Re-Levelling vs. Restumping

“Re-levelling” and “restumping” are both terms related to the foundation of a house or building, but they refer to different processes.

Here’s a breakdown of each:

Re-Levelling:

Definition: Re-levelling refers to adjusting and levelling the foundation or floor of a building that has shifted over time. It’s typically done to restore the structure’s balance and stability without necessarily replacing the support system.

• When it’s needed: This process is done when the building has settled unevenly, often due to ground movement or poor soil conditions, causing the floors to become uneven or slanted.
• How it works: Re-leveling often involves using hydraulic jacks or similar tools to lift and adjust the foundation or floors back to their original level. It may also include filling in gaps or reinforcing certain areas for added stability.
• Extent of work: This is a less invasive solution compared to restumping, as it generally only involves adjusting the current structure rather than replacing foundation supports.

Restumping:

• Definition: Restumping is the process of replacing or renewing the stumps (support pillars) that hold up the building’s foundation. Over time, stumps can rot, shift, or become unstable, requiring replacement.
• When it’s needed: Restumping is typically needed when the existing stumps have deteriorated or no longer provide sufficient support, or when there has been significant shifting of the foundation. It’s also necessary if the original stumps were not strong enough to begin with.
• How it works: Restumping involves removing the old, damaged stumps and replacing them with new ones, which are often made of concrete or steel, to provide a strong and stable foundation. This is a more extensive process that may involve lifting the entire building temporarily while the new stumps are installed.
• Extent of work: This is a more involved process compared to re-leveling, as it requires replacing the foundation supports and can be a significant structural overhaul.

Key Differences:

Scope: Re-levelling is a less invasive process focused on adjusting the foundation, while restumping is a more extensive process involving the replacement of foundation supports.

Cause: Re-levelling is generally done when there’s slight shifting or settling of the foundation, while restumping is done when the foundation supports (stumps) have deteriorated or failed.

Impact on the Building: Restumping may take more time and cause more disruption since it involves lifting the building and replacing structural components. Re-levelling tends to be less disruptive, as it mainly addresses uneven floors.

Both processes aim to restore the safety and stability of a building, but restumping is more of a long-term solution when the foundation itself is failing, while re-leveling may be enough for less severe issues.

Mainmark also provide the following in Australia:   wall crack repairs, sinking floor repair, Concrete slab repair, sinking foundation repair, underpinning, ground improvement, re-levelling, subsidence repair, void filling and slab lifting

Mainmark provides underpinning in, Canberra, Hobart, Townsville  NSW, QLD, SA, WA, Tasmania, Victoria plus the major cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Newcastle