Underpinning Services

Look under this Yellow Pages® heading for information on underpinning services. In construction, underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilising the foundation of an existing building or structure. Underpinning is necessary when the original foundations of a structure are damaged or is simply not strong or stable enough. Underpinning is the more economical course of action when compared to building a new one. Those who have foundation problems, or suspect foundation damage can contact underpinning specialists. Underpinning specialists are well versed in the area of underpinning and foundation repairs, pier replacement and repairs, levelling and re-packing; replace rotten floors, and re-stumping.

The most common causes of structural weakening are shrinkage of the clay foundation soils due to drying effect of trees, droughts, change of drainage patterns, or softening of the foundation soils due to blocked or broken drains, which in some cases can be the subject of insurance claims. In these cases, underpinning specialists make an initial site visit and inspection of the area and afterwards provides a quotation of the work to be done and corresponding expenditures. In some cases, more involved processes may be required, such as consultation of competent geotechnical and structural engineers. They can also obtain all relevant building permits and inspections as well as provide project specific warranty policies on projects.

In some cases, such as structures built on reactive soils – the installation of root barriers can help. By surrounding the structure with a waterproof root barrier, moisture levels under the structure can be returned to normal. Other underpinning techniques include re-blocking or restumping, jacking and packing, micro-piling; bored piers; and “grout injection” – a process used to pressure fill voids below slab floors etc.