UNDERPINNING

The process involves digging down to and beyond the existing footing of the building, typically in meter sections and with adequate support so as not to cause any extra damage to the property walls. Once the section has been dug out new foundations are cast with concrete and are left to set; the process continues in sections until the whole affected foundation area has been strengthened.

Underpinning is where a solid foundation is added below a property’s existing foundation to provide extra support and strength. Often a remedy in the case of a building that has suffered structural damage – perhaps due to subsidence or ground movement, or if the existing foundation shows damage due to overloading.

Depending on the level of service you’re looking for, subsidence underpinning comes in many different forms and with varying price tags. Each method can be used with different building types, different materials, and will also depend on the current foundation and its materials. When carrying out underpinning procedures on your property, it is important to note that you may require consent. Underpinning costs would start from £450.00 a linear metre.

Underpinning will strengthen your properties foundation to avoid problems arising in the future. In other cases, underpinning is used to strengthen your existing foundation which provides extra support if you’re looking to extend your property downwards into a basement or upwards to add additional floors to your property.

Traditional (also known as the mass concrete method) and piled. The usual method is traditional the way it’s been done for a century or more. This involves digging holes beneath the existing foundations and filling them with concrete. The Piling underpinning method is used in cases where ground conditions are unstable or access is difficult. This method is more technically complex and requires specialised skills and machinery.