Underpinning is one of the key services we offer here at Vxcel, and it’s one that countless happy customers have utilised throughout our history. And no wonder – it’s invaluable for ensuring the stability and integrity of structures, particularly in situations where the foundation is compromised or needs reinforcement.

Now, there are plenty of factors that can compromise the integrity of a building’s foundation, from subtle signs of subsidence to the aftermath of natural disasters. So, this week we’re going to take a quick look at five common scenarios where underpinning may well prove instrumental in safeguarding a building against damage, and ensuring its longevity.

Risk of subsidence

Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a structure starts to sink or settle, leading to uneven pressure on the foundation. There are a couple of potential causes for this, ranging from soil erosion to underground water movement, or nearby construction activities. Signs of subsidence include cracks in walls, uneven floors, and doors or windows that no longer close properly.

Underpinning is one of the most common remedial measures to reduce the risks associated with subsidence – essentially, it helps to redistribute the weight of the building, preventing further settlement and ensuring better long-term stability.

Foundation deterioration

Over time, the foundation of a structure may deteriorate due to factors, soil conditions or water damage. (In some rare cases, it can even be due to a fault with the construction process or materials dating back to when the structure was built.)

Whatever the case, this deterioration can weaken the foundation and compromise the overall structural integrity of the building. Signs of foundation deterioration may include cracks in the foundation itself, as well as in walls and floors.

Underpinning presents an effective fix for foundation deterioration, since it involves newer (and possibly higher-quality) materials or installing additional supports, both of which can effectively help to repair the damage, and prevent further deterioration.

Increase in load-bearing capacity

Structures may undergo renovations or expansions that increase the load they need to support. In some cases, this additional weight can end up causing the building to exceed the capacity of the existing foundation, which in turn can lead to structural issues such as settlement or cracking. Signs that a structure may need to increase its load-bearing capacity include sagging floors, doors that stick, or visible cracks in walls.

This is where underpinning typically comes in handy – basically, it allows for the foundation to be reinforced to accommodate the increased load-bearing requirements, ensuring that the structure remains stable and secure.

Changes in soil conditions

Fluctuations in moisture levels or the composition of the soil are both great examples of the type of changes in soil conditions which can impact the stability of a building’s foundation. For example, expansive clay soils can swell when wet and shrink when dry, exerting pressure on the foundation and causing it to shift or crack. Soil-related foundation issues can often be spotted in the form of cracks in walls or floors, as well as doors and windows that no longer open or close properly. Underpinning helps to stabilise the foundation in response to changes in soil conditions, which minimises the risk of structural damage and ensuring both the stability of the building, and the safety of everyone and everything in the immediate vicinity.

Natural disasters or geological events

Now, this is obviously a relatively rare situation we have to deal with here in the UK, as we don’t tend to experience extreme weather events terribly often. However, they can and do happen. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or landslides can have devastating effects on structures, causing significant damage to their foundations. In the aftermath of such events, underpinning can provide a hugely effective way to repair and reinforce the foundation, restoring the structural integrity of the building and safeguarding it against future disasters.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t an exhaustive list – just some of the most likely / well-known scenarios. If you think your structure is in need of underpinning (whether or not you think it’s to do with any of the factors we’ve detailed here), then rest assured we’re always here to help out here at Vxcel Piling.

We have a long history of providing mini piling and underpinning services to customers all across the UK, encompassing domestic projects, commercial properties, and industrial warehouses. To find out what we’ve achieved for previous customers, feel free to take a look through our case studies! Or, if you have any questions or need any advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team on 01254 314010, and we’ll be happy to see how we can help!