What Is Foundation Underpinning?

Illustraion of push pier foundation installation

You’ve likely heard the term “foundation underpinning” but may be unfamiliar with the process. Over time, your home’s foundation can settle, affecting its load-bearing capacity. As a result, cracks and uneven settlement may occur. That’s where underpinning comes in.

If you’re exploring repair options, you’ve come to the right place. This page offers insights into the underpinning process and helps you decide if it’s the right solution for your home.

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Foundation Underpinning: What is it?

Foundation underpinning reinforces damaged, cracked, sinking, and settling foundations. Underpinning works by evenly distributing the structure’s weight over a larger, more stable area. Several techniques are available; however, the foundation type, soil conditions, and other factors determine the method used.

When is Underpinning Necessary?

Foundation underpinning is essential for stabilizing compromised foundations that cannot support the structure’s weight. Underpinning is used for several reasons:

helical piers for foundation repair underpinning

When the soil around the foundation was improperly compacted or leveled during initial construction.
The structure’s usage changed due to a renovation, adding additional weight.
Nearby construction necessitates soil excavation, affecting the foundation.

To strengthen the foundation’s capacity, such as when adding another story.
When earthquakes, drought, or flood damage occurs.

JES Foundation Repair professionals provide free inspections to determine whether the compromised foundation requires underpinning. We diagnose the issues and create a customized repair plan based on your needs and budget.

How Do You Know if Your Foundation Needs Underpinning?

Identifying whether your home needs repair requires careful assessment. Here are the signs that your house might need foundation underpinning:

Foundation Cracks: Monitor the size and direction of cracks on foundation walls or floors. Horizontal or stair-step cracks are especially concerning.
Uneven Floors: Sloping, sagging, and uneven floors may indicate foundation settlement.
Misaligned Windows and Doors: Difficulty opening or closing doors and windows, gaps, and misalignment may signal foundation settling.
Floor Gaps: Look for gaps between floors and walls, especially near corners.
Cracked Chimne y: These are a visible sign of foundation issues.
Collapsing Retaining Walls: Cracked, deteriorating retaining walls may indicate compromised soil, signaling foundation problems.

If you notice signs of damage, contact a foundation repair professional for an inspection. Experts identify and diagnose problems. They provide thorough and lasting foundation repairs.

Foundation Underpinning Methods

Architects, engineers, and construction workers recommend various underpinning types based on the soil conditions, damage extent, and foundation type.

Mini-Piled Underpinning

Foundation piers are considered mini-piled underpinning. They work by redistributing the structure’s weight onto more stable, supportive ground. Here are the three piering types we offer at JES:

Push Piers: These galvanized steel piers are mechanically pushed into the ground. They stabilize and support settling foundations and are used for shallow or limited-access foundations.
Helical Piers: Helical piers work by screwing deep into the soil, increasing the depth of the current foundation, and transferring the weight onto more stable strata. They lift and stabilize foundations.
Slab Piers: These are designed solely for slab foundations. They redistribute the structure’s weight and strengthen concrete slab foundations by preventing further settlement.

The soil type, extent of settlement, and structural load determine the best pier for your foundation. JES Foundation Repair experts conduct free inspections to diagnose the underlying causes of damage and strategize a customized repair plan.

Beam and Base Underpinning

Beam and base underpinning involves installing reinforced concrete or steel beams beneath the existing foundation. The beams are placed below the foundation and connect to the existing structure to enhance stability. Beam and base piering strengthens damaged foundations.

Jack Pile Underpinning

Jack pile underpinning is performed when traditional methods won’t suffice. Jacking strengthens compromised foundations by using hydraulic jacks to lift the damaged foundation and install new supports underneath. These vibration-free systems are used on foundations experiencing severe damage or settlement. It offers precise, controlled lifting and can be used in various soil conditions.

Mass Concrete Underpinning

Mass pouring underpinning is used in certain situations where extensive support is necessary. This method involves removing unstable soil beneath the existing foundation and replacing it with large concrete slabs or mass sections. This technique provides robust support and stabilization.

How Much Does Foundation Underpinning Cost?

Foundation underpinning costs vary widely, depending on the extent of the damage, the structure’s age, soil conditions, and regional pricing. Contact a foundation repair expert for a free inspection to determine if piering solutions are right for your home. Professionals can also provide detailed cost estimates and warranties, ensuring your investment is worthwhile.

Contact JES Foundation Repair for Underpinning Solutions

Is your foundation compromised due to weak soil or other issues? Contact JES Foundation Repair and surrounding states for a free inspection and repair estimate. We’ll identify and diagnose the underlying problem and install the appropriate underpinning solution based on your needs and budget.

JES is Virginia’s leader in foundation repair services. View our service areas and click the button below to get started!

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Foundation Underpinning FAQs

Can push piers lift a settled foundation back to its original level?

Yes, push piers are designed to stabilize and lift settled foundations. They are installed beneath the foundation and driven deep into the ground until they reach stable soil. Once in place, the piers can be used to lift the foundation back to its original level by exerting hydraulic pressure.

Can I install foundation piers myself?

Foundation pier installation is a specialized task requiring expert knowledge, skills, and equipment. It is not advisable to undertake this task independently. Rely on JES Foundation Repair’s expertise for assured quality installation of foundation piers.

How does the cost of installing helical piers compare to other foundation repair methods?

Helical piers offer a more cost-effective solution compared to many other foundation repair methods, providing a robust and economical choice for homeowners.

Shaye Glisson

Shaye is an SEO Content Writer for Groundworks with over twelve years of experience creating helpful content across various industries, including home services and retail. She is a Gulf Coast native and writes from her firsthand knowledge of the area's hurricane and flood impacts on the local community. In her free time, Shaye enjoys exploring the local food and music scenes.