If you’ve noticed the signs of subsidence, assessing the extent of the damage and your next steps can be easier than you think.
In most cases, new technology and innovations make ground improvement beneath your home minimally disruptive while fixing any sinking.
Auckland Anniversary Floods and Cyclone Gabrielle
In the summer of 2023, the upper North Island of New Zealand experienced an extreme cycle of weather conditions. La Niña saw an extended dry season of heatwaves, followed by heavy rains culminating with Cyclone Gabrielle, the deadliest weather event New Zealand had faced in many decades.
Auckland in particular has ageing stormwater infrastructure systems and extensive land use in the form of roads, car parks with tar seal and concrete preventing rainwater from dispersing into the ground. This causes water to pool up and surfaces to flood during heavy rain events.
Many across Auckland and other parts of the North Island were impacted by severe flash flooding at the end of January, made worse when Gabrielle hit just two weeks later. As the costliest tropical cyclone on record in the Southern Hemisphere, total damages are estimated to be at least NZ$13.5 billion.
“With the recent particularly dry summer, Mainmark has had an influx of enquiries all across the region, as soils have dried and houses have experienced subsidence or sinking,” says Josh Lunny, Area Sales Manager.
What signs to look for
Many residential areas in New Zealand are built on low lying flood plains, so most homeowners would benefit from being proactive and looking out for signs of subsidence.
If you notice gaps where your walls meet the floor, you might have a sinking or damaged foundation. Sinking concrete floors or slabs are a warning sign for serious and ongoing structural damage caused by subsidence.
Homeowners may find cracks in their walls, windows jamming, or doors that won’t close properly because of settlement. While a small crack might not cause concern, anything longer than five millimetres could indicate that the house is moving more than it should.
What you can do
It’s understandable that jobs like foundation repair or house levelling get put in the too-hard basket — traditional underpinning has a reputation for being loud, messy, lengthy, and disruptive to both the property and everyday life.
However, a chat with an expert can usually give you the confidence to finally get the job done. You might also learn about technology and innovations that will make the project easier than expected.
The team at Mainmark has raised, re-levelled and re-supported homes, buildings and structures for over 35 years. Unlike other systems that require the use of jacks and heavy machinery dragged through the property, Mainmark’s Teretek resin injection solution and JOG Computer-Controlled Grouting methods are non-invasive.
Our technologies and qualified technicians ensure minimal disruption and prevent further damage while re-levelling your home in a quick and timely manner. There’s usually no need for homeowners to move out while work is completed, and many projects only take a day or two.
If you’ve experienced any of these changes in your home as a result of the Auckland floods, repairing your home is possible with the right expertise. The process doesn’t need to be stressful and there’s no need to put your life on hold while work is carried out.
Get in touch with the team to by clicking the button below to learn more.