles were invented was to provide a solution for areas where other foundation types wouldn’t work. Initially, this meant areas with a high-water table or flood prone spaces. But the piles were developed further. They were made stronger. Different sizes of helices were deployed for different conditions. Now, there are very few ground conditions in which they cannot be used. Those include solid bedrock or ground littered with large obstructions. But if you’re working with sand, clay, chalk, areas thick with tree roots, and a whole range of other conditions, screw piles are good to go.
Screw piles can’t take high lateral loads
When you are installing screw piles, sometimes you may conduct a range of performance tests. One of which is the lateral load test. This helps you to determine the strength of a pile to withstand forces coming from the side. And it can be particularly important for structures such as solar fields, where arrays are exposed and may face extreme wind. When you use the correct screw piles with the correct plates and perform the relevant tests, they can take a high lateral load. Typically the bigger the lateral load the thicker the tube diameter you’ll need.
One of the reasons why screw piles are becoming increasingly popular is their versatility. The reason they are sometimes overlooked is often down to misconception. Easy to install, cost effective, versatile, and durable, there’s a lot more to screw piles than meets the eye.
Are you looking for screw pile design, supply, or installation services? Get in touch with UK Helix.