What is Underpinning?

Underpinning is a process used to repair and strengthen the foundation of a building or structure. It involves extending the foundation’s depth or breadth to provide additional support and stability to the structure. In this article, we will discuss the process of underpinning and why it is important for foundation repair.

When is Underpinning Necessary?

Underpinning is necessary when the foundation of a building or structure becomes unstable or damaged. This can happen due to several factors, including:

Soil movement:

Soil movement can cause serious problems for your property. If you have noticed cracks in your walls, uneven floors or doors that won’t close properly, it may be time to consider underpinning. Underpinning is the process of strengthening the foundation of a property by extending its depth and width.

There are several reasons why soil movement occurs. Some common causes include poor soil type, changes in moisture levels and natural events such as earthquakes. When soil moves, it can put pressure on the foundation of a property causing it to shift or even collapse.

If you suspect that your foundation has been compromised due to soil movement, it’s important to act quickly. Ignoring the issue can lead to more severe damage and costly repairs down the line. Consulting with our professional underpinning expert can help determine whether underpinning is necessary for your property and provide guidance on next steps.

Age:

Underpinning is necessary when the foundation of a house has weakened or shifted. The age of a structure plays a significant role in determining whether underpinning is required. Generally, buildings that are over 50 years old are more likely to require underpinning due to natural wear and tear.
The foundation of an older house may have been constructed using materials that were not as robust as those used today, which can lead to substandard foundations. Additionally, older houses may be built on soil types that are less stable than modern constructions. As a result, the weight of the structure can cause settling and subsidence.

Poor Construction:

Poor construction can lead to a host of issues that could have long-lasting effects on your home. One such problem is the sinking and shifting of foundation walls, which can be caused by several factors including poor soil conditions, moisture buildup, and inadequate drainage systems. If left unchecked, these problems can cause severe structural damage to your home and reduce its overall value.
Changes in the structure: Changes in the structure of a building can occur for a variety of reasons such as foundation settling, seismic activity, or soil shifts. Whenever changes are noticed, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Ignoring the issue can lead to further damage and costly repairs down the line. One potential solution to consider when faced with structural changes is underpinning.

The Underpinning Process:

The underpinning process involves several steps, including:

Excavation:

The excavation is a crucial part of any construction project. It involves digging up the ground to create a space for the foundation of a building or structure. The excavation process can be quite complex, involving several steps and specialized equipment.
Excavation is a crucial part of any construction project. It involves digging up the ground to create a space for the foundation of a building or structure. The excavation process can be quite complex, involving several steps and specialized equipment.

Foundation Repair:

When it comes to foundation repair, the underpinning process is the groundwork that sets the stage for a successful restoration. This complex and highly technical process involves stabilizing a home’s foundation by excavating and supporting it from below. The goal of underpinning is to prevent further structural damage, improve stability, and increase load-bearing capacity.

Reinforcement:

This step involves adding additional materials to existing structures to improve their strength and stability. This can include steel beams, concrete supports, or other forms of reinforcement depending on the unique needs of the project. The underpinning process typically involves excavating soil beneath existing foundations and replacing it with reinforced concrete to prevent subsidence and strengthen the structure.

Extension:

The foundation is extended deeper or wider to provide additional support and stability.

Finishing:

The excavated soil is replaced, and the area around the foundation is leveled and compacted.

The underpinning process can take several weeks to complete, depending on the size of the building or structure and the extent of the damage. During the process, the building or structure may be raised several inches off the ground, which can make it difficult to access the interior. Occupants may need to temporarily relocate while the underpinning is being done.

Benefits of Underpinning:

Underpinning offers several benefits, including:

Stability:

Underpinning ensures that the building or structure has a stable foundation, which can prevent structural damage and other issues.

Safety:

A stable foundation can also make the building or structure safer for occupants.

Value:

Underpinning can increase the value of a building or structure by improving its structural integrity.

Comfort:

Underpinning can eliminate uneven floors and other issues that can make a building or structure uncomfortable to occupy.

Energy Efficiency:

Underpinning can improve the energy efficiency of a building or structure by reducing drafts and improving insulation.

Costs of Underpinning

The cost of underpinning a building or structure can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the building or structure, the extent of the damage, and the type of material used for the reinforcement. In general, the cost of underpinning can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
It is important for property owners to get multiple quotes from reputable underpinning contractors before deciding on a contractor. Property owners should also check the contractor’s credentials and ask for references from past clients to ensure that they are hiring a qualified and experienced professional.

Types of Underpinning

There are several types of underpinning, including:

Mass concrete underpinning: This is the most common type of underpinning and involves excavating the soil under the existing foundation and pouring a reinforced concrete base.

Piled underpinning: This involves driving piles deep into the ground under the existing foundation to provide additional support and stability.