Bench Footing: An Effortless Technique for Lowering the Basement

In order to create an additional space in homes, people are resorting to the option of lowering the basement. And, bench footing is one of the widely used methods for it. 

What is Bench Footing?

Bench footing is a process through which you can lower the basement and provide extra structural support to the foundation. There is no need to dig under the foundation in order to provide extra height to the basement. Instead, with bench footing, you can lower the basement floor level and widen the structure of the foundation. 

How is Bench Footing done? 

• A general contractor designs and creates a perimeter around the inside of the basement walls.
• He will dig up to the desired depth around foundation.
• After completing the digging process, he will construct new footings that extend deeper than the depth of the new floor.
• Once the new walls extend upward to the original basement depth, he will cover it with concrete. The finished effect will be as if the house has a concrete bench extending along the foundation wall.
• Thus, it gives a ‘benching effect’ and an extra support to the foundation.

What are the Advantages of using the Bench Footing Technique?

• It is less time consuming.
• It is cheaper than underpinning.
• Bench footing makes no changes to the existing foundation walls.
• It involves less excavation work.
• Bench footing is a viable option if your house has a common wall and the neighbor does not consent you to dig under the foundation.
• You can use the newly created ‘bench effect’ as a display area and make the space attractive.
• It adds a luxury appeal to the basement, making it eye catching for guests or potential tenants.

What are Disadvantages of the Bench Footing Technique?

• The technique is called a ‘thief of space’ because it reduces the square footage area of the basement. Also, it leaves you with limited options for using the bench structure effectively.
• It may not add to the market value of your home.
• It does not involve fixing any cracks in the existing structure. If you want the general contractor to repair the cracks, you may have to pay extra money for it.

What Precautions are necessary before starting the Process of Bench Footing?

Examine preliminary factors such as the following: 

1. The soil on which the house is built
2. The required depth of the area
3. Intended use of the basement
4. Maintenance cost in the long run

• Hire an expert such as a structural engineer. Get him to examine the entire area, even the outer walls of the house to know whether bench footing is the best suited technique for your house.
• Ask the engineer to check the basic design of your house and consider factors such as the level of sanitary sewer connection.
• Usually, lowering the basement requires a building permit from the Municipality, so make sure you get one before starting the process.
• Do not forget to clear the basement of all the furniture or storage items.

Not all homes can withstand the process of bench footing. So, it is vital to understand the structure of your house before you begin any work in the basement. Remember that bench footing is an effortless technique for lower the basement floor. But, if it is done in an incorrect manner, it may cause harm to the house in the future.

Underpinning a Basement: Which Method will best suit your Home?

Underpinning is a method used for increasing the depth of any foundation. In traditionally built homes, height of the basement is insufficient. Underpinning comes to the rescue as it helps you to get a deeper area. 

 

When is Underpinning used? 

Underpinning is used for reasons such as: 

To correct faulty foundation in case it has suffered a lot of cracks and settlement

If the foundation is not strong or stable enough to hold the weight of the property

To increase the load bearing capacity of the existing foundation

To add floors to the existing foundation, rather than constructing a new building

How to choose the Correct Method for Underpinning the Basement of your home? 

Choosing an underpinning method solely depends on the type of foundation of your home. There isn’t a single method that will be suitable in every situation. In order to choose the correct method, you should keep the following points in mind:

The structure of the foundation

The factors that may have caused damage to the existing foundation

Depth of excavation

Site restraints

Local permits and regulations

Cost of the entire process

Time duration

Commonly Used Methods for Underpinning

1. Mass Pouring

The most commonly and traditionally used method of underpinning is mass pouring. It is suited for shallow underpinning in which a lot of digging is not required. It simply involves excavating the weak soil underneath the surface and pouring concrete in its place to strengthen the base. Since concrete is stronger than soil, the weight of the entire structure is carried effectively by the concrete. 

Following are the advantages of using the mass pouring method: 

Low cost of labor

The simplicity of engineering

The continuity of the building’s use during construction without involving any need of evacuating the property

2. Beam and Base Method

Another method of underpinning involves the use of beam and base. The method also makes use of traditional mass concrete base, and incorporates beams to support the existing foundation. The load is transferred to a concrete beam that is constructed below, above or in place of the existing foundation. The beam then transfers the load to a mass concrete base that is spread evenly for support. The construction of the beams depends on the architecture of the structure built on the foundation and the type of load applied to the foundation. 

3.Pile Method

If you opt for the pile method, the general contractor drives piles at equal distances along both sides of the wall. The piles are connected by concrete or steel needles that penetrate through the walls. It is the most effective method for houses built in clay soil as well as properties constructed in waterlogged areas. The pile method helps in relieving the load of the existing foundation. 

What Precautions should be taken before starting the Underpinning Process? 

Before any underpinning process is started, it is necessary to remove the load of the building. You can do it by removing furniture and belongings from all the floors of the property. Additionally, you can opt for shoring and install temporary structures for protecting the property. Do not forget to undertake a careful investigation of the site and the neighboring structures as a precautionary measure. 

If you are interested in basement underpinning, contact Pour Concrete. The GTA-based house foundation repair contractor will help you to increase the height of the basement as well as take care of structural flaws in the foundation.

Is Waterproofing Paint a Good Idea to protect your Home from Water Seepage?

As a homeowner, you must have realized the fact that water seepage and moisture problems are common. But, what is the remedy for it? Usually, homeowners opt for waterproofing paint, the most common remedy for the problem of water seepage. 

Why Homeowners consider Waterproofing Paint as the Go-To Option for Waterproofing a Property? 

>>Most home-improvement stores sell a variety of waterproofing paints. Convenience in locating the product has made it the number one waterproofing choice of homeowners. 

>>If you are interested in solving the problem of water seepage on your own, waterproofing paint is considered as the best DIY solution. 

>>It is easy to use and available at cheap rates. 

>>It allows you to avoid the cost of expensive solutions provided by basement waterproofing contractors. 

>>It is useful in eliminating fungal smells by sealing the surface of the walls. 

>>It locks the moisture to prevent dampness. 

Is Waterproofing Paint the Best Option for Waterproofing your Home? 

Are you planning to use waterproofing paint to protect your home from water seepage? You must consider the following factors before making a decision: 

1. Difficult to Apply

Homeowners consider application of waterproofing paint as a DIY job. They believe that half of their job is over by buying the required of amount of paint. But, the application process is not simple. You will have to buy equipment for removing mineral deposits and dirt from the wall. After that, you will have to fill the cracks in the wall to prevent further deterioration. Once you finish filling the cracks properly, only then you will be able to apply the waterproofing paint. 

2. Increased Hydrostatic Pressure

A waterproofing paint acts as a barricade and prevents the water from entering your home. But, it does nothing to direct the water away from your home. It increases hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls and can damage the foundation of your home. 

3. It’s Paint and Nothing else

Epoxy-based waterproofing paint can help you in waterproofing your home. But, not all varieties of waterproofing paints contain epoxy. Also, remember that the paint can protect your home from rainfall and snow but its capacity to prevent water infiltration is not ideal.

4. The Rework

Using waterproofing paint as a means of protecting your home from water seepage is a cheap yet short-term solution. If you rely on the paint to ward off water, you will have to bear the cost of re-coating the paint repeatedly. 

5. It is a Quick-Fix Solution

By opting for waterproofing paint, you are not solving the problem of water seepage. Instead, you are just spending money on hiding the effects of the problem. It is a quick-fix solution and will not prevent water infiltration for a long-time. 

6. Unsightly Walls

As waterproofing paint do not solve the problem of wet walls and damp basement completely, you will notice efflorescence on the walls in the near future. It will cause the paint to flake-off and ruin the beauty of your home. 

The Last Word

Waterproofing paint is a makeshift remedy to the problem of water seepage. It can prevent moisture infiltration for a short amount of time only. So, do not consider it as an ideal waterproofing solution. If you want to put an end to damp walls and wet basement, consult an experienced waterproofing contractor to provide you with a stress-free durable solution. 

Hiring an expert waterproofing contractor will solve your problems. Get in touch with Pour Concrete to enjoy a moisture-free home. It provides house foundation repair services to improve the structural integrity of your home.