Installation & FAQs

 

Installation Video

Installation Guide

PLEASE WEAR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AT ALL TIMES DURING INSTALLATION TO PREVENT INJURY.

  • Step 1

    Pre-installation of your ground screw we recommend drilling a pilot hole using a 25mmx750mm SDS drill bit to break up any roots or stones that can interfere with the ground screw. The pilot hole should be no deeper than the depth the ground screw is installed to.

  • Step 2

    If the ground is hard and dry, fill your pilot hole with water to soften the ground.

    Position your ground screw and begin rotating the ground screw whilst applying downward pressure until the thread bites.

    This should only be a few turns, at which point you can use the SIPs installation tool for the rest of the process.

  • Step 3

    Place the ground screw installation tool over the top of the ground screw, slotting the metal bar into the U shaped cut out. Rotate the handle of the tool whilst keeping it centred, checking the level of the ground screw as you go. 

  • Step 4

    If installation becomes difficult please use 2 persons to rotate the bar. DO NOT pull the bar to one end to gain leverage as this may result in injury or damage the tool.

    Leave at least a 40mm air gap between the top of the ground screw and ground level. This ensures airflow to the structure and reduces the exposure of the timber to moisture.

  • Step 5

    Fix your chosen bracket to the ground screw using carbon steel self-drilling screws.

    It is advised to predrill the SIPs bracket before attaching it using a 3.5mm (max) drill bit.

    Once your ground screws are installed they are immediately ready to build on!

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FAQ's

You can find answers to some common questions below. If you have a question that is not answered here please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL GROUND SCREWS?

Installing ground screws is a very fast process and take a matter of minutes to install each one. However, It may take slightly longer if the ground is very dry or contains large amounts of stones, tree roots etc. The process is still much faster than installing a concrete base. 

CAN I RETURN MY GROUND SCREWS?

Yes, please view our page on refunds and returns or Contact Us to discuss your return.

MY GROUND SCREW IS SPINNING?

If you find during installation that a ground screw is spinning but not going any deeper you may have hit a pocket of air or an obstruction.

If it is a pocket of air, apply weight to the top of the installation tool whilst turning it.

If it is an obstruction, remove the ground screw and use an SDS drill to loosen it before attempting reinstallation.

CAN I USE DAMP PROOF MEMBRANE ON TOP OF GROUND SCREWS?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to lay DPM directly on top of ground screws.

To minimise the risk of the DPM tearing on the brackets you can apply tape to the corners of the brackets, making them less sharp. 

WHAT IS A SIP?

A SIP is a structural insulated panel and is often used in the construction of garden rooms. The panels are made up of two sheets of structural board, typically OSB, with an insulating foam core sandwiched in between. 

SIPs are rising in popularity for both domestic and commercial lightweight builds in the UK. Using prefabricated SIPs streamlines the building process. An experienced team is able to erect a 30 sqm garden room in one day. SIPs are incredibly energy efficient, making them ideal for garden rooms and offices in the British winter. 

One of the benefits of using SIPs is that the floor panels can be laid directly on top of ground screws. In the UK we are often restricted to a maximum height of 2.5m without planning permission. Building directly on top of ground screws removes the need for a timber frame base, maximising the internal headroom of the build. 

DO I NEED TO USE SIPS?

No, we supply various ground screws and brackets to suit your needs. Garden rooms and outdoor buildings can be built in different ways and we have products to cater to all.

HOW DO GROUND SCREWS WORK?

Ground screws have helical grooves welded on called threads. As torque is applied to the screw the thread drives the screw into the ground, creating large frictional forces. This enabled the load of the building to be transferred to the soil surrounding the ground screws. The small amount of torque, generated by a handheld tool, creates a much larger axial force on the load.

The total load-bearing capacity of ground screws is determined predominantly by the surface friction and a small amount end bearing of the screw.

ARE THESE DIY GROUND SCREWS?

Yes! We supply you with DIY ground screws and an installation tool. This is the most cost-effective way to build the foundations for your garden room. We stock a variety of installation tools to fit your needs, ranging from our standard manual tool to electronic ground screw machines. 

If you would like to get your ground screws professionally installed we will connect you with a 3rd party installer at no extra cost.

DO I NEED TO MAKE THE SITE LEVEL TO USE GROUND SCREWS?

No, ground screws can be installed at varying heights of 50-300mm, avoiding the need to excavate the site.

However, you may want to consider the ground conditions and weight of the structure.

Each ground screw has a load-bearing capacity of 400kg when fully installed in solid ground, 50mm above ground level.