YES!! Ground screws offer numerous advantages over traditional concrete footings:

• Fast installation – Install in minutes with no excavation or curing time required
• Build immediately – No waiting days or weeks for concrete to set and cure
• Lower total cost – Significantly reduced labor, equipment, and material costs
• Versatile performance – Performs reliably in a wide range of soil conditions and climates, including winter installations
• Environmentally friendly – Lower carbon footprint with minimal site disturbance and no concrete waste
• Removable and reusable – Ideal for temporary or relocatable structures, with the ability to reuse screws
• Code-compliant – Evaluated under ICC-ESR-4226, helping streamline the permitting process with building officials

AGS ground screws are widely accepted across North America because they are evaluated under ICC-ESR-4226 for compliance with International Building Code (IBC) requirements. This evaluation report provides building officials with the technical documentation they need to approve ground screw foundations.

Final approval is determined by your local building department and project engineer based on specific factors including soil conditions, project loads, and local code requirements. We recommend consulting with your local building official early in the planning process.

Yes, ground screws perform exceptionally well in cold climates and frost-prone areas when properly installed. The key requirement is that at least two-thirds (2/3) of the thread must be installed below the local frost depth.

Because ground screws are embedded deep into the soil below the frost line, they are commonly used in northern regions where frost heave is a significant concern with traditional shallow foundations. Proper engineering design and correct embedment depth ensure long-term stability and prevent frost-related movement.

The load capacity of a ground screw depends primarily on two factors: soil conditions and the ground screw diameter. In many soil types, individual screws can support thousands of pounds of axial load when properly engineered and installed.

Specific load capacities are listed in Table 5, Page 13 of the ICC-ESR-4226 evaluation report. For your specific project, we recommend consulting with a structural engineer who can evaluate your soil conditions and determine the appropriate screw size and spacing for your load requirements.

Yes, ground screws can often be successfully installed in rocky soil, though some sites may require additional preparation. When encountering rocks or dense layers, installers may need to use pre-drilling techniques or remove obstructions.

Common methods include using rock augers or specialized drilling tools to penetrate dense or rocky layers before installing the screw. This ensures proper depth and alignment while maintaining the structural integrity of the installation. Review our detailed installation instructions for specific guidance on rocky soil conditions.

Our ground screws are manufactured from hot-dip galvanized steel specifically designed to resist corrosion for decades. The actual service life depends on soil conditions, moisture levels, and coating thickness, but properly specified ground screws are engineered for long-term structural use.

AGS warranties our ground screws for 25 years, with a life expectancy of 50+ years in most soil conditions. This makes them a durable, long-lasting foundation solution comparable to or exceeding traditional concrete footings.

Yes, one of the significant advantages of ground screws is that they can often be removed and reused. Unlike concrete footings which are permanent and create waste when removed, ground screws can be unscrewed from the ground using the same equipment used for installation.

This makes them an excellent foundation option for temporary structures, modular buildings, seasonal installations, and projects where minimal environmental impact is important. The ability to reuse ground screws also provides cost savings for future projects.

Yes, this is absolutely required. Call 811 from anywhere in the United States several days prior to installing your ground screws. Your call will automatically be routed to your local one-call center.

Utility companies that have potential facilities in the area of your installation site will be notified of your intent to dig. Each affected utility company will send a locator to mark the approximate location of your underground utility lines. This service is free and typically occurs within 2-3 working days.

For safety and to avoid damaging underground utilities, it is recommended that you install ground screws at least 18 inches from either side of marked utility lines.

Ground screws require low-speed, high-torque drivers for proper installation. Equipment options include:

• Handheld electric or hydraulic installation units
• Hydraulic attachments for skid steers
• Hydraulic attachments for mini skid steers
• Hydraulic attachments for excavators

DIY-friendly: Many homeowners and contractors successfully install ground screws themselves by renting installation equipment from AGS or our authorized distributors. However, engineered projects require proper equipment and technique to ensure correct depth, alignment, and performance that meets structural requirements.

In many cases, yes, a permit is required for any permanent structure, regardless of whether it's supported by concrete or ground screws. Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction, project type, and load conditions.

AGS ground screws are evaluated under ICC-ESR-4226, which helps streamline the approval process with many building officials by providing the technical documentation they need. In some smaller or non-structural applications, permits may not be required, but it's always best to confirm with your local building department before beginning your project.

Installation time varies based on several factors:

• Ground screw diameter and length – Larger, longer screws take more time to install
• Soil type – Soft soils install faster than dense clay or rocky conditions
• Installation equipment – Hydraulic attachments on machinery are faster than handheld units
• Site accessibility – Easy access allows for faster installation
• Installer experience – Experienced installers work more efficiently

In typical conditions, individual ground screws can be installed in just a few minutes each. A complete foundation for a deck or small structure can often be installed in a single day, compared to several days required for concrete footings to be poured and cured.