What is foundation repair?
Foundation repair is the repair or replacement of a defective foundation. It is usually needed in the case of pile rot, where wooden piles have decayed, or when a building subsides.
Methods of repair
Various techniques exist for foundation repair, depending on the soil, the foundation type and the severity of the damage:
- Adding new piles: new steel tube piles or concrete piles are installed beneath the existing foundation beams. A so-called table construction transfers the weight of the building onto these new piles.
- Injection or grouting: the soil beneath the foundation is injected with a mortar or resin that strengthens the ground and stabilises the building.
- New concrete foundation: in drastic cases, an entirely new concrete foundation is placed under the house.
Application
Foundation repair is often a costly and far-reaching intervention. Costs typically range between 50,000 and 120,000 euros per property, depending on size and the chosen method. The work requires a lot of space and takes several weeks. Nevertheless, repair is unavoidable when a foundation is in poor condition (class IV), as further delay can lead to severe cracking and instability.
Related terms
- Pile rot
- Foundation category
- Driven pile
- Negative skin friction
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.