The main difference between restumping and underpinning is that restumping is performed where a house is built on stumps, whereas underpinning is performed where a house is built on a slab.
Both techniques are crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of your property, with restumping and reblocking focusing particularly on renewing the supports beneath your home.
In this blog, we’ll explore restumping and underpinning to help you decide the best approach for your upcoming project.
What is Restumping?
Restumping is the replacement of old stumps under a house with stumps to maintain stability and levelness. This procedure is typically necessary when stumps deteriorate due to soil shifts, moisture, or pest activity.
The process includes slightly elevating the house to extract the damaged stumps and installing new ones, commonly crafted from concrete or steel. It’s an essential measure to keep your home secure and durable.
Wondering how long does it take to restump a house? Check out our blog for detailed insights.
What is Underpinning?
Underpinning is a technique that bolsters a building’s foundation, essential when the existing base isn’t up to the task of supporting the structure or when the underlying soil has weakened.
This process involves extending the foundation deeper into more stable soil, helping to keep the building secure and upright. Underpinning plays a crucial role in fixing and preventing issues that could seriously compromise the structure.
It’s an excellent way to ensure your building stays strong and safe for years to come.
Is Underpinning the Same As Restumping?
No, underpinning isn’t the same as restumping. Underpinning strengthens a building’s foundation by extending it deeper or wider to connect with more stable soil, which is essential when the existing ground can no longer bear the load.
On the other hand, restumping involves replacing old or deteriorated stumps under a house to maintain a level floor and overall structural stability.
While both processes are vital for ensuring a building’s safety, they target different support system elements.
How Do I Know If My House is Built on Stumps?
You will know your house is built on stumps if you spot wooden, concrete, or steel posts elevating the floor structure above the ground. Typically, there’s a noticeable gap between the ground and your home’s floor, particularly around the edges.
If you’re uncertain, a swift look underneath the house or a chat with a building inspector can clarify which type of foundation is supporting your home.
How Do I Know If My House is Built on a Slab?
You will know your house is built on a slab if the floor sits directly on the ground with no visible gaps. Slab foundations consist of a thick layer of concrete poured directly onto the soil, typically visible just at the base of your home’s exterior walls.
Homes on slabs often feature fewer steps leading up to the doors, giving them a more flush appearance with the ground.