The Importance of Early Intervention
Have you recently extended the foundations, added a storey or shifted significant loads? If so, it may be necessary to carry out some underpinning work on the foundations. In this situation, it’s better to intervene quickly because of the high risk of collapse or compression of the structure. Given the complexity of this type of work, one should always act with care when it comes to underpinning works.
Underpinning is a process that consolidates the structural elements of the existing foundation to accommodate new loads or deepen existing foundations. It is a less invasive technique than external excavation, most notably used for shared foundations. In addition to reinforcing foundation, we use underpinning works to extend a basement or convert a crawl space.
Preliminary Analysis
Before undertaking any foundation extension work, it’s important to contact an expert to ensure you use the right method. This professional will conduct a study prior to the work in order to opt for the best technique. He or she will consider numerous factors during the study in order to guarantee the success of your project.
Here are the elements to monitor prior to starting underpinning works:
- Environment: We analyze the subsoil in the vicinity of the foundations. This enables us to determine any problems that may arise, and whether there are any restricted areas.
- Foundation: We analyze the existing foundation to determine its depth and condition. As this is the most important structural element, it will give us a good indication of which technique to prioritize.
- Structure : We analyze the building’s structure to avoid serious errors in load distribution during and after the works. We pay particular attention to load-bearing elements.
- An engineer issues an estimate.
SATISFIED CUSTOMERS
« Courteous and professional employees. I hired them for cracks in the foundation of my house. The work they did was of A1 quality, and was done very cleanly! I would recommend this company to everyone. »
Annie-Pier Massé« Very professional. Short time between the call and the appointment. We had several cracks in the foundation and they quickly came to repair everything. »
Claudio Bustos« Always available to answer our questions. »
France Trachy« Very professional team, no more problems! I was well advised for the repairs done in our house. »
Patrick Fontanals« A competent team that works neatly. I recommend them to everyone. »
Annie Masse« I contacted the company in the spring and Jean Felix showed up at the agreed time. My problem consisted of a concrete slab that was allowing groundwater to seep into the basement in the spring. This was a major challenge because the water [...] »
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