The Advantages of Screw Pile Foundations Over Poured Concrete Ones for Deck Foundations
August 23, 2022Property owners have a wide array of options when it comes to improving their beloved homes or buildings. For one, they can extend their existing properties to add more rooms. They can, alternatively, renovate their spaces to accommodate changes to their functions and purposes.
But another option that they can maximise is the addition of outdoor features. One outdoor feature that is often added by property owners is decking. By using the right materials, decks are expected to enhance the appeal of the yard area. They can also extend the living area of their properties. Decks can even be used as a substitute for patios.
The Significance of Deck Foundations
Some decks can already be built without modifying the areas where they will be constructed. However, since decks cater to heavy foot traffic every day, they should remain stable and sturdy throughout their service life. One way to achieve this is to set their foundations properly.
If want to add a deck to your property, setting its foundation may be necessary if your place has loose soil. And since loose soil boasts the least load-bearing capacity compared to others, it would require foundation elements that can make your deck constructed solidly.
But even though your property does not stand on loose soil, deck foundations are still needed since your outdoor feature must be able to handle both dead and live loads. Dead loads pertain to permanent elements of your decking such as posts, beams, framing, stairs, and railings, while live loads include people and furniture pieces.
Deck foundations, ultimately, can combat climate challenges. There will be months when your surroundings become too cold. When this happens, your soil may expand and contract continuously. As time passes, some portions of your deck may start to crack or shift, attaining damage. Adding a foundation can prevent this problem from occurring.
Screw Pile Foundations are Necessary
Traditionally, deck foundation can only be carried out by using some concrete. Poured concrete foundations are normally installed by excavating some holes. Upon excavating the boreholes, concrete elements are then mixed and poured into them. Saddle brackets are subsequently cast into the wet concrete so they can be utilised as deck posts’ mounting elements.
Now, one thing that is great about poured concrete foundations is they tend to last for decades. Their installation, however, can consume tons of time and money. Concrete foundations cannot likewise be used in conditions where the ground is full of water or areas with high water tables. Damages to root systems may likewise occur with these foundations.
Screw pile foundations, alternatively, are made by inserting screw piles into the ground through earthmoving equipment. The helix near the piles allows them to be fixed into the ground.
These foundations are preferred by more and more property owners today as they can be useful in any ground condition. They are also cheaper to install and maintain. Damages are even prevented since they do not have to excavate any soil or cut through roots. Screw pile foundations can also last longer as they can be paired with a cathodic protection system, which intends to extend the service life of the screw piles. To find acquire quality screw pile foundations, feel free to get a quote from us at Helcon.
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