The Repiling Process

What are Piles?

Piles are the wooden or concrete posts under a house, also referred to as foundations. They are designed to distribute the weight of the house evenly across the soil underneath, and the house construction distributes the house weight as evenly as possible over the piles, ensuring the house stands straight and square.

Why Repile?

Over time piles can rot away, causing uneven distribution of house weight over piles.  Uneven settling, or movement of the ground under and around piles can cause piles to move.  Obvious signs that your piles may need replacing include:  unlevel floors, windows and doors not closing properly, cracks appearing in the walls

Sometimes all the piles move, but more often different piles move to different extents. This causes the house to twist, bow, and crack, resulting in damage. To stop ongoing damage, re-piling is necessary. If you are planning renovations, it pays to start with firm foundations or you are going to end up with an inferior result.

About Repiling

Repiling involves digging new piles down to a firm base and attempting to re-align the house on this new foundation.

To establish if the piles are a problem and to what extent, you will need to ask the experts. Make sure you get a good idea as to what has caused the need for repiling and whether it is likely to be an ongoing issue? i.e. poor soil, ongoing subsidence, risk of landslide. Can the cause be fixed? i.e. leaking pipe, drainage issues causing water to run under the house.

The Repiling Process

Repiling is a major job and different companies repile use different methods. Some cut holes in the floor to access under the house and some lift the entire house up. The method used depends on a number of factors. Access is a big deciding factor, however it is Houses on the Moves’ preference to lift the house using hydraulic jacks resulting in less repair work for the client.

What else can I do while I’m repiling?

Repiling provides the opportunity to do other things to a house at the same time.  You may choose to reposition it on your site, or raise it up and another level added underneath.  You may decide to shift it somewhere else completely! While the house is lifted for repiling, it is an opportunity to install underfloor insulation or work with the plumbing and electrical systems.

Repiling requires a building consent.  Other additions and changes to the house can be added to the same consent, so it pays to plan in advance exactly what you want to do with a house before you repile.  That way all your permissions can be gained at the same time - saving money - and also allowing you to organise access under the house for other works while the repiling is happening.