To give a detailed description of exactly what piling is we need to first look at the simple explanation of piling. Google describes piling as strengthening or supporting (a structure) with piles. This definition fits piling really well but what else is involved in the mystical world of piling?

Piling is considered to be a very basic job that is full of labor intensive activities and a little bit of know how but this is far from the truth. Piling is a tremendously huge labor intensive job that requires a lot of know how. The reason for this is the machinery that is used in piling and the risks involved in piling make it quite a dangerous job that could potentially lead to loss of life.

If piling work is done shoddily or there is just one loose chain in the system then you could potentially have a collapsing structure and if someone is in that structure… Unless you have extensive training within the industry, I highly recommend not trying to do your own piling for your conservatory, extension etc.

The machinery involved in piling, like the pre augar, are very complex and potentially dangerous pieces of machinery that can do a whole lot of damage in a very short space of time. This makes the piling industry a very specialist industry and anyone who is anyone in the piling industry will be exceptionally smart, hardworking individuals who know their stuff.

Piling is an absolute must for any kind of construction work. The technique for piling is to dig into the ground and insert piles which will act as supports and will strengthen the structures structure. Piling is not to be confused with underpinning which is the act of supporting or strengthening an existing building structure.

Piling can be done with a variety of materials which will all depend on the future constructed building and where the building will be built. The majority of piling is done with either wood, metal or concrete. All these materials allow for a very solid building foundation with the absolute minimum risk of future problems with the building however in some situations these materials cannot be used like where the quality of the soil underneath the building is very low.