The foundation of a building is one of the most important aspects and must be completed by an experienced and trained professional. After all, below-par foundations or a complete lack of structure can lead to premature wear and tear or may even cause the whole framework of a property to fall down! With this said, the market is inundated with a wide range of foundational options that can cause property owners to question their final decision which is why the team here at Rhino Piling have decided to go over the differences between piling and raft foundations. Read on to find out more…
What are piling foundations?
The ground can have a big impact on the stability of a structure and foundations are implemented in order to prevent problems in the future. With this said, large and heavy buildings often require stronger foundations than smaller alternatives which is why piling is thought to be the most popular foundational method on the market. During this process, piles are driven deep within the earth in order to reinforce the weight of a structure to the stronger soil below. This provides the benefit of longevity and there are several different varieties to choose from such as end-bearing piles, friction piles, mini piles and screw piles.
What are raft foundations?
On the other hand, raft foundations do not transfer the weight of a structure to the harder and more robust soil deep beneath the earth but rather create a ‘mat’ of concrete that sits on or beneath the ground in order to spread the weight equally. It is a popular solution for buildings with just one or two stories or when a basement is being implemented into an existing building. In fact, many domestic properties are crafted using raft foundations because they are affordable and cause less disturbance when installed, however these buildings are often more susceptible to movement related subsidence.
Here at Rhino Piling, our team specialise in the implementation of high-quality piling foundations that can prevent subsidence and ensure that the weight of a structure is supported for many years to come. After all, there are a wide range of uncontrollable elements like soil movement or the weather that can impact a property without foundations beyond repair. With this said, piling may not always be the most appropriate solution. To find out more information, get in contact with the best piling in Manchester and speak to a member of the Rhino Piling team today!
