Cracks in walls are caused by structural movement
Movement occurs when the structure is not upon stable ground the cracking you see is an obvious sign of problems with stability.
While cracks in walls are common, there are some characteristics of cracking ‘symptoms’ you will notice when you have a problem with movement or subsidence.
Causes of wall cracking:
- Sinking Floors
- Poor Compaction
- Weak Ground
- Unlevelled Structures
- Failing Foundations
How can this be resolved? Chemical grout injection underpinning provides stability and stops movement in its tracks. Application is reliable, quick and clean. After chemical grout application your building will be solid again which means cracks can then be repaired once and for all.
Sinking Floors
Sinking floors can be common in both new homes and older homes.
The most common causes we find once we visit site are
- Downpipes next to corners of home or piers supporting heavy structure can distribute a lot of water to soil over time undermining footings.
- Compaction is sometimes a cause when builder does not properly compact house pad. This leads to voids developing over time.
- Dirty fill used for house slab which contains rubble also can cause voids to develop.
- Disturbed footing, for example sewage upgrade along house where soil is not returned to proper compaction with old clay sewage pipe and rubble left, creating voids which lead to subsidence.
How do we fix Sinking Floors? Chemical grout injection is applied where support is needed, underpinning provides a stable solid foundation, halting sinking structures with subsidence problems.
Failing Foundations
Over time foundations can become weakened and this allows movement of the building. As the building settles because it does not have adequate support cracking will be noticed. Underpinning with Chemical Grout Injection will provide renewed support for the building and cracking will stop.
Poor Ground Soil
Loose, Weak Ground: Soil that is loose and unstable is not strong enough to support the weight of structures adequately. Easily disturbed by water runoff, nearby construction or heavy traffic, this often leads to subsidence with buildings sinking or becoming unlevelled.
Common causes of subsidence in weak ground
- Water flooding
- Broken pipes
- Tree roots
- Heavy vibration
- Poor compaction
- Contaminated fill
How can weak ground be strengthened? Chemical grout injection strengthens the ground.
Unlevelled Buildings
The building becomes unlevelled as part of the foundation sinks. Underpinning with chemical grout injection stabilises the soil and halts the sinking foundation.
Causes of unlevelled buildings
- Poor compaction
- Poor quality fill
- Flooding
- Subsidence
- Heavy vibration
Wall Failure
Leaning and cracking brick walls, limestone walls and retaining walls occur because the footing or foundation is unable to support the structure. Chemical grout injection underpinning will strengthen, stabilise and support walls.
‘Symptoms’ of Structural Movement
Typically structural wall cracking of concern are large and recur after repairs. Windows and doors that are hard to open or close are further signs that your building has stabilisation problems.
Advice & Quotes
Would you like more information?
Please call Craig on 0450 818 944 or Nathan on 0400 325 975, who will gladly explain the process and answer any questions you may have.
Alternatively, send a message and we will call you back promptly.
Contact Us
"*" indicates required fields
