Questions You Might Ask If Your Home Needs Restumping

Restumping is done for homes that are built on a type of block versus a concrete slab or cement foundation. These homes are commonly found in the tropics where the ground may be too soft to support a concrete slab or in areas prone to earthquakes, hurricanes and other disasters that might also damage a cement foundation. Older homes may have also been built on blocks as a faster and more affordable way of construction. If you've been told that your home needs restumping for any reason, note a few questions you might have about the process and then discuss these with a contractor if you need more information.

What is the difference between restumping and reblocking?

House restumping and reblocking are actually the same thing; they both refer to the type of repair work needed for a home built on stumps or blocks. If you've been getting estimates from different contractors and one quotes a restumping job and another a reblocking job, they are not referring to different processes or materials. Note that some contractors may use the term underpinning. Even though underpinning usually refers to the work done to support or repair a concrete slab, it can be a term used for any type of foundation repair work, including restumping.

I've already had the home restumped, so why does it need to be done again?

Restumping is often done when wood stumps or blocks soften and then crack or split with age; however, it can also be needed if the soil under your home is very moist or sandy and can't hold up the weight of the house and the stumps shift and move. Even with strong concrete or steel stumps, the house may then settle and cracks and other damage may form. If you didn't have your property's soil consistency and strength tested when you had the home restumped before, you may want to do that now. Adding lime or clay can make it stronger and ensure your next restumping job lasts.

How does restumping help with an infestation?

If your home is infested with termites, ants or even rodents, you may need a restumping job done. At the top of stumps is a type of cap that is meant to keep out insects, but if that cap is broken, this can allow pests to use the home's stumps and those cracks and breaks as an access point. New metal stumps and caps can close up these gaps and protect your home from any future damage done by insects and other pests.