Residential News & Information

When to Worry about Cracks in Brick

Cracks in brickwork can be concerning, but not all cracks indicate a major structural problem. Understanding the type, size, and location of the cracks can help determine whether they are minor or a sign of a more serious issue.

Subsidence Cracks

Subsidence cracks can appear in the walls, floor and ceiling of your home and are caused by the movement or shifting of the ground beneath the house’s foundations. Acting quickly when you spot them is critical for preventing additional damage to your home.

The Cost Of Underpinning

The cost of underpinning can vary significantly depending on the method used, the extent of damage, and several other factors.

Correcting Subsidence with Driveway Re-levelling

If your driveway is showing signs of subsidence, such as cracking, sinking, or uneven surfaces—driveway relevelling may be the solution you need.

Brick Crack Wall – Homeowners Guide

A wall crack is a visible break or fissure that appears on the surface of a wall, which can occur in various building materials such as drywall, plaster, concrete, or brick.

 These cracks can vary in size, shape, and depth and may appear in different locations, such as near windows, doors, corners, or along the middle of the wall.

What are the first signs of house subsidence?

The first signs of house subsidence are often subtle and may go unnoticed initially, but they typically involve structural changes or functional issues within the property.

What does House Subsidence mean and what causes it?

House subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a property sinks or shifts, causing the foundations of the house to move unevenly.

What is the purpose of Re-levelling?

The purpose of re-levelling is to restore a building’s structural balance by correcting uneven floors, re-supporting the foundation, and addressing issues caused by ground movement or deterioration.

What is Chemical Underpinning?

Chemical underpinning, also known as resin injection is a technique used to improve the strength and stability of a building’s foundation.

Wall Cracks in Your Home

How Climate Change May Affect Your Property’s Foundations

Climate change is often associated with cataclysmic weather events and temperature changes but it can also have more subtle, long-term effects on our homes

Underpinning Guide

Underpinning is a crucial construction technique used to strengthen and stabilise existing foundations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the underpinning process, methods, safety considerations, and costs.

Sunken Concrete: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions

Concrete is an incredible material, – strong, durable, and cost-effective. Over time, concrete can crack, chip, and perhaps most frustratingly sink. In this article, we will share a modern, hassle-free solution to restore sunken slabs without replacing them entirely.

What are the alternatives to traditional types of pile underpinning?

The alternatives to the traditional types of pile underpinning are based on methods that use the controlled injection of either a specialised grout or polyurethane resin, into the ground.

Should I Book a Subsidence Inspection?

If you have noticed any signs of subsidence around your home, or if you’re worried that your home is suffering from subsidence, it’s time to book a subsidence inspection.

Essential Steps to Underpin a House

Underpinning a house is a crucial process. It’s a method used to strengthen and stabilise the foundation of a home

Understanding Sinking Foundation Repair Costs in Australia

A sinking foundation can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. It’s a serious issue that can significantly impact the structural integrity of your home. In Australia, the cost of repairing a sinking foundation can vary greatly. 

Can Tree Removal Lead to Foundation Issues?

While trees provide significant environmental benefits and enhance our quality of life by offering shade, privacy, improved air quality, wildlife habitats, and reduced soil salinity and erosion, they can also negatively impact our built environment and potentially damage buildings, walkways, driveways, and underground infrastructure without careful planning and oversight.

Choosing a Ground Engineering Company

Choosing the right ground engineering company is a critical decision. It can significantly impact the success of your construction or infrastructure project.

Are You Worried About Extension Subsidence in Your Home?

Extension subsidence is an issue that requires immediate attention. If you suspect your home may be experiencing this problem, it’s crucial to seek professional advice promptly to prevent further damage.

Unlevel Building Structure and How to Repair it

An unlevel building can be a cause for concern and often shows noticeable signs. Common indicators include cracks in walls (both internal and external), difficulty opening or closing windows and doors, cracked floor slabs, or gaps appearing under skirting boards or around cornices and architraves.

How Risky Is Underpinning in Australia?

Mainmark provides a detailed breakdown of the risks and considerations associated with underpinning in Australia. 

What is Underpinning and When is it Needed?

Underpinning is a crucial construction process used to reinforce and stabilise an existing building foundation. This method becomes necessary when the original foundation is no longer sufficient to support the structure, which can occur due to various factors such as soil composition changes, construction defects, or external environmental influences.

What Are the Common Signs that a Building Requires Underpinning?

We’ve compiled some of the common signs that indicate a building may require underpinning.

What is Reactive Clay Soil in Australia?

Reactive clay soil, also known as expansive or shrink-swell clay, is a type of soil that changes its volume significantly with variations in moisture content. When it absorbs water, it expands, and when it dries out, it contracts.

Underpinning for Strata Units

Strata units are part of a strata-titled property, where individual owners own their lot (apartment, townhouse, or unit) while sharing ownership of common property, such as foundations, roofs, and structural elements. When structural issues arise—especially those related to the building’s foundation, underpinning may be required to stabilise and strengthen the structure.

How to Fix Structural Cracks in Walls

Fixing structural cracks in walls requires a thorough understanding of their causes, proper preparation, and the right repair materials. Various factors, including foundation settlement, moisture intrusion, thermal expansion and contraction, poor construction practices, or seismic activity, can cause cracks. Some cracks are purely cosmetic, while others indicate serious structural issues that require immediate attention. 

When are foundation cracks a problem?

Foundation cracks are a common occurrence in homes and buildings, but not all cracks indicate a serious issue. Some are simply the result of normal settling, while others can point to structural problems, water damage, or soil instability.