Screw Piles: The Smart Subsidence and Underpinning Solution for Modern Foundations

Frank Leigh
35 minutes ago
3 min read

Subsidence is one of the most common - and costly - ground-related problems in the UK. From cracked walls and sticking doors to uneven floors, it can be alarming for homeowners and developers alike. Traditionally, fixing subsidence requires disruptive excavation, concrete underpinning, and long construction times.

But there’s a smarter, more efficient solution: screw piles.

At ABC Anchors, we design and manufacture high-performance screw piles that act as a reliable underpinning solution, providing long-lasting stability for properties affected by subsidence.

What Causes Subsidence?

Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a structure loses strength or volume, causing foundations to sink or move. Common causes include:

Clay soil shrinkage and expansion
Tree root activity extracting moisture from the ground
Poorly compacted or made-up ground
Changes in groundwater levels
Previous excavations or ground disturbance

Many areas of the UK are built on clay soils, making subsidence a widespread risk rather than a rare occurrence. The key to preventing further movement is to stabilise the foundations - often through underpinning - using solutions that transfer loads to stable ground.

Why Screw Piles Are Ideal for Subsidence and Underpinning

Screw piles, also called helical piles, are steel foundations rotated into the ground, rather than dug in. They provide an effective form of underpinning to stabilise subsidence-prone properties.

1. Transfers Loads to Stable Ground

Screw piles move structural loads away from weak, shrinkable soils and down to more stable strata - the core principle behind modern underpinning.

2. Minimal Ground Disturbance

Traditional underpinning often involves extensive excavation, which can disturb fragile ground. Screw piles require no digging, protecting the soil while stabilising the structure.

3. Immediate Load-Bearing Capacity

Once installed, screw piles can immediately support the building load, offering a fast-acting solution for subsidence repair or underpinning work.

A Modern Alternative to Concrete Underpinning

Concrete underpinning has long been the standard for subsidence repair. However, it is rigid, heavy, and requires large excavations that can destabilise surrounding soil.

Screw piles offer several advantages as a modern underpinning solution:

Lighter, reducing stress on unstable soil
Fully galvanised, with a lifespan exceeding 100 years
Precision-installed, with torque readings providing load assurance
Removable and adjustable, offering flexibility for future projects

For property owners, builders, and contractors, screw piles provide a practical, low-disruption alternative to traditional concrete underpinning.

Designed and Manufactured by ABC Anchors

ABC Anchors manufactures screw piles in-house at our Wiltshire facility. This allows us to:

Ensure consistent quality and traceability
Match designs to UK soil conditions
Provide solutions for restricted access sites
Give confidence to engineers, builders, and homeowners

Whether stabilising a home affected by subsidence or supporting a new build requiring underpinning, ABC Anchors screw piles are engineered to perform.

Planning Your Subsidence and Underpinning Project

Before installing screw piles, it’s essential to appoint a structural engineer. The engineer will:

Assess the extent of subsidence
Determine the loads and depths required for underpinning
Provide a report to guide the screw pile design and installation

Once you have a structural engineer’s assessment, the next step is to contact ABC Anchors.

Our team can:

Recommend the correct screw pile specification
Advise on installation and site preparation
Arrange hire of specialist installation equipment through our parent company, Autoguide Equipment, if required

This ensures a complete, coordinated solution from assessment to installation for effective subsidence repair and underpinning.

Sustainability and Practical Benefits

Screw piles reduce concrete use, excavation waste, and site emissions, making them a greener underpinning and foundation choice. They are quicker to install, leading to:

Lower costs
Less disruption on-site
Faster project completion

For homeowners and contractors, screw piles offer a practical, efficient method of stabilising buildings affected by subsidence.

The Right Solution for Unstable Ground

Subsidence doesn’t have to mean costly, disruptive repairs. With screw piles, you can stabilise or underpin your property safely and efficiently.

If you’re dealing with subsidence or planning underpinning work, ABC Anchors screw piles provide a reliable, tested, and modern solution.

Because when the ground moves, your foundations shouldn’t.