One of the questions we’re most frequently asked is whether screw piles are suitable for house extensions. And it can be a difficult question to answer. Because house extensions come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and there can never be a single catch-all solution. But with the right ground conditions, screw piles can be a definite option for giving your home extension the strong foundations it needs.
What Do You Need to Know About Using Screw Piles for a House Extension
Why would you choose screw piles for a home extension?
Known for their ease of application, strength, and versatility, there are a number of advantages to using screw piles for house extensions. Firstly, they are typically quick to install. And unless you’re using them within a concrete wall, they are ready to use immediately. Screw piles are frequently much more cost-effective than other foundation solutions. When the right helical piles are properly installed, they are super strong. And screw piles can be used in a full range of conditions unsuited to other foundation types, including sandy ground and flood-prone areas.
How to use screw piles for a house extension
There are two main applications for screw piles when creating a home extension. The option you choose will depend upon your ground conditions.
The first, and most common approach, is simply to screw the piles into the ground until the right torque is reached. You’ll usually leave about six inches of pile above the ground, and this is used to anchor the rest of the building to the piles.
The second is to use screw piles in conjunction with a concrete footing or wall. In this instance, ground excavations to the required depth will need to be carried out before the piles can be installed. Once this has happened, steelworks can be formed and concrete can then be poured over the piles. Building can continue once the concrete has set.
How many screw piles do you need for a house extension?
For most home extension projects, screw piles will need to be installed roughly every 1.5 – 2 metres. Your projected load will enable you to calculate the exact foundation needs of your intended extension. If you need guidance, feel free to contact UK Helix.
How long do screw piles last in a home extension?
Screw piles will typically last about 75-100 years. It is worth noting that UKHelix has a guarantee from their factory in Finland of 100 years for machine-installed screw- piles. As long as they are properly installed. They can also be replaced in the future, should it become necessary.
Screw piles can be used for a wide variety of construction projects. They are massively popular for garden rooms, sheds, conservatories, and fencing. Commercially, they are the go-to choice for concert staging, piers, and other water-based structures. And, for a growing number of people, they are the simplest and best solution for a home extension.
Find out more about using screw piles for house extensions with UK Helix.