If you’re in the early stages of a new building project, you’ll have a lot of important decisions to make, including the type of foundation your building will have. While many will instinctively think and opt for the traditional concrete slab, there is another choice that presents a compelling case.
Krinner Ground Screws, supplied by Krinner Oceania Ground Screws, are that alternative, and, as you’ll soon discover, their wide-ranging benefits and varied uses make them an smart solution in even the most difficult circumstances.
What are Krinner Ground Screws?
Krinner Ground Screws are an intelligent foundation solution that combines robust structural integrity with environmentally responsibility. Crafted from durable galvanised steel and available in various dimensions, they are driven into the ground using specialised drivers until they reach the required depth and load-bearing capacity. This eliminates the need for extensive excavation and concrete curing, necessary for slabs, which saves a substantial amount of time and resources.
This is just the start of their benefits, which is why they’ve become such a popular option for discerning builders and homeowners throughout the country.
The revolutionary benefits of Krinner Ground Screws
Krinner pioneered the very first ground screw in 1994, resulting in a 30 year evolution that has seen it deliver more and more over time. Their qualities and traits, described below, are fantastic in isolation, but as a whole, they amount to something truly transformative.
1. Quick and easy installation
Ground screws are quick and easy to install, especially when compared to the traditional concrete slabs which requires extensive excavation, concrete pouring and lengthy curing times. Ground screws are simply driven into the ground using specialising machinery, bypassing the aforementioned labour-intensive stages.
2. Minimal environmental impact
The absence of concrete, which contributes 4-8% of global CO2 emissions, significantly reduces the enrivonmental impact of ground screws. In addition to this, the installation itself creates minimal soil disturbance with no excavation required. This preserves the surrounding ecosystem and reduces waste sent to landfills.
3. Immediate load-bearing capacity
Once installed to the specified depth and load-bearing capacity, ground screws can immediately support a structure. Concrete foundations, on the other hand, often require days (or more) to cure to reach full strength. This quick deployment can rapidly accelerate this stage of a construction project.
4. Removable and reusable
Because ground screws are screwed into the ground rather than permanently fixed with concrete, they can be unscrewed and extracted with relative ease. This makes them great for temporary structures, but also means they can be reused, which, combined with their long lifespan, makes them an incredibly resource-efficient product.
5. Suitable for challenging terrain and weather conditions
Ground screws work very well in challenging terrain, including sloped and/or rocky land reducing the need for extensive site levelling. Unlike concrete, it can also be installed in virtually all forms of weather, meaning your project timeframes won’t be at the mercy of the elements.
6. Incredibly versatile
Their compatibility with various soil types and weather isn’t the full extent of their versatility. Ground screws can also support a wide array of structures, from buildings to signage, solar panels and more.
7. Cost-effective solution
Nearly all of the above characteristics, in some way, contribute to this last trait, which is that it’s an extremely cost-effective solution. Lower material expenses, labour costs, machinery costs, quicker installation, reduced risk of delays — all these factors, not to mention little-to-no maintenance, present builders and project leads with a strong return on investment.
The varied and innovative uses of Krinner Ground Screws
The extensive advantages of Krinner Ground Screws has naturally led to a widening of its application, including some highly innovative uses in both the residential and commercial sectors alike.
1. Residential homes
As already discussed, ground screws offer a rapid and stable foundation solution for residential homes, particularly for those on sloping or challenging sites, which there are plenty in New Zealand. They are much easier to transport to remote locations than the materials and machinery required for cement, and have minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape, something that many in this country are keen to preserve.
2. Commercial developments
There are many uses for ground screws in commercial projects too, arguably more so, as a time-saving foundation for structures like office buildings, retail spaces and light industrial units. The reduced environmental impact also aligns with many organisations’ prioritisation of sustainable practices — something that is becoming increasingly prevalent in many industries.
3. Temporary buildings
Temporary buildings often require both quick setup and dismantling, which makes ground screws a very appealing choice. Whether it's structures for events, temporary houses for disaster relief, tiny homes, off-grid cabins or construction site offices (to name a few), their ability to be installed without extensive ground preparation, along with their resuability, makes them ideal for short-term projects.
4. Decking, fencing, sheds, carports and extensions
Many of the same attributes already described make ground screws great for decking, fencing, sheds, carports and home extensions. For DIYers, you won’t have the arduous task of digging post holes and pouring concrete, which can be extremely energy-sapping and time-consuming. For more complex home extensions, professionals can use ground screws over challenging soil conditions and terrain, that may have previously limited a project’s original ambitions.
5. Civil engineering and infrastructure
There is a huge range of uses for ground screws in civil engineering and infrastructure projects, including signage, walkways, boardwalks, and utility supports. In many of these projects, quick deployment is essential as well as the preservation of the surrounding natural environment, which is again where these products come to the fore.
6. Reusable energy and agriculture
Finally, ground screws are playing significant roles in both resuable energy and agriculture, two hugely important industries in New Zealand. The quick and cost-effective setup they provide makes them great for both small and large-scale solar panel installations. They were actually used in the latter for the largest ground-mounted solar array in the UK (at the time).
In farming, they can provide stable anchoring for structures like temporary shelters for livestock and fencing for rotational grazing. For the increasing number of urban farmers in the city, ground screws can support rooftop gardens — a great examle of an innovative use that has been found for this multi-faceted product.