You need underpinning for your business property when you start noticing cracks, uneven flooring, and doors and windows not closing properly. Sloping floors and water damage are also some of the signs you require underpinning.
Once you start seeing these issues come up, it is best to seek help from foundation repairs specialists to avoid costly replacements.
In this post, we will discuss more about these signs to help you decide whether or not underpinning is the right solution for your property.
What Are the Signs You Need Underpinning?
The signs you need underpinning are:
- Cracks in Walls or Floors
- Uneven Flooring
- Doors and Windows Not Closing Properly
- Sagging or Sloping Floors
- Water Damage
Let’s take a closer look at each one below.
Cracks in Walls or Floors
One of the most common signs that a commercial property needs underpinning is the appearance of cracks in walls or floors. These cracks can occur due to a variety of reasons but are usually caused by foundation settlement or movement. As the foundation shifts, the building’s walls and floors can crack or even separate.
Underpinning can help to stabilise the foundation and prevent further settlement or movement, particularly when different soil types are involved.
Uneven Flooring
Another sign that a commercial property may need underpinning is uneven floors. Uneven floors can make it difficult to walk or move around the building and cause doors and windows to stick or not close properly.
Adding support to the foundation through underpinning can help distribute the weight of the building more evenly and level out floors.
Doors and Windows That Don’t Close Properly
Doors and windows that have become difficult to close or open can also be a sign that a commercial property needs underpinning. This is often due to foundation settlement or movement, which can cause the building to shift and become uneven.
Preventing extra movement through underpinning can keep doors and windows secure, helping them open and close accordingly.
Sagging or Sloping Floors
Sagging or sloping floors can be a sign of serious foundation issues that require underpinning. If the foundation has sunk or settled unevenly, it can cause the floors to become uneven and even sag in certain areas.
An experienced underpinning provider can assess the situation on your property and provide the best approach to prevent having misaligned floors moving forward.
Water Damage
Water damage can also be a sign that a commercial property needs underpinning. Water damage can weaken the foundation and cause it to sink or settle unevenly, leading to various structural issues.
Underpinning can be an effective solution for addressing water damage in a commercial property. Providing necessary foundation support can help address cracks or other damage caused by the presence of water.Would you like the best tips for choosing an underpinning contractor for your next renovation? We made a post specifically for that. Read our blog for more information.