Helical Piles vs Concrete Foundations: Which Is Right for Your Project?

The right foundation is crucial for any construction project. Whether you are building a garden room, a home extension or a commercial building, the foundation determines how well that structure performs over time.

Here in the UK, traditional concrete foundations have long been the automatic choice. However, helical piles (also known as screw piles or ground screws) are increasingly being specified as a modern alternative.

Techno Metal Post, a world leader in helical pile foundation solutions, is one of the companies changing how foundations are designed and installed across the UK.

So how do helical piles compare to concrete foundations, and which option is right for your project?

More About Concrete Foundations

Concrete foundations typically involve excavating the ground, installing formwork, pouring concrete and allowing it to cure before construction can continue. Common types include strip foundations, trench fill foundations, and concrete pads.

Concrete has proven strength and durability, which is why it has been used for decades. However, it also comes with limitations, particularly in terms of how long it takes to lay, its impact on the environment and how it disrupts sites. 

What Are Helical Piles?

Helical piles are steel foundations that are screwed into the ground to a predetermined depth. Once installed, steel plates are welded to the top of the piles to receive and support the structure of the construction project..

Techno Metal Post designs, manufactures and installs high-performance helical piles made from premium North American and European structural steel. Unlike standard ground screws, our piles are engineered, tested and installed using proprietary hydraulic machinery operated by trained and certified installers across the UK.

Once installed, helical piles allow for construction to begin straight away.

Installation Time and Impact

Concrete Foundations

Concrete foundations involve a lot of work and depend a great deal on the weather. Excavation, spoil removal, concrete pouring and curing can take days or weeks. Delays are common, particularly during wet or cold weather in Britain.

Helical Piles

Helical piles can often be installed in a single day with little preparation required on the site. There is no curing time, so structures can be built immediately after installation.

For projects with tight schedules, such as modular buildings or commercial installations, our helical piles offer a clear advantage.

Ground Conditions and Site Access

Concrete Foundations

Concrete foundations rely heavily on the condition of the soil. Poor ground, high water tables or contaminated land can significantly increase excavation costs and require additional engineering solutions.

Access can also be an issue. Large machinery for excavations may not be suitable for confined or sensitive sites.

Helical Piles

Helical piles perform well in almost all types of soil, including clay, sand and peat. They can be installed to precise depths until suitable load-bearing strata are reached.

Our compact, high-precision installation equipment allows us to access restricted sites, gardens, slopes, and areas close to existing structures. This makes us ideal for underpinning projects, extensions and retrofit work.

Impact on the Environment

Concrete Foundations

Producing concrete is carbon-intensive, and excavation generates waste that must be removed from site. The process causes significant disturbances and can damage tree roots, drainage paths and surrounding landscapes.

Helical Piles

Helical piles are an environmentally friendly foundation solution. Installation requires no excavation, produces no spoil, and causes minimal ground disturbance.

Techno Metal Post’s system aligns well with UK sustainability goals, making it a strong choice for eco-conscious projects, temporary structures, and developments in environmentally sensitive areas.

Structural Performance and Load Capacity

Concrete Foundations

Concrete foundations provide good compressive strength, but their performance depends on soil bearing capacity and workmanship. Once poured, adjustments are difficult and costly.

Helical Piles

Helical piles offer predictable, measurable performance. Load capacity is verified during installation, ensuring the pile meets engineering requirements before construction begins.

Techno Metal Post provides full engineering support to ensure all installations comply with UK building regulations and structural design standards. Their piles are certified, tested, and proven across more than 500,000 projects worldwide.

The Cost

Concrete Foundations

At first glance, concrete foundations may appear cheaper. However, when you factor in excavation, spoil removal, labour, curing time and programme delays, the total cost can rise quickly.

Helical Piles

Helical piles often provide better overall value, especially when time savings, reduced labour, and lower environmental impact are considered. Techno Metal Post’s efficient installation process helps control costs while delivering long-term performance.

Typical Applications for Helical Piles

Techno Metal Post UK supplies helical pile foundation solutions for a wide range of projects, including:

• Residential decking, garden rooms and extensions
• Modular and prefabricated buildings
• Commercial structures and signage
• Underpinning and foundation reinforcement
• Temporary and relocatable buildings

Why Choose Us for your Project?

Established in Canada in 1993, Techno Metal Post is a world leader in helical pile technology. Unlike companies that simply install third-party products, our company designs and manufactures its own piles and installation machinery.

Key advantages include:

• Premium structural steel helical piles
• Proprietary, high-precision hydraulic installation equipment
• Certified and professionally trained installers
• Ongoing engineering support for every project
• Proven to perform in soil of almost any condition

If your project requires speed, reliable performance and flexibility, helical piles from Techno Metal Post are well worth considering.

For more details, simply contact an installer near you today.