Categories for helical piles
February 25, 2018 2:15 pm
In the mid-1800s, helical piles were often used in England for moorings and as the foundations of lighthouse structures. In recent years, helical piles are becoming more and more popular around the world due to their many benefits. They are a lot more environmentally friendly than their alternatives and highly cost effective. Here are various situations in which you might choose helical piles as the most suitable deep foundation option: When Access is Limited Helical piles are often the preferred option when the conditions are of restricted or tight access. They can be sized appropriately to the accessibility of the project and installed using equipment of varying styles and sizes, from mini-excavators to large track equipment. When Time is Limited...
February 12, 2018 11:35 am
The processes and apparatus involved in installing building foundations (such as helical piles) are continually progressing, while new tools and techniques emerge. At times, foundation companies fail to keep up with these inescapable changes, resulting in errors, safety hazards and poor service. If you have an upcoming building project and require a foundation installation company, here are four things you we advise you to avoid when hiring a pile foundation company: Lack of Experience In certain industries, long-term experience is of the utmost importance because it means the company is well-practiced, knowledgeable and proficient. ScrewFast, for example, has nearly two decades worth of experience in a range of foundation industries and we have a training school for new installers. Try...
February 1, 2018 11:59 am
Before beginning a building project, it’s sensible to carry out a professional ground survey. Normally, trial holes are dug around the area so that a decision can be made regarding a suitable foundation. You will likely need to hire a structural engineer to perform this survey; it is too big a risk to take on the responsibility of designing your own foundations. You cannot know what lies below ground without an adequate survey. There may be obstacles such as mine shafts or wells, which will require additional funding to remove or work around. For this reason, it’s always advisable to save some contingency funds. If you hire an engineer, they will assess the area for big trees and boggy ground,...
October 16, 2017 7:16 am
All properties are built upon a foundation, such as concrete or helical piles. The purpose of a foundation is to evenly spread the heavy load of the building across the ground so that it doesn’t collapse or sink. It might seem silly to put so much thought into something you can’t even see, but you should not underestimate the importance of your building foundation! Spending hours choosing paint colours and decorating your beautiful home is great, but it will be all for nothing if you don’t first take the time to ensure that the foundation of your home is built to the very best standards. It is completely worth it because it will prevent any problems further down the line....
December 15, 2016 4:39 pm
Helical pile foundations have a myriad of applications across both commercial and residential projects. Here is a clear explanation of the 10 benefits of these steel pile foundations, and the opportunities they offer compared to digging out concrete foundations. Quick installation – helical pile foundations are faster to install than standard concrete foundations, with no dig out time and no setting time required. No excavations – there is no need to excavate or cart away spoil, which makes builds even faster and saves money on every project. No curing time – helical pile foundations can be built on immediately, there is no need to wait for it to dry so building can continue as soon as the foundation is installed....
November 3, 2016 4:38 pm
Helical pile foundations have a diverse range of uses across practically every industry. Most recently, self builders and property developers have been using helical pile foundations as a way to save time on new residential builds and even to help them build where they may not otherwise be able to. Foundations and Tree Preservation Orders Tree Preservation Orders, or TPOs, are orders made by the council giving legal protection to a tree. They can be the death-knell for some building projects and often require builders to replan their projects entirely. Carrying out work without consideration for the TPO and without approval can result in prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000. Often, planning permission will only be provided for...
October 21, 2016 11:13 am
As self-building becomes more popular in the UK, people are looking for simpler ways to build and techniques that will let them reduce spend and even build on more difficult sites. The cost of a site can vary depending on a variety of factors, and if it seen as more troublesome due to a significant slope (for example), it could mean that self-builders can buy more land or live in a more desirable location without exceeding their budget. Commercial techniques are increasingly finding their way into domestic construction, especially when builders are willing to work outside the box to find solutions. This is where helical piles have become a savior for many self-builders who would otherwise have to spend considerable...
October 6, 2016 11:14 am
Screw pile or helical pile foundations have a number of benefits compared to traditional concrete foundations – not least of which is the reduced time it takes to install the foundations themselves. This includes less time digging out the foundations as well as installing the steel. Here is a brief guide to helical pile foundation installations for anybody who is new to the process. Planning the Installation The steel plates used in a screw pile foundation are unique to every project and created bespoke to meet the needs of the structure and conditions that the foundations will be subjected to. This means that their size, pitch, and thickness will be different for every install. The factors considered when designing and...
August 5, 2016 10:29 am
It’s every homeowner’s nightmare. The realisation that the very ground on which your home stands, is on the move. The problem with subsidence is that by the time the symptoms are visible, the damage is already done. There are some very early signs which many people miss including doors and windows beginning to ‘stick’ when they’re opened or closed. But other signs are more often the first to be spotted and they include cracks around door frames or windows and particularly around extensions where the newer building meets the older. This is due to the buildings trying to pull away from one another. It should be noted that most buildings, especially older properties will have some visible cracks both within...
July 20, 2016 10:28 am
Helical Piles have so many benefits that once you understand them, it’s hard to see a reason not to choose them over traditional foundations. However, some people remain slightly sceptical of them. This comes from some lack of understanding for the most part as many people assume Helical Piles are a new idea or a new technology when in fact, the first Helical Piles were used over 200 years ago! In the past, Helical Piles were usually put to good use on coastal structures such as lighthouses and piers where their firm grip was the best solution in the unstable marine environment, but recently, the advantages of them have seemed more relevant than ever and so people are choosing them...
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