One of the most common repairs that you will encounter when it comes to your home is restumping. Restumping involves removing and replacing existing timber stumps, typically with steel piers instead. The necessity for this type of repair is high because houses are built on sand which shifts over time, causing structural problems like broken or cracked walls, doors sticking and windows not staying open. As well as this, pests can also climb in through gaps around floorboards or wall plates (the horizontal beam across your wall).
If you find any of these things happening at your house (or you think they may be about to) then restumping could solve them for you. However, if you are thinking of undergoing restumping it is important to know what causes these problems and how you can fix them before they happen.
Sand Shrinkage
The sand that houses are built on does shift over time, just as coastal sand dunes dos result in sand ‘shrinkage’. This means that the original frame of your home will eventually be exposed as cracks appear on your walls and doors stick or windows refuse to stay open. Restumping effectively pulls your house back together and therefore prevents these types of problems from occurring. It might also help prevent wet weather seepage which could lead to mould and mildew build-up on either inside or outside walls.
Restumping can sometimes become a necessity for homeowners when they deal with pest infestations like termites, carpenter ants, spiders and other insects that can climb through gaps in floorboards or wall plates. Restumping can prevent these pests from entering your home again once the repairs have been made, thus giving you another few years of pest-free living before having to do the job again.
It is important however that you don’t undertake restumping simply because it seems like a good idea for cosmetic purposes. Your house may look better after the stumps have been replaced but if this is not required then you will just be wasting your money on pointless work which could have gone towards something more worthwhile. There are some telltale signs of whether or not your house needs new stumps so read on to find out more!
Cracks
If cracks appear on any of the exteriors of your house, for example on the walls or around doorframes and windows then this may mean you need new stumps. However, if these cracks also appear in any internal walls or floors this may be because water has seeped in through wet weather causing dry rot which can warp wooden beams. This damage can’t always be seen from the outside though so it is important to get an expert opinion before undertaking restumping.
Sticking Doors
If doors are sticking or refuse to open then this could mean that there are high levels of humidity in your house which have built up over time causing mould growth on either inside or outside surfaces. This mould can eat away at your stumps while they’re still exposed meaning you will end up with even bigger problems down the line.
Roof Problems
How do you know if there is a problem with your roof? Well, guttering that is not clean or well maintained can cause water to seep inside over time causing damp and mould on internal surfaces. If you find any levels of this then it might be worth getting some gutter cleaners to wash away the dirt before undertaking restumping.
Window Problems
Signs that your windows need new stumps include windows that won’t stay open, therefore letting excess humidity escape from your house. If you shut these windows for too long they may become stuck due to high levels of humidity so it’s best to get them replaced as soon as possible. Cracked window panes are also an obvious sign that work needs doing on your windows.
If you are seeing problems like these in your house then it is worth consulting a professional for independent advice. This will not only give you peace of mind but could also save you money in the long run by avoiding an unnecessary restumping project.
There are many more signs that can help determine whether or not your house needs restumping. If there is any doubt at all about what to do then speak to a building surveyor who will be able to give you advice and quote for work that needs doing. The cost of a restumping project can depend on factors such as how big the area is, the condition of existing stumps and wall plates etc. However, this type of home maintenance should last from 10-15 years so it’s worth looking into if you have been experiencing problems with your house.
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