Frequently Asked Questions

A ground screw is a modern, eco-friendlier foundation solution that replaces the need for concrete foundations. They are galvanised steel screws of different diameters and lengths designed to act as a strong, secure, and durable foundation to support various structures that are attached to the screws from above.

We believe in the products we use. RADIX back the structural integrity of every screw with a 35-year guarantee based on typical soil conditions. Each screw or extendable screw pile has a different load capacity and dimensions, but all have a long lifespan of 60+ years.

From the moment we engage with you, right through to handing over to the team who will complete your building project, we will work diligently to meet your needs.

To select the best screws for your private or commercial project, we need to gather detailed information about your project, do a site survey and load-testing and then do our calculations to provide the empirical evidence of which screw is best suited.

On the day of the installation, we prepare the ground above and below, pre-drill if required, line up the screws and install them quickly using our range of ground screw machines. The entire process is extremely efficient and once the foundations are in they can instantly support the structure you are placing on top of them.

Most structures, fixtures and buildings can be built on range of screws. There will be some structures that are more suited to other types of foundations like high-rise apartment blocks, large scale infrastructure projects or something with an extremely high-load capacities.

SIP buildings, temporary offices and classrooms, playground equipment, fences, decking, solar arrays… The list is endless.

Speak with us, and we can evaluate your project, and see its suitability for screw foundations.

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 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 the RADIX 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.

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

Our ground screw foundations require no need for heavy, noisy machinery, skip hire or extensive ground clearance. We can install a strong and level base over sloping, uneven and soft ground, and in difficult to reach locations or around tree roots.

Ground screw foundations for garden rooms can be installed in frosted ground during the winter months, freeing up your garden to enjoy in the summer. No matter the terrain or weather ground screws can be installed.