Installation

Our self-installation range is specifically designed for ease of installation and easy fixing of brackets and attachments. Quick, mess-free, environmentally friendly, removable, repositionable and recyclable. The perfect foundation solution for your DIY project.

SAFETY FIRST – Before commencing any installation it is vitally important that you are sure the area is free from any underground services such as gas pipes, drainage, telecommunication or electrical cables. (If, for any reason, you are unsure, consider using our professional installation service where we will undertake full searches to determine any service locations.) Always use appropriate PPE during the installation.

Installation Video

INSTALLATION

Using a pre drill or spike between 25 – 45mm, insert in the position that the screw will be installed. This will give the ground screw a ‘start’ for ease of installation and determine if there are any major obstacles in the location.

Install the ground screw by hand until it becomes too hard to turn, then attach the installation tool.

Once attached, turn the ground screw in a clockwise direction with downward pressure. The ground screw will begin to lower into the ground. As the ground screw gains purchase there will be less downward pressure required. Use a spirit level to ensure the screw is vertical during the installation and adjust accordingly. Don’t panic if the ground screw is slightly out of vertical, it will still work fine.

In dry ground conditions, water may be poured into the hole on the top of the ground screw and around the installation area. Leave for a few minutes to soften the earth before continuing with the installation.

Use a string line, spirit level or laser level to determine the correct level and once reached detach the installation tool and repeat for the next ground screw.

Fully installed in the ground the following loadings should be achieved:

• 800mm x 68mm ground screws – 4.4 Kn (approx. 450KG)*
• 1200mm x 68mm ground screws – 7.5Kn (approx. 765KG)*

* Figures quoted are best loading results and should be adjusted in softer ground conditions.

HINTS AND TIPS

Never leave more than one third of the length of the ground screw out of the ground as lateral stability could be compromised. Use a longer screw to gain the extra height.

Leave a small gap (50 – 70mm) between the head of the screw and the ground. This will allow an air flow which will prolong the life of the timber, keeping it away from any ground moisture.

When marking out where the ground screws are to be positioned remember to take  into account the diameter of the ground screw. For example for a 3000mm length, the ground screw centre points should be a maximum of 2930mm to keep the screw head within the base frame.

Be mindful of the loadings required for your project. A lightweight building may only weigh 500KG but if you were to add 10 people on a snowy day then that could become 2500KG.

Remember – our experts are always on hand to answer any questions – It’s all part of the service.