The foundation of a house is the most important structural element in a building and is subject to various stresses and strains due to environmental factors, soil conditions, and repairs. These factors can cause damage to the foundation which can affect the overall structure of the building and make it unsafe. Underpinning is a process that involves strengthening the foundation by replacing existing supports and installing new ones to provide stability. This can be done in several ways such as mass concrete underpinning, pile and beam underpinning, or using steel piers. This is an effective solution to stabilise a foundation and prevent future damage.

Demystifying Basement Underpinning: Understanding the Process

What is basement underpinning can be done at any stage of a home’s life. However, it is more commonly used after the construction of a home or as part of major renovations such as adding a basement or an additional floor to a property. In addition to addressing problems with the foundation, underpinning can be used to add more living space and increase the value of your home.

If you are interested in having your home underpinned, it is essential to hire a professional foundation contractor. They will be able to assess the problem and determine the type of underpinning required. Depending on the type of underpinning, they will need to dig out sections of the foundation and pour new concrete to strengthen it. Several signs indicate a need for underpinning such as cracks in the walls, heaving and buckling of floors, and shifting of the foundation.