Underpinning is a method adopted in construction to strengthen the weak foundations of buildings. As time goes by, due to the external factors that the foundation of a building is exposed to, it starts to weaken.
A weak foundation can be disadvantageous in many ways and cause a lot of damage. It can allow seeping in of water causing wall cracks or even leading to building collapse.
Sometimes after construction is complete, it is possible for the foundation of a building not be able to carry the building any longer. Rather than tearing down the building, the homeowner should simply seek out companies offering underpinning services. Since homeowners are sometimes not necessarily knowledgeable about construction, they may not be able to tell when there is a need for underpinning. However, once the following signs are noticed, there begs an imminent need for underpinning services.
Cracks
This is the most noticeable sign that a building needs underpinning. Cracks begin to appear both on the internal and external walls. Even the floors of the building may start to crack. Once the foundations start to weaken, the concrete materials that hold the building together will start to fall apart as it becomes susceptible to the water. The water moving from the ground up will cause the walls and floors to become moist and weaken the construction materials thereby leading to cracks.
Building Appears To Be Leaning To A Side
When constructing a building, contractors ensure that the building is erected on level ground. There is a couple of construction equipment that is used to level the foundation to make sure of this. So, when a building starts to appear tilted or bent to the side, it becomes clear that there is something wrong. A building may start tilting to the side when the foundation weakens. The foundation may have been affected by the soil causing one side to lift and the other side to remain on its level. This will automatically start tilting the building to one side. If not immediately addressed by underpinning, the building may eventually collapse.
Plants Growing Within The Building
Ideally, the distance between the cemented floor of a building and the soil on which the building is constructed is quite far from each. Due to this, it makes no sense for roots to start growing within the building. However, when the foundation of the building has been compromised, this may happen. This is because the foundation has expanded allowing for space between the concretes. When this happens, the plants that are growing on the soil beneath the building get the opportunity to grow erect hence they start growing around and within the building.
Water Seeping Into The Building
Cracks caused by weak foundations allow for the entrance of water into the building. Small cracks may not cause this but as time goes on water starts to seep in and accumulate within as well as around the building. Once this is noticed, there is an immediate need for underpinning service.
Stuck Doors And Windows
When the foundation begins to weaken, the level of the ground may start to lift causing a slope in the building. When this happens, doors and windows may stay shut and become difficult to open. This is because the windows and doors have been precisely measured to suit the original level and slope of the building. So, a change in the slope will affect the door movement. For instance, there is a tiny space left between the floor and doors to allow for easy movement. The lift caused when foundations weaken will make this space close making it almost impossible to open doors. The same thing applies to windows.
These signs are indicators of a weak foundation. They can, however, be avoided. It has been observed that the major cause of weak foundation is poor soil structure and climate change. The expansion and contraction of the building to the changes in weather can cause the foundation and the building itself to weaken. So, to prevent the possibility of a weak foundation, it is important to sample the soil and ensure that it is suitable to carry the building to be constructed. Thankfully, some underpinning companies also offer soil sample services. They help ensure it is safe to build and also help provide solutions in case the structural integrity of the building is compromised due to climate change.