Thinking about beginning a new project with screw pile foundations? Got questions? Well, we have answers! Read on for some of the most frequently asked screw pile questions. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, check out our other blogs!

When do you use screw piles?

Screw piles can be used for a wide variety of projects, and in a wide variety of conditions. They can be deployed for large-scale commercial developments – roads, rail tracks, and other forms of infrastructure. Historical buildings that need extra support can be retrofitted with screw piles for minimum structural intrusion. And screw piles can be used for more modest projects, such as the simple installation of garden rooms and home sheds.

How deep do screw piles need to go?

The depth of screw piles depends entirely upon the type of structure you intend to use them for. And the type of ground you’re working on. Most screw piles for commercial jobs are installed at a depth of between 3 to 8 meters. But if the required torque is not met, you may need to go deeper. In some conditions, screw piles may need to go as deep as 20 to 30 metres. But that’s pretty rare. There are tools available, and that we supply, to ensure that you meet a safe torque reading when installing screw pilings.

How long do screw piles last?

Numerous variables impact the lifespan of screw piles. Where they’re installed. The humidity of the location. The acidity of the soil. And the type of screw piles you’re using – whether they’ve been galvanised, or you’ve opted for the sacrificial wall thickness approach. But typically, with normal use, screw piles will last an average of 75 years before they need attention… Which is considerably longer than most garden sheds!

Can screw piles be removed?

The simple answer here is, ‘yes’! And quite easily too. If, in a few years, you find that you no longer need your summer house and want to reclaim your garden for other purposes, you can simply remove your screw piles. You’ll usually need about 25% more torque for removal than installation. But the piles are designed to be unscrewed when necessary.

Screw piles vs helical piles: what’s the difference

There is no difference. The terms screw piles and helical piles are used interchangeably. Although helical anchors are slightly different, having an extendable steel shaft with helical bearing plates, rather than straight hollow tubes with attached helical flights.

Is it OK to use screw piles in sandy soil?

There are a lot of benefits to using screw piles. But one of the greatest is their ability to be used in a wide range of conditions. So, whether you’re working on very heavy clay or loose sand, screw piles should be able to provide you with the structural support you need.

How much does it cost to install screw piles?

The cost of screw piling will vary from project to project, based upon a number of factors:

· The size of the project you’re working on.

· The type of piles you need.

· The number of piles required.

· The depth the piles will need to reach.

· Whether you opt to install the screw piles yourself or employ a contractor.

· The type of floor slab involved.

The best way to gain an accurate quote for your project is to get in touch with UK Helix.

Screw piles have been used in construction for more than one hundred years now. And their popularity is growing. The reason being that are convenient, cost-effective, and lower impact. They won’t be right for every project. But they can be right for most.

Find out more about screw piles with UK Helix.