Are Underpinning & Foundation Repair the Same Thing?

Foundation repair can be confusing and complex. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by industry-specific terminology and terms, such as push piers or maximum practical recovery.

We encourage you to ask more questions and dig deeper. We get asked this question a lot: Is foundation repair and underpinning the same thing?

Foundation repair can be described as a wide range of foundation repair methods. Underpinning is a particular method of foundation repair. It involves shoring up the foundation with piers (push-, helical and concrete).

Piers are underground stilts that have been driven into bedrock or competent, load bearing soil to keep your home grounded and secure.

Understanding the differences between foundation repair or underpinning is important. The better informed you are, the easier it will be to comprehend the process and decide which option would work best for you.

Each foundation repair project is different. Dalinghaus Construction has over 100 years combined foundation repair experience. We have served thousands of foundations throughout Southern California and Arizona. We are happy to explain the foundation repair process to our readers.

This blog post will explain that foundation repair can be a broad term that covers many types of foundation repair. You’ll also learn about underpinning.

This article discusses:

• Foundation Repair Overview
• What is underpinning?

Foundation Repair Overview

Foundations can be damaged by expansive soil, seismic events or spalling over time. Because your foundation is the main source of structural support for your house, foundation damage can be especially alarming. Your home is at greatest risk if your foundation is damaged.

Foundation damage can reduce property value and deter home renovations. It can also crack your drywall, stucco and fireplace. It can lead to sloping floors and jamming doors and windows. Your metaphorical spine of your home is out of alignment.

Foundation repair can be used to describe any type of foundation improvement, correction or recovery. It doesn’t matter what kind of foundation you have under your home; it can all be fixed.

You can repair foundations on:

• Foundations slab on grade
• Foundations for slabs with post-tension
• Raised foundations (cripplewall & post-&pad)
• Basement foundations

For different climates, soil types and utilities, there are many foundations. Different foundation types have unique advantages, problems, or can be repaired.

We now have a complete list of all foundation types. Let’s look at some specific repairs that fall under the umbrella of foundation repair.

• Repair of slab cracks
• Repair cracked footing
• Replacement of post & pad
• Polyurethane deep injection
• Mudjacking
• Stemwall repair
• Underpinning (push piers, helical piers, concrete piers, etc.)

These repairs give you an idea of how wide-ranging foundation repair is. We have already covered foundation repair in general terms. Let’s now focus on underpinning.

What is underpinning?

Underpinning, in short, is the strengthening and reinforcement of an existing foundation of a structure. It typically involves extending the depth or breadth of the foundation.

Push piers and helical piers are generally driven to load-bearing soil. They act as underground stilts that keep the foundation from settlement. It’s like sewing. The needles hold the fabric in place. Push piers and helical piers can be compared to large, permanent needles.

There are several common forms of underpinning:

• Push Pier Underpinning
• Helical Pier Underpinning
• Concrete Pier Underpinning (concrete pilings are an old option, as they spall from water damage and are very heavy, which causes them to settle quickly).

If a structure is not supported by the foundation, it might be necessary to underpin it.

• The original foundation isn’t strong or stable enough to support the current structure
• It was not the original purpose of the structure. Therefore, foundation reinforcement is required.
• The soil cannot support the weight of the structure.
• A second story is being added. This will require deeper foundational feet to support greater load-bearing capacities.
• It’s cheaper to repair/reinforce rather than to buy new
• Structure’s security has been compromised by earthquakes, droughts, floods, and other acts of God

Because underpinning contractor in los angeles can help your home recover lost ground, it is an exceptional form of foundation repair. You can lift your home to achieve maximum practical recovery. This will allow you to return floors to level and doorframes square. It also allows you to close unsightly cracks.

The benefits of underpinning include the ability to increase property value, prevent foundation settlement and allow for remodeling.

Is underpinning right for you?

If your foundation is settling, underpinning can be a good option to repair it. Next, you need to decide whether push piers are better than helical.

Your foundation specialist can help you determine this. These factors include soil type, home weight, accessibility, and accessibility. Each project is unique, so each repair plan is tailored to suit the needs of the individual project.

This article explains that foundation repair can be referred to as a broad term. It includes many types of repairs, including slab crack repair and post-and-pad replacement. Underpinning, a special type of foundation repair that can bring a home back to level, is also an option.

We have been in the foundation repair business for some time and are familiar with new terminology. We hope that we were able clear up any overlapping terminology.