When you’re working on a standing structure, it’s important to remember that the structure is only as strong as the foundation beneath it. The foundation is the hidden framework that keeps everything stable and safe against external pressures like shifting wind or heavy snowfall. So when you’re trying to get the supports of your project into the ground, you need a tool that digs deep enough while still staying locked in place once it’s reached the appropriate depth. Thankfully, screw piles are perfect for the job.
At Rentco Equipment, we see screw piles used in projects ranging from home builds and camp installs to decks and fencing. Understanding how they work can save time and a lot of frustration, whether you’re working with our ground screw services or renting a screw pile drive.
What Screw Piles Actually Are
Screw piles, also called helical piles or ground screws, are long steel shafts with welded blades wrapped around the lower portion. These blades look like the threads of a screw, and they function similarly by twisting into the ground when rotated. This design allows the pile to anchor itself into varying soil conditions without shifting.
Unlike concrete foundations, a screw pile foundation does not need curing time. It secures itself through mechanical means, making it suitable for jobs where environmental impact or ground access is an issue. They’re widely used because of their adaptability and speed.
How Screw Piles Are Installed
The installation process is straightforward but relies on the right equipment and some know-how. A specialized machine equipped with a drive head rotates the pile into the soil. This method requires no pre-digging or drying period and minimizes the mess usually associated with concrete. It’s an ideal solution for homeowners and contractors dealing with tight spaces or sensitive sites. Depending on the required depth and the type of soil, the job can be completed in just a few hours.
At Rentco, we carry the heavy machinery and tools that make this type of work efficient, including drywall screwguns for interior work, screw pile drivers for ground prep, and the supplies you’ll need such as screw piles, drywall screws and anchors! If you need it, we’ve got it!
Supporting Structures Immediately
One of the key advantages of screw piles is that once installed, they are ready to take on weight immediately, and you can start building right after the pile is in place. This immediacy allows for fast project turnarounds, which is especially helpful in climates with narrow construction windows. Screw piles work with your schedule and eliminate the wait to let you move forward with confidence in the structural integrity of your base.
How the Load Gets Carried
How your screw piles will support your structure all relies on how the helical plates transfer the load. The shape and angle of each blade allow it to grip into the deeper, more compact soil layers. These layers provide better resistance to movement and frost heaving.
The load from the supported structure travels down the pile shaft, distributing weight below the frost line and away from weaker surface soils, and the load distribution gives screw pile foundations their strength and durability, especially in places where traditional concrete foundations might crack or shift.
Adapting to Almost Any Ground Condition
Helical screw systems are highly versatile and perform well across a variety of soil types, from rocky terrain to clay conditions. Unlike traditional post holes that can’t be dug in frozen ground, screw piles can be installed year-round in Northern Alberta’s climate. You don’t have to worry about frost heave or fluctuating ground moisture undermining your foundation, since screw piles are engineered to handle these challenging conditions that are common in Canadian construction.
Why Builders Keep Choosing Screw Piles
Screw piles offer a durable, environmentally conscious, and cost-effective alternative to other types of pile foundations. They’re removable, adjustable, and easy to inspect, which makes future repairs or changes less complicated. They also reduce the amount of excavation required and leave the surface relatively undisturbed. For anyone planning a build or retrofitting an older structure, these advantages make screw piles a solid choice.
Choose Rentco for Your Equipment Needs
Whether you’re digging into a new build or shoring up an older foundation, screw piles offer a trusted, proven solution. Rentco Equipment has spent over 60 years helping Albertans and British Columbians get their projects off the ground. We’re ready to support every stage of your job, from our fully stocked rental catalog to custom tool solutions and experienced local staff. Need a hand selecting the right equipment or filing a rental request? Contact us and let us help you make your project happen, efficiently and confidently.