About Foundational Underpinning
As a homeowner, it is important to be aware of any structural issues that may arise in your property. In order to keep the roof over your head safe and sound it is necessary to have a good idea of the structural integrity of your building. If you begin to see cracks appearing in the walls or uneven floors, you will probably need to think about underpinning.
Underpinning is a construction technique that involves strengthening the foundation of a building. It is typically used when a building’s foundation has become unstable or weakened over time.
At CGI Solutions we specialise in tackling foundation problems in Perth and take home underpinning very seriously. In this blog, we will discuss how to tell if your home needs underpinning and why it is important to take action sooner rather than later.
What is Underpinning in Construction?
Underpinning is a process that involves adding support to an existing foundation to increase its load-bearing capacity. It is a construction technique used to stabilise a building’s foundation and prevent further structural damage. Underpinning is often used when a building’s foundation has become unstable due to soil subsidence, water damage, or other environmental factors.
The process of underpinning can involve excavating the soil underneath the existing foundation and then adding new concrete or steel supports to increase its strength. This can be done by digging beneath the existing foundation or by creating new support structures around the perimeter of the building.
At CGI Solutions we focus on using chemical grout injection techniques in underpinning and helping to stabilise the home’s foundation. It involves injecting a special type of grout into the soil beneath the foundation to strengthen and stabilise it.
Once the underpinning process is complete, the building’s foundation will be stronger and more stable.
Warning Signs That Your Home Needs Underpinning
There are several warning signs that may indicate that your home needs underpinning. These include:
Cracks in the Walls: If you notice cracks in your walls, particularly in the corners of doorways and windows, it may be a sign that your foundation is unstable. These cracks can be caused by movement in the foundation, which can cause the walls to shift and crack.
Uneven Floors: If you notice that your floors are uneven or sloping, it may be a sign that your foundation has shifted or sunk. This can be caused by soil subsidence, water damage, or other environmental factors.
Water Damage: If you notice water damage in your basement or crawl space, it may be a sign that your foundation has shifted or settled. Water damage can cause the foundation to weaken and become unstable.
Doors and Windows Stick: If you notice that your doors and windows are sticking or difficult to open, it may be a sign that your foundation has shifted. This can cause the door and window frames to warp or become misaligned.
Cracks in the Foundation: If you notice cracks in your foundation, it is a clear sign that your foundation has become unstable. These cracks can be caused by soil subsidence, water damage, or other environmental factors.
Sagging Roof: If you notice that your roof is sagging or appears to be uneven, it may be a sign that your foundation has shifted or settled. This can cause the roof to become misaligned, which can lead to further structural damage.
What Can Be Done to Underpin Your Home?
If you notice any of the warning signs listed above, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to further structural damage and potentially dangerous living conditions. The first step in underpinning your home is to contact a professional contractor who specialises in foundation repair and underpinning.
The contractor will conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s foundation to determine the extent of the damage and the best course of action. They may use specialised equipment such as a laser level or soil compaction meter to assess the stability of your foundation. Once the inspection is complete, the contractor will provide you with a detailed report outlining the necessary repairs and the cost of the project.
At CGI Solutions we recommend exploring chemical grout injection as an option. Chemical grout injection is a preferred method to underpin your home for several reasons:
Chemical grout injection is a preferred solution to underpinning a home for several reasons:
Non-intrusive: Chemical grout injection is a non-intrusive solution that does not require extensive excavation or disruption to the surrounding landscape. This means that the process is generally quicker, cleaner, and less disruptive to your daily life.
Cost-effective: Chemical grout injection is a cost-effective solution compared to traditional underpinning methods. It requires less labour and equipment, and the grout used in the process is often less expensive than other materials.
Versatile: Chemical grout injection can be used in a wide range of soil types and conditions, making it a versatile solution for stabilising a home’s foundation. It can be used to fill voids, cracks, and gaps in the soil, effectively strengthening the soil and stabilising the foundation.
Long-lasting: The grout used in chemical grout injection is designed to withstand the pressures and stresses placed on it over time, which means that it can help keep your home’s foundation stable for years to come.
Environmentally-friendly: The materials used in chemical grout injection are often environmentally friendly and non-toxic, which means that the process is safe for both the environment and your family.
Precision: The injection process can be done with precision, which allows the contractor to target specific areas of the soil that need reinforcement.
However, it is important to note that chemical grout injection is not always the best solution for underpinning a home. In some cases, the foundation may be too damaged or unstable to be effectively stabilised with chemical grout injection alone. In these cases, other underpinning techniques may be necessary.
Why Is Chemical Grout Injection Less Expensive?
The cost of chemical grout injection for underpinning a home can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the foundation, the extent of the damage, and the complexity of the injection process. However, compared to traditional underpinning methods, chemical grout injection is generally considered to be a cost-effective solution.
One reason for this is that chemical grout injection requires less labour and equipment compared to other underpinning techniques. This means that the cost of materials and labour can be lower, making it a more affordable option for many homeowners.
Additionally, chemical grout injection can be completed more quickly compared to other underpinning methods, which can help reduce the overall cost of the project. The injection process is also less intrusive and can be completed without extensive excavation or disruption to the surrounding landscape, which can help reduce the cost of repairing any damage to your property.
Overall, while the cost of chemical grout injection can vary depending on the specific circumstances, it is generally considered to be a cost-effective solution for underpinning a home. However, it is important to note that the cost of underpinning should not be the only consideration when deciding on a course of action. The safety and stability of your home should always be the top priority, and it is recommended to consult with a professional contractor who specialises in underpinning and foundation repair to assess the specific situation and recommend the best course of action.
It is always recommended to consult with a professional contractor who specialises in underpinning and foundation repair to assess the specific situation and recommend the best course of action to ensure the safety and stability of your home.
Why Is It Important to Take Action Sooner Rather Than Later?
If you notice any of the warning signs listed above, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to further structural damage and potentially dangerous living conditions. The longer you wait to address the issue, the more expensive and complex the repairs will become.
In addition to the cost and complexity of repairs, waiting too long can also lead to safety hazards. An unstable foundation can cause the building to collapse or cause floors and walls to shift, which can lead to serious injuries or even death. By taking action early, you can prevent these hazards and ensure the safety of your family and property.
As well as safety hazards, an unstable foundation can also lead to a decrease in the value of your property. Potential buyers are often hesitant to purchase homes with structural issues, and those that do may offer significantly less than the asking price. By addressing the issue early, you can maintain the value of your property and prevent potential financial losses.
Please remember that when considering Perth underpinning it is important to get a building permit.
Conclusion
Underpinning is a necessary process that can help stabilise a building’s foundation and prevent further structural damage. If you notice any warning signs, such as cracks in the walls, uneven floors, water damage, doors and windows sticking, cracks in the foundation, or a sagging roof, it is important to take action as soon as possible.
Ignoring these warning signs can lead to further structural damage, safety hazards, and potential financial losses.
To underpin your home, contact CGI Solutions. We are the underpinning experts in Perth and specialise in foundation repair and underpinning. We will help you conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s foundation and get you a detailed report outlining the necessary repairs and the cost of the project.
By taking action early and addressing the issue, you can ensure the safety of your family and property and prevent potential financial losses. Contact us at CGI Solutions today.