Foundation Repairs|Home Remodeling Archives

Understanding How Underpinning Works

Foundation underpinning provides a way to strengthen, repair and sometimes increase the depth of your foundation. Foundations often deteriorate over time because they have been exposed to excess moisture and other environmental forces. Here in Toronto, with so many older homes, non-livable basements and crumbling foundations are common.

Underpinning can be done in many ways and in order to make the right choice, it is necessary to understand the structure of the foundation, the supports which are used, and the factors that caused the foundation to weaken in the first place. Underpinning works with load-bearing walls so professional help is highly recommended as this is definitely not a DIY project.

Underpinning is often needed if your home has substantial cracks, heaving or buckled walls. Unstable soil is also a reason to underpin a home. Unpinning ensures the foundation is restored so it is strong enough to support the structure above. There are many methods of underpinning.

Concrete Underpinning

Concrete underpinning is one of the most common methods where mass is added to improve strength.

Beam and Base

Another method involves a beam and base.In this system, piles are installed on either side of the affected wall. The type of pile used is determined by the strata below. A reinforced concrete beam is installed between the beams to support the wall and the existing material between the piles is removed. The construction of the beams depends on the architecture of the structure built on the foundation. The beam and base technique is often chosen as it is quick and less disruptive than concrete underpinning. It is also capable of bearing a very high load and can be used in very tight spaces.

Screw Piles and Brackets

This method is used when traditional underpinning is not possible. Installation does not require a large crew or a lot of equipment.

Screw piles are installed in the foundation and are designed to withstand many stresses. They are ideal when used with underpinning support brackets as the structure can then be returned to a level position. The weight of the foundation is then distributed to the bracket system. They are relatively quick to install and cause little damage to the surrounding area.

Piled Raft

This method is used when the whole foundation needs lateral and traverse reinforcement. It is often when there is a deep foundation or if there is very hard soil. Piles are placed based on the load with reinforced beams beneath them. Finally, a ring beam links all of the reinforced beams together and concrete is poured.

Wall Anchors

Wall anchors can be installed in areas with limited access and without the use of heavy machinery. The anchors are designed to provide lateral stability to existing foundation walls.

Mudjacking

This method may be chosen if a structure is settling, but it is not a good solution. Holes are drilled, either into the slab or under the foundation, and then concrete is pumped into the holes. The extra concrete spreads and is supposed to eliminate settling, however it does nothing for the bedrock below. Mudjacking is effective when used properly with piers.

Clearly, underpinning a home properly requires building knowledge and an understanding of loads and stresses. Underpinning a foundation should not be attempted unless you have are a structural engineer or you have proven industry experience.

Nusite Group has the experience you need should the foundation of your home require underpinning. Want to learn more about creating a full-height basement in your home and what options are best for you? Don’t leave a job like this to amateurs. Contact Nusite here for your inspection and estimate today.

5 Great Uses for Your Walkout Basement

Foundation Repairs|Home Remodeling

If you have considered creating a walkout basement to your home, this is not only a great feature to have while you are in your home, but it can actually add value if you ever decide to sell. Here in The Bay Area, especially San Francisco, many of the homes are older, with basements that were never meant to be used as living space, but a walkout basement can create another floor of living space without all the red tape of adding an extension to the home.

If you have a traditional basement and would like to create a full height basement, you’ll have to hire an experienced home addition contractor that specializes in what’s know as “Underpinning”, more commonly known as basement lowering. It’s a popular option in Toronto as land is limited and it’s a great way to create extra living space without extending the house and losing more backyard.

Not only can you enjoy another level of living space, but a walkout basement can add value to your home if you ever decide to sell.

Take a look at five great ways to use your walkout basement

Create a living space for parents or adult children

A basement that remodeled and with a privatized entrance is the perfect place to allow your college-aged child live, or even your aging parent. The fact that it is somewhat separated from the remainder of the home offers the same privacy that they would have in an apartment.

Create the ultimate, privatized home office

If you operate a home-based business in which you need to have clients come to your office, you might not want to welcome strangers into your living space. By allowing clients to enter through the designated entrance it can help to separate your professional and personal life. Not to mention, you don’t have to worry about the condition of your home when welcoming clients.

Create an inviting family space

For some homeowners, the basement is best utilized by creating a comfortable living space for your family to spend quality time in. Because of the increase in natural light offered by the door, you don’t have to feel like you are tucked away in a confined box when you are together, and in the summer you can open up the door and let fresh air in.

Create a kids’ space

What parent doesn’t want to have a playroom for their little ones to house their many toys? The problem with traditional finished basements and playrooms is that it can seem like you are shoving your children in a dark corner to play. But, that’s the beauty of a walkout basement, the entry allows for natural light to enter, and it creates a great entry point to the yard and pool.

Create a guest suite

What better place to have your relatives come stay than in their own private suite in your basement? Many homeowners who may not have an extra guest room will convert their walkout basement into a bedroom space for friends and family to stay. The exit give them a sense of privacy for coming and going, and the fact that they aren’t sleeping on a pull out couch or in your child’s room means less crowding on the main floors.

Keep in mind that by adding natural light into your basement, and outdoor access, this space can become anything that you need it to be. You are sure to find that by making this space feel more like your actual living space, and less like your basement, that you are making a wise financial investment everyone can enjoy.

Tips for Selecting a Tankless Water Heater

Foundation Repairs|Home Remodeling

The installation of a tankless water heater is a good option if you want to lower energy costs and create more space in your basement or garage. The function of a tankless water heater means that water is heated when it needs to be used, which is different than conventional water heaters that keep water constantly heated inside a tank. These on-demand water heaters can help to provide a great upgrade to your house, but setting up and selecting the right one can be difficult, so we created this series of tips to help you through the process.

Plan Ahead
Updating to a tankless water heater should be done before your existing water heater fails. You want to have sufficient time to explore the options available for your home. If your existing tank fails, then the time to find a sufficient tankless water heater is limited, as time is needed to determine the costs of a new water installation and how practical it is to install one in your home.

Many types of tankless water heaters are available for residential installation. The best models for your home will have an Energy Star label. Make sure you are purchasing a qualified model by reviewing all the models that are available. You can do this by viewing an Energy Start product list.

Proper Size

The size of water heaters you need is based on a factor called gallons per minute. This is also known as the flow rate. You will need a tankless water heater that can supply hot water to appliances including a washing machine and dishwasher, while still being able to power a faucet and a shower. The best way to think about this is to take a week and look at what items in your house your family tends to use at the same time. If you feel like two showers and a washing machine are often on at once then a high gallon per minute flow rate may be needed.

Efficiency Comparison

Comparing the efficiency of a tankless water heater is done by checking the Energy Factor for a unit. This is the measure of heat transfer efficiency and heat loss. A unit that has a high Energy Factor will be more efficient than units with a lower Energy Factor and will help you save money on your electricity.

Do the Math

Talk to an experienced plumber to determine the proper size of unit for your home. If you are unable to meet with a plumber, then compare a few figures. A shower and bath will normally require 2.5 gallons per minute, a washing machine normally requires 3.3 gallons per minute, and a dishwasher normally requires 1.3 gallons per minute. If you know your incoming water temperature (which is most areas is around 50 degrees) then you can easily calculate what type of temperature increase you will get with different applications in your house needing hot water at different GPM’s.
Product Rebates

The installation of a tankless water heater in your home may qualify for an tax rebate. You will want to check to see if any rebates or offers are available in your area from Energy Star Partners; however, there are not always rebates available in different areas or for different products.

Additional Information

Review the various brands of tankless water heaters available on the market to find the best one for your home such as Rheem, Eemax, Chronomite and Bosch. There are also a lot of great online resources for more information on tankless water heaters as well.