Building Strong Foundations in Devonport and Surrounds

Every great structure—you know, houses, extensions, decks—stands on a good foundation. In Devonport and the wider Tasmanian region, soil conditions, moisture, and shifting ground all play a role in how well that foundation performs over time.

At Mirage Building & Construction, we specialise in supplying and installing screw piles (helical piles) and underpinning solutions that deliver reliable structural support—even in tricky sites. If your project demands consistency, strength, and long-term stability, this is the article you need to read.

 

What Are Screw Piles?

 

Screw piles (also called helical piles) are deep foundation elements made of steel shafts with helical plates (or blades). They are literally screwed into the ground to anchor and support structures.

Some key features include:

• Fast installation: Unlike deep concrete piers, screw piles can be installed quickly, with minimal excavation.

• Immediate load capacity: Once installed, they can support loads right away—no waiting for curing.

• Minimal ground disturbance: You don’t need to dig massive holes or move large volumes of soil.

• Adaptability to soil types: They work well even in variable soils common around Devonport.

• Versatility: Useful for new builds, extensions, decks, retaining walls, and underpinning (strengthening existing foundations).

Mirage Building offers screw piling under its underpinning and foundation strengthening services in Devonport. 

 

Why Choose Screw Piles in Devonport

 

In Devonport, certain conditions make screw piles particularly advantageous:

1. Variable Soil Conditions
   Coastal and riverine areas often have soils that shift or settle. Screw piles penetrate through weak layers into more stable strata, offering firm anchoring.

2. Water Table & Moisture Variations
   Tasmania’s rain and groundwater levels can fluctuate. Screw piles resist uplift and movement in moist soils better than some shallow foundations.

3. Limited Access or Space Constraints
   Sites with tight access or restricted working areas benefit from screw piles because of their compact footprint and minimal excavation.

4. Foundation Stabilisation & Underpinning
   Older homes showing signs of foundation stress—cracks, settling, leaning walls—can be stabilised using screw piles without major demolition. Mirage Building lists underpinning Devonport among its services.

5. Efficient & Cost-Effective
   Because installation is faster and less disruptive, overall project timelines shrink. Less labour, less soil removal, and less site disturbance all lead to cost savings.

With those benefits, screw piles often become the go-to choice for structural projects across Devonport and Northern Tasmania.

 

How Mirage Building Installs Screw Piles

Our process is thorough and designed for quality and precision. Here’s how we manage every screw pile job:

Step 1: Site Assessment & Planning

We visit your site, assess soil conditions (sometimes with a geotechnical report), and determine loading requirements. This stage involves understanding how your building or structure will distribute weight.

Step 2: Design & Specification

Based on assessment, we design the screw pile layout—diameter, length, blade size, and depth—tailored to your project’s needs.

Step 3: Permits & Compliance

We handle council approvals, engineering sign-off, and ensure all installations comply with local building codes and standards.

Step 4: Installation

We bring in the screw pile machinery, position each pile precisely, and drive them to the required depth and torque. Each installation is monitored for verticality and alignment.

Step 5: Load Testing & Verification

After installation, we conduct load tests to verify the pile’s capacity under weight, ensuring it meets structural requirements.

Step 6: Integration & Connection

Once piles are installed and tested, we tie them into your footing, slab, or structure—ensuring a seamless transfer of load into the pile system.

Step 7: Site Clean-up

We leave your site neat, with minimal disruption to landscaping or surrounding areas.

Mirage Building emphasises precision, durability, and minimal disturbance in all underpinning and screw pile work. 

 

Common Applications for Screw Piles

You’ll find screw piles used in many scenarios around Devonport:

• New residential builds in challenging soil

• Extensions or additions (second storeys, room additions)

• Decks, pergolas, patios, and outdoor structures

• Retaining walls and fences requiring deep anchoring

• Underpinning existing buildings with foundation issues

• Raising homes in flood-prone areas

If your project is structural and demands reliability, screw piles are often the best solution.

 

Tips for Choosing a Screw Pile Contractor

Not all installers bring the same level of care or quality. Here are key factors to look for:

• Experience in screw pile and underpinning work

• Engineering oversight and design credentials

• Proper load testing and verification processes

• Use of high-quality steel and corrosion protection

• Good alignment, verticality, and precise installation

• Compliance with Australian building standards (such as AS 2159 for piling)

• Clear site communication, cleanup, and minimal disruption

Mirage Building has built a reputation for delivering these standards across its underpinning and screw pile services in Devonport.

 

Signs You Might Need Screw Piles or Underpinning

Here are warning signs that your structure may require foundation strengthening:

• Cracks in walls or ceilings that worsen over time

• Floors that slope, sag, or feel uneven

• Doors and windows are sticking or not closing properly.

• Separation gaps between walls or skirting boards

• Bowed or bulging walls

• History of soil movement or past foundation issues

If you notice these signs, it’s wise to consult with a specialist early—delaying may lead to more expensive repairs later.

 

Why Choose Mirage Building for Screw Piles in Devonport

There are many reasons locals trust Mirage Building with their structural support needs:

• They combine underpinning and structural building knowledge

• They operate locally and understand Tasmanian soil and weather conditions.s

• They manage the full process—from design through installation.

• They prioritise durable materials, accurate installation, and site care.

• They have experience in both new builds and stabilising existing structures.

Mirage Building serves Devonport and the surrounding areas with quality construction, underpinning, and structural support. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to install screw piles?
Typically, much faster than traditional deep foundations. In many cases, piles can be installed and load-tested in a few days.

Will screw piles corrode over time?
We use corrosion-resistant steel and protective coatings. Proper design accounts for soil conditions and ensures long-term performance.

Can we build immediately after installation?
Yes. Unlike concrete footings that require curing, screw piles are load-bearing immediately once verified.

Are screw piles noisy or disruptive?
Some vibration or noise is expected, but compared to excavation, they are much less disruptive and quicker.

Do they work in all soil types?
In most cases, yes, loose soils, clay, and sandy soils. Extremely rocky sites may need special approaches. A geotechnical assessment is essential.

 

If you’re building, renovating, or have signs of foundation stress in Devonport, don’t wait. Reach out to Mirage Building & Construction to discuss your structural support options with screw piles.

Let us inspect your site, recommend the right underpinning or pile system, and deliver a reliable foundation you can trust for years to come.

Contact Mirage Building today via phone, email, or through their website to request a consultation.

Your structure’s stability starts beneath the surface—and reliable screw piles are the foundation you want.