Outdoor storage can be both a big and a small project, depending on what you want. The type of ground anchoring also plays a role in how complicated the project can become. Many people are used to using concrete plinths for anchoring, which requires several hours of digging. With our help, however, you can build storage without digging.

By anchoring your storage with our ground screws, you can build storage completely without concrete supports. This way you do not have to worry about digging and casting. Building storage with ground screws is also very easy for you because you do not have to install them yourself. We come out to you and both pre-drill and install the ground screw.

RULES FOR OUTDOOR STORAGE

There are some rules to keep in mind when building storage with a ground screw. Storage sheds of up to 30 square meters, usually do not need a building permit. However, some criteria must be met which include the distance to the plot boundary and the height of the storage unit. We recommend that you always check with the local authority where you live to be on the safe side.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF STORAGE

When you are going to build a storage building, you can either choose to build a bespoke structure, or you can buy a prefabricated storage room or shed. What you choose depends on how much work you want to put into the construction project. You have the opportunity to build all types of storage buildings without concrete supports thanks to our ground screws. We offer ground screws that suit all types of construction. You usually build a storage building on a floor or a patio-like foundation. The general advice that applies says that these should have one support per two meters which perfectly fits our beam screws.

Prefabricated storage may have special fasteners that make it better to use our adapter screws. If you are just going to build a simpler storage building at ground level, we have post screws that handle the work perfectly. Regardless of the type of storage building you choose, you have many opportunities to build storage without casting concrete plinths.

BENEFITS OF BUILDING STORAGE WITHOUT PLINTHS OR CAST FOUNDATIONS

Building with plinths or a cast foundation is time-consuming and laborious. You have to dig down the plinths and cast them from concrete, something that takes several hours. Even if you choose precast concrete plinths, you must dig them down and make sure that they end up straight and plumb. Not only is it time-consuming but it is also hard work on the body. A concrete plinth is also very heavy. It is also not so environmentally friendly because a lot of carbon dioxide is emitted during production.

Casting a foundation is also something that takes time and requires digging. The result is an expensive alternative as you also cannot build on both cast foundation and plinth foundation directly, but you have to wait for them to dry or settle. If you instead choose to build the storage room with ground screws, you can start your construction project immediately after installation.

Another advantage of building storage without concrete supports is that you can do it all year round, at least with Stop Digging’s ground screw. We can also mount them in frost. This means that you can start construction in the winter to have the storage ready by the spring. If you live in a place where the ground is very rocky or muddy, it can also be difficult to dig down plinths in a sound and stable way. But we can install our ground screws even in difficult terrain and surfaces that are not suitable for concrete supports.

WHICH STORAGE SUITS YOU AND YOUR GARDEN?

How much storage you want depends partly on the size of your garden, and partly on whether you want to apply for a building permit or not. You should of course have space for everything you need to store. A storage building of 30 square meters or less is usually sufficient. Then you do not need a building permit either, apart from a few exceptions.

It is also important that the construction does not take up your entire garden, there must be room for garden furniture, flower beds and other things as well. A storage room can be used for so many different things, such as storing bicycles, garden tools and summer toys for the children. Regardless of what it is to be used for, it is important that it is stable and that it is firmly anchored in the ground. You do not want to risk it overturning during a storm.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR STORAGE

We recommend that you anchor your storage with a ground screw from us at Stop Digging. They are much easier to use than concrete supports and more stable than ground anchors you find in hardware stores. When you use our ground screws, you plan your work as usual. You decide what dimensions you require, make a drawing and calculate how much material you will need.

When you then go to the department store to buy the material, you ignore buying concrete or other anchoring material. After you have sourced the materials you require, contact us at Stop Digging to discuss your project, get a price quote and book an appointment for installation. An advantage when you use a ground screw from us is that you do not have to carry out the anchoring work yourself. We measure where the screws are to be placed, drill holes and install the screws for you. You can then start building directly on the ground screws.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE SOIL IMPACT

If you build a store with a ground screw and then want to demolish or move it, it is possible to do so when you build with a ground screw. This also makes it the perfect solution for those who are tenants, as it is easy to restore the garden after dismantling the storage building. In addition, it is possible to reuse the ground screws, which makes them both affordable and environmentally friendly.

As you can see, there are only benefits to building storage buildings with our ground screws. If you have previously built a wooden deck or a terrace with concrete supports, you are well aware of the work it entails. With Stop Digging ground screws, all that digging is just a memory and you also avoid destroying the garden with large holes or tracks caused by heavy machines.

Ground screws are durable, environmentally friendly and affordable when building storage. We offer assembly all over the UK and can anchor your storage regardless of the terrain. It is easy to get stable storage with Stop Digging’s ground screw.

The trend of exercising continues. The gym is full of happy exercisers who come once a week, or people who train every day. What many people lack in a gym is sometimes the opportunity to train spontaneously and to be outdoors. The solution to this is to build an outdoor gym in the garden.

EASIER THAN YOU THINK

Building your own outdoor gym may feel like a large and advanced project that requires a lot of digging, lots of concrete to stabilize the equipment – and above all expensive costs. But with the help of a ground screw, you do not need to dig or use concrete. You only need to book  an installer from Stop Digging who comes to your home and anchors the ground screws.

HOW TO PROCEED TO BUILD AN OUTDOOR GYM YOURSELF

The first step is to choose a good spot in your garden. If you use a ground screw, you are not so dependent on where the base itself is located, because our ground screws can be used in most soils. You also do not have to dig up large stones or anything else that is in the way. Make a drawing of where you want to place your outdoor gym. Decide what equipment you want and what materials you want to use. Measure carefully so that you get a sense of what the gym will look like and how much space it will take up. If you plan well, you can use minimal equipment for many types of exercise.

You do not need a special outdoor training surface, but grass will wear out and it will easily become slippery and earthy. You can either lay gravel, place the gym on asphalt or perhaps lay tiles where you stand when using the gym equipment.

Remember not to place the gym too close to trees and shrubs as they grow over the years and may be in the way of future training.

CHOICE OF MATERIAL

When you are going to build an outdoor gym at home, you do not need all the exercise machines that are in a regular gym. Use what nature has to offer and construct a gym from coarse timber, metal pipes and other wooden materials. It gives you the same training as expensive gear. You can readily buy most exercise equipment made of metal, but keep in mind that they rust over time. If you choose treated wood instead, you can make equipment that is both durable and environmentally friendly. They also blend better into the environment.

The foundation for the outdoor gym should be solid posts that must of course be grounded. If you choose to build an outdoor gym with a ground screw, you get a smooth anchorage without destroying your garden. The damage is minimal because the fitter first pre-drills and then installs the ground screw based on your drawing. No heavy machinery or equipment needs to be used. However, it is important that you have a clear idea of ​​what your outdoor gym should look like so that the ground screw is placed in the right location. If you want to build your gym on asphalt, there are no problems. The ground screw also attaches through asphalt.

EXAMPLES OF DIFFERENT TRAINING EQUIPMENT

To give you some inspiration when it comes to different training equipment that you can build, we have given some examples. But keep in mind that whatever you build, you must make sure that the equipment is well anchored for it to be a safe gym to use.

FOR DIPS

You can create a smart training tool for dips with the help of two logs. Set them relatively tight and drill holes at the same height in each log. If you drill several holes at different heights, the whole family can train to lift their own weight. The poles are then easy to move.

BENCH PRESS

Here, too, it is logs that work. Attach a tube between the logs that you use to lift them. The rear end of the logs is then attached to two standing posts using a pipe. The tube goes through the lifting poles and the standing pillars like a hinge. Build a wooden stand that they rest on when not in use, which is about 30-40 cm high. Make a wooden reclining plate in front. You can also use the logs for squats if you drill holes higher up on the posts where the logs are attached.

MONKEY-BAR

Make a square frame at the top of four posts. Use metal pipes that you thread into pre-drilled holes between the upper logs in the frame so that it becomes like a horizontal ladder. You can also attach hoists and ropes with weights to the frame to be able to train to lift. If you have children, it is also a perfect frame to hang a couple of swings in.

SIT-UPS

Attach a wider board either to the frame to the monkey bar or make a similar position as to the bench press where you can vary the height to be able to do sit-ups sat at different angles. If you make a stand with different heights, you can also use it for back lifting.

STEPS

Build a staircase of logs to train your legs. If you want to combine the training equipment, you can use it with a board and get a good position for sit-ups.

CREATE THE OUTDOOR SPACE AS AN EXERCISE PATH

If you spend a little extra time on the planning, it is easy to make an exercise track that you can use for training or just for the children to have some fun. Build a larger frame and hang climbing ropes, Roman rings, make ladders and attach other training equipment to it, which can also function as a circular gym. It will be a compact gym but with many different functions.

EXPAND YOUR GYM

Building an outdoor gym with ground screws also gives you the opportunity to expand your gym at any time because you do not have to worry about having to dig large holes and install concrete supports.  Mark out where you want to build your new training equipment and contact us at Stop Digging to book an installer. By using a ground screw, you not only get a solid anchorage, you also get the flexibility to change, replace implements or add a few more to your outdoor gym.

FLEXIBLE, FAST AND EASY

When you use ground screws to anchor, you can start building your gym as soon as the ground screw is in place. No waiting time for the concrete to dry and no wasted effort on digging. You simply attach your posts to the brackets on the ground screw and then just build.

The advantage of using a ground screw is not only that it is easy to build your outdoor gym. If you ever get tired of it, or maybe move, it is easy to dismantle with minimal damage to your garden.

What is a SIP panel construction and why are our ground screws perfect for it?

SIP stands for Structural Insulated Panels and they are becoming increasingly popular in construction.

In this article we will discuss:

• What a SIP panel is
• How SIP Panels are manufactured and put together
• The advantages and disadvantages of SIP buildings
• Why Stop Digging Ground Screws are perfect for SIP Panel buildings

Structural insulated panels (SIP’s) are sheets of fabricated timber
filled with a foam which acts as thermal and sound insulation. These panels are fabricated in a factory to suit a specific building design. SIP’s are used for both external and internal walls and are mainly used due to their minimal impact on the environment in comparison to traditional brick and block, whilst also significantly reducing labour time on site. The illustration to the right is an example of what a SIP panel consists of.

How are they manufactured and put together?

Stage 1

The building must be designed like any other building would. The usual site investigation takes place to verify that the ground is suitable for SIP’s. The building is then designed according to the client’s requests, taking into consideration the number of rooms, how many floors and what type of services such as ventilation and heating are required.

Stage 2

The final design is then passed onto the factory for manufacture. Once all the panels have been fabricated, they will go through a quality check to ensure they are all cut to size and are in strict accordance with the design.

Stage 3

The panels are delivered, offloaded, placed into position and fixed together. The final part on site is securing doors and windows and checking everything is watertight, then installing all the necessary services such as gas, electric and water supply.

Advantages of SIP’s

• Structural insulated panels have minimal limits as to what type of building they can be used in.
• The advantage of SIP’s is that they can be made in factories before being delivered to site. This dramatically decreases the labour costs and time spent on site during the construction phase.
• The other main advantage of SIP’s is being environmentally friendly. SIP’s are mostly timber which is a renewable resource and is much easier to source in comparison to traditional bricks and blocks.
• SIP’s are great at retaining heat within the building in the winter months and deflecting the heat in the summer months. They are cut to very high precision resulting in good air tightness and much lower u-values overall compared to traditional brick and block.
• SIP’s are proven to be very strong against extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes and very high winds.

Disadvantages of SIP’s

• Everything is pre-cut, from door cut-outs to wiring holes, meaning if there were any minor amendments to the shape of the building, the panels would be unusable as you cannot properly fill holes in SIP panels.
• As SIP’s are very airtight, it is important that adequate ventilation travels throughout the whole building. The more complex and detailed the building services and design are, the harder it will be to pinpoint a fault in the building in the future.
• SIP’s aren’t moisture resistant therefore they must be treated by an extra layer to ensure they have adequate protection against moisture especially in areas such as bathrooms or external walls which are exposed to higher levels of moisture.

Why Stop Digging ground screw are perfect for SIP buildings?

Our ground screws are perfect for SIP buildings for what reasons?

1. Environmentally friendly
Many people will choose a SIP construction as they are much more environmentally friendly than the traditional brick and block construction but if you are putting the building on a concrete base then this defeats the purpose. Stop Digging ground screws are environmentally friendly and there is no concrete and cement in sight which contributes to 5% of the worlds C02 emissions.

2. Can be installed for difficult ground solutions
The beauty of Stop Digging ground screws is they can be installed on sloped or uneven ground, near tree roots and other difficult areas

3. Saves time, hassle and money
Compared to digging foundations and creating a concrete base, Stop Digging ground screws are much quicker to install, saving you time. There is no mess which saves you hassle, and it normally works out cheaper too. We also offer a 25-year guarantee on our screws

If you are considering having a SIP extension or building,
then get in touch with Stop Digging UK to get a quote on our screws for your foundation solution.

 

Image by Simply SIPS www.simplysips.co.uk

All children love a really good playground. Even though play is increasingly being moved to screens and phones today, a trip to the child’s favourite playground is one of the highlights of the week. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that all children have the right to play in a stimulating, safe and appropriate environment.

Building a fully equipped playground can be a big project that deters many, but it does not have to be difficult or time-consuming. However, it does require you to think carefully about some issues before you begin!

AT HOME OR PUBLIC PLACE?

If you are going to build a public playground that everyone can take part in, there are a lot of rules to take into account. You can read about all the rules that must be followed in the BS EN 1176 & 1177, which deals mainly with safety requirements and accessibility for people with disabilities.

If you are going to build a playground at home in the garden, you naturally have more freedom. Even if you do not have to comply with the same rules as at a public playground, it is always a good idea to check with the local authority if a building permit is required. It is unlikely that such a permit is required if you own the plot yourself, but there are other rules that you must keep in mind. For example, there are rules for how close to the plot boundary you may build and, also, the height of the playground.

TIME AND BUDGET

Time and money are two aspects that always affect a construction project. When it comes to playgrounds, there are endless possibilities to build parts completely from the ground up. This usually requires more time, but can be cheaper in the long run. If you have sufficient financial resources but less time available, you can choose to assemble your playground by buying ready-made equipment from a supplier. No matter what you choose, there are plenty of skilled suppliers of both bespoke and ready-made equipment that allow you to build exactly the type of playground you want.

ALL PLAYGROUNDS REQUIRE A STABLE GROUND

What is the most important thing in a playground? In addition to the children having fun and being able to play together, safety should be the main priority. By anchoring the apparatus on your playground with a ground screw, you give the entire playground a stable foundation and a safer playground for the children. This apparatus must withstand both children playing on it and the weather and wind, so a well-established foundation is a pre-requisite for a good and safe place to play.

With ground screws from Stop Digging, it’s cheaper and easier to anchor your playground. The end result with our ground screws is at least as stable as alternative foundations, and much easier to assemble.

Stop Digging installs ground screws for all different purposes and the work is performed by our certified installers who are located all over the UK. Assembly is quick and easy and provides the best conditions for your construction project.

Building a pergola with ground screws

Are you eager to give the garden an extra dimension? With a pergola in the garden, you get an extra room where you can eat, have coffee, socialize and enjoy the summer.

The construction of a pergola gives your garden a lift and creates an extra lush room. But what exactly is a pergola and what should you think about if you are going to build one?

WHAT IS A PERGOLA?

The word pergola is Italian and means colonnade or leaf hall. A pergola can have many different designs and fulfils several different functions. Many see it as a patio where family and friends can gather, talk and eat. A pergola fits perfectly with climbing plants and then gives lush and green surroundings while giving shelter and shade. Of course, it is also possible to stretch a canvas as a roof to protect yourself against bad weather.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIALS

Once you have planned and measured where you want your pergola, it is time to choose the timber. Since the timber construction is permanent, you should choose pressure-impregnated treated timber, then maintenance of your pergola becomes easier – your climbing plants do not feel good about being cut down every year so that you can clean the wood. If you intend to put a roof on your pergola in the future, it is important that you take this into account when choosing your timber. It must hold both the weight of the roof and any snow load. However, many prefer to let the climbing plants grow and form a natural and lush roof. Keep in mind that your climbing plants will not only meander around the trusses but will also hang down. Therefore, you should have extra height to the “ceiling”.

LOCATION OF PERGOLA

The pergola can be placed advantageously in many places in the garden. By combining with a windbreak, it is possible, for example, to create a lush and cozy leaf hall. The most common arrangement, however, is to place the pergola as an extension of the house. This creates an atmosphere of rooms on the terrace. Since many of the pergola’s plants respond well when placed in the sun, a southern location is excellent.

How To Build A Noise Barrier With Ground Screws

Noise is a growing problem as more and more roads and residential areas are being built. A correctly installed noise barrier can provide peace and quiet, and also increase your privacy. Many people are bothered by noise and rumbling. By installing a noise barrier properly, you can create calm and silence and achieve reduced stress levels. At the same time, you also increase the privacy in your garden. In the following we provide guidance as to how to proceed when building a noise barrier!

Planning and research

A good noise barrier should obviously provide reduced noise levels and improved privacy as far as possible. The most important quality of a noise barrier is its density and ensuring that it is built in the prefect place. There are several different models available on the market, both noise absorbing and noise reflective barriers. Contact an expert and explain your situation to achieve the best possible outcome.

How to build a noise barrier?

Whether you are building a barrier to block your neighbours’ views into your garden or you are building a noise barrier, it is critical to ensure everything is done properly. The reason is that basically all types of fencing require a building permit. Contact your local building authority to understand what applies in your specific case. Then you need to consider what type of protection you want. You can buy ready-made modules on the market or you can build a barrier yourself using timber lengths. A stable foundation is critical in order to make it weather- and wind-proof and completely solid. Any small gap in the barrier makes a big impact on how noise is perceived on the inside of the barrier. Keep in mind that a noise barrier should be designed to adapt to the environment as a whole, taking into account, for example, the height of the road. Wood is therefore a suitable material because it is light, strong and can easily be shaped as required.

Ground screws provide a stable foundation for your noise barrier

Stop Digging’s ground screws provide a quick and effective anchoring of your noise barrier. You save both time and money when you use our ground screws instead of digging and casting plinths. Ground screws are cheap. Moreover, you achieve a nicer looking and more practical anchoring as there is no need to dig up and make a mess of the whole garden.
We have certified installers all over the UK who will be happy to help you find the best solution for your particular project!

Building fences with ground screws

A fence may not be the most exciting thing to have on your plot or land, but in many cases it is necessary. And if you need to protect something – children, animals, plans or your plot, a fence is probably the most flexible option. 

You do not need a building permit to set up a fence so you can set it up anywhere on your plot. With one exception – to set up the fence on the plot boundary requires that you have agreed to the project with your neighbor.

Easy to assemble

Setting up a fence is not very complicated; however, the material can weigh a lot and in many cases two people may be needed when assembling. Before you buy your material, you should draw a sketch of the area you want to fence in. Make the sketch as accurate as possible and mark corner posts and gate posts clearly on the drawing. You will use the sketch a lot when you visit your builders’ merchant and buy materials. With the sketch as a guide, the merchant gets a clear picture of your design, which means that he can give you the right material and, also, some useful tips.

Be careful with the ground

A common pitfall when it comes to fence installation is neglecting to check the ground where the fence is going to be mounted. There may be water pipes in the ground under your fence that must not break or there may not be enough flat ground where the fence gate should be placed. Before you hang the gate, you should examine the ground around the gate properly, as it is important that the area is level so that the gate can be opened and closed without catching on the ground. A good tip is to also think about how big a gate you actually need. Even if you do not plan to drive through the gate with two cars, it may still be practical to have a double gate.

Use Stop Digging’s ground screws when anchoring your fence

With our ground screws, it will be cheaper and easier to set up your fence! Instead of digging up the entire garden and putting in concrete supports, you can use our ground screws with a much better and more stable result.

We have screws for all different types of soil conditions and construction. Our pipe screw is excellent for anchoring a fence, but if you have difficult terrain on your plot, we can help you find the best solution for you!

Building A Garden Screen With Ground Screws

Screening your garden doesn’t just keep out the curious eyes of passers-by. It is also an effective buffer against both wind and traffic noise from the street next to your land.

There are a number of different ways to screen your garden or patio from prying eyes – so you have the opportunity to be a bit more creative than with other construction projects. You can choose to build an airy trellis, a robust wall or a classic fence.

Do you need planning permission to screen your garden?

When it comes to planning permission for screening your garden, it depends on the type and height of the screening method that you have chosen. If your fence, wall or gate will be over one metre high and if it is located next to a road, then you will probably need planning permission. You should also take into account if your house (or the house next to yours, if the screen is along a boundary) is a listed building, as this usually limits the types of repairs and construction projects you are allowed to carry out.

Issues relating to planning permission can be very complicated and may differ depending on the city or county you live in. It’s a good idea to consult your Local Planning Authority in order to find out the necessary information before you get started on your project!

How do I go about building a garden screen?

The first question you should ask yourself is what sort of screening method suits your needs and your garden. If you want to avoid any issues with planning permission, a trellis is a good option. Aside from being an effective screen, you can encourage climbing plants to cover the trellis and frame your garden or patio with a border of lush greenery. Or do you feel that a traditional fence is the smartest choice? Then you can read more about building a fence here! How to build a fence

After you have made your choice, it’s time to start planning. The position of your screen, the materials and the construction must be determined before the work can begin. One tip is to make a few sketches that include the dimensions and design, which can give you a clearer picture of how your garden screen will look. When it comes to choosing materials, there are a couple of important things to consider. If you are going for a fence, we definitely recommend letting the staff in the store or timber yard saw your wood to the right lengths – they will do a better job than you could, and it will save you time. Also, make sure that the material is waterproofed, so that it will withstand rain. Aside from waterproofing, in order for your garden screen to be able to cope with bad weather, it is important to anchor it in the most effective way.

Ground screws give your garden screen a stable foundation

Ground screws from StopDigging will provide your garden screen with a fast and efficient method of anchorage. When you use our ground screws instead of digging or casting a concrete base, you save both time and money. It is a pleasant and more convenient method of anchorage because you do not have to turn the whole garden upside-down in the process.

We have certified installers all over the country who will help you find the best solution for your project!

Contact us today to find your nearest installer!