Screw pile foundations for modular homes

Screw pile foundations for modular homes – why is this the perfect match?

Modular homes are a modern and increasingly popular alternative to traditional buildings. Their flexibility, fast construction time, and lower costs make them an attractive choice for people seeking functional living spaces. One element that further reduces time and costs in such investments is the use of WFS screw pile foundations, also known as screw piles – a modern and highly innovative foundation technology that works perfectly for modular homes.

The growing popularity of modular homes

Modular homes are becoming more popular in many countries, especially in the United States, Scandinavian nations, the UK, Germany, the Benelux region, and Poland. In Poland, they are increasingly catching the interest of private individuals, commercial investors, and developers who recognize the benefits of fast and flexible construction.

These homes offer a number of advantages, making them an appealing solution in today’s building industry. Thanks to the prefabrication of components in factories, modular homes can be built much faster than traditional houses – sometimes in just a few weeks – saving both time and money.

Compared to traditional construction, modular homes can be more cost-effective due to better material usage and tighter cost control during factory production, while still maintaining high and consistent quality standards. When paired with modern foundation methods that eliminate time-consuming earthworks and excavation, overall investment savings increase even further.

Factory-controlled production also helps minimize construction waste. Modular homes are often built using environmentally friendly materials, and their energy efficiency makes them more sustainable in the long term.

These benefits align closely with the advantages of screw pile foundations. Using both technologies in one project allows for even greater efficiency.

What are screw pile foundations?

Pile foundations have been known for thousands of years – the first wooden piles were used almost 6,000 years ago. Screw pile foundations represent a modern advancement in this field, introduced by Winkelmann Foundation Screw (WFS). These are displacement piles that compress the soil as they are screwed into the ground.The system consists of modular components joined by patented star-shaped connectors with flange connections bolted together. The leading segment of the screw pile is formed from a single steel piece using flowforming/coldforming, an innovative and patented forming process.Screw piles are installed using lightweight excavators equipped with drilling masts, reaching the necessary depth without the need for excavation or concrete pouring. This makes for a much faster and cleaner installation process compared to traditional methods.

One of the biggest advantages of this technology is its versatility – screw piles can be used in almost any soil type, from sandy to rocky conditions. Additionally, they require no heavy machinery and are typically more affordable, as they eliminate the need for extensive groundwork and concrete.

Benefits of screw piles for modular homes

Thanks to their quick installation and adaptability to various soil conditions, screw piles are an ideal solution for modular homes. Key benefits of this technology include:

• Fast installation: Installing screw piles is much quicker than pouring traditional concrete foundations. Depending on the size of the structure, the process can take just a few hours or days – a significant advantage for modular builds that are often constructed within tight timeframes.

• Minimal site preparation: Screw piles require very little groundwork. There’s no need for deep excavation, which significantly reduces environmental disruption. This is especially valuable in protected areas or locations with strict building regulations (e.g., minimizing vibrations).

• Flexibility: Screw piles can be used in cohesive and non-cohesive soils, as well as organic and rocky terrain. They are often the go-to choice in difficult ground conditions where other foundations may not be suitable. This allows them to be installed in almost any location.

• Cost efficiency: The cost of installing screw piles is comparable to or lower than traditional foundations. They reduce installation time and don’t require costly excavation or materials, making the overall investment more economical.

Examples of screw pile applications in modular homes

Screw piles have been used in many modular home construction projects around the world. In Poland, they are gaining traction, particularly in areas where traditional foundations are challenging or too expensive. Some successful examples include:

• Projects on wetland terrain: Screw piles are ideal for modular homes built on wet or flood-prone land. Their ability to be driven into various moisture-level soils allows for quick installation without expensive groundwork.

• Construction in mountainous regions: In sloped or mountainous areas with cohesive or rocky soils, traditional foundations pose significant challenges. Screw piles have proven reliable, enabling stable placement of buildings on steep terrain.

A modular home of approx. 100 m² was constructed on a sloped, wooded plot. Thanks to WFS screw pile foundations, the entire foundation process took only one day. Installation was carried out using a lightweight excavator with a drilling mast, causing no harm to the surrounding environment.

 Photo of Jedlina-Zdrój Modular Home – Construction Phase

After installing the WFS screw pile foundations, a specialized modular home company mounted the timber-frame house in a single day. The investor was able to move into their dream home just a few days after the project began.

Photo of Jedlina-Zdrój modular home – completed build