When something is man-made, it comes with a predetermined lifespan. Luckily, this can be extended with routine maintenance and regular repair work. The foundation of a property is often thought to be the most important aspect because this will determine the longevity of the structure and the amount of wear and tear it will be able to withstand. Read on as we explain how long a residential foundation typically lasts and which factors can increase or decrease its lifespan…
The first thing to consider when discussing the longevity of a foundation is the type of foundation that has been installed. After all, there are two different options: shallow and deep. The former transfers the weight of a structure onto soil that is very close to the surface whereas the latter is, as the name suggests, deep and transfers the weight to the more robust soil deep within the earth.
A shallow foundation is more likely to be affected by movement several years down the line because the soil it has been built upon is subject to adverse changes in temperature, moisture and displacement. Ultimately, these types of foundations may only last a handful of decades. On the other hand, deep foundations are a lot more secure because the full capacity of a properties weight is equally distributed across several points of impact and supported by the strong soil/rock found below the weak and compressible soils on the surface.
With this said, quality is another factor that can influence the longevity of a foundation because even a deep foundation can buckle under the pressure if it isn’t constructed properly. Piling is a skill that cannot be learned overnight which is why it’s important to invest in experienced and qualified workers at all times, particularly when it comes to construction. When quality and sustainability are taken into consideration, it is likely that a deep residential foundation will prosper for decades and perhaps even centuries.
Here at Rhino Piling, we like to consider ourselves experts in the field of foundations. After all, piling is a type of deep foundation that transfers the weight of a structure to the strong soil that is less likely to be subject to movement and lead to subsidence. In fact, it is actually thought to come with a higher longevity guarantee. To find out more information about the lifespan of residential foundations, get in contact with the best piling in Manchester today!
