The Underpinning Factor
If the foundation work of a building or structure has not been carried out properly, or it is an old building and time has taken its toll, then it is important to strengthen and stabilise a building to ensure that it is safe. This process is known as underpinning.
Underpinning is usually a one-stop solution for any sort of foundation issues. Underpinning is a sure-fire way to correct any problems with a building’s foundations. Underpinning may be required if the use of a building changes. For example, if a building which used to be a house is then turned into a shop, underpinning will allow that building to be able to withstand more pressure.
Over time, ground and soil conditions can change. If there has been any movement of the soil beneath or around a building, possibly through subsidence, then underpinning will help to strengthen the foundations of it. When a new building is erected near to existing buildings, underpinning may be required to strengthen the surrounding properties.
Underpinning can be a much cheaper alternative with increasing land prices. This could mean that underpinning would be more logical to make improvements to an existing property rather than paying large amounts of money for more land.