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Etobicoke, ON M9C 5H5
Email us : info@rockbottomunderpinning.com
Are you sure your home is built on a solid foundation? Think again! Most homeowners overlook one crucial aspect of their home’s stability: foundation. To address this aspect, a process is specially designed known as basement underpinning. For those, who do not know about the importance of the procedure and why it is important, this guide is for you.
Did you know? Your property’s existing foundation can be strengthened by extending it to a deeper level. Also, you can increase the ceiling height by lowering the basement floor. And the process that is involved is known as basement underpinning. Underpinning provides additional stability and support to homes and buildings that may have experienced foundation damage.
The process involves excavating soil around the existing foundation, including basement walls. By doing so, ample space is created for the placement of concrete or steel supports under the foundation.
Basement underpinning is an activity that enhances the structural strength of the foundation of an already existing building and its stability. It is usually required in cases where the original foundation is no longer strong enough to bear the structure due to one or another reason. Here are some key reasons why basement underpinning is crucial:
Underpinning can increase the available space from the existing basement level down by tightening the foundation and thus making it stable. This is usually advantageous in houses where the owner wants to increase living space, storage space, or even an added room.
A weak foundation comes with severe structural issues such as wall cracks, irregularities in the level of the floors, and bowing walls. Underpinning makes the foundation strong and avoids such incidences. Consequently, this means that the overall safety of the structure is guaranteed.
In worse cases, a structure that doesn’t have a proper foundation might partially collapse. Underpinning inhibits such disastrous events by giving the necessary support to the structure.
A well-maintained foundation is the number one attribute of an ideal property. Underpinning increases property value significantly by addressing structural problems and offering long-term stability.
A stable foundation provides a more comfortable living space. Issues with your foundation can manifest as uneven floors, creaking sounds, drafts, and more. Underpinning helps to put these issues to rest and makes a more pleasant living space.
A weak foundation can let water seep into the basement and cause mold, mildew, and a host of other problems. Underpinning can help to prevent water intrusion by sealing any gaps or cracks in the foundation.
The most common reasons underpinning basements are performed include:
If you do not want to compromise on your home’s structural integrity, you must identify foundation issues beforehand. Now, the question is, how can you make out when to go for the underpinning process? Here is a list of signs that might indicate the need for the procedure.
Sometimes the cracks in the exterior or the interior walls are so small that they cannot be seen with naked eyes. This is normal. But, if you notice significant cracks, especially stair-step or horizontal cracks in brickwork, don’t ignore them.
Yes, now this sign can be pointed out quickly. When you place furniture or even walk on the floor, you can easily find out the floor is uneven. You will be able to see noticeable slipping and even dipping of the floor which means the foundation has started to shift or sink.
You must have noticed, the doors and the windows don’t close properly and begin to stick in between. This is a major thing that happens when the foundation begins to move from its place.
If you were not aware to date of what those floor racks signify, let us tell you. The cracks in the tiles or any other flooring materials straight away point out underlying foundation issues.
You must have seen persistent moisture and water in your basement. If you ignored this before, it’s important for you to know that the moisture and the water is due to foundation cracks.
If you tend to ignore foundation issues, you may have to deal with severe consequences, including:
Imagine you visit a property you wish to buy. However, when you see the property in person, you notice the basement has moisture, and a foul smell, and the floors have cracks, and much more. Will you still buy it? No, of course. It is because unaddressed foundation issues lead to a decreased home value. If you do not wish the same for your home, don’t ignore the need to contact the best basement underpinning contractors in Toronto like Rock Bottom Underpinning.
Foundation problems are the main cause of significant structural damage to your property. The issue if not treated on time will affect its stability as well as safety. Over time, this will impact the entire structure of the building, making it unsafe to live in.
Structural damage can be sorted out by investing money, but what about your health? Severe foundation issues can lead to various health issues. You and your family members will fall ill and you will not be able to do anything afterwards. So, prevention is always better than cure.
We have been addressing basement-related issues for more than 35 years now. Our commitment to delivering high-quality services has made us everyone’s go-to solution for underpinning basement services in Toronto and the GTA. We employ a team of licensed and insured experts who perform their duties with the utmost professionalism and expertise.
So, if you notice any of the significant signs in your basement including floor cracks, uneven floors, persistent moisture, etc, don’t ignore them. Reach out to us and we will help you with our finest basement undermining service.
