Question 1

What are ground screw foundations?

Accepted Answer

They are galvanised steel screws that are rotated into the ground to carry a structure. The load passes down the shaft and through the thread into the surrounding soil, so no concrete is needed.

Question 2

Do I still need concrete?

Accepted Answer

No. There are no concrete pads, strip footings or curing time. Once a screw is installed to its design depth it can be loaded, which is why projects often move on faster than with a concrete base.

Question 3

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

A typical domestic layout is usually installed in a day or two, depending on the number of screws, the ground and site access. There is no waiting for concrete to cure before the frame goes on.

Question 4

What ground conditions suit them?

Accepted Answer

Clay, sand, peat and rocky ground can all work — each in a different way. Clay is bypassed down to consistent material, sand is compacted by the thread, soft ground is reached at depth, and screws can be worked between stones. Very made or contaminated ground needs checking first.

Question 5

What sizes are available?

Accepted Answer

Lengths run from 800 mm to 2,050 mm, with a 76 mm shaft and a flange of roughly 140–200 mm. Typical load capacity runs from about 13.5 kN at 800 mm to about 45 kN at 2,050 mm. These are starting points — the layout is designed around your structure and ground.

Question 6

Can ground screws be removed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. They can be unscrewed when a structure comes down, leaving no concrete to break out and dispose of, and the screws can often be re-used elsewhere.

Question 7

Do they work on sloping or uneven ground?

Accepted Answer

They are well suited to slopes. Screws can be installed at differing heights so the subframe comes out level, which often avoids the cutting, filling and retaining walls a concrete approach can need.

Question 8

Will I need planning permission?

Accepted Answer

Many garden rooms, decking and similar outbuildings fall within permitted development, but it depends on the size of the structure, the property and whether the site is listed, in a conservation area or elsewhere restricted. It is worth confirming with the local planning authority before building.

Question 9

How do they compare with concrete pads?

Accepted Answer

Ground screws need far less excavation, produce no concrete waste, can be loaded immediately and can be removed later. Concrete can still be the right answer on some sites — the ground conditions and the structure decide.

Question 10

Can they be installed in winter or wet weather?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, because there is nothing to cure. Very waterlogged or frozen ground can affect access and how the ground behaves, so the site is checked before a date is set.

Question 11

What site access do you need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the installation method and the size of the layout. Tell us what the access is like — gate widths, driveways, overhead wires, gardens at the rear — and we will confirm what is needed before quoting.

Question 12

How do I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Send the site postcode, the type of structure, approximate dimensions and anything about access or ground conditions. From that we can advise on screw sizes, numbers and a price.

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