Inspirational, sustainable and eco-friendly gardens are becoming more and more popular when it comes to garden design. It is not always easy though to put the environment first, as often the quickest and easiest ways are also not the best for the local ecosystem. 

At Stop Digging we are passionate about helping look after our planet and have collected six of the best tips to create a more eco-friendly garden. 

1. Watering regime 

Saving water is one of the first ways you can do your bit for the environment. It doesn’t have to mean that you have a dull boring garden though, with a bit of planning you can still reap the rewards and look after the ecology. Here are some of our top tips to have a sustainable watering regime:

•  Start by investing in the soil of your garden, improving it with more organic matter which can help it to store the water it receives. 
• Plant any new plants between autumn and spring, so that they have a chance to grow deep roots before it starts to dry up. Be economical and learn what plants in your garden need and when. You may find with a bit of research that you won’t need to water your entire garden at the same time. 
• Make use of the weather we get in the UK and set up a water retention system to store any rainfall. 
• If you have a lawn, try to not water during the dry season but just mow less frequently to hide any brown patches.

2. Choose eco-friendly materials

A sustainable and eco-friendly garden can still have all the features that you would hope from a garden, like a patio, deck and garden buildings. You can use eco-friendly materials like reclaimed stone slabs, recycled wood and second-hand furniture. Concrete creates a large amount of the world’s carbon dioxide, but using ground screws as the foundation for garden structures emits 60% less carbon dioxide than an equivalent foundation made from concrete. 

3. Reuse and recycle materials 

Try to reuse any plastic pots as much as possible as they are not recyclable. If you are building any installations in your garden look out for reclaimed materials at your local junk shop or tip. Freecycle.com or Facebook marketplace can also be great to see if you can save any materials. Old baths can work well as planters, and reclaimed wood can be used to create raised beds and features. 

4. Cut back on chemicals 

Chemicals are usually used to repel bugs and creepy crawlies that like to eat your plants before you can. But there are more natural options for bug repellant 

• Copper rings for slugs 
• Knock off greenfly with strong jet of water 
• Plant plants that bugs don’t like around the ones they do. Plants like lavender, basil and garlic are not attractive to the bugs that love to munch your plants and so can be great companion plants.

5. Increase biodiversity and attract wildlife

Creating corners in your garden where small animals can hide can increase the bio-diversity and also keep pests at bay. Hedgehogs love a slug as much as slugs love your plants, so encouraging them to your garden can help protect your favourite plants from being munched. Also having a bee hotel can be a great way of encouraging solitary bees to enjoy and propagate your garden. 

6. Plant eco friendly 

The most eco-friendly plants will provide food and shelter for wildlife and other things living in your garden. Think about berry-producing plants that will attract birds, and climbing plants and hedges which can give cover for the smaller mammals that many visit. Nectar-rich flowers like buddleia also help. 

It also helps to think about the soil and conditions in your individual garden, as when you plant them in the garden where the plants will be happiest then you won’t need to waste water that you could potentially use elsewhere. 

If you would like more information on how Stop Digging ground screws can help you get the most from your garden this year please feel free to get in contact with us at: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

We all know the benefits of keeping an active lifestyle, both for our physical and mental health. Your local 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 while they do it. One way to get around this is to create your own outside gym. 

This is easier than you may think. Building your outdoor gym may feel like a big project that requires a lot of digging, and lots of concrete to stabilise the equipment – and above all, it sounds expensive. But with the help of ground screws, you do not need to dig or use concrete. So creating a foundation for your equipment can be not only quick but also cost-effective. 

How do you build an outdoor gym?

The first step is to choose a good place in your garden for your outside gym. If you use a ground screw as your foundation you can place your foundations on most soils, so you’re not restricted where you put your equipment. You also do not have to dig up large stones or anything else that is in the way. It can be useful to 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 surface, but the grass will wear out and it will easily become slippery and muddy. 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. As we live in a place of varying weather conditions, you may want to consider some shelter from the elements also. 

Choose the best materials 

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 effect as expensive gear. You can buy most exercise equipment made from 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. Wood also blends better into the environment, and for a more sustainable result, you can use recycled material.

The foundation for the outdoor gym should be solid posts that are securely grounded to withstand a lot of use. If you choose to build an outdoor gym with ground screws, you get a strong foundation without destroying your garden. The damage is minimal because 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 place. If you want to build your gym on asphalt, there are no problems. The ground screw also attaches through asphalt.

Ideas of equipment for outdoor gym 

To give you some inspiration when it comes to different training equipment that you can build, here are some of our best ideas to utilise your outdoor gym: 

• 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 logs work well. 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 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, and 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.

When you use ground screws to anchor your equipment, 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 build. If you ever get need to move, it is easy to dismantle with minimal damage to your garden.

If you would like more information on how Stop Digging ground screws can help you build your own outdoor gym, please feel free to get in contact with us at: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979 

You know you need more room, you are feeling the squeeze, but don’t want to have the upheaval of moving to a new home. So you realise you need to start thinking creatively. If you want to capitalise on the space you already own, then a house extension may be the way to go. You start dreaming of the swanky home office, or sleek home gym, or a cinema room to keep the kids entertained.

But before your mind runs away with you though, it’s important to try and be realistic about the space you are working with. With a massive variety of options, it can be tricky to know what kind of extensions would fit your lifestyle and your home. So here are our top picks of extension types and the main pros and cons for each, to help you reach your goal.

Loft extensions
Extending into the loft can be a relatively stress-free way to get more room in your home. Depending on the scale of your conversion, these often do not require planning permission and could be a fantastic way to utilise space that is often just used to store junk.

Pro:
It’s relatively cheaper than getting a rear extension, and also means that you don’t lose garden space. While it is still an investment, as the foundation structure is already up then it can work out more cost-efficient than having to build a foundation from scratch.

Con:
Not all homes are suitable for a loft conversion. Those with lower roofs would have to do some major restructuring in order to make the conversion feasible. It is worth consulting with an expert before you make the decision to only consider a loft conversion.
Above/internal garage

If you have a garage already connected to your property then this is another great way to rework the space you already have. Similar to loft spaces, garages tend to be black holes when it comes to storage, but they are often a comfortable size to renovate and change purpose into a room. Instead of doing an internal conversion, extending up on top of a garage is another way to utilise what could be dead space, and means that you save the storage/parking beneath.

Pro:
Extending into a garage can be a great motivation to sort through the belongings that you inevitably accumulate. Making use of the space can bring a higher quality of life and give you a lot of value for your living space.

Con:
If you are swapping car parking space for an extra room then that may affect how buyers will view your property in the future. Before making the leap it might be a good idea to see what other properties in your area are going for, and if having a garage affects that price.

Rear extension
This is one of the simplest of the house extension types as it extends from the back of the house, often from the kitchen, into the garden space. If you are looking for a bit more dining or family space then this is one of the most common and flexible ways to extend your home.

Pro:
With a rear extension, there are a variety of designs and finishes that will mean you are able to customise the build to your specifications. A rear extension can also bring more light into the back of the house, enhancing the floor.

Con:
When considering this type of extension you may have to get planning permission from the local authorities, and also may have to consider the effect on your neighbours if you are building up. Talk to your architect or contractor about this, and find out what application process you would need

SIPs
If you do decide to extend to the rear or side of your home then using pre-built materials such as SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) is a great option. They are created to your specifications and sent ready to be used for the project.

Pro:
The best thing about using SIPs is the speed of the build. Not only do the walls come pre-made, ensuring speedy assembly on your end, but they don’t have to rely on the traditional concrete foundations. Using ground screws instead of concrete cuts out ground preparation and setting time, meaning that you could literally have your extension up and ready to go in a matter of days.

Con:
Because they come precisely cut to your specifications, SIPS leave little room for changes on the design last minute. So it’s important that all parties sign off on the design before the build.

Ground screws can not only save you time and money when you look at your foundation but are also much better for the environment.

If you would like to talk to us about how you could use Stop Digging ground screws to extend your space then please get in touch on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

How do ground screws work?

Ground screws work in a similar way to a concrete foundation, but they have a much quicker installation process. The ground is pre-drilled before the screw is applied. This makes the screws easier to attach, and will also move or break down any small to medium-sized rocks in the way. The installation machine is compact and will not damage grass or other surfaces. With high torque, it can also be installed during frosty conditions, perfect for projects you don’t want to put off until spring.

Stop Digging can install the foundation in a short period of time and with no need to wait for concrete to harden, you can start building as soon as the last screw has been placed. Stop Digging ground screws are innovative and cost-effective but are these the only reasons you should use them for your next project?

Are Ground Screws Best for Foundations?

Foundations are an essential part of any building, from small structures like sheds and fences to large-scale projects. Traditionally concrete has been the workhorse of the industry, taking on most of the work when it comes to keeping buildings structurally sound.

But things are starting to change. Ground screws, also known as helical screws, are becoming more and more popular as a more eco-friendly and climate-friendly, efficient alternative to concrete.

But what are ground screws? How do ground screws work? What are the benefits of using them compared to other alternative foundation solutions? Here is our guide to ground screws and why you should be using them.

What are ground screws?

Ground screws are a modern and cost-effective ground anchor for both small and large construction projects. They are helical screws made from galvanised steel and come in a variety of sizes and lengths. This means there is no area they don’t fit, and with lengths ranging from 865mm to 2500mm it is possible to create a stable foundation in most soil types and for most construction projects.

Here at Stop Digging, we have four different types of screws – the adapter, pipe, pillar and beam screws. These are not the simple earth anchors that you will find in a hardware shop and put in the ground yourself. We install the ground screws for you quickly and professionally, using our special machines, which means you can start building straight away. They also have a number of specially designed attachments for specific projects, like fences, flagpoles and solar panels to name a few.

Why should you use them?

Ground screws are:

• Time-saving

With no waiting for materials to set, ground screws can be installed in a matter of hours and are ready for the next stage of construction. Also don’t forget that they don’t need any digging, meaning you don’t have to worry about disposing of soil or worry about the time it will take to excavate the site.

• Flexible

With a variety of uses, there is not much that ground screws can’t be used for. A foundation using earth screws is suitable for patios, decking, garden rooms, SIPS extensions, carports, signs, fences, noise barriers, recycling storage sheds, bicycle storage, park benches, rubbish bins and much more. They are also great for sloped ground and conservation areas that are tricky for most other types of foundation.

• Environmentally friendly

Ground screws are the climate-friendly option when it comes to foundations, compared to many other anchoring methods. Traditional cast concrete slabs contribute to 1000% more carbon dioxide emissions than our ground screws do. Concrete supports also emit 60% more carbon dioxide during manufacture. Also, they are very durable, meaning that sustainable building is possible. We offer a 25-year guarantee on all of our ground screws with a life expectancy of over 100 years and you can reuse and recycle when you no longer need your project.

If you are looking for the best foundation solution for your next construction project then consider ground screws. Our expert team can advise on how they can work for your project so please feel free to get in touch with us at:  SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979.

The pandemic has changed how we think about our homes and the space we have. A lot of us are trying to make the best use of every square inch and sheds, garden rooms and offices have been popping up all over the country. Being creative in how we use these outbuildings has brought a lot of joy (and most importantly space away from the kids!) into our lives. 

As we are using these buildings more and more though, have you thought about protecting them from damage or theft? They don’t just contain some rusty nails and spades anymore, they are home to our offices, gyms, playrooms or even guest rooms. They can contain everything from electronic items to furniture and art. It is important to know that these items are safe, and your insurance policy is your first line of defence in protecting them. 

But what insurance will work for these buildings? And what do you need to be aware of? 

Will Homeowners insurance cover it?

The short answer is: probably. Most homeowners insurance includes coverage of outside buildings like sheds and garden rooms. It is worth checking exactly what your home insurance covers, as the term “outbuildings” on an insurance cover can mean a few different things. However, most policies will cover the fabric of the building against fire, flooding, storm damage and vandalism. 

How about content insurance? 

This can depend on what the contents you are storing in your outbuildings are worth. Contents policies usually include a single-item limit, which will often be between £1,500 and £2,500. It is also worth checking what the security requirements are that you need in order to be covered. In some cases of theft, you would only be covered if the outbuilding is locked and there is evidence of forced entry. Bicycles are extra with some policies also, if you store yours in the shed or outbuilding. 

How can I keep my possessions safe?

It’s important to have a good quality cover, but also you can make sure you are doing your part to keep your buildings and their contents safe. 

Here are a few good ideas to keep in mind when it comes to security for your outbuildings:

Lock it with a good quality lock. 

Invest in a good quality padlock, the cheaper ones are often made of weaker material. It can also be useful to check the brackets of the door and ensure that the screws used to attach it are long enough to resist someone taking the door off that way. 

Have an alarm.

Shed and outbuilding alarms are wireless, battery-powered and can even be attached to your phone to send a message or ring if it is triggered. 

Keep the area well lit.

Having a light that you can clearly see from the house not only gives you peace of mind but also can act as a deterrent to thieves, who prefer to try when there is less chance of being seen. 

Hide valuable items.

If you use the building as an office and keep electronic items there, make sure they are out of view when you shut up for the night. 

Check the windows. 

If you have windows, it’s a good idea to keep them covered when you are not in the building. If you do not need the natural light you could even board them over to reduce the theft risk. 

Have a gravel path or loose stones.

This makes it harder for thieves to get to the front door without being heard, and will often put them off approaching. 

Taking the time to check your insurance cover, and putting into place some security measures will mean you don’t have to ever worry about your outbuildings. Here at Stop Digging, we have the perfect foundation for your shed or garden room.

If you would like more information on how you can use Stop Digging ground screws to start enjoying more space, contact us on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

In 1931, Thomas Edison apparently told his friend Henry Ford: “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy.  What a source of power!” 

We only have one source for this conversation; it may not actually have happened, but that doesn’t take away the truthfulness of the statement. With environmental issues at the forefront of our minds as we come to the end of a year that held the COP26 conference, more resources have been put into developing alternative energy sources. 

In 2019 the UK government committed to reach Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Their Net-Zero Strategy includes a change in energy, moving over to cleaner energy sources, such as solar. One of the oldest and cleanest sources of energy, solar is being harnessed by not only private solar panels, but also larger-scale solar parks. 

What are solar parks? 

Solar parks, also known as solar farms, are large areas of land that have interconnected solar panels placed together and work as a natural energy plant. They are usually made up of groups of solar panels collected together and they work in the same way as gas power plants and generate electricity and feed the energy directly into the grid. This is in comparison to individual solar panels that usually power a single building. 

How do they work?

When the sun hits the panels, there are internal conductors that take the photons that hit the panel and convert them from a direct current to an alternating current. Most of the time, panels are mounted on “single-axis tracking systems.” Solar panels are attached to horizontal poles which run north to south. Throughout the day the panels rotate from east to west to follow the sun. 

When it comes to the actual setting up of the solar panels, many people opt to put them on ground screws instead of concrete as they are much better for the environment. As the land solar parks are on can be used as grazing land for livestock, it’s also beneficial to use as it is not damaging to the local environment.   

Why are they a good idea?

Solar panels have a minimal carbon footprint, as they last for 25 years plus with no loss in productivity. With the materials used in the panels being increasingly recycled, the carbon footprint will continue to decrease and remain very sustainable. 

Fun facts

• Uk is the seventh-largest producer of solar energy in the world.
• The biggest solar farm in the UK is Shotwick Solar Park located in Flintshire, Wales. It produces 72.2 MW per year and is spread over 250 acres.
• Solar parks could give homes to various wildlife. The fields can be used to graze livestock, as the panels are not dangerous to them. Also more solar park owners are being encouraged to use the land to sow wildflowers and provide a habitat for pollinators, especially for bumblebees.* 
• One hour of sunlight is equivalent to one year’s worth of energy for the planet.
• China is the world leader in solar energy. 

If you are interested in solar panels or solar farms then feel free to get in touch with us to see how we can assist with the installation. Ground screws are an environmentally friendly alternative to concrete foundations and we can provide an end to end solution sourcing the stands for the solar panels. Even if the potential area has hard to reach and uneven land, ground screws are adjustable and easily installed with our handheld equipment. Contact us on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979 for more information. 

With the UK holding the global climate summit this November, known as COP26,  the environmental issues facing the planet are being brought to the front of everyone’s minds. It is not surprising the conversations being held revolve a lot around the production of greenhouse gases. The past decade has been the warmest on record, partly because of fossil fuel emissions, and governments around the world agree that action is needed urgently.

The construction industry accounts for a large part of the UK’s carbon emissions, as the built environment contributes around 40% of the total carbon footprint. This has led to the statement that the UK construction sector should decarbonise more urgently in line with the national emission reduction targets of 68% by 2030 and 78% by 2035 *. In the construction sector, this will be an opportunity to encourage more climate-smart production of materials. But it also creates opportunities to replace non-sustainable alternatives with more sustainable building materials.

So what can construction business owners do to help? Thinking creatively when it comes to materials can go a long way to reducing construction businesses’ carbon footprint. One of the easiest shifts that can be made is to move away from using concrete in your projects, to using ground screws instead. But what makes ground screws better for the environment? And does it make sense for your business to use them?

SUSTAINABLE

A large part of the construction industry’s impact on the environment comes from concrete, both with production and also the use in construction projects. Not only is digging for concrete foundations time consuming and also tiring, but it has a large impact on the environment. In comparison, ground screws produce 60% less CO2 than an equivalent concrete foundation.

There are several reasons for this. The screw itself is climate-smart (please drop us an email if you would like a copy of our life-cycle assessment), but the installation of the ground screw is also gentle on the environment, which makes the construction of the building itself better for the surrounding area. The screw leaves minimal damage when it is time to remove it. This means that the ground screw is also suitable for temporary buildings and projects that would otherwise leave a big impression on the area.

REUSE AND RECYCLE

Being able to recycle building materials is becoming increasingly important, and as mentioned will go a long way to reaching the targets set by the UK government. Stop Digging ground screws are as easy to recycle as metal, compared to concrete which cannot be recycled or reused when its life is finished. Our ground screws are designed to be 100% reusable and recyclable, so they are easy to reuse for other projects.

The removal itself is an uncomplicated process that most importantly does not damage the ground and soil around it in the way that digging and installing concrete would. This is a massive plus for site-set up, caravan parks, festivals, farmers, temporary classrooms or buildings to name just a few, as the foundation can be relocated to a new location if the homeowners decide to move. Ground screws come in different sizes and can be adjusted to suit different areas, so even if the homeowners are moving their building to a different terrain they won’t need to worry about changing the foundation. If you want to move the structure, the ground screws can be moved with it causing minimal disruption to the surrounding area.

GREAT QUALITY

Sustainability is a big part of environmental work and by having great quality ground screws we help create a more sustainable future. The screws are made of steel and covered with a thinner layer of zinc and are also hot-dip galvanized. They go through a rigorous testing process. We have developed specifications regarding compression, tensile and horizontal load that has a 100 year++ life expectancy (dependant on soil conditions) and we provide a 25 year guarantee, which makes ground screws not only a sustainable building material but a long-term investment. As they are easy to install and remove/reuse without damaging the ground.

Stop Digging ground screws are a sustainable building material for various construction projects, large and small, that causes minimal damage to the environment. Does it also make business sense to use ground screws? The answer is yes and here are three reasons why:

• Installing an individual screw usually takes no more than five minutes.
• No digging and carrying of heavy tools.
• It is not weather dependent.

These three reasons will give you as a construction owner more time to work on other projects, and also save you money in the long term.

The time for change is now. By moving away from more traditional construction techniques, and using Stop Digging ground screws, you can do your part for the environment while still doing what is best for the health of your business. If you would like any more information about how you could use Stop Diggings ground screws in your projects please contact us on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

With nights drawing in and the temperature getting cooler by the day, we are starting to think of the winter months and what that means for our business. While none of us wants to be thinking of the cold mornings and dark evenings, it’s important to start and prepare for the next few months now.

Winter has the potential to get nasty here in the UK, with strong winds, temperatures below 0°, ice, snow and lots and lots of rain. It is a nightmare for all of us and can lead to slower project progress than we would like, and even create more risk of injury. So how can you keep your site going and stay productive during the colder months?

At Stop Digging we appreciate the struggles in winter, as that was one of the driving forces behind our ground screw design. So here are five tips we have found useful to ensure you can carry on working no matter the time of year:

1.   Monitor the forecast

We are not unfamiliar with this here in the UK, and it may sound like common sense, but it is so important to keep up to date with weather changes throughout the week. As you keep track of the changes, then you may be able to move jobs to when would be most appropriate to carry them out. When it’s wet outside, scheduling inside jobs can save time and also keep your staff dry.

2.   Planning early on

The time to start thinking about the effect the winter will have on your site is during the warmer weather when you can do something to help keep things moving later on. Think about warm break areas so that your staff have a place to dry off and warm up. Also, extra lighting is a good idea to invest in so that the site can continue to work safely and constructively when the sun goes down. Portable heaters are another investment to consider, as bare unfurnished buildings can sometimes feel colder than outside.

3.   Good scheduling

When planning your jobs over the next few months try to think about the stages of your different projects, so you can keep them weather appropriate. This also applies to your scheduling when and what your staff will be working on during the day. Making sure outside work is done in shorter durations is helpful for your staff so that they are not exposed to the elements for too long. This can reduce sickness, and ensure you have a full team when you need them.

4.   Have the right equipment

Having the right equipment and materials for your winter jobs can make a big difference to the flow of work. For example, one of the best ways to keep your site on track is to use Stop Diggings ground screws instead of concrete where possible. If your team is digging foundations and laying concrete, the weather can play a big part in jobs being delayed, as the concrete needs the right conditions to dry before the job can continue. On the other hand, ground screws can be supplied and installed in any weather conditions (even snow and ice). And they also only take a few hours to install so it can save you both time and money, keeping you on-site and on time.

5.   Health and safety

According to the HSE, falls are the most common cause of injury and death in the construction industry. While this is true year-round, with the added elements of cold, ice and slippery surfaces with the rain, it’s important to keep an eye on the health safety measures that are in place on-site.

A couple of areas to keep an eye on:

• Make sure walkways are gritted.
• Provide cold weather PPE so when tradespeople are working outside they are fully insulated to retain body heat and prevent the cold weather from affecting them.
• Regularly checking the site to see if the weather has caused any new hazards, especially after any strong storms.

By putting these five tips in place, and good planning, you can ensure your site stays on time and productive this winter, no matter the weather! If you would like more information on how you can use Stop Digging ground screws to keep your business running during winter then contact us on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

Garden rooms are an innovative and creative way to create more space for you and your family. Need an office to work from home in? A garden room could be the answer. What about an at-home gym? A kids playroom? A workshop? A bar? Home cinema? You’ve got it, a garden room could be the solution to creating more usable space for a variety of purposes.

It can seem a bit of a minefield of legislation when you think about developing areas of your home and property. So what about the rules and regulations for this kind of build? Do you need planning permission for a garden room?

Here at Stop Digging, we are very familiar with the guidelines for garden rooms, as it is one of the most popular uses for our ground screws. So here are a few quick FAQs when it comes to building your garden room.

Commonly asked questions about garden rooms:

• Do I need planning permission for a garden room?

In short, it really depends on what kind of room you would like to build, but generally garden rooms do not require planning permission if they come within development guidelines. They need to classify as an outbuilding, and so must not have sleeping arrangements and have to be within a certain size within your property.

• How high can a garden room be?

The maximum height for it to classify as an outbuilding is if it is single storey and less than 3 metres high (4 metres with a dual-pitched roof). The eaves must be within 2.5 metres high.

• Can a garden room be attached to the house?

No, as it then would not classify as an outbuilding, but an extension and would require planning permission. The garden room can’t be in front of your house and the total area of any buildings around your house must not take up more than 50% of the “original house” without planning permission. “Original house” means the house as it was on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before that date). It’s worth checking that no previous owner built an extension you might not be aware of.

• How big can a garden room be without planning permission?

If you don’t want to have the hassle of getting planning permission your garden room needs to be less than 15 square metres internal flooring area. Between 15 square metres and 30 square metres you will not normally need to apply for approval, as long as it does not contain sleeping accommodation and is either at least one metre from any boundary or is constructed substantially of non-combustible materials. If you live in an area termed as an area of natural beauty, the maximum size would be 10 meters squared. Anything more than this you would need to speak to an expert about planning permission.

• Can a garden room be used as a bedroom?

It would need to have planning permission as it would not fall under the category of an outbuilding now. If you just want to pop a sofa in and have guests sleeping there occasionally then that’s fine, but if you want to sleep there regularly or turn it into self-contained accommodation then you would need to meet the building regulations and apply for permission.

• Are there any exceptions to these guides?

If you live in a listed building then any change to your home or the surrounding area would need planning permission no matter how small. It might not be as complicated as you think though, and with Stop digging ground screws you are more likely to get permission as they are less invasive foundations than your normal concrete. If you would like some more information on this, see a previous blog post: Can you build in a conservation area?

Garden rooms are a relatively stress-free way to enhance your life and help you make the most of the space you have. If you would like some more information on how ground screws could be the best way to set up your new room then feel free to contact us on: SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979

In the last month, the UN has released a report that states that human activity is changing the climate in unprecedented and sometimes irreversible ways. This report also warns of the dramatic effect this activity is having on our environment, with extreme heatwaves, droughts and a key temperature limit being broken in just over a decade. 

The phrase one UN chief used in this report of how this is “a code red for humanity” has made an impact on the consciousness of many, including protestors who have been taking to the streets and motorways in and around London to ask for action. Action is what is needed as scientists say that a catastrophe can be avoided if the world acts fast and emissions of greenhouse gasses are cut fast. 

What needs to change?

While doing things like switching to electric cars, cutting energy consumption and even changing our diet can help, taking steps in our industry can also help us to do our part in reducing our carbon footprint. 

The built environment contributes around 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions*. It’s obvious that there need to be changes, but how can we start to address the problem within traditional construction techniques? 

After water, it is said that concrete is the most widely used substance on the earth. It creates the foundations for most of the world’s development and is the way that most countries put roofs over the heads of those who need it. But taking in all the areas of production concrete is, after coal, oil and gas, the fourth largest material contributor to greenhouse gasses in the world. 

But what are the alternatives? 

One method that we are passionate about is replacing traditional concrete plinths in foundations for structures with ground screws. Ground screws are a better alternative to the high emission producing concrete. A ground screw only produces 64% of the emission of an equivalent concrete plinth. 

We also need to handle the resources of our planet respectfully by reusing and recycling as much material as possible. Concrete cannot be recycled or reused when its life is up, and when we compare not only the actual production and distribution of material but the possibility to reuse and recycle it. One of the great benefits of the ground screw is that it can be re-used and at the end of its life recycled like any other steel. With one added reuse, the total emission is reduced to 34% of an equivalent solution using a concrete plinth. 

Stop digging ground screws can be used for a variety of projects and come in different sizes so you can choose the best for what you are working on. Houses, garden rooms, house extensions, decking, sheds, carports, summer houses and fences to name just a few, can all be constructed by using ground screws instead of concrete. You won’t need to change any other part of the design as they work even better than concrete across a variety of terrains and they come with a 25-year warranty. If you want to move the structure, the ground screws can be moved with it causing minimal disruption to the surrounding area.  

By looking at materials we use in our industry in this way, taking into account the whole life cycle not only the production and distribution of the material, will help us do our bit to look after our planet.

Check out some pictures of our screws in action here

If you would like to know how Stop Digging ground screws could help you with your next project then get in touch on SALES@STOPDIGGING.CO.UK or 020 3970 3979