Underpinning

If you notice cracks in your foundation or other issues that lead you to believe that there is a foundation issue, there are many measures that can be taken to fix the problem. At Authentic Stone Creations of Lexington, Kentucky we offer underpinning services that can save your home and your foundation.

​What is Underpinning?

Underpinning is a method that is used to increase the depth and strength of a foundation. Underpinning can also be used to repair a faulty or damaged foundation. If you notice visible cracks and breakage in your foundation, underpinning may be a necessary step. Other identifiers for foundation repair are cracked floors, buckled floors, heaved foundations, and cracked or buckled walls. If a crack is wider than ¼ of an inch, it is likely that there is a foundation issue and underpinning may be the only repair method.

​How is Underpinning Performed?

There are a few different methods for underpinning: mass pour, pile and beam, screw piles and brackets, and piled raft. All of these methods consist of different processes, each one being better suited for varying types of foundations and damages.

​Mass Pour

For this method of underpinning, which is the most used method, areas around the foundation of a building or home must be excavated into pits. From this point, concrete is poured into these pits or boxes to stabilize and strengthen the foundation. The mass pour method is the most widely used method because it is the easiest method to complete and requires the least amount of labor.

​Pile and Beam

This method is also commonly used when there are footing issues in a home. The Pile and Beam method requires that a min-pile is placed on both sides of the wall to stabilize the area. After the area is stabilized all brickwork is removed and a reinforced concrete beam is placed to strengthen the area. Augered piles can also be used for this rather than beams.

​Screw Piles and Brackets

This method is used when traditional underpinning techniques are not possible. If a building requires excavation that is unmanageable, using a mass pour method or piled rig is not always ideal. This method allows screw piles and brackets to be placed into the foundation by smaller crews and with smaller excavation mechanisms, and generally take less time than other methods.

​​Piled Raft

If an entire structure needs to be underpinned, the piled raft method is usually the only choice. If a foundation is too deep to be excavated or the soil in the area is unmanageable, this method is ideal. Piles are placed at varying location around the foundation and pockets beneath the footing are broken and then reinforced with beams to stabilize the foundation.

​Authentic Stone Creations

Located in Lexington, Kentucky and providing service to all the surrounding areas, Authentic Stone Creations is your best choice for all your underpinning needs. With an A+ rating from the BBB and over 2 decades of experience, our team of masonry experts can help with any problems you may have with any stone or concrete-work in your home.  Contact our team of experts today to discuss any issues with your foundation and the possible underpinning options for you.