While it’s common for homes to shift slightly over the years, some signs point to a more serious issue that may need addressing. Environmental factors and pre-construction negligence can cause even a strong home foundation to quickly deteriorate, shift and eventually collapse. Basement underpinning repairs the areas that are damaged or weakened by adding support to the house and the foundation itself.
7 Signs That Your Basement Needs to Be Underpinned
Below are seven signs your basement needs to be underpinned.
Cracking and Foundation Damage
Cracking along the walls, floors and ceilings can be caused by a sudden or gradual movement of the foundation. These large horizontal and diagonal cracks can appear deep or shallow, depending on the impact of the foundation shifting.
Uneven Floors and Sagging
A slightly uneven floor is normal in most homes. Any areas that appear to be sagging or uneven to the naked eye can be caused by a severely damaged foundation. The shifting of the underlying soil can contribute to irregular grading.
Moisture and Water Infiltration
Any signs of moisture or water alongside the interior or exterior foundation walls could indicate a serious infiltration issue that promotes soil settlement. Underpinning involves securing the foundation with waterproofing tactics.
Sticking Doors and Windows
Homes shift during extreme temperature swings throughout the year. While a door or window that tends to stick is not unusual, it can be a serious foundation problem when it happens to all doors and windows in the home.
Crumbling or Deteriorating Walls
You may notice in older homes with plaster walls or rock foundations that the materials begin to wear down and crumble over time due to the shifting of the structure. Any signs of this, or walls that are deteriorating, should be assessed by a professional contractor.
Unusual Sounds and Creaking
The local Southern Ontario climate tends to cause a home to develop creaking and strange noises as temperatures fluctuate. Unusual or loud sounds are not normal and may indicate the need for underpinning of the basement.
Soil and Environmental Factors
A professional contractor will be able to assess the quality of the soil and environmental factors that may be causing the underlying problems. The soil itself may change due to excessive moisture or perhaps the subbase was not properly compacted before the foundation was built.
How Much Does a Basement Underpinning Cost in Toronto?
The costs associated with a basement underpinning can vary based on the scope of the project, the materials used, the labour and the time required. Some other factors that affect the cost of a basement underpinning include the size of the basement, the type of underpinning method used and the condition of the existing foundation.
Contact Elite Construction and Renovations for Your Basement Underpinning Needs
Have the expert team at Elite Construction and Renovations perform your basement underpinning or basement renovation. Our certified contractors will conduct an onsite assessment of your property and foundation and provide a no-obligation estimate for the project. We offer a two-year workmanship guarantee and honour all associated product warranties. Call us at (416) 888-8417 to discuss your basement underpinning needs today!
Also Read: Underpinning vs. Benching: What Is the Best Choice for Your Basement Lowering?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jay McDonald
Jay McDonald, general contractor and owner of Elite Construction & Renovations, has over 20 years of construction experience. He has completed various Ontario Building Code and Business Management courses from George Brown College and has managed over $50 million-dollars-worth of construction in his career.