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Thinking Inside The Box
Aluminium trade fabricator, Direct Trade Windows, has expanded its product portfolio with glass box extensions. The structures are customisable and...
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Piles Of Profit
Building garden rooms doesn’t have to involve digging, pouring concrete and managing the resulting debris, according to Robin Gamble of UK Helix which supplies ‘screw-piles’, a simpler foundation solution – which leaves more profit in your pocket.
Garden rooms have become increasingly popular in offering homeowners a versatile space to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving the comfort of their property.
However, the process of building these structures often involves heavy construction work, such as digging, pouring concrete and managing the resulting debris.
Yet there is a way to simplify this process and minimise the disruption – screw-piles, a simpler foundation solution.
Screw-piles are also known as helical piles. They consists of a steel shaft with helical flights attached to the lower end. These piles are screwed into the ground, much like a giant corkscrew, providing a solid foundation for various structures, including garden rooms.
No Digging Required
One of the most significant advantages of screw-piles is that they eliminate the need for traditional excavation. Unlike conventional concrete foundations, screw-piles are installed by simply turning them into the soil using specialised equipment. This means no large holes, trenches or disruption to the garden. A garden room can be erected without disturbing the natural landscape, making it an ideal solution for those who wish to preserve the beauty of their outdoor space.
No concrete needed
Traditional foundations typically require the pouring of concrete, which can be messy, time-consuming, and detrimental to the environment. Screw-piles, on the other hand, offer a clean, eco-friendly alternative. The helical flights provide ample stability for the structure, eliminating the need for concrete. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also accelerates the construction process.
The removal of excavated soil from a construction site can be a laborious and costly process. With screw-piles, there's no need to deal with muck. The piles are inserted directly into the ground and the minimal soil displacement makes it an attractive option for garden room projects, as it reduces both time and expense.
Quick fit
Screw-piles are known for their rapid installation. Unlike traditional foundations that can take days or even weeks to set, screw-piles can be installed in a matter of hours, significantly reducing construction time.
When screw-piles may not be suitable
While screw-piles offer numerous advantages for garden room construction, there are specific scenarios in which they may not be the ideal choice. I rocky soil, they are less effective or where there is shallow bedrock. In such cases, traditional foundations may be a more suitable option.
And of course, local regulations and building codes may influence the suitability of screw-piles and thus is is allways advisable to consult with local authorities and construction professionals before committing to use them on a job.
Installation methods
There are three main ways to install screw-piles, by hand, with a hand-held machine or with an attachment fixed to an excavator. Installing by hand is suitable if the structure is lightweight (such as a shed) and there are few piles to install. A handheld machine speeds up the install and increases the capacity of the screw-piles because of the increased torque. Finally, an excavator with a specialised drive unit can be used when higher capacity and torque monitoring is required.
Conclusion
The benefits of using screw-piles for garden room buildings are clear. They are an efficient choice for foundation construction. The speed of installation and adaptability to different soil types further add to their appeal. However, it is essential to consider the requirements the specific project, ground conditions and any local regulations to determine if screw-piles are the right choice.
Picture: Screw-piles can even be used to support outside buildings near water.
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
07th January 2024