If you need to strengthen the foundation of your home or business, you'll likely need some type of foundation underpinning. This group of techniques is a vital step in processes like concrete jacking and many types of foundation repair. Here's what you should expect your foundation repair contractor to do, and why.

About Foundation Underpinning

Underpinning is any of several processes that strengthen and support a building from underneath the existing foundation. They can be used to stabilize or move the structure. They can also be an intermediate step in enlarging the foundation itself to make it more robust.

Over time, the soil underneath a home can shift, removing support from the foundation. This can cause cracks or even make the whole building tip. Underpinning allows your foundation repair contractor to move the home back to the correct position, support it in place, and access the foundation for repairs. It's also sometimes necessary if you're planning an addition to the building. A foundation designed for a single-story home may not be enough to hold up two stories, so underpinning allows your contractor to pour additional concrete under the existing slab and reinforce it.

Types of Foundation Underpinning

Concrete

Also called the mass pour method, this process involves digging out sections underneath the existing foundation and filling them with concrete. Other underpinning methods, such as beam and base, include digging out part of the foundation and pouring concrete underneath in the same way, often in combination with other types of support beams or piles.

Screw Piles & Brackets

Screw piles are large, screw-shaped support structures. Because of their shape, they resist both being pulled up and being pushed down into the soil. This is helpful in windy areas, where a building may tip and lift up one side of its foundation. The bracket system helps move the building to the correct position and support it.

Mini-Piled

This set of methods is optimal whenever the soil is poor or access to the foundation is limited. The piled raft method involves installing multiple piles and beams, then connecting them together so they support each other. Pile and beam configurations involve installing piles on each side of a wall, removing the foot of the wall, and replacing it with a beam that runs between the piles.

If you need foundation repair and underpinning, call T. Luckey Sons. Though they’re based in Harrison, OH, they're a worldwide company with over 40 years of experience. Each of their employees has the security clearance necessary to work in high-profile locations such as airports and the White House. They use cutting-edge technology for structural soil densification, soil stabilization, leak sealing, and roadway undersealing. To get started, call (513) 353-2345 or visit their website.