What is the Purpose of Underpinning?

To summarise, underpinning a house is the process of strengthening a buildings foundation to ensure it can support the weight of the property. This requires using an expanding filler to strengthen the soil beneath your property or extending the existing foundations to minimising the risk of structural damage going forward. Often older properties pose a higher risk in comparison to more recent builds as there may have been changes in the conditions over time.

Why is underpinning done?

There are various reasons that mean a property may require underpinning, often due to factors out of the control of the property owner. We often see people ask ‘what is the purpose of underpinning?’ but there are a few key warning signs to look out for which imply that your property is at risk of damage. Spotting any cracks in the walls, floors or ceiling are indicators that you may require underpinning to support your property; these cracks show that there is movement in the foundations and cracks around the windows or doors are of particular concern. Another noticeable sign is sloping. It can be hard to notice is the floor or ceiling is leaning but a resistance or continually opening doors and windows can be a key indicator.

Although we’ve established the signs to look out for, why is underpinning done in the first place? There are various reasons which can lead to a lack of support for a property, often related to the conditions of the ground in the local area. Reasons include:

• A lack of consideration surrounding the properties of the soil when the property was initially constructed, leading to the incorrect foundations being built.
• A change in the soil underneath the property due to large tree roots, moisture causing enlargement and shrinkage or damaged plumbing nearby which caused lasting change.
• Extreme weather conditions which have caused the structure of a property or surrounding ground to change.
• Adapting to any structural changes such as a new extension which will require further support to the foundations.

How do I know if underpinning is needed?

Now that you can better identify whether your property may be in need of underpinning, what happens next? To identify whether your property requires additional support and identify the potential reasons for this, a chartered surveyor will be able to inspect the situation and provide professional recommendations to help you decide on the most effective approach for your situation.

At 4SP Group, we boast extensive experience providing an underpinning service which is carried out by our team of accredited professionals. If you would like to get in touch with us to discuss any queries you may have or to request a property inspection, please contact us today to kick-start the process.