Cracks spreading through the brickwork, doors that won't close, floors that slope. When footings move, we stabilise them to a structural engineer's design, then repair the cracks and damage the movement caused.
Send photos of the cracks and any engineer's report you have.
Underpinning is the process of strengthening or extending an existing footing down or out to ground that can reliably carry the building. It's used when part of a building has settled or is still moving, usually because the soil under the original footing has shrunk, softened or washed away.
It's specialist structural work. The right method depends on why the footing moved, the soil type, the depth to stable ground and the building above, which is why every underpinning job we do is carried out to a structural engineer's design.
Underpinning isn't always the answer. Many cracks come from seasonal moisture changes that can be fixed by sorting out drainage and repairing the cracks. Part of our job is helping you find out which situation you're in before spending money on foundations.
Diagonal cracks following mortar joints in brickwork, especially from window and door corners.
Cracks that grow over months or reopen after being patched.
Openings that used to close easily now jam or have uneven gaps.
Floors noticeably out of level, or gaps under skirting boards.
Separation between walls and ceilings or at internal corners.
External elements separating from the house.
| Cause | How it damages footings |
|---|---|
| Reactive clay soils | Clay shrinks in dry periods and swells when wet, moving footings up and down. |
| Leaking stormwater or pipes | Water softens or washes away soil under footings. |
| Tree roots | Large trees dry out clay soils near the house, causing settlement. |
| Poor original footings | Older homes may have shallow footings on fill or unsuitable ground. |
| Nearby excavation | Excavation or construction next door can undermine footings. |
Fixing the cause matters as much as the underpinning. If stormwater is pooling against the house or a pipe is leaking, it must be repaired or the problem can return elsewhere.
Site inspection and crack mapping; engineer engaged.
Engineer specifies method, depth and sequence.
Sections dug in a set sequence so the building stays supported.
Concrete placed and packed tight to the existing footing.
Cracks repaired, drainage fixed, doors adjusted.
Once the footing is stable, the visible damage can be fixed so it stays fixed. Our building team handles crack stitching and brick repairs, repointing, render and plaster repairs, cornices and painting, and carpentry to rehang sticking doors and windows.
In homes with timber floors on stumps or piers, sloping floors are often caused by failed stumps rather than the main footings. Restumping is a different, usually simpler, repair. We'll help you work out which you need.
Get the cause assessed before it costs more.