Foundation work and foundation repairs
We carry out foundation work, repairs and moisture protection in Tallinn and Harju County.
There is no single foundation solution that suits every house. Footing dimensions, reinforcement, insulation and moisture protection must follow the soil conditions, building loads and design. Our job is to carry out the agreed stages properly and in the right order.
Foundation work for new and existing buildings
We undertake foundation work from substrate preparation, formwork and reinforcement through to concrete pouring and repairs to existing foundations or plinths. As needed, we also provide waterproofing, insulation and excavation or opening-up required for the work.
The supporting structure's dimensions and solution must come from the design. If there is settlement or major cracking, we recommend involving a qualified designer or expert before construction.
- you are building a house, extension, garage or outbuilding;
- the plinth is crumbling or there are cracks in the foundation;
- moisture is entering the basement or the lower part of the wall;
- the plinth and water drainage need attention before facade work.
How is a foundation built?
The precise solution for a new foundation comes from the design, but the work generally follows the same principles: a strong base, correctly positioned reinforcement and penetrations, a controlled pour, and only then moisture protection and backfilling.
Design and setting out
We check dimensions, level marks, axes and access. Dimensions of load-bearing elements are determined by the design, not by eye on site.
Excavation and a load-bearing base
Weak soil is removed, excavation is carried out to the design and the crushed stone or other specified base is compacted layer by layer.
Formwork, reinforcement and penetrations
Before pouring, formwork dimensions, reinforcement cover and the positions of drainage, water and electrical penetrations are checked.
Concrete pouring
Concrete is placed evenly, compacted and levelled. Reinforcement and penetrations must not move during the pour.
Curing and checks
Fresh concrete is protected from excessively rapid drying, cold and precipitation. Formwork is removed only when the concrete is strong enough.
Waterproofing, insulation and backfilling
The surface is prepared according to the waterproofing system's instructions. Protection and insulation boards are installed before careful backfilling.
Common foundation and footing types
The footing is the wider lower part of the foundation that transfers the building's load to the soil. The designer determines the appropriate type and dimensions according to soil, loads and the building's construction.
Strip foundation
A continuous footing runs beneath load-bearing walls. This is a common solution for detached houses. An even load-bearing base, reinforcement of corners and junctions, and a moisture barrier between the footing and foundation wall are important.
Slab foundation
A reinforced slab transfers the load over a larger area. Insulation, underfloor heating, drainage and other penetrations must be accurately positioned before pouring, because later alterations are difficult.
Isolated footing
A separate concrete footing carries the load from a post or column. It is used for canopies, terraces and framed structures. The footing's size, depth and connection to the structure depend on the loads and soil.
What about piles? If load-bearing soil lies deep or settlement risk is high, the design may specify a piled foundation. This is a specialist solution requiring geological information, design and suitable equipment.
Foundation repairs begin with finding the cause
A crack, damp basement wall or crumbling plinth is a symptom. Before repairs, it is necessary to establish whether the cause is rainwater, inadequate waterproofing, frost heave, soil settlement or simply worn finishes.
If moisture is the problem
We inspect ground falls, downpipe discharge, plinth junctions and the outside of the foundation. Where needed, the structure is exposed in sections, the surface is cleaned, and waterproofing and protective layers are restored. Drainage is not an automatic answer to every moisture problem.
If cracking or settlement is the problem
An isolated surface crack and structural movement need different solutions. If a crack is growing, the floor has settled or doors and windows jam, the structure and soil must be checked before cosmetic repairs.
What determines foundation work costs?
Costs are affected by excavation depth and access, the amount of soil to be removed, formwork and reinforcement quantities, concrete volume, penetrations, moisture protection and backfilling. Existing foundations also require opening-up and assessment of the damage cause.
Include the site location, design or dimensions, and photos of both the overall site and problem area with your enquiry. If these do not allow an honest scope assessment, we arrange a site inspection.
Waterproofing, insulation and drainage work together
Water exposure determines the solution
Ground moisture and water under pressure require different solutions. We select a waterproofing system suitable for the substrate and exposure and seal penetrations. A dimpled membrane may serve as a protective or drainage layer, but does not itself replace foundation waterproofing.
Insulation and drainage
In contact with soil, we use insulation designed to resist loads and moisture. Drainage requires a resolved discharge route, pipe fall, filtration and access for inspection. Installing a pipe without an effective outlet does not ensure a dry foundation.
Exposing an old foundation
The extent and sequence of excavation beside a building require a load-bearing assessment. Soil is not removed from beneath the footing without checks, and long sections are not exposed at once merely to speed up work. Settlement cracks or strengthening work require a structural specialist's solution.
For the inspection: Provide the building's age, known foundation type, photos of cracks or moisture and existing drawings. Clarify basement use and the current rainwater discharge arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
Do you repair old foundations?
Yes, we can help with foundation repairs and plinth work after assessing their condition.
Does foundation work require a design?
Some work may require a design or expert assessment. When altering a structure, we follow the applicable requirements.
Do you provide waterproofing?
We can prepare moisture protection for foundations and plinths and carry out waterproofing to the agreed extent.
How does this differ from concrete work?
The concrete work page focuses on pouring and substrates, while the foundation work page covers problems with the building base, plinth and moisture protection.
How can I tell if a foundation needs repair?
Signs can include cracks, moisture, salt marks, deteriorating plinths or dampness at floor-to-wall junctions. An inspection establishes the exact cause.
Is painting the plinth enough?
If the problem is purely visual, it may be enough. If the plinth is deteriorating due to moisture, the moisture source must be resolved before finishing.
Does foundation work require excavation?
Not always. Some repairs are local and on exposed surfaces, but waterproofing or drainage may make excavation unavoidable.
When is drainage needed?
The need for drainage depends on soil, water movement and the building's moisture problem. It should not be added automatically without assessing the cause.
Is completed work covered by a warranty?
Yes. Construction and finishing work completed by RK Meistrid OÜ is covered by a 3-year warranty. The scope of the work and agreed terms are recorded in the quotation.
Which other jobs are foundation works usually linked to?
Foundation work is often linked to moisture protection of the lower building, concrete and the transition to the facade. If structural repairs are involved, it is important to coordinate them with concrete work and substrate restoration; for the building exterior and plinth protection, work often continues with facade surface repairs or finishing. A new solution may first require removal of the old damaged section.