Ever heard about underpinning? This is like the foundation fairy of houses. Unnerving creaks can be heard while you are drinking your morning coffee. Underpinning might be what your home needs, more about the author?
Let’s start with the basics. Imagine your house has been worn out over the years. Those cracks you’re spotting? They aren’t just character marks; they’re huge warning signs. You are literally signaling trouble. The underpinning acts as a coach, with a well-defined game plan.
What is underpinning exactly? The process is to strengthen the foundations of your home. You can think of it like giving your house an extra boost. Older homes or houses on unstable grounds can benefit most from this. Some soils can eat through your foundation over the years, causing sagging and settlement. Underpinning gives these houses their strength and stabilty back.
There are some reasons you may need underpinning. It’s possible that your home is built on a poor soil. Maybe the tree that’s in front has roots that are a little close together. If you have recently added a new wing to your home, the foundation of your old house is beginning to groan under its weight. You may have experienced a major flood or drought in your area. Mother Nature may have taken its toll on the structure of your home.
There are many ways to do this magic trick. The traditional technique involves pouring concrete into the existing foundation after digging below it. It’s simple, if a bit messy. There is also the pile method where concrete or a steel pile is driven into the soil to support the base. The resin injection technique is also a good option, as it’s quicker, but costs more.