FAQs

Below we answer some of the common questions we hear about ground screws, screw piles and our services. Learn more about our sustainable ground screw and screw pile foundation solutions in our case studies, explore their various applications, or download our brochures and documentation below.

If you have any other questions, or if we can assist you with an installation, please contact us. We’re here to help.

Screw Pile FAQ

Below you will find some of the questions customers have asked us about our screw pile foundations, our screw piling installations, and other services we offer. If you cannot find the answer to your question, then please contact us, and we’ll be happy to help.

The load capacity of a screw pile is dependant on several factors, including the ground conditions for frictional load, or achieving the depth for a point load and the structural integrity of our foundations.

Our expert teams have installed to depths of 16m before, supporting 200kN per screw pile for a bridge construction project.

Our foundations can go as deep as required. We have done installations nearing 20m deep.

A ground screw is a set length, whereas a helical screw pile can be extended to reach the depths required to optimise the stability of the above structure. A pile differs from a ground screw by the helical blade that is added to the screw tip part of the pile, this increases the load capacity, strength and support of the device. Both can support large structures, but the ground, weight dispersement and the structure’s load are all taken into consideration when choosing which screw is better to use.

A helical pile and a ground screw, while similar in function and appearance, have some differences:

Design and Application:

  • Helical Screw Pile: Traditionally larger and longer, screw piles are designed for deep foundations. They are often used in heavy construction, like supporting houses, bridges, battery energy storage systems, ground-mounted solar panels.
  • Ground Screw: Generally smaller (our maximum length is 2100mm), ground screws are suited for applications such as securing decks, fences, garden rooms and smaller solar arrays, but it is the ground conditions and load that determine which is used.

Load-Bearing Capacity:

  • Helical Screw Pile: They have a higher load-bearing capacity due to their size and depth, making them suitable for supporting substantial structures.
  • Ground Screw: While highly effective, they are typically used for lighter loads when we make a decision.

Installation:

  • Helical Screw Pile: Their installation might require our larger installation machinery due to their size and the depth they need to reach.
  • Ground Screw: These can often be installed with our portable ground screw machines

Cost and Efficiency:

  • Helical Screw Pile: The cost might be higher due to the materials and installation process, but they provide robust support for larger projects.
  • Ground Screw: More cost-effective for smaller-scale projects, offering quicker and easier installation.

Both serve the purpose of providing stable foundations but are chosen based on the scale and requirements of the project.

A pile is a long, slender column made of strong materials like wood, steel, or concrete, which is driven deep into the ground to provide foundational support for various types of structures. Piles are used in construction when the surface soil’s load-bearing capacity is insufficient to support the weight of the building. They transfer the load from the structure above to the stronger, more stable soil or rock layers deep below the surface. Piles are essential in supporting bridges, buildings, and other structures, especially in areas with weak or unstable soil.

 

RADIX Screw Piles replace the need and expense of traditional piles in many cases, subject to project requirements and ground conditions.

Screw piles can be a smarter and more cost-effective solution to concrete and traditional piles in many cases. The actual cost of a helical screw pile is determined by the size and length of pile you need for your particular project. To find an exact answer of the price, contact us to evaluate your project and generate a quote for you.

We use a variety of machines for screw piling depending on the demands of the project. We can install hundreds of screws per day with our team and multiple machines, which help speed up the project’s timeline. Have a look at our screw piling machines.

Ground screw FAQ

Whatever you are building will have its unique requirements when it comes to the foundations. Our question and answers section can give you more information, but if you don’t find the answer, please contact us.

The main obstacle for screws overtaking concrete in many foundation projects, is simply because they are new and concrete is what builders are used to. This needs to change!

Our range of screws presents a compelling and practical substitute for concrete foundations, offering numerous strong advantages, especially in sustainable construction.

5 advantages of over concrete:

  • Installation Speed: Screws can be installed much faster than concrete, which requires time for pouring and curing.
  • Environmental Impact: Screws are less invasive and have a lower environmental impact compared to concrete foundations, as they don’t require extensive digging or soil displacement.
  • Removability and Reusability: Unlike concrete, a ground screw can be easily removed and reused, making them a more flexible option for temporary or relocatable structures.
  • Load-Bearing Capacity: High-quality ground screw foundations have strong load-bearing capacities, comparable to traditional concrete foundations.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: In many cases, screws can be more cost-effective due to reduced labour and time.

Please remember, the suitability of earth screws versus concrete depends on the specific requirements of your project, including soil type, load requirements, and environmental conditions. For certain heavy-duty applications, concrete might still be the preferred choice.

The cost of a screw depends on which one you choose, and how many you need, depending on your projects requirements. When compared to other screws on the market, we believe RADIX offers superior quality and value.

RADIX PRO screws will range from 13.5kN to 66kN in load-bearing capacity.

All our screws are thoroughly tested to meet load, pressure and tension-bearing requirements. Our installation teams test the ground and do our calculations based on the structure the screw will be supporting. The total load capacity of the structure is spread through several screws. Contact us directly about the needs of your project.

The overall weight of your project and the ground conditions determine how deep a ground screw needs to be installed. Our screws come in lengths from 800mm to 2050mm, to be able to create strong and stable foundations in most soil types and for a wide variety of projects.

If we need to go deeper we can use our screw pile range to deliver your required project calculations. Please contact us to evaluate your project and help you choose the best screws for whatever you want to build.

An advantage of using our foundation systems compared to concrete, is not only the speed, efficiency and overall cost of installing them, but also in the fact that we can install them during the winter months even in frosted ground.

Please contact us to evaluate your project and give you a quote. Our range of screws is specifically designed to work in a variety of terrains, climates and soil conditions.

RADIX’s low-carbon foundations are versatile, and they can be used in a variety of surfaces. Accurate site surveys, ground testing and load testing should be carried out to help choose the right screws for your project.

  • Soft Soils: Our screws work well in various soft soil types, including clay, silt, and loam, where they can easily penetrate and provide stable anchorage.
  • Grassy or Unpaved Areas: They are ideal for installations in grassy fields, gardens, or other unpaved surfaces.
  • Rocky or Very Hard Soils: In rocky terrains or extremely hard soils, pre-drilling might be necessary.
  • Waterlogged or Marshy Areas: These conditions may require special consideration for stability and longevity, which our range of screws can provide.
  • Highly Urbanised or Paved Areas: Installation into concrete or asphalt surfaces may require pre-drilling

The price depends on which screws your structure requires. Unlike other companies who just promote their range of screws based on price, we want to make sure you are using the correct screw for your particular project, while getting value and a cost-effective solution. Please be careful and don’t just buy cheap screws from a ground screw shop or online store, as they may lead to a problem with your structures integrity.

RADIX’s comprehensive range of foundation screws range are built to the highest standards, going through a rigorous testing and examination process. Once the correct screws are installed by our accredited and experienced installation teams, they will provide long-lasting, secure and stable foundations for your project.

Our foundation screws can be used for virtually any structure or fixture that needs to be anchored to the ground. From a house to a carport or small fence, a solar array or large scale battery energy storage system project, RADIX’s screw foundations are the best option.

Go to our applications page and see all the different things that can be build on top of our low-carbon foundations. (It is advisable to test the ground and factor in other key data, to make sure you are choosing the correct ground anchors for your foundations.)

Depending on soil conditions and the quality of the installation, our range of screws have an expected lifespan of 60+ years, and all come with a 35-year structural integrity guarantee.

There are many poor quality screws on the market, so it is imperative you choose a leading brand for your foundations. Look for the empirical data, engineers reports and other key technical information that proves the quality of the brand and their products.

The range of screws available in stores may serve a purpose for smaller projects but once again be aware of what they are capable of and choose a higher quality and more robust range that is suited for your application.

Our range of screws are manufactured from high quality steel and galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461: 2009 to ensure the surface of the screw is corrosion resistant for long term protection and increased life expectancy.

Yes. Our foundations can be installed year-round, but there are some seasonal considerations to keep in mind:

  • Winter Conditions: In areas with severe winter weather, frozen or snow-covered ground can make installation more challenging. Specialised equipment or pre-drilling may be required to penetrate the frozen soil.
  • Wet Conditions: During rainy seasons or in wet climates, the soil may be softer or waterlogged, which could affect the stability and installation process of the screws. Proper assessment and techniques are needed to ensure a secure installation.
  • Summer and Dry Conditions: In contrast, during dry seasons or in arid regions, the ground may be harder, requiring more effort or different equipment to install the screws effectively.
  • Professional Assessment: Regardless of the season, a professional assessment of the soil and environmental conditions is crucial to determine the best installation approach.

Overall, while seasonal variations can present certain challenges, with proper planning and equipment, installations can be successfully carried out in most weather and seasonal conditions. This is a stark contrast to concrete foundations, which is highly limited and not possible in certain conditions.

Yes, screws can be installed through tarmac!

  • Pre-Drilling: A hole must first be drilled through the tarmac to accommodate the screw. This ensures a clean insertion and minimises damage to the surrounding tarmac.
  • Appropriate Equipment: Using the right drilling equipment is crucial to penetrate the tarmac effectively without causing excessive damage or wear to the drill bit.
  • Installation Care: Care must be taken during installation to ensure the ground anchor is properly aligned and inserted at the correct angle and depth.
  • Assessing Underlying Soil: It’s important to assess the soil beneath the tarmac to ensure it can provide sufficient support and stability.
  • Professional Installation: Due to the complexities involved, professional installation is recommended to ensure the foundations are installed correctly and safely.

From a sustainability perspective, ground screw foundations often have advantages over concrete piers:

  • Lower Environmental Impact: Screws are less invasive to the soil, as they don’t require extensive excavation or concrete pouring. This reduces the disturbance to the local ecosystem and soil structure. The machinery used does not damage the surrounding landscapes and with no excavation there is no soil removal. Professional installations can easily navigate tree roots and other obstacles.
  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: The production of concrete is energy-intensive and generates significant CO2 emissions. By avoiding concrete, screw foundations contribute to a lower carbon footprint. They have less embodied carbon than concrete alternatives.
  • Reusability and Removability: Ground screw anchors can be removed and reused, offering a sustainable option for temporary structures or when changes are needed. This contrasts with concrete piers, which are permanent and create waste if removed.
  • Less Resource Intensive: The installation of our foundations typically requires less machinery and energy compared to digging and setting concrete piers.
  • No Water Usage: Concrete piers require water for mixing concrete, whereas our foundations do not, reducing water usage.
  • Immediate Usability: Ground screw foundations are ready for use immediately after installation, unlike concrete, which requires time to cure. This efficiency reduces the overall environmental impact of construction projects.

While our range of screws offer these sustainability benefits, the best choice for your foundations depends on the specific requirements of the project, including load-bearing needs, soil conditions, and long-term objectives.

The name is all that is different, as they all do the same thing. However, be very careful with what you buy, as you are using these devices for foundations, and you cannot risk collapse or structural damage.

When choosing a screw or anchor for your foundation, it’s the brand that matters. Low-cost ground screws, anchor spikes, and ground anchors are not the same as our pro-range ground screws.

RADIX’s ground screws have gone through many changes over the years. We have redesigned them, sourced better materials and manufacturing processes to value-engineer the strongest and most reliable ground screw available.

Our prices are competitive and excellent value whilst being superior in quality.

Our screws can never be compared to the low-quality ground screws that you may find in a typical ground screw store.

Our range of screws not only work better than other types of foundations, they are faster to install, more eco-friendly, and deliver a more cost-effective solution. See all the advantages of ground screws and screw piles if you require further reassurance.

FAQs About Ground-Mounted Solar Systems

Here are some questions and answers on ground-mounted solar panels and the installation of them. If you have any other questions, please contact us.

Ground-mounted panels offer easier maintenance, optimal orientation for maximum sun exposure, no roof penetration risks, and are suitable for properties with unsuitable roofs. They can be used for private residences, farms, businesses and are more commonly used in solar farms or solar parks.

Typically, for every kilowatt of solar panels, about 100 square feet of space is needed. This can vary based on panel efficiency and installation angle.

They can be more efficient than solar panels on roofs as they can be positioned at the perfect angle and orientation, and they stay cooler due to air flow on all sides, enhancing performance. The efficiency of your solar panels will also come down to the panels being used and the set-up of them.

Ground-mounted solar panels are extremely durable depending on the system you use. We offer warranties with each of the mounting systems we have. They are built to withstand various environmental conditions and with cutting edge technology and materials.

Maintenance is relatively minimal, primarily involving regular cleaning and occasional checks for structural integrity and electrical connections. We are always here to assist customers if help is required.

Planning permission is required. The specifics depend on the location and size of the installation, amongst many other factors. Speak directly with your local council.

Some ground-mounted systems are adjustable or have tracking systems to follow the sun. They can be relocated, but this can be a complex and costly process depending on the solar mounting system and the foundations you used. Remember, a benefit of our screws is they are moveable, reusable and can be recycled.

Generally, solar installations increase property value. The exact impact varies depending on the location and the local property market.

Ground-mounted systems are generally more expensive due to additional framing and mounting requirements, but they can offer higher efficiency and easier maintenance.