6 Things You Should Consider Before Hiring An Underpinning Contractor

resin injection underpinning

Underpinning services typically include engineering fees and other miscellaneous costs. Nonetheless, there are some instances in which you may incur additional costs. To avoid being overcharged, you can request that your contractor adheres to a set schedule. Discuss how you want to proceed with the project with your contractor and be transparent about your budget and expectations.

Agree on a specific timeline and total cost for the project, seek clarification, and address any concerns you may have about the project. There should be a set price for an underpinning service that includes all costs, including soil tests, engineering reports, and site inspections. All work and materials should also be included in the price.

Contact at least two or three foundation companies and ask for a free evaluation, information, and a price quote so that you can compare prices and services.

Question 1: Do I require the services of a structural engineer?

Any underpinning project requires an expert assessment by a structural engineer. Apart from providing professional advice, an engineer’s report is required to obtain the necessary permit to proceed. Because the majority of structural restoration contractors include a structural engineer as part of their underpinning service package, you are not required to obtain a separate assessment. You can contact a contractor directly, and they will prepare everything for you.

Question 2: Are there any other possibilities?

Underpinning can be a time-consuming and costly process. If your home requires underpinning and you and your family are not yet prepared, you may wish to consider the resin injection underpinning technique. Resin injection can compact loose soil and level a structure. Additionally, it is faster than other methods of underpinning. Nonetheless, the design and conditions of a structural engineer are required.

Question 3: Will underpinning provide a long-term solution?

Depending on the soil type beneath your property and the type of underpinning method used, you can determine whether or not your foundation problems can be permanently resolved. Experts in foundation underpinning give honest advice about which method is best for your home.

Question 4: Can I self-underpin a house?

Even if you work in the construction industry or have a working knowledge of the subject, it is best to leave the task to professional builders. Underpinning is a complicated process, and while resources and do-it-yourself instructions are readily available on the internet, attempting it on your own can jeopardise the integrity of your home structure.

Experts strongly suggest that you hire a well-known building and underpinning expert who has a lot of experience to make sure that the work will be done correctly and that it will be done well.

Question 5: What is the underpinning?

Underpinning is a lengthy process that typically takes around four weeks, depending on the extent of the damage. Following the assessment, preparation of reports, and other work, your builder will either use machinery or dig holes beneath the existing foundation and fill them with concrete. They will then replace or reinforce existing structures as necessary.

Question 6: During underpinning, is it necessary for me to move out of the house?

Generally, underpinning repairs and the associated work is not disruptive. However, it can be inconvenient. Consult your builders regarding their preferred course of action. Some builders may ask you to move out of your home while the work is being done.

Conclusion

Underpinning your property to ensure its safety and structural integrity is an investment, but one that is well worth it. One way to save money is to only work with a reputable and skilled structural restoration contractor.

Concrete Underpinning Vs. Resin Injection: Differences And Benefits

For as long as mankind can remember, concrete underpinning was the only way to support a property’s foundation. This scenario changed around three decades ago with the introduction of resin injection underpinning.

It has grown in popularity throughout the world and is preferred by many over the more conventional option. Which option, then, should you choose? The answer is resin injection underpinning, and here’s why.

Differences between Concrete and Resin Injection

Concrete Underpinning

Concrete underpinning has a long and functional history, which is what the majority of people look for when deciding on foundation strengthening methods.

Additionally, there are two types:

  • One involves filling the area beneath the foundation with concrete until it reverts to its original level.
  • Another way is to drive concrete nails or pilings into the ground and attach them to the foundation below the ground to keep it in place.

The most frequently used type of concrete underpinning is for small projects. Even though it is a tried and true technique, it has a slew of disadvantages, including being slow, labor-intensive, and an all-around messy process.

Resin Injection Underpinning

While it is a much more recent and contemporary method, particularly in comparison to concrete underpinning, it has largely demonstrated its utility and practicality. Some people also use the resin injection method to make resin driveways and to make their backyards stronger.

The resin injection method entails drilling small holes and openings into the ground beneath the foundation and injecting an eco-friendly resin material into them. The resin expands beneath the foundation, repositioning the foundation in its proper position. As more resin is filled in, the property gradually improves.

However, if a large gap beneath the property needs to be filled, resin injection may not be the most cost-effective method. However, resin injection underpinning has many advantages over concrete underpinning, some of which are shown below.

The Benefits of Resin Injection

  • It’s a Quick and Efficient Procedure

Pouring concrete to reinforce the foundation and waiting for it to cure takes some time. Contractors will need to dig through areas surrounding the foundation, clear them, and then add supports to ensure that they remain in place throughout the process. With resin injections, workers only need to make small holes in the foundation and then fill them with resin.

  • There will be no mess to clean up afterward

The extensive excavation required to fill concrete using the traditional method typically results in a massive mess that must be cleaned up afterward. Even though the majority of contractors will take care of the cleaning, it will be obvious that significant structural changes have occurred in the area. Additionally, in some instances, you may be required to learn how to clean up the concrete mess around the job site and make some preparations.

  • It Doesn’t Require You to Evacuate

Since concrete underpinning entails extensive construction and digging beneath the property to reinforce its foundation, homeowners must evacuate and relocate until the process is completed.

Conclusion

Not only that, but the large machinery disrupts the neighbor’s daily routine and generates a great deal of noise. On the other hand, resin injection does not need to be evacuated, and it usually takes a day or two to do.