You can’t build a solid house without a solid foundation. And you can’t build a solid foundation without sturdy piles that go deep into the ground. If you’re about to lay a foundation on a block of land, there’s one thing that could be running through your mind: should we use screw piling or bored piers? Both types of foundation piles have their strengths, and at certain times, you should use one over the other. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you’d use screw piling instead of bored piers. This way, your building will be so solid that not even the Big Bad Wolf will be able to blow your house down!
Soil that has a higher moisture content
If your soil has a higher moisture content, screw piling is preferable to bored piers. This is because screw piles outperform traditional bored concrete piers in soil that is moist – it’s more difficult to use bored piers when the water table is high as this means you have to dig the shaft deeper and deeper. After this process, the hole might require reinforcing with steel cages or other stabilising materials, which is time-consuming and inefficient in terms of cost.
When you don’t want leftover soil
If you want to build as sustainably as possible, and save costs on soil removal, then screw piling could be used instead of bored piers. Screw piling doesn’t involve removing soil which tends to be an eco-friendlier option. Instead, screw piles drive into the ground without needing an excavation. This also saves you time and money when it comes to soil removal – bored piers result in leftover soil, which costs money to remove from your land.
If you’re working on a budget
Screw piles are often the more cost-effective option if you’re working with soil that has a higher moisture content. It is possible to use bored concrete piers in moist soil environments, but this requires a Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) pile in which the hole is drilled and the concrete is installed while the auger is drawn from the soil. Though this is a highly effective method of foundation piling, it tends to cost a bit more than a standard screw piling service.
So, there are a few different instances in which you’d use screw piling instead of bored piers. The foundation specialists at Techniblock can tell you a few other reasons for using screw piles, and they can also help you in your decision between the two options. Techniblock are Melbourne’s industry leaders in foundation construction and repair, having helped countless homebuilders and homeowners construct and repair their foundation. With Techniblock, your foundation is ready for anything – even the Big Bad Wolf! Get in touch with their friendly experts to get your foundation laid the Techniblock way.