Ground screws are the better alternative to concrete footings for decks in Utah

Ground screws, also known as helical piles, are a popular alternative to traditional concrete footings for a variety of applications. At TC Decks in Utah, we specialize in ground screws for deck footings, but they can also be used for a wide range of projects including fencing, solar arrays, light standards, bollards, gazebos, garden sheds, and even houses. Here are some of the benefits to using ground screws instead of concrete footings:

Faster installation: Ground screws can be installed quickly and easily, often in just a few minutes per screw, depending on the soil conditions and the size of the screw. This can save you time and money on your project, as well as reduce disruption to the site.

Lower environmental impact: Unlike concrete footings, ground screws do not require excavation, which can be disruptive to the surrounding landscape and ecosystem. They also have a smaller carbon footprint, as they do not require the transportation and production of concrete.

Stronger and more stable foundation: Ground screws are designed to resist both axial compression and axial tension loads, as well as lateral loads. They have been tested to perform well in a variety of soil conditions, including rocky or cobbled soil, areas with tree roots, and more.

Better for cold climates: Ground screws can be designed to extend below the frost line, which can help prevent frost heave and other issues that can occur with traditional concrete footings.

Easy to remove and re-use: Unlike concrete footings, ground screws can be easily removed and re-used if necessary. This can be particularly useful for temporary structures, or if you need to make changes to your project in the future.

To determine the size and type of ground screw you need for your project, you will need to consider the load requirements and the connection to your structure. TC Decks offers a variety of ground screw models, including open top screws for use with pipes and flange designs for connecting to columns, posts, beams, and more. Our ground screws are nationally code compliant for uses listed in section 2.0 of our ICC-ES Evaluation Report (ESR-4226), and they are accepted in any County or Municipality that recognizes the 2018 International Building Code.

When installing ground screws, it is important to have utilities marked and to follow proper installation procedures, which may involve using low speed, high torque rotary drivers for larger screws or pre-drilling in difficult soil conditions. Ground screws should be carefully inspected before re-using, and they are typically hot-dip galvanized to last between 50 and 100 years depending on soil conditions.

Overall, ground screws offer a fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional concrete footings for a wide range of applications. If you have any questions about using ground screws for your project, please contact us at TC Decks for more information.