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OUR SERVICES

House Underpinning

Underpinning

Underpinning

Process-

Underpinning is the process of working to strengthen and reinforce the foundations that are already within your home or building. It is important to hire a reputable underpinning contractor to assess and address foundation issues. Normally solid brick or brick veneer homes are affected the most, and assessing potential damage to brick walls is crucial in identifying deeper structural problems.

Causes:

The most likely causes are when foundations are subject to leaky pipes, poor drainage, damage from tree roots, or dry soil as a result of hot summers.

Ground engineering plays a crucial role in assessing soil conditions for underpinning projects. Various factors can affect the soil supporting structures and its bearing capacity, such as the influence of clay soil’s moisture absorption on foundation stability, the impact of water erosion and drainage issues on soil integrity, and the consequences of exceeding the load capacity that the supporting soil can handle, leading to potential subsidence and structural damage.

Restumping

Restumping & Reblocking

Restumping

Process:

Restumping is the process of removing old wooden stumps set beneath a building or home and replacing them with durable concrete stumps without disturbing the existing footings.

Indicators:

The major indicators that you can look for are plaster walls that are showing the signs of cracking, windows and doors that may not be shutting properly, squeaky floorboards or carpet flooring or you may notice your home is sloping to one side.

Restumping projects are essential in addressing residential foundation issues in Melbourne, ensuring stability by checking for cracks or subsidence due to local soil conditions.

House Restumping is a crucial solution for reinforcing house stability, especially in areas like Melbourne where soil conditions can lead to serious foundational concerns.

If you notice any of these problems, please contact us. When we inspect the dwelling we will be able to assess whether or not part or all the house stumps need replacing.

Concrete Stumps

Floor Levelling & Packing

Floor Levelling, Packing & Concrete Stumps

On assessment of the job, sometimes flooring may not need complete reblocking. Often times some or parts of the floor has moved due changes in the soil, brick movement or timber shrinkage. These soil conditions and structural support challenges can significantly impact the integrity of a concrete slab, leading to potential structural damage and the need for underpinning solutions.

If this is the case, we are able to lift the floor to level using hydraulic jacks and then heightening the stumps with structural grade packers so the sub floor then sits level on the bearer.

OTHER BUILDING SERVICES:

As registered builders in Melbourne, we can also assist you with all other related building or home improvements services. We often fix weatherboards or exteriors which have come under stress due to the foundations, or even cracks and internal works.

VIDEO TUTORIAL & INFORMATION

Video Tutorial & information

We have created a short video that will give you a rundown on what you need to know and look out for before hiring an underpinner or restumper.

Victorian Building Authority

We are fully accredited with the Building Practitioners Board License #DB-L44540 & DBU -1719. The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) regulates building practitioners in Melbourne to ensure the achievement of efficient and competitive building industries.

Master Builders Melbourne

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

As a registered member #6792 . All work April Constructions completes is in accordance with MBV and is of the highest Standards within the industry.

UNDERPINNING MELBOURNE SERVICES

What is Underpinning?

Underpinning is a process used to strengthen the foundation of a building or structure by adding support to the existing foundation. This is typically done to address issues such as subsidence, settlement, or soil erosion that can cause damage to the building, including structural issues like cracked walls and jamming windows that often require foundation repairs. Underpinning involves excavating the soil beneath the foundation and installing new support systems, such as concrete stumps or piles, to transfer the weight of the building to a more stable soil layer. This process can help to prevent further damage and ensure the stability and safety of the building

Definition of Underpinning

Underpinning is a construction technique used to strengthen and stabilize the foundation of a building or structure. It involves extending the foundation of a building to a deeper level, typically to a more stable soil or rock layer, to provide additional support and prevent settlement or collapse. This method is often necessary when the original foundation is inadequate or has been compromised due to soil settlement, erosion, or other factors. By reinforcing the existing foundation, underpinning ensures the long-term stability and safety of the structure.

Importance of Underpinning for Existing Foundation

Underpinning is crucial for existing foundations that are showing signs of distress or damage. If left unaddressed, foundation problems can escalate, leading to costly repairs, safety hazards, and even structural collapse. Underpinning helps to:

Prevent further settlement or collapse

Restore the structural integrity of the building

Reduce the risk of expensive repairs

Enhance the overall safety and stability of the building

By addressing foundation issues promptly through underpinning, property owners can safeguard their investments and ensure the longevity of their structures.

is effectively strengthened, providing long-term stability and safety for the building.

Causes of Damage to Foundations

Foundations can be compromised due to a variety of factors, each contributing to the weakening of the structure. Common causes of foundation damage include:

Soil Expansion and Contraction: Changes in soil moisture levels can cause the soil to expand or contract, exerting pressure on the foundation and leading to cracks or shifts.

Water Erosion: Poor drainage or water accumulation around the foundation can erode the soil, undermining the foundation’s stability.

Poor Construction Techniques: Inadequate construction practices, such as insufficient compaction or improper materials, can result in a weak foundation.

Inadequate Foundation Design: Foundations that are not designed to handle the building’s load or the soil conditions can fail over time.

Natural Disasters: Events such as earthquakes, floods, or landslides can cause sudden and severe damage to foundations.

Understanding these causes is essential for identifying potential foundation issues and taking proactive measures to address them.

Soil Expansion and Contraction

Soil expansion and contraction are significant contributors to foundation damage. When soil absorbs water, it expands, putting pressure on the foundation and causing it to shift or crack. Conversely, when soil loses moisture, it contracts, creating voids that can lead to foundation settling. Factors influencing soil expansion and contraction include:

Temperature and Humidity Changes: Seasonal variations can cause soil to repeatedly expand and contract, stressing the foundation.

Water Absorption and Desiccation: Soil that absorbs water from rainfall or irrigation can expand, while dry conditions can cause it to contract.

Soil Composition and Density: Clay soils, in particular, are prone to significant expansion and contraction due to their high water retention capacity.

Vegetation Growth and Decay: Tree roots and other vegetation can affect soil moisture levels, contributing to expansion and contraction cycles.

Addressing soil-related foundation problems promptly is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure the long-term stability of the building.

Types of Underpinning

There are several types of underpinning methods that can be used, depending on the specific needs of the building and the soil conditions. Traditional underpinning, such as mass concrete underpinning, involves extensive excavation to support a home’s foundation and is often costly, time-consuming, and can lead to future issues. Some common types of underpinning include:

Mass Concrete Underpinning

Mass concrete underpinning is a traditional method of underpinning that involves excavating the soil beneath the foundation and filling it with concrete. This method is often used for buildings with shallow foundations or for buildings that require a high level of support. The concrete is poured into the excavated area and allowed to set, creating a solid foundation that can support the weight of the building.

Benefits of Underpinning

Underpinning can provide several benefits to building owners, including:

Improved stability and safety: Underpinning can help to prevent further damage to the building and ensure that it remains stable and safe.

Increased property value: Underpinning can help to increase the value of the property by addressing any foundation issues and ensuring that the building is stable and secure.

Reduced maintenance costs: Underpinning can help to reduce maintenance costs by addressing any foundation issues and preventing further damage to the building. Addressing foundation issues early can also reduce long-term underpinning cost.

Peace of mind: Underpinning can provide building owners with peace of mind, knowing that their building is stable and secure. Underpinning costs can vary significantly based on project complexity and building accessibility.

Why Choose a Professional Underpinner?

Choosing a reputable underpinning contractor is essential to ensure that the underpinning process is done correctly and safely. A professional underpinner will have the necessary experience and expertise to assess the building and determine the best course of action. They will also have the necessary equipment and materials to complete the job safely and efficiently. Additionally, a professional underpinner will be able to provide a warranty for their work, giving building owners peace of mind.

It’s worth noting that underpinning is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Attempting to underpin a building without the necessary expertise and equipment can lead to further damage and safety risks. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a professional underpinner who has the necessary experience and expertise to complete the job safely and effectively.

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