Question 1

What is a Groundscrew

Accepted Answer

A ground screw also known as a helical pile or screw pile  is a tubular steel shaft with one or more helical (screw-shaped) flights welded to the lower section. The helix acts like a thread, pulling the pile into the ground under controlled torque rather than impact driving. The result is a foundation element that displaces rather than removes soil, creating a tight, stable installation with excellent load-bearing capacity.

Question 2

How Long do Groundscrews Last ?

Accepted Answer

All our ground screws are hot-dip galvanised to a minimum coating thickness that provides decades of corrosion protection in typical UK soil conditions. Standard zinc depletion rates in British soils are around 1–2 microns per year, giving a design life well in excess of 25 years for most applications.

Question 3

Can Groundscrews be removed ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ground screws are fully removable — one of their key advantages over concrete. If your plans change, screws can be removed using the same torque equipment used to install them and reused elsewhere. The ground is left with minimal disturbance and no spoil to clear.

Question 4

How Long Does Installation Take ?

Accepted Answer

For a typical domestic project — a garden room, deck, or outbuilding — installation is complete within a single working day. A standard garden room footprint typically takes 4–8 hours. Larger or more complex projects may take longer, but we'll give you an accurate time estimate with your quote.

Question 5

Can I Build Immediately After Installation ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that's one of the biggest advantages over concrete. There is no curing time. Your foundation is ready to accept structural loads the moment the last screw is installed. Your builder can start the same afternoon.

Question 6

Can Groundscrews be installed on a Slope ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and this is one of our specialisms. On sloped ground, we install screws to varying depths and use adjustable head brackets to bring every mounting point to exactly the same level. The result is a perfectly flat platform regardless of gradient — without any cutting, earthworks, or retained earth. Most typical UK garden slopes are easily accommodated.

Question 7

How Close Can Screws be Installed To Trees Or Tree Roots ?

Accepted Answer

Ground screws can be positioned with much greater precision than excavated foundations, and can often be installed between root systems without damage. In Tree Protection Order (TPO) situations, ground screws are frequently the specified foundation method precisely because they minimise ground disturbance. We always recommend discussing sensitive sites with us at the quoting stage so we can advise appropriately.

Question 8

What Happens If A Screw Hits A Rock Or Obstruction

Accepted Answer

If we encounter an obstruction during installation, we assess whether repositioning the screw slightly is appropriate (often it is), or whether a different screw specification is needed. We always carry contingency equipment on site. Where obstructions are a known risk, we'll discuss this during the site assessment and factor it into our quote.

Question 9

Do Ground Screws REquire Planning Permission ?

Accepted Answer

No. Ground screws themselves do not require planning permission — they are a foundation method, not a structure. Whether your project requires planning permission depends entirely on the structure being built above it. Most domestic outbuildings in England fall within Class E permitted development rights and do not require permission, provided they meet standard size and height criteria.

Question 10

Do Ground Screws Meet UK Building Regulations ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. UK Building Regulations set performance-based standards — they do not prohibit specific foundation types. Ground screw foundations meet the requirements of Part A (Structure) when correctly designed and installed. For structures requiring Building Control approval, we provide full load calculations, torque monitoring records, and manufacturer certification to support your application.

Question 11

What Sizes of Groundscrews Do You Supply

Accepted Answer

We supply ground screws in three main diameters: 76mm (light-duty, ideal for fencing and small sheds), 89mm (standard, ideal for decking, garden rooms, and outbuildings), and 114mm (heavy-duty, for large garden rooms, annexes, commercial structures, and solar arrays). Each is available in multiple lengths from 800mm to 2,000mm, and extension sections are available for deeper installation requirements.

Question 12

What Ground Types Are Not Suitable For Ground Screws ?

Accepted Answer

Ground screws can be installed in the vast majority of UK soil types — clay, loam, sand, chalk, and most mixed ground conditions. Very loose, waterlogged, or highly organic ground (such as deep peat) can present challenges, as can ground with shallow bedrock or large rubble fill. We assess your site at the quoting stage and will always tell you honestly if ground screws are not the right solution.

Frequently asked questions