Construction & Contractors Blog
As time goes by, you may find several cracks along your window or door frames or even in the walls of your house. From afar, you may also see your house or building slanting to one side. These damages may be a sign of subsidence and can be caused by old foundation works or tree roots that are in proximity to the foundation and are damaging its structural integrity. This is a clear indication that the foundation of the house is weakening and it may result in permanent structural damage. One way to correct this issue is through underpinning. Underpinning entails stabilising the foundation walls to increase the overall strength and equity of your house. There are several underpinning methods you can apply to your house, and the following method will give you a variety of underpinning methods to choose from.
Mass Concrete
The concrete mass underpinning method has been used in the construction of house foundations for over a century, and it is still an effective method. However, it is a labour-intensive method that entails digging out several sections of a foundation separately and pouring in the concrete mixture. The aim of the concrete mixture is to provide a strong and permanent foundation that will effectively and successfully support the weight of your house. It is a popular method as it does not require heavy or tech-savvy machinery during the process.
Mini-Piled
The mini-piled underpinning method is the most popular method used in construction projects today. It entails driving slim piles into the ground to a considerable depth and securing them when the desired stable level is attained. This method requires specialised equipment and technical precision to obtain the best results. Its deep piles offer better foundation stability than other underpinning methods, hence its popularity and preference by many homeowners.
Expanding Resin injection
Expanding resin injection is a recent and innovative underpinning method that focuses on increasing the strength and stability of the soil as opposed to adding extra foundation levels. This is achieved by injecting a mixture of hardener and resin into the soil or ground around and underneath the house. The mixture compacts the soil, which allows it to support the house's weight effectively.
Beam and Base
The base and beam underpinning method is a popular method used by many contractors to increase the stability of a house. This method employs the use of reinforced concrete beams. The beams are strategically placed below the existing house's foundation and rest on several mass concrete bases. In the end, the weight of the house will be effectively and evenly spread across a firmer and stronger layer of soil.
Share1 February 2017
Welcome! My name is Frances, and this is my first blog. Whether you found me through a Google search or were passed my link by a friend, I am so glad you found my blog. I plan to fill it with a range of commentary on the world of contracting and construction work, and I hope that you find my ideas compelling and creative. I am a dog trainer, but I have always loved the world of construction. I tend to work a lot on the weekends and evenings, when my clients are off work. As a result, I have a lot of time to write during the day, and I decided to create this blog. Thank you for reading.
