Are you tired of ducking under low basement ceilings in your Toronto home? Many older houses in the GTA were built with basements that were never intended for living space, often leaving ceilings under 7 feet high. For homeowners looking to create a livable basement—whether for additional family space, a rental unit, or a home office—raising the height of the basement is essential.

When it comes to increasing basement height, two common methods are bench footing and underpinning. Each has its advantages and challenges, making it important to understand the differences before deciding which option is best for your home.

What Is Bench Footing?

Bench footing is a method of lowering the basement floor by excavating and creating a “bench” along the foundation walls. Instead of extending the existing foundation deeper into the ground, bench footing involves building a new, lower wall inside the existing foundation. This creates a ledge, or bench, where the old and new foundations meet.

Pros of Bench Footing
  • Cost-Effective: Bench footing is typically less expensive than underpinning, making it a good choice for homeowners on a budget.
  • Simpler Process: The construction process is faster and less invasive compared to underpinning.
  • Ideal for Shallow Depth Adjustments: It’s a practical solution when only a small increase in ceiling height is needed.
Cons of Bench Footing
  • Loss of Floor Space: The bench ledge reduces the usable square footage of the basement, which can be a drawback for smaller basements.
  • Aesthetic Impact: The exposed bench can be unsightly and may require additional finishing work to improve its appearance.
  • Limited Depth: Bench footing is less suitable for significant depth adjustments.

Bench footing is often chosen for basements where maximizing headroom is not as critical, or when budget constraints make underpinning less feasible.

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What Is Underpinning?

Underpinning (also known as basement lowering) is a more intensive process that involves excavating beneath the existing foundation and extending it deeper into the ground. This allows the entire basement floor to be lowered while maintaining the original walls and maximizing the usable space.

Pros of Underpinning
  • Maximized Space: Unlike bench footing, underpinning does not reduce the basement’s usable square footage.
  • Structural Strength: The process reinforces the foundation, making it stronger and more stable.
  • Greater Depth: Underpinning allows for significant increases in basement height, making it ideal for creating full-height basements.
Cons of Underpinning
  • Higher Cost: Underpinning is more expensive than bench footing due to its complexity and the amount of labor required.
  • Time-Consuming: The process takes longer to complete, which may be a consideration for homeowners with tight timelines.
  • Potential for Neighboring Impact: In areas with close-proximity homes, underpinning can disturb neighboring foundations, requiring additional planning and cost.

Underpinning is the preferred choice for homeowners looking to create a full-height basement without compromising floor space, especially when adding significant depth.

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Bench Footing vs. Underpinning: Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between bench footing and underpinning depends on several critical factors, including your budget, the purpose of the basement space, the existing structural conditions, and the depth of the height adjustment required. Here’s a deeper look at the considerations for choosing the right method:

Cost Considerations

  • Bench Footing: Typically, bench footing is the more affordable option. It requires less labor, fewer materials, and a simpler excavation process compared to underpinning. If you’re on a tight budget and need a basic solution for a minor basement renovation or utility space, bench footing can be a cost-effective choice.
  • Underpinning: While more expensive, underpinning provides a longer-lasting solution and adds significant value to your home. For homeowners planning to convert their basement into a livable space, such as a rental unit or additional family area, the higher initial cost of underpinning is often worth the investment.

Space Optimization

  • Bench Footing: The most significant drawback of bench footing is the loss of usable floor space due to the bench ledge that runs along the perimeter of the basement. This reduces square footage, which can be problematic for small basements where every inch counts.
  • Underpinning: Underpinning does not sacrifice floor space, making it the better choice for homeowners who want to maximize the functionality of their basement. By extending the foundation downward, the entire basement floor remains usable.

Structural Impact

  • Bench Footing: Bench footing doesn’t strengthen the existing foundation as underpinning does. While it’s suitable for non-load-bearing walls or basements that don’t require significant structural adjustments, it may not be ideal for older homes with weakened foundations.
  • Underpinning: Underpinning reinforces and stabilizes the existing foundation, making it a superior option for homes experiencing structural issues. In Toronto’s older neighborhoods, where homes often have aging foundations, underpinning is particularly beneficial for ensuring long-term stability.

Depth of Excavation

  • Bench Footing: This method is ideal for shallow depth adjustments. If you only need to gain a few inches of headroom to make the space more functional for storage or limited use, bench footing can be a practical solution.
  • Underpinning: For significant height adjustments (e.g., increasing headroom by a foot or more), underpinning is the only viable choice. It allows for deeper excavation without compromising the integrity of the foundation.

Aesthetic and Functional Goals

  • Bench Footing: The exposed bench created by this method can be aesthetically unappealing and may require additional finishing work to make it blend with the rest of the basement. While it can be covered with drywall or other materials, this adds to the project cost.
  • Underpinning: With no visible changes to the interior walls, underpinning provides a clean, polished look. It’s ideal for homeowners looking to create a finished basement that meets modern design standards.

Use Case Scenarios

To determine the best method for your basement, consider how you plan to use the space:

  • Choose Bench Footing If:
    • You’re working within a limited budget and need a more affordable solution.
    • The basement will primarily be used for storage, laundry, or other utility purposes.
    • Only a slight increase in ceiling height is needed.
    • The aesthetic impact of the bench ledge is not a significant concern.
  • Choose Underpinning If:
    • You want to create a full-height basement suitable for living spaces, such as a rental unit, home gym, or office.
    • Preserving and maximizing usable floor space is a priority.
    • Significant depth adjustments are required to comply with building codes.
    • Your home’s foundation needs reinforcement due to structural instability or aging.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

Both methods require professional expertise to ensure the work is done safely and meets Toronto’s building codes. Factors such as soil type, proximity to neighboring homes, and the condition of the existing foundation play a crucial role in determining the best option. A professional assessment can help identify potential risks and provide recommendations tailored to your home’s specific needs.

Making the Right Choice for Your Basement

Both bench footing and underpinning are effective methods for solving low-ceiling challenges in Toronto basements, but each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Bench footing is a budget-friendly option for smaller height adjustments, while underpinning offers the best results for maximizing space and structural integrity.

If you’re unsure which method is right for your home, the experts at Nusite Group can help. We specialize in basement lowering and foundation solutions for homeowners in Toronto and the GTA. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you toward the best solution for your basement needs.

Foundation cracks are a common concern for homeowners in Toronto and the GTA. The region’s climate—with its cycles of rain, snow, freezing, and thawing—places significant stress on foundations, leading to cracking over time. While not all cracks pose an immediate threat, they can often signal underlying issues that, if left unaddressed, may compromise your home’s structural integrity and lead to basement water leaks.

In Toronto’s older housing stock, foundation cracks are particularly prevalent due to aging materials and construction methods. Even minor cracks can allow water to seep into your basement, causing dampness, mold, and costly water damage. Understanding the types of foundation cracks and their potential implications is the first step in protecting your home.

Types of Foundation Cracks and Their Risks

While not all foundation cracks are dangerous, some can indicate serious problems. Here’s what you need to know about the types of cracks and their causes:

  • Horizontal Cracks: Often caused by lateral pressure from soil or water pressing against the foundation walls, horizontal cracks can signal serious structural stress. If left unchecked, they may lead to wall bowing or collapse.
  • Vertical Cracks: These are usually caused by normal settling of the foundation or shrinkage of concrete during curing. While not always serious, vertical cracks that widen over time or allow water infiltration should be inspected.
  • Diagonal Cracks: These often appear due to uneven settling or shifting of the foundation. They can indicate that one side of your home is sinking, which may require immediate attention.
  • Hairline Cracks: Common in new homes, hairline cracks typically result from curing concrete. These are often superficial but should still be monitored for changes.

While some cracks are benign, others can result from serious issues such as soil subsidence, water pressure, or structural movement. Regular inspection is key to determining whether cracks require repairs or further investigation.

Foundations Move and Shift Over Time

Foundations naturally move and shift over time due to a variety of environmental and structural factors. While some movement is normal and may not pose immediate risks, excessive shifting can lead to cracks, uneven floors, and structural instability. Below, we dive deeper into the primary reasons why foundations move and shift, with a focus on issues common in Toronto and the GTA.

1. Soil Expansion and Contraction

One of the most significant causes of foundation movement is the expansion and contraction of the soil beneath it. This is particularly relevant in Toronto, where clay-heavy soils dominate. Clay soils are highly expansive, meaning they absorb water during wet periods (causing them to swell) and lose moisture during dry periods (causing them to shrink). This constant cycle of swelling and shrinking creates pressure on the foundation, leading to cracks and shifting.

  • Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Toronto’s cold winters exacerbate this issue. When water in the soil freezes, it expands, creating upward pressure on the foundation. When the ice thaws, the soil contracts, leaving gaps that can destabilize the foundation.
  • Water Saturation: Poor drainage systems can cause soil around the foundation to become oversaturated, increasing the risk of soil movement and settlement.

2. Natural Settling of the Foundation

All homes experience some degree of natural settling after construction as the soil beneath the foundation compacts under the weight of the structure. While this process is normal and usually minor, uneven settling can occur if the soil is poorly compacted, leading to differential settlement. This uneven movement can result in diagonal or vertical cracks and uneven floors.

  • Improper Soil Preparation: Homes built on improperly compacted soil or fill are more prone to uneven settlement, as the ground beneath them continues to compress over time.
  • Expansive Soils: Homes built on expansive soils, common in the GTA, often experience more pronounced settlement issues due to the soil’s movement when wet or dry.

3. Water Drainage Issues

Water is one of the biggest threats to a foundation’s stability. When water isn’t properly routed away from the home, it can saturate the soil surrounding the foundation, leading to erosion, instability, and movement. Common water drainage issues include:

  • Poor Grading: If the landscaping around your home slopes toward the foundation rather than away from it, water can pool around the base of the home, destabilizing the soil.
  • Clogged or Missing Gutters: When gutters are clogged or downspouts don’t extend far enough, rainwater can flow directly down to the foundation, contributing to erosion and water saturation.

4. Seasonal and Environmental Factors

Toronto’s weather patterns and environmental conditions contribute significantly to foundation movement. For example:

  • Heavy Rainfall: Frequent rainstorms in Toronto can saturate the soil, creating hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls. This pressure can push the walls inward, causing cracks and shifts.
  • Drought: Conversely, long dry spells can cause the soil to shrink and pull away from the foundation, leading to gaps and uneven support.

5. Tree Roots and Vegetation

The presence of large trees or shrubs near the foundation can also contribute to movement. Tree roots can extend far beyond the canopy and grow toward sources of moisture, such as the soil beneath your foundation. As roots grow and expand, they can disturb the soil, creating uneven pressure that leads to foundation shifting.

  • Moisture Absorption: Trees and plants absorb moisture from the soil, which can exacerbate soil shrinkage during dry periods, causing the foundation to settle unevenly.
  • Physical Damage: In some cases, roots can grow into the foundation itself, causing cracks and other damage.

6. Aging of Materials

Over time, the materials used in constructing a home’s foundation—such as concrete and mortar—can degrade. Cracks may form as the materials shrink, settle, or become less cohesive. In older homes, this process can be more pronounced, as early construction methods often relied on friction and gravity to hold structures in place rather than modern reinforcement techniques.

  • Older Construction Methods: Many homes in Toronto’s older neighborhoods were built without reinforced foundations, making them more susceptible to shifting over time.
  • Wear and Tear: Exposure to fluctuating temperatures, moisture, and other environmental factors accelerates the aging process of foundation materials.

7. Vibrations and External Forces

External factors, such as nearby construction, heavy vehicle traffic, or even natural seismic activity, can cause vibrations that disturb the soil beneath a foundation. These forces can lead to small shifts that, over time, accumulate and cause visible damage.

Inspecting For Foundation Cracks

You can perform a preliminary inspection of your foundation cracks using these tips:

  1. Measure the Crack: Use a ruler to measure the width of the crack. Cracks wider than 1/4 inch or that appear to be expanding over time should be inspected by a professional.
  2. Determine the Shape: V-shaped cracks can indicate pressure from below (such as soil expansion), while cracks wider at the bottom may suggest downward pressure from soil subsidence.
  3. Check for Water Infiltration: Look for signs of dampness or water stains near the crack. Even small cracks can allow water to enter your basement.
  4. Test Floor Levels: Use a marble to check for uneven floors. Movement in multiple directions is a sign that the foundation is shifting unevenly.

For a thorough assessment, it’s always best to consult a professional with experience in structural repairs and foundation waterproofing.

Downward Pressure

A downward force will create a vertical crack which is wider at the bottom than the top and the force often originates from subsidence of the soil located below the building’s foundation. A structure can also be damaged by outward or inward force. Horizontal cracks usually aren’t serious, but if the surface below or above the crack has been forced outward or inward there could be problems. Inward or outward pressure can be the result of improper backfill, pressure of moving water and earth, or vehicle traffic that is too close to the foundation.

If you can determine the direction and lace of the force which has caused the cracks then it’ll be easier to find the source. If the damage is hidden though, it can be very hard to determine and costly to repair as floors, ceilings and walls may need to be opened to reveal the damage. It’s also possible you won’t realize there’s any damage until the structure eventually fails.

Repair and Prevention Options for Foundation Cracks

Addressing foundation cracks early can prevent costly damage down the line. Here are some common repair and prevention methods:

  • Crack Injection: Epoxy or polyurethane injection is a common method for sealing small cracks and preventing water infiltration.
  • Waterproofing Solutions: Installing or upgrading exterior or interior waterproofing systems, such as weeping tiles or sump pumps, helps prevent water from saturating the soil around the foundation.
  • Foundation Reinforcement: For larger cracks or structural concerns, reinforcement methods such as carbon fiber strips or underpinning can stabilize and strengthen the foundation.
  • Improved Drainage: Ensuring proper grading, adding downspout extensions, or installing French drains can direct water away from your foundation, reducing pressure and preventing future cracks.

Foundation Tips When Buying a Home

When buying a home, it’s recommended that you inspect the patios, driveways and sidewalks to see if they’re sunken, heaved, cracked or twisted. If they are then the property may have expansive soils. If the foundation and other structures have been built for the conditions and water is routed away from concrete pads and the foundation you should find little indication of any concrete damage. Remember that most homes erected on expansive soils generally show some defects due to the constant expansion and contraction of the earth. It’s a good idea to have your home inspected if you’re unsure of any damage or contract a structural engineer for a professional opinion.

Have a questions about a crack in your foundation?  Nusite Waterproofing serves Toronto and the surrounding GTA.  We offer a free in-home inspection and estimate and can advise on how to repair your foundation crack.  Contact us here today to schedule an appointment.