Curious about restumping and when to tackle it? Maybe you’re unsure about the right type of foundation for your home or the reasons why stumps can fail.
We’re here to help with clear answers and practical advice to steer you through the process of fortifying your home’s foundation. Let’s explore some of the top queries about restumping right here.
What is Restumping?
Restumping is the process of swapping out old or failing stumps that support your home’s foundation. These stumps might be made of timber, concrete, or steel and can degrade over time due to soil conditions, moisture, and pest damage. Replacing these ensures that your home remains stable and level, helping you avoid any future structural problems.
Most people think they can DIY restumping, but it’s not for anyone, particularly those who aren’t well-prepared. You’ll need a solid grasp of building basics and the right equipment to do the job safely.
Remember, if the stumps aren’t installed correctly or the wrong materials are used, you could face serious issues with your home’s stability down the road.
How Do I Know When to Restump?
You’ll know when to restump when you’re having uneven floors, cracks in walls, sticky doors and windows, or bouncy or soft floors.
Uneven Floors
If you’ve noticed that some parts of your floor are starting to slope or feel a bit wobbly, it’s a sign that your house might need restumping. This unlevel feeling can slowly get worse, and it’s a clear indication that the support beneath your floor—your stumps—isn’t holding up as it should.
Cracks in Walls
Keep an eye out for new cracks in your walls, particularly around doors and windows. These cracks might start small but can grow larger if the problem isn’t addressed. They’re often a sign that the foundation is shifting because the stumps below your home are failing.
Sticky Doors and Windows
Doors and windows that used to open smoothly but now stick or jam could be telling you something important about your home’s foundation. This issue is usually due to the frames warping as the building shifts on unstable stumps. It’s a handy clue that your foundation might need some attention.
Bouncy or Soft Floors
A bouncy or spongy feel underfoot is more than just an odd sensation—it could mean trouble. This can indicate that the stumps supporting your floor are losing their strength and integrity. Don’t ignore these signs, as they suggest your home’s structural stability might be at risk.
Want to know how much does it costs to restump a house? Read our blog for the details.
What Are the Types of Building Foundations and Footings?
Here are the types of building foundations and footings:
- Slab on Ground: This is simply a solid concrete slab that’s poured right onto the ground. It creates a strong, stable base for any building and is one of the most straightforward foundation types.
- Suspended Floors: Unlike a slab on the ground, suspended floors are raised above the ground level. They’re supported by beams and columns, which allows for a space underneath that can be used for various purposes.
- Strip Footings: These are essentially continuous strips of concrete laid under the load-bearing walls of a building. They help distribute the weight of the walls evenly across the ground.
- Pad Footings: These are isolated blocks of concrete placed at specific points where the structure’s load is most concentrated. They help manage and distribute heavy loads.
- Stumps: Used primarily in elevated structures, stumps can be made from timber, steel, or concrete. They act as vertical supports that lift the building’s floor above the ground level, protecting it from moisture and pests.
- Piles: When buildings are constructed on weak or unstable soil, piles are driven deep into the ground to stabilize the foundation. They’re essentially long poles that help keep the structure steady.
- Piers: Designed to reach stable soil or rock layers beneath the surface, piers are used to provide deep support, particularly on sloping or uneven sites. They ensure the building stays secure and level over time.
Why Do House Stumps Fail?
House stumps fail because of the age of the stumps, rotting stumps, and soil movement.
Age of the Stumps
Over time, the stumps that support your house can wear out. Older stumps, particularly those that have been under your home for many years, are prone to weakening and breaking down. This natural ageing process can lead to a less stable foundation.
Rotting Stumps
Wooden stumps can rot if they’re exposed to too much moisture, losing their ability to hold up your home effectively. Even stumps made from more durable materials like concrete or steel can degrade if they’re constantly damp, as they may develop rust or corrosion.
Soil Movement
The soil beneath your house can move or shift due to changes in moisture levels, causing your stumps to move or tilt. This is especially common in areas with clay soils, which expand when wet and shrink when dry, leading to potential instability in your home’s foundation.