Piling is increasingly becoming the preferred alternative to the traditional deep and dangerous strip footings. More and more we see building contractors and local authorities recommending piled foundations, as the more cost effective and environmentally friendly foundation solution.
| Pile foundations | Strip footings | ||
| Shallow dig out less risk of collapsing | √ | High water table = collapsing trench | X |
| 0% risk of subsidence | √ | Affected by ground movement | X |
| Installed in any ground condition | √ | Limited ground conditions | X |
| Build over existing services | √ | Existing services require diverting | X |
| Building control approve prior to work starting | √ | Risk of building control not passing the work causing delays | X |
| Shallow excavations mean no risk of undermining | √ | Risk of undermining existing or neighbouring buildings | X |
| Environmentally friendly smaller quantities of materials | √ | Large quantity of concrete & earth movement | X |
