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What is foundation subsidence?
Footings and foundations aren’t necessarily the first elements of a house that you think will have problems. It’s usually the cosmetic issues, such as interior wear and tear, that are obvious and which 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 occurs when weak ground cannot support the weight of structures or floors above it and can cause major property hazards.
There are many natural and human-made reasons for weak ground. Loosely packed or sandy soils, or even 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. It 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 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 ground sinking or subsidence. There are also many geological, human-made and seasonal factors 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 wet weather
• After a drought, sandy or fine gravel soil is much drier and moves more easily, which can impact the building’s footing
• Trees and shrub roots can also be a factor, particularly if they’re close to a property’s foundations
• Leaking drains and water mains can wash away or soften the soil, causing it to compact under the foundation’s weight
• Flood water saturates the ground, causing ground movement and the house foundations to sink or move
• Vibrations caused by heavy road traffic, machinery or nearby excavation can cause changes in the soil under your home
• 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, can affect ground stability
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 of experience, Mainmark is a world leader in resin injection solutions. Teretek® uses an injection delivery method that raises, re-levels and re-supports buildings and other above-ground structures and remediates foundation subsidence.
Foundation subsidence remediation with JOG Computer-Controlled Grouting
JOG Computer-Controlled Grouting is an award-winning technology for strengthening weak ground beneath larger residential buildings and other structures, using a cement grout injected under computer control. It is an extremely precise method for the remediation of foundation subsidence, improving and consolidating 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 treatments have fast curing times. Treated areas can be used quickly, without the delays associated with traditional repair methods.
Environmentally inert
Our foundation subsidence treatments 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 treatments are surgical in nature compared to traditional methods.
Cost-effective
Compared to traditional methods, our foundation subsidence technologies are more cost-effective and cause 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
Foundation subsidence FAQs
What happens uneven or sunken floors?
After the application of the Mainmark solution, sunken floors will become raised and re-aligned as the ground underneath is strengthened and re-supported. Simple cosmetic repairs may be required.
Will there be a mess?
With Mainmark’s methods, there will be very little, if any mess. We use Teretek® engineered resin injection technology, which is likened to keyhole surgery, or JOG Computer-Controlled Grouting, which requires no major excavation and causes minimal disruption or mess. The required injection holes are very small.
How long does it take?
Each project is different, and the length of time will depend on the required amount of lift, the size of the area needing correction, building construction methods and ground conditions. Most projects can be completed in a day or two, and we can work at times that suit you.
Do I need to vacate my property?
No, most projects don’t require you to vacate your home or even move furniture. For the most part, your day-to-day life can continue as normal with minimal disruption.
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 Computer-Controlled Grouting materials are environmentally inert and have no detrimental effects on the environment.
Case Studies
Featured Case Studies
Talk to an expert
Get in touch about your project
Step 1
Please submit your enquiry using our online form. Please tell us why you’re reaching out so we can better assist you!
Step 2
One of our expert team members will contact you to schedule a site inspection 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.
© 2024 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
