Subsidence Problems Addressed
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Sinking and Uneven Concrete Slabs
To rectify sinking concrete slabs, voids in the ground must be filled and ground bearing capacity improved. Mainmark uses their proprietary process, which is likened to keyhole surgery, to improve ground bearing capacity and re-level. This unique method is non-invasive, environmentally inert, creates no mess and can be carried out in as little as a day. Treated slabs and driveways are often trafficable within hours.
✓ Slabs are brought back to level
✓ Ground beneath slab is strengthened
✓ Ground beneath slab is Voids in the ground are addressed
Exterior Step Wall Cracks
To address the causes of step wall cracks, foundations need to be lifted and re-levelled. Mainmark uses a 2 in 1 non-invasive underpinning solution which not only strengthens the ground under the foundation but lifts the structure back to level. As the building moves back to its original position wall cracks generally close, leaving only cosmetic crack repair, such as patching and painting, to deal with. Structural damage is resolved, and the aesthetics of the building is re-newed.
✓ Ground beneath building is strengthened
✓ Building is re-levelled and stabilised
✓ Wall cracks are closed – requiring minor cosmetic repair
Wall Cracks Around Windows and Doors
Closing-up wall cracks around doors and windows requires the underlying subsidence problem to be addressed. Mainmark’s proprietary underpinning methods are applied in a process likened to keyhole surgery that strengthens the ground and re-supports the existing structure. The application process is quick and easy, and does not require excavation work, causing minimal disruption to property occupants. As the building is re-levelled, cracks around doors and windows generally close, leaving only a little cosmetic crack repair such as patching and painting.
✓ Ground beneath building is strengthened
✓ Building is re-levelled and stabilised
✓ Door and window frames are re-aligned helping windows close with ease
✓ Wall cracks are closed – requiring minor cosmetic repair
Sticking Windows
Sticking windows are a tell-tale sign that the building is affected by subsidence and requires foundation repair. Mainmark’s ground improvement and re-levelling methods are effective for fixing the underlying problems such as sinking foundations that can cause windows to stick. The proprietary solution is injected into the ground raising, re-levelling, and re-supporting the building and in-turn re-aligning window frames. Windows will be able to open and close with no resistance.
✓ Ground beneath building is strengthened
✓ Building is re-levelled and stabilised
✓ Window frames are re-aligned helping windows close with ease
Articulation Joints
Articulation joint gaps between two structures often indicate poorly constructed foundations and lack of soil compaction. Mainmark uses a solution likened to key-hole surgery that strengthens the ground and achieves lift to bring the structures back to level. The gaps connecting the extension and original building are closed preventing external materials from accumulating in-between and preventing other contaminants such as water seeping inside.
✓ Ground beneath building is strengthened
✓ Building is re-levelled and stabilised
✓ Soil is compacted
Jammed Doors
Jammed doors are often an indication of subsidence and damaged foundations. Mainmark’s ground improvement and re-levelling methods are effective for fixing sinking foundations that cause doors to jam. The proprietary solution is injected into the ground raising, re-levelling, and re-supporting the building and in-turn re-aligning door frames. Doors will be able to open and close again with no resistance.
✓ Ground beneath building is strengthened
✓ Building is re-levelled and stabilised
✓ Door frames are re-aligned helping windows close with ease
Sinking Floors
The best way to fix sinking concrete floors is to raise, re-level and re-support the building’s foundation. Mainmark specialises in concrete levelling. Level correction not only re-levels a building, but also strengthens weak ground under and around the perimeter of the foundations, ensuring a stable base and helping to avoid any recurring issues. Mainmark’s methods are much friendlier, both to the building and to those that occupy it. Our non-invasive floor re-levelling techniques are cost and time efficient.
✓ Ground beneath building is strengthened
✓ Soil is compacted
✓ Voids in the ground are addressed
Sinking Building Extension
Sinking buildings need to be addressed by underpinning and providing a permanent solution for subsidence. Mainmark achieves this by using proprietary solutions that strengthen the ground beneath the foundations and re-levels and re-supports the extension. Compared to traditional underpinning, this approach is cost-effective, less invasive and can be completed in as little as a day.
✓ Ground beneath building is strengthened
✓ Building extension is re-levelled and stabilised
✓ Soil is compacted
Step Wall Crack in Interior of House
Addressing wall cracks around a home require foundations to be lifted and re-levelled. Mainmark uses a 2 in 1 non-invasive underpinning solution which not only strengthens the ground under the foundation but lifts the structure back to level. As the building moves back to its original position wall cracks generally close, leaving only cosmetic crack repair, such as patching and painting, to deal with. Structural damage is resolved, and the aesthetics of the building re-newed.
✓ Ground beneath building is strengthened
✓ Building is re-levelled and stabilised
✓ Wall cracks are closed – requiring minor cosmetic repair
Cracked Underground Utility Pipes
Repairing or replacing damaged underground utility pipes can be an arduous task but helps avoid problems that may impact the structural integrity of a building. It is important to resolve water pooling issues as the moisture in the soil will react by expanding and contracting causing excess ground movement. Soil can also wash away creating voids and reducing the soil bearing capacity causing subsidence. Once leaks have been addressed, Mainmark can assist with re-supporting and re-levelling the building.
✓ Water, gas or chemical leakages are addressed
✓ Ground beneath building is strengthened
✓ Building is re-levelled and stabilised
Signs of Subsidence
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Sinking and Uneven Concrete Slabs
Sinking and uneven concrete driveways or path slabs can be an indication of unstable ground due to voids beneath the surface. If there is noticeable soil building up around slab joints, the concrete slab can start to crack around the edges as weight is exerted where there is no ground support. Leaving it untreated could potentially be a trip hazard or damage your vehicle’s tyres and underbody.
Typical Causes:
Exterior Step Wall Cracks
Step wall cracks are common in homes and are often the first sign of foundation subsidence. They are found on masonry walls and appear like steps in the brickwork/blocks, typically following mortar lines. The mortar and masonry deteriorate over time due to the movement of the affected wall. Wall cracks are usually of concern when one side of the wall is higher than the other or cracks are wider than about 5mm. If unaddressed subsidence can worsen making the building structurally unsafe as ingress of moisture and other external elements affect the integrity of the foundation.
Typical Causes:
Wall Cracks Around Windows and Doors
Characterised by a combination of step cracks and vertical/diagonal cracks leading from a fixture of a building to an adjacent corner. They are mostly evident on masonry and concrete walls where the crack is wider at the top, indicating the wall settling or heaving. They are normally jagged or zig-zagged and don’t follow a uniform pattern. Overtime, the cracks will become wider as the foundation continues to move, compromising the structural integrity of the building. Windows and doors generally misalign and external substances such as air, water and noise seep in.
Typical Causes:
Sticking Windows
Windows that require immense force to open, won’t seal shut due to misalignment or scrape against frames are often a first indication of damaged foundations. All structures, regardless of age, are susceptible to foundation damage. This occurs when soil underneath the building starts to move or settle. Also referred to as subsidence, the ground beneath the structure is unable to support the weight of the building and can cause internal and external fixtures to move and misalign.
Typical Causes:
Articulation Joints
Usually visible in building extensions where two walls join and in modern buildings at the sides of large window and door openings. The gap is often wider at the top of the joint, exposing the lining. If the problem is not addressed, the extension can further subside creating a bigger gap between the structures causing unlevel floors, jamming doors and windows.
Typical Causes:
Jammed Doors
Doors that don’t open smoothly, have uneven gaps or rub against frames are often a first indication of foundation damage. All structures, regardless of age, are susceptible to foundation damage, which occurs when soil underneath the building starts to move or settle. Also referred to as subsidence, the ground beneath the structure is unable to support the weight of the building and can cause internal and external fixtures to move and misalign.
Typical Causes:
Sinking Floors
A concrete floor slab within a home can sink due to weak ground or subsidence. A building can sink at various localised points or can be spread across the entire footprint of the house foundation. Concrete floors are often independent from structural walls and as a result of subsidence shows stepped wall cracks. In cases where walls are built on top the slab, gaps or cracks around wall corners are prevalent. Subsidence, if left untreated can be a very serious problem, which is likely to worsen, creating further sinking floors, wall cracks or other significant structural damage.
Typical Causes:
Sinking Building Extension
A sinking building extension can be an indication of weak ground where the added weight of the new structure has caused soil movement as it settles. Normally due to poor soil compaction and inadequate foundation planning during construction the extension will continue to subside overtime. Avoiding rectification can cause further damage to foundations affecting doors, windows and also unlevel floors.
Typical Causes:
Interior Step Wall Crack
Step wall cracks are common in homes and are often the first sign of foundation subsidence. Inside the house, they appear like steps in the brickwork/blocks or tiles and typically follow mortar or grout lines. The mortar and masonry deteriorates over time due to the movement of the affected wall. Common signs of step wall cracks are when one side of the wall is higher than the other or cracks are wider than about 5mm. If unaddressed, the subsidence can worsen making the building structurally unsafe.
Typical Causes:
Cracked Underground Utility Pipes
Cracked pipes and broken sewer lines are a common cause of the foundation issues that can affect properties. When the ground becomes oversaturated and waterlogged, the soil is weakened and loses strength, which can result in structural issues. It is important to watch for signs of leaking pipes or drainage issues before ground subsidence begins to impact your home’s foundations. Pay attention to slow-draining sinks, toilets or showers, ensure rainwater is not directed into stormwater pipes and check your water bill for unusually high levels of consumption. In extreme situations sink holes can appear at the surface where the subsurface foundation soils are being washed away by leaking services.
Typical Causes:
