Piling Contractor in Kent | The Differences Between Pile Foundations and Raft Foundations

In the world of construction, the significance of a sturdy foundation cannot be overstated. Just like when building a house with toy blocks, a faulty foundation can jeopardise the entire structure above. The two most crucial foundation types are pile foundations and raft foundations, each serving a distinct purpose on construction projects. As a piling contractor, we use these variations to meet the specific needs of a range of building disciplines which include underpinning, basement construction, RC ground beams and more.

Our experience in bored piling and mini piling spans 30 years, and we are a preferred choice for foundation works with private homeowners, building companies, main contractors and property developers in the Kent area.

On this page, we explain the differences between pile and raft foundations.

Pile Foundations

Pile foundations constitute a formidable solution for supporting substantial structures, particularly in regions with weak soil. These foundations are driven deep into the ground to ensure the building's load is transferred to a more robust substrate below the surface. There are various types of piles employed based on the specific requirements of the project. End bearing piles rest on a layer of solid rock or heavy soil, offering an impressive load-bearing capacity.

On the other hand, friction piles rely more on the friction generated along the entire length of the pile to transfer the load into the surrounding soil. In cases with constraints in construction, such as limited space or noise concerns, then bored piling and mini piling can be utilised to minimise disruption.

Screw piles, also known as helical piles, are carefully screwed into the ground using spiral blades. The installation of pile foundations in Kent requires a skilled team of piling contractors due to their complexity. Complexity makes pile foundations costlier to install than most other common foundation types.

Moisture Control

Proper moisture control is essential during curing because a lack of moisture can hinder concrete development to cause:

Raft Foundations

Raft foundations, also referred to as mat foundations, will take the form of a concrete "mat" that sits either on the ground or just beneath it. They cover the entire building footprint to disperse the load placed upon them. Ideal for one or two-storey buildings, and in situations requiring basement construction, raft foundations have a range of common uses especially on domestic projects.

They are relatively straightforward to construct and cost-effective. However, they may be susceptible to erosion around their edges and might not be suitable for situations that demand heavy reinforcement in specific areas.

Determining the most suitable option between pile foundations and raft foundations depends on various factors. These include the building's height, the surrounding soil conditions and the project's size. Consultation between a knowledgeable piling contractor and client is highly recommended to make a joint informed decision between pile foundations and raft foundations.

Our team can provide valuable insights which we tailor to your needs. Bored piling, mini piling, RC ground beams or for any other foundation requirements in Kent, we are here to offer expert guidance and to deliver reliable results.

contact us today to arrange a survey, consultation and quotation, and let us lay the groundwork and foundations for your next successful project.

Horner Foundations is also a specialist in underpinning.

Please take the time to view examples of our previous work.