House Levelling: Ensuring Stability and Safety for Your Home

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 House levelling is a critical process in maintaining the structural integrity and safety of any property. Over time, homes can shift or sink due to soil movement, water damage, or poor construction. These movements, if uncorrected, can cause significant damage to walls, floors, doors, and windows, impacting both the safety and value of your home.

In this article, we will explore what house levelling involves, why it’s essential, the signs your house may need levelling, the methods used, and what to expect from the process. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions and provide a conclusion to help guide your next steps if you suspect your home may be affected.



What Is House Levelling?

House levelling is the process of restoring a home to its original position or a level state by adjusting the foundation. This process corrects uneven settling that occurs when the soil beneath the house shifts or sinks, leading to parts of the house dropping or tilting.

It is a key part of foundation repair and is often needed when a home shows signs of structural stress. Levelling can involve raising parts of the home, reinforcing footings, or replacing stumps, depending on the construction type and the severity of the movement.

Why House Levelling Is Important

Ignoring foundation issues can lead to:

  • Cracked walls and ceilings

  • Sloping floors

  • Jammed doors and windows

  • Plumbing damage due to misalignment

  • Decreased property value

  • Safety risks

By levelling the house, you not only restore its structural soundness but also prevent further damage and costly repairs down the line.

Common Causes of Foundation Movement

  1. Soil Type: Expansive clay soils swell with moisture and shrink when dry, leading to ground movement.

  2. Poor Drainage: Excess water can wash away supporting soil or cause erosion.

  3. Tree Roots: Roots can displace soil and disturb the foundation.

  4. Substandard Construction: Inadequate footings or poor workmanship can lead to uneven settling.

  5. Natural Events: Floods, droughts, or earthquakes can all affect a home’s foundation.

Signs Your House May Need Levelling

  • Uneven or sloping floors

  • Cracks in brickwork or plaster walls

  • Doors and windows that stick or don’t close properly

  • Gaps between walls and ceilings

  • Noticeable sinking of certain parts of the house

  • Bouncy or sagging floors

If you notice any of these issues, a professional assessment is recommended to determine if house levelling is necessary.

House Levelling Methods

Different levelling techniques are used depending on the construction type (slab, stumps, or piers) and the specific problem.

1. Restumping (Reblocking)

For homes built on timber or concrete stumps, restumping involves replacing or adjusting the stumps that support the home. New concrete or steel stumps are typically used for durability.

2. Slab Jacking (Mudjacking)

This method involves injecting a stabilising compound under a concrete slab to lift and level it. It is commonly used for homes with concrete slab foundations.

3. Underpinning

For brick or stone homes, underpinning involves strengthening and stabilising the existing foundation by extending it deeper or using piers to support it.

4. Hydraulic Jacking

Hydraulic jacks are used to gently lift the sunken part of a house before supports or stumps are adjusted or replaced.



The House Levelling Process

  1. Inspection: A structural engineer or levelling specialist assesses the extent of the damage and identifies the cause.

  2. Planning: A suitable levelling method is selected based on soil condition, foundation type, and house structure.

  3. Execution: Technicians carry out the levelling using hydraulic jacks, stumps, or other methods.

  4. Post-Level Checks: The house is re-assessed for structural integrity and necessary repairs are made to internal finishes or frames.

  5. Clean-up and Final Report: The site is cleaned and a report is usually provided outlining the work done and recommendations for future maintenance.

Benefits of Professional House Levelling

  • Long-term structural stability

  • Prevention of future costly repairs

  • Improved functionality of doors/windows

  • Increased property value

  • Peace of mind for homeowners

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How much does house levelling cost in Australia?
Costs vary depending on the extent of the damage, the size of the house, and the levelling method used. On average, prices range from $5,000 to $20,000. Restumping smaller homes may cost less, while complex slab levelling can be more expensive.

Q2: How long does the house levelling process take?
Most levelling projects take between 3 to 10 days, depending on the scope and any additional repairs needed.

Q3: Is house levelling a permanent solution?
When done correctly by professionals, house levelling is a long-lasting solution. However, future soil changes or water issues may require additional work years later.

Q4: Can I live in my home during the levelling process?
In many cases, yes. However, for more extensive restumping or slab jacking jobs, temporary relocation may be recommended for safety.

Q5: Will my home insurance cover house levelling?
Insurance usually does not cover foundation repairs due to wear and tear or natural soil movement. It’s best to check with your provider for specific policy details.

Conclusion

House levelling is an essential maintenance and repair service that can greatly extend the lifespan of your home and restore its safety and comfort. From correcting sloping floors to repairing structural damage, this process addresses the root causes of foundation issues. Whether your home is timber, brick, or slab-on-ground, levelling can bring it back to a stable and secure condition.

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