Underpinning the basement is a way to strengthen your foundation and add height (basement lowering). It is most often done in older homes, but it is also a great option for newer houses as well. It provides a wide range of benefits, including increased living space and enhanced structural stability.
Most importantly, it provides a sound foundation that will stand up to soil movements and external pressures for years to come. It can also help you save money by converting unfinished spaces into a more functional living area. It’s an excellent idea for homeowners who want to add value to their property, as well as families who simply need more space.
Enhance Your Home’s Foundation: Underpinning Basement Essentials
There are many signs that a home’s foundation may need underpinning, including cracking in the walls and floors. These cracks are generally wider than a quarter inch and can cause structural damage if not addressed. Other symptoms of foundation problems are heaving, bowing walls and buckling floors. If you notice any of these signs, contact the foundation experts at ACCL Waterproofing immediately.
In most cases, underpinning a basement will involve digging under the existing foundation and adding additional load-bearing capacity. There are a few different methods for doing this, including “mass concrete underpinning,” whereby foundation sections are excavated and reinforced with concrete. This method can be quite expensive and takes a while to complete, but it is highly effective and very durable. There is another option, known as benching, where the original foundation footing is left intact and only the basement floor is lowered.