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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 ground screw 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

Manual Installation – Best Practice Guide

1. Carry Out Site Testing Before Ordering

Before selecting the length of your ground screws, carry out some simple site testing. This can be done using:

  • An SDS drill with a masonry drill bit
  • A steel wrecking bar
  • A small trial dig

This will help determine the ground conditions and identify the most suitable screw length for your project.

2. Prepare the Ground in Dry Conditions

During prolonged periods of dry weather, particularly in summer, the ground can become extremely hard and compacted.

To make installation easier, we recommend thoroughly soaking the proposed installation area for several days before installing the screws. This helps soften the ground and can significantly reduce installation effort.

3. Create a Pilot Hole

Once your screw positions have been marked out, create a pilot hole at each location using either:

  • An SDS drill with a masonry drill bit, or
  • A steel wrecking bar.

This serves two important purposes:

  • It helps identify any buried obstructions before installation.
  • It provides a guide for the screw to follow, making installation easier and improving accuracy.

If the ground remains dry, lightly soak each pilot hole before installing the screw.

4. Keep the Screw Plumb

As the screw is installed, regularly check that it remains vertical using a post level.

We recommend checking the level every two or three turns to ensure the screw continues on a true plumb line throughout the installation.

5. Take Care at Final Installation Depth

As you approach the required finished height (datum), reduce the installation speed and regularly check the level using either:

  • A spirit level, or
  • A laser level.

It is important not to over-install the screw. If the screw is driven too deep, it is not recommended to wind it back up to the correct height, as this can create a void beneath the helix and reduce the performance of the foundation.

Important: Ground screws are ground-condition dependent. While manual installation is suitable for many sites, some ground conditions may require mechanical installation or an alternative screw length. Carrying out simple site testing before ordering and before installation will greatly improve the likelihood of a successful installation.

Fully installed in the ground, the following indicative loadings could be achieved:

  • 600mm x 68mm ground screws – 4.4kN SWL (approx. 450kg)*
  • 800mm x 68mm ground screws – 5.6kN SWL (approx. 565KG)*
  • 1000mm x 68mm ground screws – 6.9kN SWL (approx. 700kg)*
  • 1200mm x 68mm ground screws – 8kN SWL (approx. 810KG)*

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

Using a pre drill or spike between 25 – 45mm, insert in the position where the ground 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 ground screw 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.

The Ground Screw Shop
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