WHICH TYPE OF UNDERPINNING IS BEST?

We get asked this question every day.

FIRST RULE: Do yourself a favour: Get an Independent Engineer Report

Underpinning Sales reps are well paid and are very convincing. But before jumping into any type of expensive underpinning, do yourself a favour and contact Forensic Engineers for an expert, independent structural engineer report fro Forensic Engineers. Because we aren’t trying to sell you anything.

SECOND RULE: Which Underpinning is Best?

• Reinforced concrete piers and headstocks are the industry standard due to their practicality and long-term reliability. They should be your top choice in most situations!
• Steel Screw Piers “Hype”: Some underpinning sales reps talk up the amazing benefits of steel piers, but in most cases it is just sales “hype”.  Steel screw piers have some benefits in certain applications, but in most residential cases they are not the best or the cheapest method.  The best Underpinners can offer a number alternative kinds of underpinning.
• Polyurethane Resin Underpinning is excellent for lifting large concrete slabs that aren’t anchored down. In some cases, it can also be effective for underpinning house footings. But soil conditions and footing and slab design may limit the results. So get an independent engineer opinion beforehand- from us, of course!

THIRD RULE: Avoid Underpinning When Possible

In many cases, footings and slabs can be stabilised without resorting to any expensive & stressful underpinning at all. And excessive floor level variations can often be reduced by following expert advice. Talk to forensic engineers for the best solutions!

Subsidence & wall cracks? Before jumping into expensive underpinning, contact Forensic Engineers for an expert, independent structural engineer report.

FOURTH RULE: Get a your own 100% independent structural engineer report

Some underpinners offer to arrange for their own engineers to do a report.  Forensic Engineers are 100% independent and our reports are for your benefit – not for an underpinning sales rep.  Forensic Engineers are on-your-side. And we are not trying to sell you anything!.

Speak to us!

Contact FORENSIC ENGINEERS next time you need engineering advice for subsidence, wall cracks and underpinning.

Thinking about underpinning your house? Live in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or anywhere in South East Queensland? Contact us today.