by If you have ever walked through the charming Melbourne neighborhoods, you may have noticed old Victorian homes that stand tall and proud. Imagine the Victorian homes sagging as if they were worn out stockings. What a terrifying thought check this out! Underpinnings are essential in Australia due to this phenomenon.
Imagine you just purchased a 50 year-old cottage, with the dream of restoring it back to its former glory. Then you notice cracks running down the walls that are wider than a politician’s smile. It’s structural damage. These cracks do not only ruin aesthetics, but they also spell trouble in the future and may even endanger the structural integrity of an entire building. Underpinnings are the knights in shining armor of Melbourne homes.
The underpinning of your house is similar to giving it a set of new, sturdy legs. This is a process that involves strengthening or extending the foundation. It may be required when the soil beneath your house weakens or shifts. It’s similar to a chiropractor making adjustments to a spine. With Melbourne’s variable soil conditions, the procedure has never been more important.
Sheila was a good friend of mine who discovered some large, ugly cracks on the walls of her living room. She panicked. Her house, which was built when bell-bottoms ruled, begged for help. After panicked Google searches she discovered that underpinnings were her best bet. Sheila’s experience is not an isolated one; many Melburnians also face similar difficulties.
Underpinning doesn’t just involve digging with a spade. It demands expertise. Specialists examine the soil, weigh the building, and determine the best method. The process is similar to solving a puzzle. You wouldn’t let a complete novice do this. It’s like trusting a random guy to fix the engine of your car.
It’s interesting to know that there are different methods of underpinning. Underpinning with mass concrete is a traditional method that involves pouring concrete in sections beneath the foundation. It’s like laying solid bedrock. Another method is beam and foundation underpinning. This creates a solid base beneath the existing foundation. As if you were to squeeze in support beams under a wobbly desk.
Sarah, an acquaintance, also chose the mini-piled foundation, which is ideal for homes located in small urban spaces. This involves drilling small to medium diameter steel tubes into the ground in order to reach firmer foundations. She marveled how those piles moved the weight of her house to a more stable surface, saving it from a devastating lean.
In this story, the climate also plays a role. Melbourne’s wet-dry cycles can cause soils to shrink or swell, like a spongy sponge. Over time, the natural seesaw will cause problems with your foundation. Don’t forget about those pesky tree root invaders that creep and spread silently beneath your home. They steal moisture from soil, which causes further instability.
Cost-wise, underpinning may be an expensive investment, but you should consider it as a smart one. If you skip this important fix, it can lead to more costly repairs in the long run. The old saying “a stitch in the right time saves nine” is true. You’re better off dealing with the problem head on than using superficial bandages to cover it up.
Check out the credentials and compare multiple bids from contractors before you decide. One of my neighbors once took the lowest offer only to discover that the work was substandard and had to be redone. It’s the same as buying a cheap pair of shoes which fall apart after only two wears. Not worth it.
To wrap up, being proactive with underpinning is like having a sturdy umbrella amidst Melbourne’s infamous four-seasons-in-a-day climate. It gives you peace-of-mind and safeguards your largest investment, the home. Next time you notice those cracks in your walls, don’t forget that underpinning can help keep your home strong. Save yourself future headaches by not putting it off. Maybe Sheila will appreciate you sharing this knowledge.