Underpinning your home is a process of stabilizing the foundation and increasing its load-bearing capacity. This is usually done by excavating around the perimeter of the foundation and installing concrete piers or steel beams to support the weight of the structure.
Underpinning is often necessary when renovating or extending a home, as the additional weight of the new construction can put a strain on the existing foundation. In some cases, underpinning may also be required to repair a damaged foundation.
The process of underpinning your home can be complex and expensive, so it’s important to understand all your options before making a decision. This guide will explain everything you need to know about underpinning, from how it works to whether or not it’s right for your home. Visit the website to know more.
What is Underpinning?
Underpinning is a process of strengthening and stabilizing the foundation of a building. This is usually done by excavating around the perimeter of the foundation and installing concrete piers or steel beams to support the weight of the structure.
In some cases, underpinning may also be required to repair a damaged foundation. The most common reasons for needing underpinning are:
1. Renovating or extending a home: The additional weight of the new construction can put a strain on the existing foundation.
2. Repairing a damaged foundation: Underpinning can be used to repair cracks or other damage to the foundation.
3. Increasing the load-bearing capacity of the foundation: In some cases, the existing foundation may not be able to support the weight of the new construction. Underpinning can increase the load-bearing capacity of the foundation so that it can support the additional weight.
Types of Underpinning
There are two main types of underpinning: piers and beams.
Piers are concrete cylinders that are driven into the ground around the perimeter of the foundation. Beams are steel beams that are placed underneath the foundation. Piers and beams work together to support the weight of the structure and keep it from settling.
Piers vs. Beams
Piers and beams both have their advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a quick overview of each type of underpinning:
Piers:
1. Piers are less expensive than beams.
2. Piers are easier to install than beams.
3. Piers can be used on existing foundations without having to remove the foundation first.
4. Piers can be installed in smaller spaces than beams.
5. Piers have a smaller footprint than beams and cause less disruption to the landscaping around the home.
6. Piers can be loaded immediately after being installed, while beams need time to cure before they can support the weight of the structure.
7. Piers can be used in conjunction with other types of underpinning, such as steel piers or helical piers.
8. Piers can be used to support a variety of structures, including homes, offices, and retail buildings.
Beams:
1. Beams are more expensive than piers.
2. Beams are more difficult to install than piers.
3. Beams require the foundation to be removed before they can be installed.
4. Beams need a larger space to be installed than piers.
5. Beams have a larger footprint than piers and cause more disruption to the landscaping around the home.
6. Beams cannot be loaded until they have been cured, which can take several days or weeks.
7. Beams can only be used in conjunction with other types of underpinning, such as steel piers or helical piers.
8. Beams can only be used to support a limited number of structures, such as homes and offices. They cannot be used to support retail buildings.
How Much Does Underpinning Cost?
The cost of underpinning varies depending on the type of underpinning, the size of the home, and the location. Piers typically cost between $500 and $1,500 per pier, while beams typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per beam. The total cost of underpinning a home typically ranges from $5,000 to $30,000.
Is Underpinning Right for My Home
Underpinning is a complex process that should only be performed by a qualified contractor. If you’re considering underpinning for your home, the first step is to consult with a structural engineer or a licensed contractor to determine if underpinning is right for your home.
If you decide to proceed with underpinning, the next step is to choose the type of underpinning that’s right for your home. Piers and beams both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the type of underpinning that will best meet your needs.
Once you’ve selected the type of underpinning, the next step is to find a qualified contractor to perform the work. Be sure to get multiple bids from different contractors before choosing one, and be sure to ask each contractor about their experience with underpinning.
Conclusion
Underpinning is a complex process that should only be performed by a qualified contractor. If you’re considering underpinning for your home, the first step is to consult with a structural engineer or a licensed contractor to determine if underpinning is right for your home. Once you’ve decided to proceed with underpinning, the next step is to choose the type of underpinning that’s right for your home. Piers and beams both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the type of underpinning that will best meet your needs.
Once you’ve selected the type of underpinning, the next step is to find a qualified contractor to perform the work. Be sure to get multiple bids from different contractors before choosing one, and be sure to ask each contractor about their experience with underpinning.