Engineered foundation solutions for decks, additions, and commercial structures without the wait for concrete
Decades of foundation expertise meet industry-leading technology. Rock Solid Foundations understands the unique challenges of Mid-Atlantic soil, from the dense clays of Maryland to the sandy coastlines of Delaware. Through our strategic partnership with American Ground Screw (AGS), we provide an ICC-certified foundation system that serves as a high-performance alternative to traditional concrete piers.
As a veteran-owned business with over 30 years in the field, we don’t just provide a product; we provide a professional installation service that ensures your project is built on a site-ready foundation, engineered to hold for the long haul.
The smart alternative to concrete
Traditional footings require digging, hauling dirt, and waiting days for concrete to cure. Our driven foundations are high-performance steel ground screw anchors that compact the soil as they are installed, providing superior strength and stability for:
- Compression loads: Standard vertical weight of the structure.
- Tension loads: Resistance against wind uplift (essential for coastal Delaware/Maryland).
- Lateral loads: Stability against side-to-side forces and shifting soil.
Construction-grade benefits
- Save time and labor: No excavation needed. Skip the digging and the 7-day cure. We set foundations in hours, not days or weeks.
- 50+ year lifecycle: Engineered for longevity, our hot-dip galvanized steel anchors are a permanent solution with a 50+ year product life.
- Green alternative to concrete: Our screws are removable and reusable, significantly minimizing carbon emissions and environmental impact on your job site.
- All-weather, any terrain: Build sturdy foundations year-round for virtually any application in any terrain, from frozen ground to rocky Mid-Atlantic soil.
- Code-compliant: Fully compliant with the 2018 IBC/IRC and certified under ICC-ESR-4226.
Products & applications
As expert ground screw foundation installers, we match specific AGS anchor models to your site’s exact load and soil conditions, guaranteeing a high-performance, precision-engineered foundation that outperforms traditional concrete in every application.
- Model 3 (Open Top): The standard for timber construction, connecting directly to 4×4 or 6×6 posts.
- Models 1, 5, & 8 (Welded Flanges): Perfect for steel columns, modular units, and commercial signage.
- Extendable screws: Used for deep foundation applications in poor soil or deep frost lines.
Proven for a spectrum of projects across Maryland and Delaware:
American Ground Screw systems are engineered to address the specific geological and structural challenges found throughout Maryland and Delaware. These high-performance foundations are utilized across a wide spectrum of applications, including:
- Residential foundations: Ideal for decks, sunrooms, and home additions where traditional excavation would destroy existing landscaping or where space is too tight for concrete trucks.
- Commercial & industrial: High-capacity support for solar arrays, and temporary site offices that require immediate loading and structural certification.
- Municipal & eco-sensitive areas: A preferred solution for boardwalks and park pavilions near the Chesapeake Bay, where minimizing soil disturbance and carbon footprint are regulatory requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ground screws meet building codes for residential additions?
Yes. American Ground Screws are ICC-ES certified (ESR-4226). They meet the 2018 IBC requirements and are accepted by building departments throughout Maryland and Delaware.
How much weight can a single ground screw support?
Load capacity depends on soil density. During our site survey, we determine the necessary torque to meet or exceed the capacity of traditional concrete piers.
What happens if the installation hits a large rock?
In rocky terrain, we utilize specialized equipment to pre-drill pilot holes. The screw is then driven into the rock, creating an incredibly stable anchor point.
How do ground screws compare to concrete in terms of cost?
While material costs vary, total project costs are often lower by eliminating excavation, dirt removal, and days of curing downtime.
Are these foundations suitable for permanent structures?
Absolutely. With a 50+ year lifecycle and hot-dip galvanization, our foundations are resistant to corrosion and frost heave, making them ideal for the Mid-Atlantic climate.
Not Sure Where to Start?
We make professional ground screw installation simple and efficient.
- Step 1: Call for Your Free On-Site Evaluation
Contact us at 443-666-ROCK to schedule a no-cost evaluation for your construction project. - Step 2: Meet with Your Rock Solid Foundations Consultant
Our consultant will assess soil conditions and review your structural load requirements. - Step 3: Precision Installation
Our team deploys your foundation with pinpoint accuracy using specialized hydraulic tools. - Step 4: Begin Your Build
With no concrete to cure, you can take delivery of materials and start your project immediately.
Take the first step towards safeguarding your property by calling 443-666-ROCK today!