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Building on Challenging Ground? Screw Piles Could Be the Answer
- Frank Leigh
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
When it comes to building foundations, not all ground is created equal.
Clay soils, sloped sites, high water tables, and tree root zones are just a few of the conditions that can cause serious headaches when using traditional concrete foundations. For homeowners and contractors alike, these challenges can delay projects, inflate costs, and even jeopardise planning permission.
That’s where screw piles come in—and at ABC Anchors, we’ve spent decades helping customers across the UK build with confidence, no matter what’s beneath their feet.
Why Challenging Sites Are on the Rise
With land at a premium, many self-builders and developers are turning to infill plots, gardens, and rural or wooded areas to make the most of available space. These often come with tricky ground conditions—whether it’s:
Expansive clay that shifts with the seasons
Uneven or sloped terrain
Root Protection Areas (RPAs) that limit excavation
Flood-prone soils or high groundwater levels
In these situations, traditional concrete footings can be time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes simply unworkable.
Screw Piles: Designed for Difficult Ground
Screw piles are steel anchors that are literally screwed into the ground, creating a stable foundation without the need for digging, pouring, or curing concrete. At ABC Anchors, our piles range from 60mm to 89mm in diameter and are suitable for a wide variety of load-bearing applications—from garden rooms to modular buildings and light commercial structures.
Here’s why screw piles thrive where other foundations struggle:
✅ No need for excavation – Ideal near trees, in conservation areas, or on sloped sites
✅ Self-verifying installation – Torque readings confirm soil bearing capacity in real time
✅ Fast install – Most jobs completed in under a day, even in hard-to-access areas
✅ Minimal ground disturbance – Perfect for sensitive ecological or archaeological sites
✅ Adjustable and removable – Foundations that can move with your building if needed
Real-World Example: Building Near Trees
One recent customer used our 76R screw piles and modular base system to install a garden room within a protected tree zone. Concrete wasn’t allowed due to the Tree Preservation Order, and traditional trenching would have risked root damage. Instead, we supplied screw piles that could be precisely placed between visible roots, with zero excavation.
The result? A compliant, solid, long-lasting foundation that met planning and ecological requirements.
Don’t Let the Ground Hold You Back
If you’re planning a project on land that others have walked away from, screw piles might just be your best friend. All our piles are manufactured right here in the UK.
Our in-house installation tools are available for hire or purchase, including hand-held units for areas with limited access. Whether you're working on a domestic project or a larger commercial build, we can help you get the foundations right, first time.
Contact the Team
📍 Based in Wiltshire🔩 Made in Britain🛠 Tools and training available📧 info@abcanchors.co.uk | 📞 01380 850885🌐 www.abcanchors.co.uk
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