How to choose screw piles for installing a terrace

The desire for coziness and comfort on one's property often leads to the creation of landscape elements such as terraces. They become a favorite place to relax, and it's important that the foundation for such a structure be reliable and durable. Screw piles offer this opportunity thanks to their cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and stability. Let's figure out how to choose the right screw piles for your terrace.

What are screw piles?

Screw piles are long metal rods with helical blades at the end that are screwed into the ground. This allows for the creation of a secure foundation for various structures, including terraces, without the need for concrete. Unlike concrete foundations, screw piles do not require time to gain strength, significantly speeding up the construction process.

How Screw Piles Work

Screw piles transfer the load from the superstructure to deeper soil layers, reaching areas with higher bearing capacity. This ensures stability even on unstable soils, such as sandy or sandy loam. It's important to accurately determine the soil type on your site to select the correct pile type.

Choosing Screw Piles for Terraces

It's important to consider the expected loads from the terrace and furniture, as well as any dynamic loads from people. The climate in your region also plays a significant role: regions with frequent freezes and thaws require a particularly strong foundation.

There are different types of screw piles, varying in diameter, length, and blade type. Single-blade piles are suitable for most conditions, while double- or triple-blade piles provide additional stability in particularly soft or wet soils.

Choosing the right material ensures the durability of the entire structure, especially in aggressive environments. Steel with an anti-corrosion coating, such as galvanizing or polymer coating, helps protect the piles from corrosion and extend their service life.

Furthermore, it's best to choose piles from reputable manufacturers offering certified products. Certificates and positive customer reviews can serve as a good guide when choosing.

Installing Screw Pile Roofing for Terraces

Screw patios are installed according to the following procedure:

1.       Preparation for Installation. Before installation, it is important to clear and level the area. Mark the pile installation points according to the construction plan to avoid errors during installation.

2.       Installation. The piles are installed using specialized equipment that allows them to be screwed to the required depth. It is important to ensure that the piles are installed strictly vertically to avoid future problems with uneven loading.

3.       Inspection and Testing. After installation, the entire structure should be checked for stability and proper execution. This includes checking the pile depth and verticality.

Common Problems with Installing Screw Pile Terraces and How to Solve Them

Installing screw pile terraces can encounter several problems that need to be addressed. Here are a few common challenges and effective solutions:

1.       Selecting the wrong type of pile. If the piles are not suitable for the soil type on your site, the terrace may be unstable. What to do: It is important to check the soil type in advance and select the best-suited piles, considering their length and blade shape for secure anchorage.

2.       Rust on the metal. Damp soil can promote metal corrosion. What to do: Use piles with a protective coating, such as hot-dip galvanizing, which helps protect the metal from rust and extend the lifespan of the pile.

3.       Installation errors. If the piles are screwed in incorrectly, this can lead to them becoming crooked or not being driven deep enough into the ground, reducing the stability of the terrace. What to do: It's best to entrust installation to professionals who use specialized equipment for proper installation.

4.       Uneven settling of the deck. Different parts of the deck may settle differently due to differences in soil conditions. What to do: Regularly check the deck's level and adjust it if necessary to avoid deformation.

Knowing these issues and how to solve them will help ensure the longevity and reliability of your deck. Proper selection of materials and installation methods will minimize potential difficulties and extend the life of your deck.