Myths about Screw Piles. Believe it or not?

There are a number of myths and misconceptions about screw piles in the construction world. These myths often arise from a lack of information, negative experiences, or simply doubts. In our blog, we decided to address the most common myths about screw piles and provide you with accurate information on the subject.

Myth 1

Users often complain online about screw piles swaying or sinking into the ground during the construction of country houses. These problems can lead to uneven floors and uncomfortable living conditions.

Pile sway can be caused by various factors. For example, the piles may not be driven to the intended depth, which reduces their reliability and leads to foundation deformation.

Some builders may create an overly large pit, which is not optimal for installing the piles. A lack of support can also cause problems, especially if the pile field is located too high.

Insufficient piles or the wrong pile diameter can also cause problems down the road. Furthermore, incorrectly calculating the screw depth or having pile blades in the frozen soil zone can lead to undesirable consequences. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to all these aspects when installing screw piles.

Myth 2

Installing helical piles, while seemingly simple, actually involves many subtleties, from preparation to the arrival of the builders. Marking out the pile field is the first step, requiring careful analysis of the soil conditions, the depth of the dense layers, and the groundwater level. Experienced builders may sometimes rely on soil maps, regional experience, or information from the client. However, in most cases, a preliminary survey is essential for successful installation.

When installing piles, special attention is paid to soil conditions. In soft soils, where piles easily penetrate to their full depth, special extensions are used to reach the dense layers. Conversely, in extremely dense and rocky soils, where pile installation is more difficult, a drilling rig is used for more efficient installation. Furthermore, in such conditions, multi-turn piles, specially adapted for rocky soils, can be used. These nuances ensure the stability and reliability of the foundation, even in the most challenging conditions.

Myth 3

Piles will last 300 or even 400 years, so say the "professionals."

Indeed, such claims of a 300-year service life for screw piles are often overstated. The actual service life of screw piles depends on several factors, including soil quality, acidity, manufacturing standards, surface treatment, and the correct execution of all installation stages. With proper maintenance and adherence to all technical requirements, screw piles can last from 50 to 120 years.

Myth 4

The fourth myth concerns the question: How quickly will piles rust?

Indeed, rumors about the short service life of screw piles are often untrue. The soil contains a small amount of oxygen, which reduces the likelihood of metal oxidation.

We also use powder coating for screw piles. This coating does not react with the environment, does not wear off during installation, and is impermeable to moisture. Particular attention is paid to protecting the pile sections located at the soil-air interface. Heat-shrink tubing is used for this purpose, providing additional protection.

Myth 5

If blades become deformed or fall off during screw pile installation, there may be various causes:

1.       Manufacturing errors, such as poor welding, which can weaken the structure.

2.       Using blades composed of multiple sheets of steel. High-quality piles are typically equipped with cast blades made from a single sheet of steel at least 3 mm thick.

3.       Installation errors, such as improper use of equipment or failure to follow installation procedures.

To avoid such problems, it is important to choose reputable manufacturers and experienced installers. This will help prevent blade breakage and avoid additional costs.