Foundation Underpinning Ottawa

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Introduction

Foundation underpinning is essential for homes facing structural issues due to settling or instability. Ottawa’s unique climate and soil conditions often require underpinning to prevent further damage. Our underpinning services focus on:

• Strengthening weakened foundations.
• Addressing structural issues like cracks and shifts.
• Stabilizing your home’s foundation to ensure long-term protection.

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What is Foundation Underpinning?

Foundation underpinning strengthens existing foundations by extending or increasing their load-bearing capacity:

• Homes with Settlement Issues:
  • Stabilizing foundations that have shifted or settled unevenly.
• Fixing Structural Damage:
  • Addressing cracks or uneven settling caused by foundation movement.
• Basement Expansions:
  • Underpinning allows for basement height increases or stability improvements during renovations.

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Why Foundations Need Underpinning

Several factors contribute to foundation instability. Common causes include:

• Soil Erosion:
  • Water Runoff: Water erodes soil, causing foundation shifts.
  • Poor Drainage: Standing water weakens the soil and leads to instability.
• Foundation Settlement:
  • Uneven Settling: Over time, poorly compacted soil can cause the foundation to sink or shift.
• Expansion Projects:
  • Adding Weight: Building additional levels or expanding basements can stress the existing foundation, requiring underpinning.
• Natural Forces:
  • Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Ottawa’s climate leads to soil movement, which impacts foundation stability.
  • Seismic Activity: Even minor earthquakes can destabilize the foundation.

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Cracks in Walls or Floors

Horizontal Cracks: Indicate foundation movement.

Diagonal Cracks: This may suggest settling issues.

Sinking or Uneven Floors:

Sagging or Dipping: Floors that are not level are often a result of shifting foundation support.

Stuck Windows and Doors:

Misaligned Frames: Foundation shifts can make doors and windows difficult to operate.

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Our Foundation Underpinning Process

We use modern techniques to reinforce and stabilize your foundation:

1. Inspection and Soil Testing:
   • Thorough Assessment: We inspect the foundation for cracks, shifting, and settling.
   • Soil Composition Testing: Evaluating the type and condition of the soil around your home.
2. Underpinning Solutions:
   • Concrete Piers:
     • Installed beneath the foundation to transfer the weight to stable soil layers.
   • Helical Piers:
     • Helical piers are screwed deep into the ground to provide extra support and prevent further shifting.
   • Mass Concrete Underpinning:
     • Large concrete blocks are placed under the foundation to evenly distribute the weight across stable soil.
3. Foundation Stabilization:
   • Hydraulic Jacks:
     • We use hydraulic jacks to lift and level the foundation as needed.
   • Reinforcement:
     • Adding reinforcements like steel beams ensures the foundation remains stable in the long term.
4. Crack Repair and Waterproofing:
   • Sealing Cracks:
     • Cracks are sealed to prevent water infiltration.
   • Waterproof Membranes:
     • We apply waterproofing solutions to protect the foundation from future water damage