Underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilising the foundation of an existing building or structure. Underpinning may be necessary for a variety of reasons:
- The original foundation is simply not strong or stable enough.
- The usage of the structure has changed.
- The properties of the soil supporting the foundation may have changed.
- The construction of nearby buildings necessitates the excavation of soil supporting existing foundations.
- Underpinning is accomplished by extending the foundation in depth and breadth so it either rests on a more supportive soil or distributes its load across a greater area.
Rising Damp Solutions
Penetrating damp is the most common form of dampness in buildings. Damp areas occur as a result of water ingressing through gaps in the building structure.
It potentially occurs where there is no damp proof course (DPC) or where the DPC has been damaged or bridged. Moisture can rise up the wall to a height of a metre and it will often leave a characteristic horizontal ‘tide mark’. The cause of the dampness must first be eliminated, a physical or chemical DPC may need to be installed. Then, any affected plaster or mortar must be removed, the wall will be treated and repaired.
Additional Services
Repointing, Waterproofing, Underpinning, Foundation Repairs, Brick Work Specialist, Damp Course Replacement, Replacing Lintels, Impact Damage