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When underpinning is necessary and what you should do

GoliathTech - 17 May 2022

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Is your home showing signs of sinking or settling? Are you starting to see cracks in the brick or concrete? If so, you may want to consider underpinning. This technique strengthens your foundation for better stability for a longer period of time. If you’ve noticed something off with your home, take the time to read this article. We may have the answers for you.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A SINKING HOUSE?

Signs that your house may be sinking include the following:

  • cracks around your basement windows
  • cracks in your brick
  • cracks in the drywall
  • a floor that is no longer level
  • recent water infiltration

If you've identified any of the above, your home is showing that it may have problems with settling or sinking. Depending on the severity, you’ll need to act quick. Underpinning a home is no small task!

STEP 1: FIND THE PLANS FOR YOUR HOME BEFORE BEGINNING THE UNDERPINNING PROCESS

If you have any suspicions, the first step is to consult the original plans of your house so that you can discuss them with an expert.

The structural engineer that will work with you will need them to determine the location and maximum loads for the helical (screw) piles. Once you have your plans in hand, you can contact your local GoliathTech certified installer.

STEP 2: HELICAL PILE INSTALLATION FOR UNDERPINNING

With this information, a GoliathTech certified installer will be able to begin the process of excavating around your foundation all the way to your footing in the areas where the piles need to be installed. 

Once the footing is exposed, they will proceed to prepare the footing to receive the underpinning bracket. Our GoliathTech screw piles will then be installed as per the engineered drawing and the bracket will be secured under the foundation footing. Our installer then tensions the bracket with a hydraulic jack to make sure the footing is fully supported.

STEP 3: THE FINISHING TOUCHES

The final step will be to fill in the excavated areas and call the landscaper. This is the perfect opportunity for new flowers or plants. Keep in mind that the main purpose of the underpinning is to make sure there are no further settlements. Although lifting can sometimes be an option, many risks are associated with this method.

What does a helical pile installation cost for underpinning?

And now the question you are probably asking yourself: what is the cost of underpinning a foundation?

The price to stabilize a foundation depends on the total area needing to be supported, the condition of the soil, the size of your home, and how much it has settled. So don’t wait. The longer you wait after seeing those first signs, the more expensive it will get.

If you think your home may be showing signs of sinking and settling, think of us! We are here to help you. Find a certified installer near you!

About GoliathTech

Since 2004, GoliathTech has been the most important manufacturer and installer in the helical (screw) pile industry worldwide. Our patented helical pile foundation system surpasses industry standards and has earned us multiple awards and prizes.

Carried out by certified installers, our quick installation process avoids excavation, which protects your landscape and allows you to begin building as soon as the piles are in the ground. Moreover, GoliathTech’s helical pile foundation can be anchored into any soil or space year-round. They are installed deep into the ground, beneath the frost line, to solidly support the structure in even the most extreme environments. Our technology guarantees that a helical (screw) pile foundation won't move or crack over time.

Integrating both strength and know-how, GoliathTech offers the best anchoring solution to support your residential, industrial, commercial, and municipal projects. Trust the experience and expertise of GoliathTech for your foundation projects. Find a certified GoliathTech installer in your region or become a franchisee.