PURCHASING and maintaining a property is, for many, the biggest investment of their lifetime and for homeowners looking to sell their property, structural defects caused by ground subsidence can significantly reduce the final sale price of this investment.
Subsidence is the gradual downward movement or sinking of an area of land and can cause the foundation of a home to gradually settle in one area or across its entire footprint. This can result in expensive structural repairs, which may be a deal breaker for many house hunters.
James O’Grady, sales and business development manager, Mainmark Ground Engineering, said, “While astute homeowners and buyers will recognise some of the warning signs of potential subsidence, major structural faults or safety hazards may not be visible at first glance.”
“Extensive foundation damage should be fully assessed by a suitably accredited structural or geotechnical engineer, to identify the cause, how extensive the settlement is, and whether the underlying cause of settlement requires fixing,” Mr O’Grady said.
The common causes of foundation ground issues often relate to moisture in the soil beneath the home’s foundations. Different types of soil behave in different ways to changing moisture levels, so consider the following when investigating the likely cause:
– Water ponding around the house
– Excessive moisture leaking into the foundation ground, often due to broken pipes, making it too wet
– Invasive tree roots searching for water, making it too dry
In many cases, foundation issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently using modern ground engineering solutions that are less invasive and costly than traditional underpinning.
Fixing the problem for the long term requires correcting any issues that might have caused the foundation damage, and this may also involve consulting a plumber or other expert. The CSIRO guide to foundation maintenance is also a valuable reference.
If signs of subsidence have appeared, consult structural and geotechnical engineers or ground engineering experts. Mainmark has treated more than 30,000 sites throughout Australasia, from single-storey homes to large commercial buildings. For more information and advice about ground engineering issues and remediation solutions, contact Mainmark on 1800 623 312 or visit www.mainmark.com.
