The word Underpinning is one that may leave a Melburnian scratching his head. For those who own commercial or residential property, the word becomes an important part of their vocabulary. Imagine waking up in the morning, brewing your coffee and then noticing that a small crack is slithering along your wall. It’s not a pretty sight.
What is underpinning exactly? underpinning building foundations is the process of strengthening the foundation of a structure. Like us, houses need support, and their foundation sometimes needs a little TLC.
Melbourne is home to some stunning architecture. Both our Victorian-era homes and contemporary houses have their own charm. But what about Melbourne’s soils? It’s like a wildcard. It shrinks, it expands and it shifts. This unpredictable soil is the main cause of sinking foundations, and unsightly cracks.
Laura is a homeowner from Brunswick. Her 1920s bungalow was her pride and happiness. She watched helplessly over the years as cracks began to appear. She told me that she ignored the cracks at first but they multiplied like rabbits. Ignoring these snafus was no longer an option. She was forced to call in the experts.
Dave, from the underpinning firm, arrived armed with tools and know-how. “The first thing we do is to assess,” he said. Each property is unique, just like snowflakes. It is important to choose the correct underpinning technique. Laura chose traditional underpinning. It involves excavating and adding concrete to the base. In layman’s language, this means giving her home the equivalent of steel cap boots.
But it is not all sweat and concrete. The technology has advanced a lot. Enter resin injection underpinning. This method involves injecting geo-polymer into the ground to harden and stabilize the foundation. Imagine it as foundation Botox.
Melbourne’s unpredictable climate adds an additional layer of complexity. Heavy rains? Foundations sink like quicksand. What are dry spells? The ground shrinks and cracks. Melbourne’s climate keeps us and our foundations on our toes.
You might think that this is a huge headache. But it’s not. James, an expert in underpinning says that communication is the key. We ensure that everyone is aware of the process. No smoke and mirrors. He told a story of a Mrs. Roberts who, despite being anxious, left a glowing review. Her secret? Clear understanding.
The cost can vary but it is an investment. Callum, an Australian homeowner from Melbourne, compared the process to maintaining a vehicle. You wouldn’t drive a car with flat tires, would you? “The same goes for your home.”
Underpinning may sound like technical jargon but it comes down to what we all value: peace of mind. Everyone should feel safe in their own home. Remember that underpinning doesn’t only concern experts. Ask questions and, most importantly, do not ignore signs. Your home will be grateful.