We loved our house from the first time we went through, but it really didn't have enough living space. We have worked on improving the layout of the home and increasing the living area of the home to create a modern and more pleasant layout to the home. We are really proud of how the job has turned out and we wanted to share some of the details of how the extension and layout changes where designed and constructed. This blog has some of the photos of our extension as well as tips that we have learnt along the journey,.
Construction & Contractors Blog
Screw piles are very popular because of several reasons, such as their ease of installation. However, one needs to buy screw piles of the correct length in order to enjoy the full benefits that those screw piles offer to the homeowners who use them to support the foundations of their homes. This article discusses why you should pay special attention to the length of the screw piles that you buy for your outdoor shed.
Different Areas Have Different Frost Lines
Each area that receives snow during the cold months of the year has a specific frost line. The frost line refers to how deep the ground freezes during the coldest months of the year. Information about the frost line of your area can be obtained from the local authorities.
Assume that the frost line in your area is five feet. Would you buy a five-foot screw pile? How would you measure that screw pile? Some people measure the entire length of the screw pile in order to confirm that it will be appropriate for the frost line in their area. This may not be the right way to do it. It is better to measure the screw pile from the top of the helical blade on that screw pile. The section below the helical blade should be regarded as the portion that should exceed the frost line in your area.
In simple terms, the screw pile should penetrate beyond the frost line. Buying a screw pile that is the exact length of the frost line will mean that it will not go beyond the expected frost zone.
Some Part Has to Be Above Grade
People usually install screw piles during warm weather. The ground is usually at its normal level when it is warm. It is advisable to install the screw pile and leave some of its length above grade. Those few inches that you leave above grade will accommodate the magnitude of heaving that the ground will undergo when winter sets in. Ask the building authorities in your area to recommend how many inches of the screw pile should be left above grade. Those extra inches should also be considered as you select the correct length of screw piles to buy for your project.
As you can see, each application will require a different length of screw pile. You should therefore gather relevant information (such as the frost line) about your area so that you pick the screw piles that will be long enough for that climate zone.
Share3 August 2016
