Melbourne, an energetic and vibrant city that is known for its beautiful architecture, diverse culture and dynamic lifestyle, also hosts a variety soil types and geochemical conditions. This can lead to structural problems with buildings and the need for underpinning. Underpinning strengthens existing structures and ensures their longevity and safety.
Understanding Underpinning
Underpinning involves increasing the depth or width of a building’s foundation in order to provide more support. This process is required when a building’s original foundation cannot support its weight due to soil subsidence, soil changes, or an increased load caused by renovations or extensions.
Why Underpinning is essential in Melbourne
Melbourne’s geological landscape is unique in that it includes areas with clay soils which are reactive and expand or contract when the moisture level changes. This can result in foundation movement and structural damage. There are also older Melbourne buildings that may have foundations which do not meet current engineering standards. They can be susceptible to problems over time.
Signs Your Property Needs Underpinning
Watch out for warning signs of foundation problems. These include:
1. **Cracks In Walls And Floors**: Visible, wide cracks (more than 5mm) can be an indication of foundation movement.
2. **Doors or Windows Sticking**: A shift in a building’s structural design can cause difficulty in opening and closing doors and/or windows.
3. **Uneven Flooring**: Uneven or sloping floors are an indication that there is a foundation problem.
4. **Gaps Around Windows & Doors**: The appearance of gaps around window and door frames may indicate uneven foundation settlement.
The Underpinning process
The process of underpinning in Melbourne usually involves several steps.
1. **Assessment** – A thorough inspection of the structure by a structural engineering expert to determine the scope of the problem and best course of action.
2. Excavation: Digging around the foundation to the required depth.
3. The foundation is strengthened by adding new reinforcement materials, such as steel or concrete.
4. **Backfilling/Restoration**: Backfilling the excavated area and restoring it to its original state.
The Right Underpinning Specialist
The success of a project is dependent on the selection of a Melbourne underpinning expert. Search for professionals that have extensive experience and positive customer feedback, as well as the proper licensing and insurance. A reliable specialist should provide a detailed estimate, transparent pricing, as well as a timeline and clear schedule for the project.
You can also read our conclusion.
Melbourne buildings must be underpinned to ensure structural integrity. Addressing foundation issues quickly and effectively allows homeowners to protect their investments, and ensure safety and stability for their properties. If you think your property might need to be underpinned, speak to a qualified specialist who can assess the situation. They will then take the appropriate steps to protect your home.