Top Structural Damage and Foundation Specialists
Contact us for a free quote
Trusted by:
- We work in conjunction with Geotechnical and Structural Engineers.
- 32 Professional Staff.
- 25+ Years Experience in Stabilizing Foundations.
- Full On-Site Investigations.
- Health and Safety Coverage.
- Public liability.
- Technical expertise from Frankie piling.
- All contractors are 100% covered under risk insurance
What our clients say about us:
PINNACLE STRUCTURAL REPAIRS UNDERPINNING & PILING SPECIALIZE IN ALL FORMS OF STRUCTURAL DAMAGES IN KWA-ZULU NATAL
Our team of underpinning and jack piling professionals offers a single-source solution. We have the experience to provide the highest quality workmanship on schedule and within budget.
Founded in 1997 as Pinnacle Industries. The company split to Pinnacle structural repair specialists and Pinnacle construction in 2018 and have grown to become one fo the leading firms in its industry.
Pinnacle Structural Repairs Contractors
Welcome to Pinnacle Structural Repair Specialists (Pty) Ltd, a trusted building and foundation repair specialist since 1997. Based in Durban, we specialize in structural damage repair, underpinning, and piling, not only in Durban, but across South Africa. With over 25 years of experience, our expert team has stabilized countless homes, factories and commercial buildings, tackling everything from cracked walls to sinking foundations.
Whether you’re asking, “Who fixes structural damage?” or “Who can carry out underpinning near me?” -we’re here with proven solutions. Our mission? To restore your property’s integrity with precision, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. Explore how we can help you today.
Why Pinnacle Structural Repair Specialists for structural damage repairs?
When your property shows signs of distress – cracked walls and floors – you need a reliable structural repair expert. Here’s why Pinnacle stands out :
- Proven Expertise: Over 2,500 successful projects completed, with a 98% client satisfaction rate (internal data, 2024).
- Specialized Team: Our 32-strong crew includes geotechnical engineers and piling specialists, ensuring every job meets the highest standards.
- Local Knowledge: We understand Durban’s unique soil challenges such as clay, shale and coastal erosion etc. delivering tailored fixes.
- Comprehensive Service: From inspection to completion, we’re your single-source foundation specialist.
Unlike competitors who offer generic fixes, we dig deeper – literally and figuratively – to address the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Our Services – Tailored Solutions for Durban Properties
We offer a full suite of structural damage repair and foundation stabilization services, designed to stabilize your property for the long haul. Here’s what we provide, with costs in South African Rand (R):
Underpinning Foundations – From R15,000
Strengthen your foundation with our expert underpinning techniques.
- What we do: Install precast jack piles or steel jack piles to halt subsidence.
- Best for: homes, commercial buildings, factories etc. with sinking or cracked foundations and walls.
- Timeline: 1–3 weeks, depending on scope of job.
Piling Solutions – From R20,000
Deep foundation support for challenging sites.
- What we do: Use hydraulic jacking for precision piling.
- Best for: Coastal properties or areas with unstable soil.
- Timeline: 2–4 weeks.
Structural Repairs – From R10,000
Fix cracks and restore stability with lasting structural repairs.
- What we do: Stitching for wall cracks, plus cosmetic finishing.
- Best for: Visible damage from foundation shifts.
- Timeline: 1–2 weeks.
Sub-Soil Drainage – From R12,000
Prevent water-related foundation issues.
- What we do: Install drainage systems to manage groundwater.
- Best for: Properties near Durban’s coastline or with poor drainage.
- Timeline: 1–2 weeks.
Note: Prices are starting points and exclude VAT. Final costs depend on site conditions and project complexity.
Piling and Underpinning Foundation Services
Underpinning foundations is the careful and well-thought-out process of providing extra strength to an existing foundation structure, to either prevent damage from happening or halting the damage that is already taking place and harming the structural integrity of the building.
Here is an example of a crack found while digging a pit for underpinning:
The process is considered a major repair project and one that should not be left to inexperienced companies. One small mistake can lead to a costly, not to mention dangerous, situation that will set you back. The use of the correct method, along with precise planning, is a necessity.
Problems with your foundations can have far-reaching consequences. Rather than ignoring the tell-tale wall cracks that point to foundation issues, it is best to find a solution to the issue.
When underpinning foundations, we dig and expose the foundations at the location that the pins are to be installed. We then dig approximately 1.5m below the foundation in order to install precast jack piles with steel and anchor crete. Using a specialised hydraulic jack, we jack precast jack piles down until they come to hard resistance or solid rock, welding them together along the way.
Finally, a concrete plinth is installed between the top of the precast jack piles, steel, and anchor crete and the existing foundation. The surrounding soil is then replaced and compacted.
Based upon our findings, we will give recommendations for the underpinning ie. number and location of pins. In some cases sub-soil drainage may need to be installed and/or storm water may need to be properly managed in addition to the underpinning. Stitching may also be recommended.
Where sub-soil drainage is required, trenches need to be dug below the foundations. Bidem cloth is installed into the trenches with agricultural pipe and 19mm blue stone around the pipe.
When would underpinning be considered a necessity?
There are a great many factors that would point to underpinning being something that you should be having a look into. And should you have any uncertainties about whether you need this service, you can always get in touch with the team at Pinnacle Structural Repairs. Some of the examples of underpinning being needed include:
- Soil conditions changing beneath the foundation, causing instability. This is why we work with geotechnical engineers who can establish soil conditions.
- The individual soil characteristics were not correctly taken into consideration during the initial construction phase, leading to instability and possibly wall cracks.
- Instances where the original foundation is either no longer suitable for holding the structure up safely, or where the original foundation is no longer strong enough.
- Work being done on neighbouring structures can also lead to issues with foundations. Work can include repairs, excavations or construction.
- When additional floors need to be constructed underground.
Just as there is a range of reasons why you might require underpinning, there are also several different types of underpinning to be looked at. Pinnacle Structural Repairs will advise you as to which type of structural underpinning will work best for your particular situation and then give you a rundown on what will need to be done to get your foundation back into a safer condition.
Some of the more commonly used types of underpinning for foundations include piled underpinning which is often used when the soil beneath a structure becomes unstable and thus unsuitable for bearing heavy loads. This is not the only reason for using piling. This option is also fantastic for when there is not a lot of access to a construction site or when there are various environmental concerns which relate to soil extraction or the need for limited structural movement during the process of stabilising the foundation.
The options of mass concrete underpinning, geopolymer solutions and jet grouting are also used by various companies operating in this industry.
Wall Crack Repair
One of the most commonly seen occurrences with a displaced foundation (or a sinking foundation), is structural damage, and more specifically cracked walls. Pinnacle Structural Repairs goes beyond the underpinning of all kinds of foundations and also offers wall crack repair as a part of our exceptional services. As the top structural repair specialists in Durban, we’ve perfected the art of each of the services we provide, ensuring that our clients receive nothing but the best.
Stitching and repairs to cracked walls are the simplest and most efficient way to restore structures to their former state and eradicating any instability that might have been caused by the damage.
Of the other services we have available, we can provide our clients with:
- Hand augering
- Groundwater and sub-soil drainage control
- Various types of design work
- Geotech reports
We are a highly versatile and experienced construction group and over the years we have cemented our reputation around being more than capable of delivering exactly what we have promised. Contact Pinnacle Structural Repairs contractors in Durban to find out more about what we can do for you, or to set up a consultation.
What drives our costs?
The cost of structural repairs, underpinning, or piling varies based on your property’s needs. Here’s what influences our pricing:
- Damage Extent: Minor cracks cost less than widespread subsidence.
- Soil Type: Clay-heavy soils often require deeper piling than sandy areas.
- Access: Tight spaces may need extra labour as machines and vehicles may not be accessible. This affects timelines and costs.
- Scale: A single wall repair is cheaper than a full foundation overhaul.
A 2024 KZN construction report estimates underpinning costs in South Africa at R10,000–R30,000 per project, with piling averaging R15,000–R40,000. Our rates align competitively, offering premium value.
Why Durban buildings need foundation specialists
Durban’s coastal climate and diverse soils—clay, shale, and sand—make properties prone to foundation issues. Research shows:
- 60% of KZN homes over 20 years old show structural wear (SA Building Review, 2023).
- Heavy rainfall exacerbates soil instability, with 25% of Durban properties at risk of subsidence (GeoTech SA, 2024).
- Coastal erosion affects 15% of structures near the shore (KZN Coastal Study, 2022).
As a leading foundation specialist, we use advanced techniques like jack piling and sub-soil drainage to combat these challenges, ensuring your property stands firm.
Our Process – Precision from start to finish
We take a methodical approach to every structural damage repair project:
- Site Inspection: We assess cracks, soil, and drainage—free consultations available in and around Durban. Further afield areas may necessitate a fee..
- Tailored Plan: Recommendations from our experts, e.g., “How many piles do I need?”
- Execution: Skilled teams deploy underpinning or piling with minimal disruption.
- Clean-Up: We leave your site spotless, as praised by clients like, “Hardly any evidence of two deep holes!” (Client review, 2023).
Post-repair, we offer maintenance advice to keep your foundation solid.
Ready to Fix Your Property?
Don’t let structural issues compromise your building. Whether you need structural repairs, underpinning, or piling, Pinnacle Structural Repair Specialists has the expertise to deliver. Ask us, “How can I repair structural damage in South Africa?” and we will provide a custom solution.
Contact us today for a free quote. Call +27 31 4526130 or email office@pinnaclesrs.co.za. Let’s restore your peace of mind.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Costs vary by damage and solution. At Pinnacle Structural Repair Specialists, structural repairs start at R10,000, while underpinning begins at R15,000—competitive with KZN averages of R10,000–R30,000.
Look for cracks wider than 2mm, uneven floors, or sticking doors. As a foundation specialist, we will inspect and confirm if underpinning is required.
Piling creates deep foundation support for new or unstable sites, while underpinning reinforces existing foundations. We excel at both.
Timelines depend on scope—structural repairs take 1–2 weeks, while piling or underpinning may take 2–4 weeks. We prioritize efficiency without cutting corners.
Yes! Our piling and drainage solutions are ideal for coastal challenges, protecting against erosion and water damage.
Absolutely. We offer a workmanship guarantee on all structural repairs and underpinning, ensuring lasting stability for your property.