Underpinning FAQ's
We’re on hand to help you learn more about common subsidence and building movement problems, and provide an introduction to the key phrases and basic principles that underpin our range of structural repair services. We hope that our list of frequently asked questions will help make the process of beginning to deal with structural repair problems as simple as possible.
- What is underpinning?
- Underpinning is a method of strengthening and stabilising the foundation of a structure that transfers the load of a building onto more stable ground. Underpinning solutions are generally sought where the use or safety of a building is or is likely to be compromised by excessive ground movement, usually as a result of changes to the supporting soil, where there have been additions to the structure or changes in its use, or where the original foundation is simply no longer strong enough to support the load of the building. It is worth noting that it is difficult to identify a single cause of structural cracking, instead it is usually more likely that a combination of factors have contributed to the damage.
- What are the signs of structural movement?
- Look out for general distortions in the fabric of the structure and particularly for cracks around one part of the building, most likely to occur in external walls or at junctions of these with internal cross walls. Check for cracks in plaster, jamming doors and windows. Where structural cracking was already present and no proprietary system of monitoring is in place, look for fresh or clean bricks within the existing cracks.
- Will underpinning be necessary?
- Not always. It is estimated that less than 50% of properties suffering from the effects of subsidence or structural movement require some form of underpinning. Where underpinning is likely to be unnecessary, a combination of masonry reinforcement and minor remedial measures, such as unblocking and repairing drains, removing trees and strengthening soils may be all that is required. The extent of repair should be determined by a suitably qualified professional.
This page belongs to our Helical Pile Underpinning section.
