The foundation is the key to your home’s overall stability and structural integrity. Over time, natural elements like floods and soil erosion can cause damage to the foundation. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent such problems. One of the best ways is basement underpinning. This process strengthens the foundation, preventing damage and expanding usable living space.

Underpinning is a complicated and challenging project, but it’s essential to ensure the safety of your home. It involves excavating the foundation, adding sturdy supports (such as concrete blocks or steel piers) to the ground, and then installing a new support system underneath the existing foundation. The result is a stronger and more stable foundation that will resist pressure from the soil.

Understanding Basement Underpinning: What You Need to Know

Depending on the type of soil, the underpinning method may vary. For example, in areas with loose or sandy soil, longer piers need to be installed to meet the load requirements of the house. The piers are then connected to the foundation to provide extra stability and prevent damage from soil movements.

In addition to strengthening the foundation, underpinning also increases headroom in your basement. This allows you to transform your basement into a comfortable and functional living area, such as an office or a home theatre. It’s also a great way to add value to your home if you plan on selling it in the future.