Foundation installation is one of the most common forms of groundworks we handle for clients in and around the Guildford area. Quality foundations are essential for any building project, including basement installations – without them, a property would either gradually or rapidly sink into the ground or collapse due to a lack of support. Not ideal. On this page, our groundwork contractors help answer the age-old question: “how far down should our foundations go?”
Should you be more interested in the reinforced basements we build, or the work we undertake as Surrey’s go-to drainage contractors and basement builders, don’t feel obliged to read on! Instead, pick up the phone and call us. We offer the following expert services:
Foundations and basement installations go hand in hand. Here at Lucas Groundworks, we use the innovative formwork system from Peri DUO. This is the go-to system for basement builders across the world because it is lightweight, easy to handle and uses technopolymers for recycling and sustainability purposes.
There are many things to consider when planning the depth of foundations:
As a general rule, the heavier the load, the deeper the foundation installation should go. To delve a little further, we can split foundations into two categories – shallow and deep. The shallow variety is used when loads are relatively low compared with the bearing capacity of the ground beneath. Deeper foundations are required when said ground cannot support the load safely. It is our groundwork contractors’ job to transfer this load by providing foundations with a much higher bearing capacity.
On Guildford sites with stony ground, foundation installation can be shallow and either of the pad, strip, trench fill or raft variety. Clay sites require a slightly deeper foundation, in the 1m area (due to the points outlined in the moisture/water presence section).
If ground conditions are suboptimal, then we will keep digging to around a depth of 2.5m. At this point and beyond, our groundwork contractors will most likely shy away from shallow foundations. Instead, they’ll look to use piling or concrete rafts.
It’s important to note the moisture presence within the soil/ground when approach all types of groundworks. Moisture can result in expansion/contraction which will affect a foundation installation, as well as reinforced basements installations for that matter. The rule of thumb is to dig down until the moisture content of the soil is considered stable.
If there are trees close by where your foundations will sit, we will either need to dig a lot deeper or use steel to prevent tree roots from encroaching over time and causing damage to the foundations. As drainage contractors, and installers of reinforced basements, trees are truly our foil. They can get everywhere and compromise our hard work. So, over the years, our company has learned how to deal with them effectively and ensure our Guildford clients won’t have to experience them trespassing in places they shouldn’t be!
Another angle to consider is how close underground drainage systems are. Foundations should run to at least the depth of the sewer if it sits within a 45-degree area of where the foundations will be. This is because of how load is spread and transferred. As drainage contractors as well as groundwork contractors, we’re uniquely qualified in this area, and will ensure no issues arise.
As you can see, when carrying out a foundation installation or building reinforced basements for a Guildford homeowner or company, or indeed tackling any other type of groundworks, there’s a lot that we need to think about. It is essential you choose the right team of groundwork and drainage contractors for the job, and not opt for an inexperienced or general building services firm that might not get it right.
For a free consultation and a basement installation service that utilises the modern formwork system from Peri DUO, choose Lucas Groundworks. We have skilled basement builders on our team with decades of combined experience and a customer-centric outlook that has become the hallmark of our company.
What are you waiting for? Find out why we’re the Guildford area’s best-loved groundwork contractors and drainage contractors! Call 01483 861 187 today.
