When Should you use Screw Piles for Deck Foundations
Traditionally, poured concrete footings was the go-to method for structural, elevated or attached decks. This method involves digging holes and pouring concrete into them to create a solid, long lasting base, then setting treated timber or steel posts directly into the concrete-filled holes. However, over time they are susceptible to environmental factors, soil conditions, deterioration and movement, and require regular maintenance and proper water drainage away from the property.
Screw piles, otherwise known as helical piles, are a modern alternative with many advantages, and are now generally considered to be superior to concrete footings for deck foundations. They are much quicker to install, cause minimal site disruption and have an instant load-bearing capacity unlike concrete, which reaches its full designed compressive strength after 28 days.
Why Choose Screw Piles?
Screw piles offer a cost-effective, sustainable and reliable alternative to poured concrete, especially in the diverse construction environments found in Australia, particularly when soil conditions are weak, access is limited or installation speed is important.
Screw piles are installed quickly allowing building work to start immediately. They are ideal for slopes and challenging soils because they can anchor deeper into more stable soil layers providing a solid foundation, especially in clay soil which is prone to movement and subsidence. They are highly resistant to frost heave and ground movement.
The installation of screw piles requires little or no excavation, making them an ideal choice for established homes and landscaped gardens. There is less mess, less soil removal and less damage to land, and they are perfect for residential projects like decks, pergolas and carports.
Environmental Considerations
Aside from providing superior strength and more stable, longer lasting foundations, screw piles are a far greener choice than traditional concrete. They use less material and energy-intensive manufacturing processes, and the installation process does not require any chemicals or concrete curing, so there is no danger of ground contamination.
Screw piles offer reduced waste as they are typically made from steel which can be recycled. Unlike concrete they can be removed and reused, or completely taken out and the land can be restored to its natural state. Due to minimal soil disturbance and reduced noise and vibration during installation, they are ideal for use in environmentally sensitive areas as they don’t disturb wildlife and help protect natural ecosystems.
The Cost-Effective Choice for Deck Foundations
While initial material costs may appear higher, investing in screw piles makes cost-effective and long-term investment sense. Due to the speed of installation, projects are often completed in one day with a small crew without the need for large, specialised machinery that is needed for excavation when installing concrete footing. There are no construction delays due to bad weather as screw piles can be installed at anytime, and minimal site disturbances during installation means minimal clean-up costs.
Screw piles are perfect for all deck foundations, but work particularly well if you have sloping land, weak soil, tight access areas or speed sensitive projects. To learn more, visit Pro Post Foundations today.
