Wall Cracks appearing in your home?

Wall cracks appearing in the walls of your home may be indicative of ground subsidence. Large, diagonal cracks in the walls, especially around doors and windows, can indicate subsidence. If you observe such cracks, a subsidence report can help determine the extent of the issue.

What is Subsidence?

Subsidence is a serious issue that can significantly impact the stability and safety of buildings and other structures. It occurs when the ground beneath a building sinks, causing the foundation to shift and potentially leading to extensive damage.

Understanding subsidence, its causes, and its effects can help property owners take necessary precautions and seek expert evaluations to safeguard their investments.

So – does your home need underpinning? Only a Structural Engineer can advise on this

What We Check For

A comprehensive subsidence report involves a detailed examination of several key areas to accurately assess the condition of the property. Here’s what we typically check for:

• Foundation Assessment
  We evaluate the foundation for any signs of sinking or shifting. This includes checking for cracks, uneven settling, or other indications of movement.
  Cracks in Walls and Ceilings, and Floor cracks. Our engineers inspect both interior and exterior walls for cracks. We also assess floors for any signs of unevenness or cracking, which can indicate underlying subsidence.
• Structural Movement
  We look for any signs of structural movement, such as doors and windows that no longer fit their frames properly. This can be a critical indicator of subsidence.
• Surrounding Environment
  The condition of the surrounding environment, including drainage systems, soil type, and nearby trees, is examined. Poor drainage or expansive clay soils can contribute to subsidence.

If subsidence is detected

There are several remedies we can recommend to address the issue and prevent further damage:

• Underpinning
  One of the most common solutions for subsidence is underpinning, which involves strengthening the foundation. This can be done using various methods, such as traditional mass concrete underpinning, beam and base underpinning, or mini-piled underpinning.
• Soil Stabilisation
  In some cases, stabilising the soil around the foundation can help prevent further subsidence. This can involve injecting a special grout into the soil to increase its strength and stability.
• Improving Drainage
  Poor drainage can exacerbate subsidence. Improving the drainage system around the property can help manage water flow and reduce the risk of soil movement.
• Tree Management
  Trees and their root systems can contribute to subsidence, especially if they are too close to the building. Managing the placement and maintenance of trees can mitigate this risk.
• Regular Monitoring
  For ongoing issues or high-risk properties, regular monitoring can help detect early signs of subsidence. This can involve installing monitoring devices to track any movement in the foundation over time.