Category: Underpinning

The different types of house footings are strip footings, screw piles, pad footings, raft slab footings, and pile foundations. Each one of these footings will provide structures with a stable base thanks to their ability to prevent movement and distribute weight evenly.

For this post, we’ll talk more about the various types of house footings that builders use.

Common Types of House Footings Used Today

The following are the common types of house footings used today:

Strip Footings

Strip footings are a common type of foundation used in residential and light commercial buildings. These footings are essentially long strips of concrete laid under load-bearing walls to distribute the building’s weight evenly across the ground.

The depth and width of strip footings are determined based on the soil type and the load of the structure. They are particularly beneficial in soils that have low bearing capacity.

Properly designed strip footings can help prevent water leaks by ensuring that the foundation remains stable and does not crack under the pressure of the structure or shifting soil.

Screw Piles

Screw piles, also known as helical piles, are deep foundation solutions used for securing new or repairing existing foundations. They are long steel shafts with helical blades which are screwed into the ground.

One of the key advantages of screw piles is their quick installation with minimal disturbance to the site. They are ideal for sites with limited access or where traditional excavation methods are impractical.

Additionally, screw piles are adjustable, making them a viable option for foundation repairs where underpinning might be necessary to correct settlement issues.

Pad Footings

Pad footings, often referred to as isolated footings, are square or rectangular blocks of concrete that support a single point of load, such as a column or a post. These footings are typically used when building loads are carried by a few concentrated points.

This type of footing is simple to construct and economical for lighter structures. The size of each pad footing is determined based on the load it has to carry and the bearing capacity of the soil.

They are especially effective in preventing differential settlement of the structure.

Raft Slab Footings

Raft slab footings, also known as mat foundations, are large, continuous concrete slabs that support the entire weight of a structure. This type of footing is used when the soil has a low load-bearing capacity, requiring the distribution of the building’s weight over a large area.

Raft slabs are particularly useful in areas where soil is not uniform and where other types of footings might lead to uneven settlement. Additionally, raft slabs offer excellent stability in expansive soils and can be designed to integrate with basement constructions.

Pile Foundations

Lastly, pile foundations are deep foundations used for large structures or where the topsoil is weak. They are long, slender columns made of concrete, steel, or wood, driven deep into the ground to reach a more stable layer of soil.

Pile foundations are essential for transferring the load of the structure to the stronger, deeper layers of soil or rock. They are commonly used in large buildings, bridges, and waterfront structures.

This type of footing is crucial in avoiding the risks associated with weak surface soils, such as excessive settlement and soil movement.

A remedial builder is a specialised professional responsible for repairing, refurbishing, and restoring buildings that have structural issues. Their responsibilities include coordinating with underpinning experts, hiring necessary plumbers, supervising external restoration works, and overseeing roof repairs. 

Remedial builders work closely with engineers and architects to ensure that repairs meet safety standards and preserve the building’s integrity. Additionally, they manage and supervise the entire remedial construction process, ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations.

For this post, we’ll discuss the main responsibilities of a remedial builder in detail.

What Are the Main Responsibilities of Remedial Builders?

The main responsibilities of remedial builders are to coordinate with underpinning specialists, hire plumbers,

Coordinate With Underpinning Experts

When hiring a builder for remedial projects, one of their key responsibilities is to coordinate with underpinning experts. This task is vital, especially in scenarios where the structural integrity of a building is compromised.

The builder must understand the underpinning process, which involves reinforcing the foundation to prevent further subsidence. They should ensure that the underpinning experts adhere to safety standards and building regulations.

Effective communication and collaboration between the builder and underpinning specialists are essential for successful outcomes.

Hire Necessary Plumbers

An integral part of a remedial builder’s role is to hire necessary plumbers for the project. This involves assessing the plumbing requirements of the building, identifying areas that need repair or replacement, and engaging skilled plumbers to execute these tasks.

A remedial builder must have the expertise to determine the extent of plumbing work required and ensure that the plumbers carry out the work to a high standard. This includes overseeing the installation, maintenance, and repair of pipes and fittings.

Supervise External Restoration Works

Supervising external restoration works is another crucial responsibility of a remedial builder. This includes a wide range of tasks, from repointing brick walls to restoring façades.

When they repoint brick wall materials, builders ensure that the work is done with precision and care to maintain the aesthetic and structural integrity of a building.

Oversee Roof Repairs

Overseeing roof repairs is a significant responsibility for remedial builders. They must ensure that all aspects of roof restoration are conducted efficiently and effectively. The builder should have a thorough understanding of different roofing materials and techniques.

Their role involves inspecting the roof to identify problems, determining the best course of action, and ensuring that the repairs are carried out safely and to a high standard.

Can I DIY Remedial Work?

No, you shouldn’t DIY remedial work, especially if you don’t have the skills or experience to complete such jobs successfully. Remedial tasks require advanced knowledge and expertise.

Without expert help, DIY remedial work will only lead to additional problems.

Yes, building a strong basement foundation is important. It ensures proper structural integrity of a property, helping prevent issues like subsidence and cracks.

Any expert in underpinning restoration services knows that installing a solid foundation will safeguard the basement from external weather conditions and moisture.

In this blog, we’ll discuss more about the importance of having a robust basement foundation and the risks of having a faulty one.

Why is the Basement Foundation Critical for Structural Integrity?

The basement foundation is critical for structural integrity since it ensures the equal distribution of a building’s weight. This is crucial to avoid disproportionate settling or, in extreme cases, a structure’s collapse. It’s vital to consider various types of house footings in this context, as they play a pivotal role in upholding the property as a whole.

The following are the main reasons to prioritise having a robust basement foundation:

• Even weight distribution: A reliable foundation distributes the weight of the structure uniformly, preventing excessive pressure on any single area.
• Enhanced soil adaptability: Sturdy foundations are designed to remain steadfast across different soil conditions, averting potential shifting or sinking of the building.
• Weather and environmental resilience: Quality foundations are essential in safeguarding structures against environmental challenges such as dampness, fluctuating temperatures, and natural calamities.
• Increased durability: A foundation that is constructed well prolongs the lifespan of the building, leading to reduced expenses in foundation repairs.
• Better upper structure support: An optimal foundation offers a level base for erecting walls and floors, contributing to the overall strength and stability of the entire building.

What Are the Risks of Having a Weak Basement Foundation?

The following are the risks of having a weak basement foundation:

Water Damage and Mould Growth

A poor basement foundation often results in water leaking into the basement. This dampness provides a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, which can be detrimental to one’s health, particularly for individuals with breathing difficulties.

Moreover, the continuous presence of water further deteriorates the foundation, worsening any existing issues.

Structural Instability

A fragile basement foundation can cause considerable structural instability. This often shows as cracks in walls and floors, uneven flooring, and doors and windows that don’t shut correctly. These problems can escalate as time passes, putting the building’s stability at risk.

Methods such as screw piling and bored concrete installation are commonly used to reinforce foundations. However, if these steps are not implemented promptly, the building could suffer serious structural harm.

Reduced Property Value

A house with a poorly built basement foundation can greatly affect its market worth. Prospective purchasers are frequently put off by the dangers and possible expenses linked to problems with the foundation.

As a result, the property’s value in the market drops, making it challenging to sell it at a favourable price.

Does Soil Type Affect Basement Foundation Stability?

Yes, soil type affects basement foundation stability. Different soil types have different capabilities in bearing weight and moisture resistance.

For instance, clay soils tend to compress and expand significantly when moisture changes, leading to foundation movement.

Do House Footings Affect Basement Stability?

Yes, house footings affect basement stability. These components are made to distribute the weight of a structure evenly to prevent uneven settling.

Screw piling and bored concrete piers are two different foundation methods used in construction. In screw piling, builders install helical piles by inserting them directly into the ground, which is quick and efficient.

Meanwhile, bored concrete piers provide a more robust foundation but require more time to finish. They are particularly suited for use in heavy structures.

This blog will talk more about the differences between installing screw piles and bored concrete piers.

What Are Screw Piles?

Screw piles are unique deep foundation components crafted for embedding into the soil to uphold structures. Their notable characteristics encompass the following:

• Helical design: Outfitted with helical plates on their shaft, these piles effortlessly penetrate and secure themselves in the soil.
• Load-bearing ability: Screw piles are great at supporting substantial weights, making them suitable for diverse building ventures.
• Rapid installation: Their installation is swift, leading to minimal disturbance at the construction site.
• Adaptability: They are effective across a wide array of soil types and various construction scenarios.
• Environmental advantage: These piles present a smaller environmental footprint in comparison to conventional piling techniques.
• Cost-efficiency: Typically more budget-friendly due to reduced demands for labour and machinery.

What Are Bored Concrete Piers?

Bored concrete piers are substantial foundation elements created by boring into the earth and pouring concrete into these excavations. Their distinct qualities include the following:

• Deep-reaching foundation: They penetrate deeper layers of soil, offering enhanced stability.
• Heavy load capacity: Excellently equipped to bear the weight of large structures.
• Long-lasting nature: Resistant to shifts in soil and environmental factors, thus ensuring durability.
• Customisable dimensions: Both depth and width can be modified to suit the specific requirements of the site.
• Low vibration during installation: Their establishment causes minimal tremors, reducing the risk of harm to nearby structures.
• Versatility in soil types: Operate efficiently in various soil environments, especially in locations where soil consistency varies at different depths.

What is the Difference Between Screw Piles and Bored Concrete Piers?

The difference between screw piles and bored concrete piers revolves around their installation methods and adaptability to different soil types, an essential factor in basement foundation construction.

Screw piles are twisted into the soil, a technique that hastens the process and lessens site disturbance. They perform exceptionally well in softer ground and are renowned for their straightforward installation.

On the other hand, bored concrete piers involve drilling deep cavities and filling them with concrete. While this approach is more demanding in terms of labour and needs comprehensive site preparation, it is more appropriate for supporting weighty structures and suits a variety of soil environments.

When Should I Use Screw Piles?

You should use screw piles for softer soil conditions or when a rapid and less intrusive installation is required. They are favoured in areas sensitive to the environment and in projects where it’s essential to minimise disturbance to the ground.

When Should I Use Bored Concrete Piers?

You should use bored concrete piers for scenarios that demand deep foundations capable of supporting heavy loads. They are also perfect for construction endeavours that require enduring resistance to soil shifts.

To repoint a brick wall, you must remove the old mortar, blend and apply fresh mortar, and allow the new mortar to set. This procedure is vital in preserving the structural stability and aesthetic of brickwork. The technique of brick repointing guarantees the wall stays robust and climate-resistant.

In this article, we’ll discuss repointing brick walls more.

What Are the Steps to Repoint a Brick Wall?

The steps to repoint a brick wall are to remove the old mortar, prepare a new mixture, apply it, and then finish and clean it.

Step 1: Remove Old Mortar

The initial step in repointing a brick wall involves the meticulous removal of the old, deteriorated mortar. This process must be carried out with care to avoid damaging the bricks.

Specialised tools, such as a hammer and chisel or a joint raker, are typically used to scrape out the old mortar to a sufficient depth, ensuring a clean and solid base for the new mortar. The depth to which the mortar is removed is crucial; typically, it should be twice the width of the mortar joint.

Such a task is often undertaken by skilled remedial builders, who understand the nuances of such delicate work.

Step 2: Prepare New Mortar

Preparing new mortar is a critical step, requiring precision to ensure the mix is suitable for the specific requirements of the brickwork. The mortar mix must match the existing mortar in terms of strength, colour, and texture to maintain the wall’s integrity and aesthetic.

Generally, a standard mix includes one part cement to three parts sand, with lime added to improve workability and durability. The ingredients are thoroughly mixed with water until a consistent, workable paste is formed.

Step 3: Apply New Mortar

Applying the new mortar is a skilled task that demands attention to detail. This stage involves carefully pressing the mortar into the cleaned-out joints using a pointing trowel.

The mortar should be packed tightly to eliminate any air pockets, which can weaken the structure. The thickness of the mortar layer needs to be consistent with the original joints to maintain the wall’s uniformity.

Step 4: Finish and Clean

The finishing stage is crucial for achieving a neat and professional appearance. Once the mortar starts to set, which usually takes a few hours, the joints are shaped and finished using a jointing tool to match the existing pattern.

Excess mortar is carefully removed from the brick faces with a brush or damp cloth. The wall is left to cure, which can take several days, depending on the weather conditions.

What Tools Do I Need to Repoint Brick?

To repoint brick, you need tools and equipment such as a hammer and chisel, joint raker, pointing trowel, mortar mix, bucket, and safety gear, including gloves and goggles. These tools are essential for effectively and safely removing old mortar, preparing and applying new mortar, and ensuring a neat finish.

The hammer and chisel are indispensable for chipping away the old mortar without damaging the bricks. Precision in this step is crucial for maintaining the wall’s structural integrity. A joint raker might also be used to remove mortar from deeper joints.

A pointing trowel is vital for applying the new mortar. Its design allows for precise control and helps in compacting the mortar into the joints evenly, ensuring a strong bond and preventing future deterioration.

The mortar mix, typically a blend of cement, sand, and sometimes lime, needs to be prepared in a bucket. Getting the right consistency is essential for ease of application and for the mortar’s longevity once set.

Lastly, safety gear such as gloves and goggles is non-negotiable. Repointing can generate dust and debris, and gloves and goggles protect against potential injuries.

Can I Repoint Brickwork By Myself?

Yes, you can repoint brick by yourself, especially if you have the right tools and experience. Basic knowledge of masonry is necessary to repoint brick together with patience and precision.