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What is foundation subsidence?
Footings and foundations aren’t necessarily the first aspects of a house that you think will have issues. It’s usually, the more cosmetic areas that are obvious such as wear and tear inside the property that you expect to maintain.
But when it comes to potential problems with a house or other building, they don’t get much worse than sinking foundations, especially if not identified quickly or treated correctly.
Foundation subsidence problems are created by weak ground that cannot support the weight of structures or floors above it. This is when they start to subside and cause major property hazards.
There are many different reasons for weak ground, both natural and man-made. Loosely packed or sandy soils, or even human activities such as excavating and drilling, can cause ground subsidence issues.
Over the last decade, foundation subsidence has cost the UK economy billions of pounds, making it the most damaging geo-hazard in Britain today, and is expected to affect as many as one in five homes in England and Wales in the coming years.
What are the likely signs of foundation subsidence?
Subsidence, which is the gradual downward movement or sinking of an area of land results in your home moving, sinking in one area, or across the entire foundation footprint.
The first signs of foundation subsidence usually include:
- sinking floors
- cracks in walls, paths and driveways
- jammed windows and doors
With Mainmark’s range of cost-effective, non-invasive subsidence repair solutions, we can work with you to make the whole rectification process less stressful; assessing damage, fixing the ground, and allowing you to live happily in your home again.
Causes
What are the causes of foundation subsidence?
Some homes are at a greater risk than others when it comes to the ground sinking or subsidence. There are also many geological, man-made and seasonal impacts that can make your home more likely to need foundation repair:
• Clay soil can shrink, crack and shift during hot weather, and then expand during wetter weather
• After a drought, sandy or fine gravel soil is much drier, and moves more easily which can impact building footing
• Trees and shrub roots can also be a factor, particularly if they’re close to property foundations
• Leaking drains and water mains can wash away or soften the soil, causing it to compact under foundation weight
• Flood water causes the ground to saturate, ground movement and in turn cause house foundations to sink or move
• Vibrations caused by heavy road traffic, machinery or nearby excavation
• Local mining activity can cause ground instability and voids
• Liquid, gas or mineral resources being removed from the ground affects stability, causing voids and sinkholes
• Other natural causes including erosion and earthquakes
• Older properties may have shallower footings or foundations
Before
After
Technologies
Mainmark technologies for foundation subsidence remediation
Teretek® – Foundation subsidence remediation through resin injection
With over 25 years’ experience, Mainmark has led the world offering some of the most advanced resin injection and grout solutions. Teretek from Mainmark is a solution that utilises an injection delivery method developed to raise, re-level, and re-support buildings and other above-ground structure and remdiate foundation subsidence.
Foundation subsidence remediation with JOG computer-controlled grouting
JOG Computer-Controlled Grouting is an award-winning grouting technology for strengthening weak ground beneath larger homes and structures such as residential buildings, using a cement grout injected under computer control. It is an extremely precise method for remdiation of foundation subsidence, improving and consolidation of weak ground and lifting foundations to deliver specific, engineered outcomes, regardless of complexity.
Mainmark technology benefits
Benefits of Mainmark’s foundation subsidence treatments
Fast
Our foundation subsidence treatment technologies have fast curing times and treated areas can be used immediately or without the delays compared to traditional repair methods.
Environmentally Inert
Our foundation subsidence treatment technologies use an inert material that is non-toxic and does not leach into the environment or affect the treated area.
Non-Invasive
Our foundation subsidence treatment technologies are of surgical nature compared to traditional methods.
Cost-Effective
Compared to traditional methods, our foundation subsidence technologies are more cost-effective, with minimal disruption to the area.
Testimonials
We’re happy to have helped
Your guys did an excellent and tidy job despite some unusual ground conditions.
Graham, Consulting Engineer, Swindon, UK
May 2023
We had confidence in the resin injection solution proposed by Mainmark from start to finish and it delivered exactly what Mainmark had promised based upon their detailed surveys and analysis.
Nathanael, Head of Purchasing, Cork, Ireland
July 2023
Soil stabilisation FAQ’s
What happens with unlevel driveways, floors and hardstand areas?
After the application of the Mainmark solution, unlevel surfaces will become aligned again as the ground underneath is strengthened and re-supported. Simple cosmetic repairs may be required.
Will there be a mess?
Very little, if any. We use Teretek® engineered Resin Injection technology, which is likened to “keyhole surgery”, or JOG Computer-Controlled Grouting, with no major excavation and minimal disruption or mess. The injection holes required are very small.
How long does it take?
Each project is different and depends on the required amount of lift, area for correction, building construction, and ground conditions. Most projects can be completed in a day or two, and we can work at night or on one area at a time, so your business can keep operating.
Do i need to send my workers home?
No, most projects don’t require you to vacate the premises or even move furniture or equipment. For the most part, you can keep operating as normal. Driveways can often be driven on in as little as 30 minutes after treatment.
What warranty will i get?
The materials we use have been developed for use underground and have been specifically engineered to resist shrinkage and deterioration. Teretek® is warranted by Mainmark for an industry-leading period of 50 years.
Is it safe and environmentally friendly?
Injected Teretek® and JOG materials are environmentally inert and have no detrimental effects on the environment.
Case Studies
Featured Case Studies
Get a quote
Arrange a site assessment in 3 simple steps:
Step 1
Submit your enquiry using our online form. Include a brief message about the type of foundation issues you are experiencing.
Step 2
Our friendly customer service team will be in touch to schedule a site assessment that suits you.
Step 3
One of the Mainmark experts will visit your home or property, assess the damage, and ascertain the likely cause. They will establish the approach needed, creating a plan specific to the needs of your building and provide you with a detailed quote.
© 2023 The Mainmark group of companies. ‘Mainmark®’, ‘Terefil®’, ‘Terefirm®’ and ‘Teretek®’ are trademarks of the Mainmark group of companies.
Mainmark Ground Engineering (UK) Ltd.
CRN: 09372443
