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House Subsidence

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. This can lead to structural damage to the property.

Subsidence is different from settlement, which happens when a new property naturally compresses into the ground shortly after construction. Subsidence, however, is a more serious issue that requires attention and often repair.

 

What Causes House Subsidence?
1. Soil Movement

Clay soils: Shrink during dry weather or drought as they lose moisture, causing the ground to sink.

Sandy or loose soils: Can wash away, leaving voids under the foundation.

Peat soils: Compress when they dry out, reducing support.

2. Tree Roots

Trees and shrubs near a property may draw moisture from the soil, particularly in clay-rich areas, causing the ground to shrink.

3. Leaking Drains or Pipes
  • Water from damaged pipes can wash away or soften the soil beneath the foundation. 
4. Ground Disturbances
  • Nearby construction, tunnelling, or natural events (e.g., earthquakes) can cause the ground to shift.
5. Drought or Extreme Weather

Extended dry spells can dry out certain soils, leading to shrinkage and subsidence.

 

Mainmark provides underpinning in, CanberraHobartTownsville  NSWQLDSAWATasmaniaVictoria plus the major cities of SydneyMelbournePerthAdelaideBrisbane, Newcastle

Mainmark also provide the following in Australia: wall crack repairs, sinking floor repairConcrete slab repairsinking foundation repairunderpinningground improvementre-levellingsubsidence repairvoid filling and slab lifting

What Are the Effects of Subsidence?

  • Cracks in Walls: Diagonal cracks, wider at the top than the bottom, are common signs.
  • Misaligned Doors and Windows: They may stick, warp, or become difficult to open/close.
  • Sloping or Uneven Floors: Floors may dip or slope as the foundation sinks.
  • Separation of Extensions: Extensions may pull away from the main structure.
  • Leaning Walls or Chimneys: Parts of the house may appear to tilt.
  • Why Is Subsidence Serious?

If left untreated, subsidence can weaken the structure of a house, leading to extensive (and expensive) repairs. In severe cases, it may even render the property unsafe.

 

Identifying subsidence

Subsidence is not without warning signs. Some of the most common include:

Internal cracked walls

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.

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.

Jammed doors

Doors that don’t open smoothly, have uneven gaps or rub against frames are often a first indication of foundation damage

Exterior cracked walls

Step wall cracks are common in homes and are often the first sign of foundation subsidence. 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.

Sinking & 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.

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.

House Subsidence 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.

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Mainmark Ground Engineering Pty Ltd
ABN: 51 606 182 503

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