Residential Screw Piles vs Concrete Foundations: Which Is Better?
Building a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, and a strong foundation is essential for its stability and longevity.
After all, it keeps your house standing for decades to come.
But when it comes to choosing between residential screw piles and concrete foundations, how do you know which is the right choice?
As Australia’s only end-to-end, ISO-certified screw pile manufacturer and installer, we’re here to explain the pros and cons to help you decide.
What Are Residential Screw Piles?
Screw piles are steel foundations that are twisted into the ground. Our Blade Pile design uses a bladed helical structure (think of them like giant screws) that anchor the pile into the soil, providing a stable base for your home.
Residential helical piles are quick to install, adaptable to different soil types, and can be used for everything from screw piles for house foundations to smaller projects like decks or sheds.
One of the biggest advantages of screw piles for houses is their versatility. Whether you’re building on sandy soil, clay, or even rocky terrain, screw piles can handle it.
They’re also a great option if you’re working on a sloped block or need to minimise site disruption.
What Are Concrete Foundations?
Concrete foundations are the traditional choice for residential construction.
They involve pouring concrete into excavated trenches or footings to create a solid base for your home.
Concrete is known for its strength and durability, making it a reliable option for many builders.
However, concrete foundations can be more time-consuming to install.
They require curing time, which can delay your project, and they’re not always the best choice for challenging soil conditions.
Benefits of Helical Piers Installation
Structural Integrity
The Blade Pile designed screw pile ensures exceptional structural integrity. By anchoring deeply into the ground, these piers provide a solid foundation capable of withstanding various environmental stresses. This makes them an excellent option for projects that demand high stability and strength.
Cost-Effectiveness
Blade Pile, Helical piers are a cost-effective solution due to their rapid installation process, which reduces labour costs and project timelines. Additionally, their minimal need for soil excavation leads to further savings in on-site preparation and remediation.
Environmental Impact
Blade Pile helical piers have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional foundation methods. Their installation causes minimal soil disturbance and erosion, preserving the natural landscape. Furthermore, the materials used in helical piers are often recyclable, contributing to more sustainable construction practices.
Applications of Screw Pile Installation
Residential Construction
For residential construction, the Blade Pile screw pile offers strong and reliable foundations for homes. Their quick installation and minimal site disruption make them ideal for both new builds and renovations, ensuring stable support for houses.
Commercial Projects
Our screw piles are extensively used in commercial projects to support larger structures such as office buildings, retail spaces, and multi-story complexes. Their adaptability to various soil conditions ensures stability and safety for commercial constructions.
Industrial and Infrastructure Projects
Our screw piles support industrial and infrastructure projects, including factories, warehouses, bridges, and roads. Their robust design ensures long-term performance and reliability in demanding environments.
The Helical Pier Installation Process
Pre-Installation Preparation
The installation process begins with comprehensive site assessments and soil testing to design a customised helical piling plan.
This step ensures that the helical piers are tailored to the specific requirements of the project.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Site Assessment:
Evaluate soil conditions and determine the optimal placement for the helical piers.
Pile Installation:
Utilise specialised equipment to screw the helical piers into the ground.
Load Testing:
Confirm that the installed piers meet the necessary load-bearing capacity.
Foundation Construction:
A verified Blade Pile installation team arrive on-site with all of the necessary screw piles, accessories, equipment and documentation to complete your project.
Challenges in Helical Pier Installation
Common Obstacles
Difficult soil conditions, underground obstructions, and limited site access are common challenges in helical pier installation. Addressing these issues requires careful planning and expertise.
Solutions and Mitigations
To overcome these challenges, experienced piling contractors employ advanced equipment and techniques. Pre-installation surveys and continuous monitoring during installation help identify and address potential obstacles efficiently.
Comparing Home Screw Piles vs Concrete Footings
Installation Process
Screw piles are installed by twisting them into the ground using special equipment. This process is quick, often taking just a few hours, and doesn’t require extensive excavation. It’s also less messy, which means less cleanup for you.
When you contract Blade Pile for your project, you get greater load-bearing strength and efficiency over other traditional methods like concrete foundations, which involve digging trenches, setting up formwork, pouring concrete, and waiting for it to cure.
This process can take several days or even weeks, depending on the size of your project and the weather conditions.
Cost
When it comes to cost, screw piles often come out ahead. They require less work and equipment, saving you money on installation. Their quick installation time also means your project can move forward faster, reducing overall costs.
Concrete foundations can be more expensive due to the materials, work, and time involved.
However, they’re a tried-and-true option that many builders trust, so the extra cost might be worth it for some homeowners.
Soil Adaptability
Screw piles are incredibly versatile and can be used in multiple soil conditions.
Blade Piles, for example, measure soil strength during install for more precise placement and installation, whether you’re dealing with soft, sandy soil or hard, rocky terrain.
Concrete foundations can struggle in certain soil types, especially if the ground is prone to shifting or erosion.
In these cases, additional measures like soil stabilisation might be required, which can add to the cost and complexity of your project.
Environmental Impact
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, screw piles are the way to go.
They require less excavation, which means less disruption to the surrounding environment.
Plus, our patented Blade Pile system can be removed, reused or recycled if needed, making them a more sustainable choice.
In contrast, concrete foundations have a larger environmental footprint due to the amount of material and energy required to produce and install them.
Concrete is a durable material, however, lasting decades, which might offset some of its environmental impact.
Long-Term Performance
Both screw piles and concrete foundations are designed to last, but they have different strengths.
Screw piles are resistant to shifting soils and can be adjusted if needed, making them a great option for areas with unstable ground.
Concrete foundations are known for their strength and durability, but they can crack or settle over time, especially if the soil underneath shifts.
Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues, but they’re something to keep in mind.
When to Choose Screw Piles
Screw piles are a great choice if you’re looking for a fast, cost-effective, and eco-friendly foundation solution.
They’re perfect for challenging soil conditions, sloped blocks, or projects where you want to lower site disruption.
If you’re building a smaller structure and need screw piling for a dock and boathouses, deck or shed, screw piles are also a practical option.
When to Choose Concrete Foundations
Concrete foundations are a reliable choice for traditional home builds, especially if you’re working with stable soil and have the time and budget for a more involved installation process.
They’re also a good option if you’re building a larger, heavier structure requiring a solid, immovable base.
Home Screw Piles vs Concrete Footings: The Right Choice for You
At the end of the day, the best foundation for your home depends on your circumstances.
If you’re looking for a quick, adaptable, and cost-effective solution, residential screw piles might be the way to go.
But if you prefer the tried-and-true strength of concrete, a concrete foundation could be the better choice.
If you’re still unsure, it’s worth talking to a professional who can assess your site and recommend the best option for your project.
And if you’re curious about other foundation types, check out our guide on types of screw piles or learn more about concrete screw piles.
Final Thoughts
If you’re leaning toward screw piles, they’re a fantastic option for modern, eco-friendly, and cost-effective construction.
And if you’re considering concrete, it’s a reliable choice that’s stood the test of time. Either way, you’re one step closer to building the home of your dreams.
For more information on residential helical piles or to explore other foundation options, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts.
They’ll help you make the best choice for your project and ensure your home is built on a solid foundation—literally.
Contact
Book a Helical Pier Installation
NSW Master Distributor – Solid Metal Piling
41 Topham Road, Smeaton Grange NSW 2567
TAS Master Distributor – Channel Earthmoving
Our team is here to assist you with all your helical piers installation needs. Contact us for expert consultation and professional services tailored to your project requirements.
Connect with experienced helical pier installers who can ensure the success of your foundation project.
In his capacity as National Manager, Josh spearheads Blade Pile Group’s business development and growth into new markets.
Since joining the organisation in 2018, Josh has brought a diverse knowledge base and bank of experience in construction, business management, logistics and team leadership to the Blade Pile Group.
