Ground Screw Pull Testing & Load Testing
On-site testing that tells you exactly what your ground screws can hold — before you build on them.
What Is Ground Screw Pull Testing?
Every site is different. Soil type, moisture content, depth of bearing layer — they all affect what a ground screw can actually carry. A pull test measures the real load capacity at your specific location, rather than relying on a general specification estimate.
We carry a portable load testing kit capable of applying up to 60kN — around 6 tonnes — of vertical force. The test takes under 10 minutes per screw and produces hard data that you can pass directly to your structural engineer or use for building control sign-off.
Who Needs a Pull Test?
Load testing isn't required on every project — but for certain situations it's essential, and for others it just gives you the confidence to proceed.
Larger Garden Rooms & Structures
Bigger structures put more load on each foundation point. A pull test confirms your ground screws have the capacity to match the design load.
Projects Requiring Structural Sign-Off
If your project needs approval from a structural engineer or building control, verified load data is what they need. General spec sheets won't always cut it.
Uncertain Ground Conditions
Soft ground, filled land, sloped sites or unusual soil profiles. Testing removes the guesswork and gives you confidence in the foundation before you build.
Commercial & Multi-Unit Projects
Any commercial installation or multi-unit development where risk needs to be managed precisely and documentation is required.
What Gets Measured
The upward force required before the screw begins to move. Critical for structures exposed to wind uplift, or where the building's frame creates uplift loads on the foundation.
How much downward load the installed screw can carry before deformation. The primary figure for vertical load-bearing foundations — what most structural engineers will ask for.
Horizontal resistance can be assessed where wind or lateral loads are a specific concern for the structure. Not always required but available on request.
Maximum Test Capacity
Our equipment can apply up to 60kN (approximately 6 tonnes) of vertical tensile load — comfortably covering the safe working load requirements for garden rooms, larger structures and most commercial applications.
Our Load Testing Service Options
We offer testing as a standalone service or combined with installation.
Testing + Full Installation
We install a test screw first, run the load test and confirm the capacity is right for your project — then proceed with the full installation on the same visit. The most efficient option if you're going ahead with us for the foundations.
Testing Only
Need load data before committing to a full installation? We'll come to site, install a test screw, run the test and provide the figures. Useful if you need data for a structural engineer before making foundation decisions.
How the Test Works
The whole process is quick, on-site and doesn't require any specialist preparation from you.
Test Screw Installed
A ground screw is driven to the required depth at a representative location on your site using our specialist equipment.
Load Applied
Our calibrated testing kit applies measured increments of force — recording movement and resistance at each stage.
Results Recorded
Safe working load figures are produced from the measured data. The test is completed in under 10 minutes per screw.
Data Provided
You receive verified load capacity data — ready to pass to your structural engineer, building control or for your own records.
Get in Touch to Discuss Your Project
Tell us what you're building, your location and why you need a pull test. We'll come back with options and pricing.
Or see our main supply and installation service for standard garden room foundations.