Underpinning is a long-term solution to foundation settlement and is generally preferred over other solutions, such as mud jacking or polyurethane material. This method is designed to transfer the existing foundation’s load onto new piers that are drilled into the ground.
This can be a complex task and is best performed by a professional. Underpinning can significantly increase the value of your home and provide additional space for use – whether it be for family recreation or as an extra living area.
Structural Stability
Foundation and basement underpinning are excellent ways to strengthen and stop your home from sinking or settling. It is also a great way to increase your home’s usable space.
This process involves transferring the existing foundation’s load to new piles driven into the ground underneath the existing structure. This quick and efficient method can be completed within a short timeframe. Construction professionals use this underpinning technique, which can be a cost-effective solution for many buildings.
This underpinning technique is based on the principle of increasing the depth of the existing foundations to enable them to rest on soil strata with greater bearing capacity. The new soil is inserted in controlled stages, and the underpinning process is complete when the engineer has assessed the stability of the soil. This underpinning approach is highly versatile and can be adapted to various structures.
Strength
If you’re experiencing difficulty opening and closing doors, have leaning or bowing walls, or your floors are beginning to separate from the ceiling or foundations, it’s time to investigate a potential structural problem. These indicate a weak foundation and can lead to costly structural damage if left unattended.
Underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilizing an existing foundation to provide enhanced structural stability for a building. It involves excavating sections of the existing foundation and filling them with concrete to strengthen the base and distribute its load over a larger area.
It’s commonly used when the purpose of a property has changed after renovation or if additions are planned that require increased load-bearing capabilities. It can also be used to repair weakened foundations due to soil changes. Underpinning is one of the most effective ways to restore a weak foundation and prevent further damage. It’s also quick, efficient, and cost-effective.
Durability
Buildings that are not properly underpinned can become unstable and unsafe to inhabit. This can happen when the original foundations are weak, to begin with, or the soil conditions have deteriorated.
With underpinning, contractors add new supporting structures underneath the existing footings to extend their depth and breadth. Whether it’s a concrete pier, mini pile, or piled raft, these extensions act like pins that keep the existing foundation in place. Contractors excavate the foundation in stages, referred to as “pins,” to reduce the risk of damage or compromise to the structural integrity of the structure above.
Underpinning also allows property owners to expand their homes without relocating them. This allows them to make better use of their space and add features like extra rooms that can increase a home’s value while making it more comfortable to live in. It’s also a great way to avoid expensive relocation costs when buying a new house in another location.
Reliability
Underpinning should be carried out by a professional. It is a complicated procedure; if not performed correctly, it can lead to significant structural damage that could be very costly.
Most commonly, underpinning is used for various reasons, including adding an extra story to a building or structure and when soil conditions change. It is also a common practice when foundations are weak due to age or other reasons.
