Foundation Repair Methods You Can Trust
If your house is showing cracks or uneven floors, you need a reliable fix fast. The good news is there are several proven ways to repair a foundation without tearing down walls. Below you’ll find the most common methods, what they involve, and when each makes sense for a UK home.
Common Foundation Repair Techniques
1. Underpinning – This is the go‑to solution when the soil beneath is shifting or sinking. Small concrete pits are dug under the existing footing, then filled with reinforced concrete. The new piers take the load off the old footings and stop further movement. It’s a solid choice for serious subsidence.
2. Concrete Piering (or Push‑Piers) – Steel or concrete piles are driven through the soil until they hit a stable layer. As they are installed, they push the foundation back into place. Piering works well for homes with moderate settlement and is quicker than full underpinning.
3. Mudjacking (or Slabjacking) – For concrete slabs that have settled, a cement‑based slurry is pumped underneath. The pressure lifts the slab back to its original level. It’s cheap and fast, but only suitable when the slab is still structurally sound.
4. Wall Anchors – When cracks appear in basement or crawl‑space walls, steel plates are bolted to the wall and attached to exterior anchors. Tightening the anchors pulls the wall back into place. This method is common in older brick homes.
5. Epoxy Injection – Small, non‑structural cracks can be filled with a liquid epoxy that hardens and seals the gap. It won’t stop a moving foundation, but it stops water ingress and stops cracks from getting bigger.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Home
Start by measuring the crack width and checking if doors or windows are sticking. A crack under 0.3 mm is usually just a hairline that epoxy can seal. Anything wider, especially if you see doors jammed, calls for a structural fix like underpinning or piering.
Next, think about soil type. Clay soils in the UK expand and shrink with moisture, so many homes need a solution that adapts to ground movement – underpinning with reinforced concrete or push‑piers are the safest bets.
Budget also matters. Mudjacking can cost a few hundred pounds per square metre, while underpinning easily runs into the thousands. Get at least two quotes from reputable contractors and ask for a written guarantee.
Finally, check your insurance. Some policies won’t cover foundation work unless a structural engineer signs off. A quick engineering report can save you from surprise costs later.
Bottom line: don’t ignore the signs. A small crack today can become a costly problem tomorrow. Pick the method that matches the severity, soil condition, and your budget, and let a qualified professional do the work. With the right repair, your home will stay level and safe for years to come.
