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Basement Underpinning in Toronto

Is your foundation not strong or stable enough? At IcyReno, we specialize in professional basement underpinning services to address these concerns. Underpinning is crucial for reinforcing weakened foundations and correcting issues caused by shifting soil, which is common in Toronto’s diverse soil conditions. This process strengthens your home’s foundation and can even facilitate future basement lowering projects. Our underpinning contractors in Toronto ensure durable, long-lasting solutions that protect your home and enhance its value.

  • Certified and Experienced Contractors
  • Full Compliance with Toronto Building Codes
  • Prompt and Clear Communication
  • All in One Solution: Permits, Materials, and Execution
  • End-to-End Project Planning and Management
  • Fully Bonded, Insured, and Safety-Focused
Toronto Basement Underpinning Contractors

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Learn More About Basement UnderPinning

How Basement Underpinning Can Help Toronto Homeowners

Basement underpinning is a construction process used to strengthen and stabilize an existing foundation. It involves excavating soil beneath the foundation and adding concrete or other materials to extend the depth and width of the foundation, providing additional support. This method, typically costing between $80 to $300+ per linear foot, is essential for Toronto’s homes experiencing foundation issues such as settling, cracking, or weakness due to soil movement, or for homeowners looking to lower their basement floor to increase ceiling height and livable space.

The benefits of basement underpinning Include:

  • Increased Structural Stability: Underpinning strengthens your home’s foundation, ensuring long-term stability and safety.
  • Prevention of Foundation Settling and Cracks: Reinforcing the foundation helps prevent future settling and cracking issues.
  • Extra Space: Underpinning allows for basement lowering, creating additional headroom and expanding usable space.
  • Enhanced Property Value: A stronger, more spacious foundation increases the overall value of your home.
  • Long-Term Protection Against Soil Shifting: Underpinning safeguards your home from damage caused by shifting soil or changing ground conditions.
  • Improved Waterproofing Opportunities: The underpinning process often integrates basement waterproofing solutions, reducing the risk of future water damage.


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IcyReno Basement Underpinning Process

The basement underpinning process involves several critical stages to ensure your foundation is properly reinforced and your basement remains structurally sound. Each step, from demolition and soil excavation to concrete pouring and waterproofing, is carefully executed in full compliance with Toronto’s building codes and regulations, ensuring your home’s foundation is stronger, more stable, and well-protected against future damage.

  • Demolition Work: The process begins with removing any existing obstructions, including walls, old flooring, and debris, to prepare the basement for the underpinning work.
  • Removing Concrete Floor: The existing concrete basement floor is broken up and removed to allow access to the underlying soil and foundation for excavation and underpinning.
  • Soil Excavation: Soil beneath the foundation is carefully excavated in small sections, creating the space needed to install new concrete and deepen the foundation.
  • Underpinning Sections: Concrete is poured into the excavated sections, one at a time, to create new, deeper footings that reinforce the foundation and increase stability.
  • Inspections: Throughout the process, structural inspections are conducted to ensure the underpinning is progressing correctly and in accordance with engineering and safety standards.
  • Drains: Drainage systems, such as weeping tiles, are installed around the new foundation to ensure water is directed away from the basement, preventing future leaks.
  • Waterproofing and Gravel: Waterproofing membranes are applied to the foundation walls, followed by the placement of gravel to enhance drainage and moisture control in the basement.
  • Insulation and Radiant Floor Heating: Insulation is installed to improve energy efficiency, and radiant floor heating systems can be added to create a comfortable, warm basement environment.
  • Sump Pit and Sump Pump: A sump pit is installed, along with a sump pump, to automatically manage water accumulation and prevent flooding in the basement.
  • Pouring Basement Concrete Slab: The final step is pouring a new concrete slab, creating a smooth and durable surface that completes the basement underpinning and prepares it for finishing work.

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Basement Underpinning FAQs

The cost of basement underpinning in Toronto typically ranges from $80 to $300+ per linear foot, depending on various factors including soil conditions, foundation depth, and additional services. Below are the key factors that can influence the overall price:

  • Soil Conditions: Challenging or unstable soil may require extra excavation or support, driving up costs.
  • Foundation Depth: Deeper foundations require more materials and labor, increasing the overall price.
  • Access to the Basement: Restricted access can complicate the excavation process, leading to higher labor costs.
  • Waterproofing Needs: Incorporating waterproofing solutions during underpinning adds to the project’s total cost.
  • Permit and Engineering Fees: Toronto’s building codes often require permits and professional engineering plans, which add to the expense.
  • Additional Services: Extras like radiant floor heating, insulation, or basement lowering will further increase the project’s cost.

There are several types of underpinning methods used in Toronto, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice of underpinning method will depend on the severity of the foundation damage, soil type, and other factors. The following are the most common types of underpinning methods used in Toronto:

Mass Concrete Underpinning. Mass concrete underpinning is the most traditional and straightforward underpinning method. It involves digging trenches beneath the foundation and filling them with concrete. The concrete creates a new, stronger foundation that supports the weight of the building. Mass concrete underpinning is ideal for buildings with shallow foundations and is relatively cost-effective.

Beam and Base Underpinning. Beam and base underpinning involves excavating small sections of the foundation at a time and installing reinforced concrete beams. The beams are then connected to concrete bases that form the new foundation. Beam and base underpinning is ideal for buildings with deep foundations and can be used to create a deeper foundation for an extension or addition.

Mini Piled Underpinning. Mini piled underpinning involves drilling small-diameter piles into the ground beneath the foundation. The piles are then reinforced with steel and grouted to create a stable foundation. Mini piled underpinning is ideal for buildings with limited access or where noise and vibration must be kept to a minimum.

Screw Piled Underpinning Screw piled underpinning involves screwing steel piles into the ground beneath the foundation. The piles are then reinforced with concrete to create a stable foundation. Screw piled underpinning is ideal for buildings with limited access, where the use of heavy equipment is not feasible.

Resin Injection Underpinning. Resin injection underpinning involves injecting a resin into the soil beneath the foundation. The resin expands, creating a solid base that supports the weight of the building. Resin injection underpinning is ideal for buildings with shallow foundations, where traditional underpinning methods are not feasible.

Cracks in the Foundation Walls

One of the most obvious signs that your foundation needs underpinning is the presence of cracks in the foundation walls. Some cracks may be minor and only cosmetic, while others are severe and can indicate a more serious problem. Cracks that are wider than a quarter inch are usually a red flag and should be evaluated by a professional. They can be caused by soil movement, water infiltration, or other environmental factors.

Uneven Floors

Uneven floors are usually a sign that your foundation has shifted or settled. This can cause floors to slope or sag, making it difficult to walk or stand on. If you notice that your floors are uneven or sloping, it could be time to call in a professional for underpinning.

Sticking Doors and Windows

Doors and windows that stick or are difficult to open and close can be a sign that your foundation is shifting or settling. This is because when your foundation shifts, it can cause your doors and windows to become misaligned. If you notice that your doors and windows are sticking, it is important to have your foundation evaluated by a professional.

Cracks in the Exterior Brickwork

If you notice cracks in the exterior brickwork of your home, it could be a sign that your foundation is settling or shifting. These cracks can be caused by a variety of factors, including soil movement, water infiltration, or other environmental factors. If the cracks are wider than a quarter inch, it is important to have your foundation evaluated by a professional.

Water Damage

Water damage is another sign that your foundation may need underpinning. If you notice water in your basement or crawl space, it could be a sign that your foundation is settling or shifting. Water infiltration can also cause your foundation to weaken, making it more vulnerable to damage.

Sagging or Bowed Walls

Sagging or bowed walls are usually a sign that your foundation is settling or shifting. This can cause walls to lean or bow, making it difficult to hang shelves or pictures. If you notice that your walls are sagging or bowing, it is important to have your foundation evaluated by a professional.

Chimney Issues

Chimney issues are another sign that your foundation may need underpinning. If you notice that your chimney is separating from your home or leaning, it could be a sign that your foundation is shifting or settling. This can be a serious problem, as chimney issues can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or chimney collapses.

Yes, there can be safety concerns related to underpinning such as the risk of collapse or structural damage due to poor workmanship. It is incredibly crucial to hire an experienced and reputable company who adheres to safety regulations in order to avoid any potential risks. As one of the largest basement underpinning companies in the GTA, we take safety incredibly seriously.

We proudly serve a wide range of neighborhoods across Toronto and surrounding areas including but not limited to:

Bayview Village
Bennington Heights
Blake-Jones
Bloor West Village
Broadview North
Cabbagetown
Church and Wellesley
Danforth (Greektown)
Deer Park
Distillery District
Downtown Toronto
Dufferin Grove
Harbourfront

High Park
Kensington Market
King West
Leaside
Leslieville
Liberty Village
Little Italy
Old East York
Parkdale
Playter Estates
Queen West
Regent Park
Riverdale

Riverside
Roncesvalles
Rosedale
St. Lawrence
Summerhill
The Annex
The Beaches
Todmorden Village
Trinity-Bellwoods
Forest Hill
Woodbine Heights
Yonge and Eglinton
Yorkville

Yes, a permit is required for basement underpinning in Toronto from the City of Toronto’s Building Division, as it involves structural changes to your home’s foundation. At IcyReno, we manage the entire permit process for you to ensure full compliance with building codes and regulations. Here’s how we handle it:

  • Initial Assessment: We evaluate your property and prepare the necessary documents, including structural plans.
  • Permit Application: We submit the underpinning plans to the City of Toronto for approval.
  • Engineering Approval: A licensed structural engineer reviews and approves the plans.
  • Inspections: During the underpinning process, city inspectors conduct mandatory checks to ensure the work meets safety and regulatory standards.
  • Final Approval: Once the work is complete, we coordinate with inspectors for final approval and certification.