Historic buildings will most often need underpinning because their foundations have moved over time as a result of soil movement (subsidence).
If you need to underpin all or part of the foundations of a historic or listed building, it is vital to use the correct methods to ensure that any underpinning stabilises the movement of the building.
During underpinning the depth of the foundations is increased by excavating the soil beneath the existing foundations and replacing it with foundation material, normally concrete, in phases. If not carried out properly, it can pose a very real danger, and could lead to damage or the collapse of the property in question.
Underpinning work requires very careful planning and execution. The exact method of underpinning used will depend on the historic property in question.
