Does Clay Soil Cause Subsidence?

Is your property showing signs of cracking walls, sloping floors, or doors that suddenly won’t close properly? If so, your property might be experiencing clay shrinkage subsidence. For many homeowners and property managers, this issue can feel complex and overwhelming. 

Yet, understanding the causes and available solutions is crucial to protecting your investment and ensuring the safety of the building. This blog explores what clay shrinkage subsidence is, what causes it, and how advanced resin injection methods, like those offered by Geobear, provide faster and cost-efficient solutions. 

What Causes Clay Soil Shrinkage Subsidence? 

Understanding Clay Soil and Shrinkage 

Clay shrinkage subsidence (commonly called clay soil subsidence) occurs when the ground sinks or settles due to the shrinking and compacting of clay-rich soils. This is most common in areas with expansive clay soils, which are particularly sensitive to changes in moisture content. 

Clay soils have the unique ability to drastically expand and contract based on the water they hold. During the dry summer months, tree roots extract moisture from the soil to sustain themselves. Without enough water, the clay contracts, causing the ground beneath your property to shift and settle unevenly. 

Come autumn and winter, rainfall replenishes the moisture in the soil, causing the clay to expand. This creates a swelling effect, pushing the foundations of your building upwards. Over time, the seasonal cycle of shrinking in summer and swelling in winter leads to increased movement in your property’s foundation. Left unmanaged, this can result in cracks, structural damage, and costly repairs. 

Key Risk Factors for Subsidence in Properties 

Certain conditions and environments are more likely to see subsidence caused by clay soil. Look for these risk factors around your property:

• Large Nearby Trees: Tree roots extract significant amounts of moisture from the soil, especially species like oaks, willows, and poplars
• Prolonged Dry Weather: Drought or intense summer heat accelerates moisture evaporation, increasing the risk of shrinkage
• Poor Drainage Systems: Ineffective drainage or leaky pipes can cause uneven moisture distribution and instability

Pro Tip: Early detection of subsidence signs, like cracks appearing inside and outside your property, is vital. By addressing issues quickly, you can avoid escalating damages and higher costs later down the line. 

Why Early Detection of Clay Soil & Subsidence Matters 

The longer clay shrinkage subsidence continues unchecked, the worse the damage will get. Repeated cycles of shrinking and swelling weaken the foundation over time, making repairs more complex and costly. Early detection allows for effective intervention, saving you money and preventing large-scale structural damage. 

At Geobear, we use detailed soil investigation to assess the condition of your foundation soil, providing insight into the best course of action. 

Resin Injection Solution for Clay Soil Subsidence 

Advances in technology mean subsidence repair no longer requires invasive and costly excavation processes. At Geobear, we offer a resin injection technique that tackles clay shrinkage subsidence effectively, helping restore and stabilise your property with minimal disruption. 

How the Resin Injection Method Works

1. Depth Targeting: Expanding resin is injected into the ground, at least 0.5 metres beneath the deepest tree or plant roots
2. Flooding the Voids: The resin expands to fill cracks and voids in the soil underneath the building foundations
3. Strengthening and Sealing: Once the cracks are filled, the resin hardens, stabilising the soil and creating a barrier against further moisture fluctuations

The resin also prevents any further shrinking or swelling due to seasonal moisture changes, keeping your foundation strong and stable. 

Benefits of Choosing Resin Injection 

• Quick and Non-Invasive: Unlike traditional underpinning or piling, resin injection requires no excavation, allowing regular business operations or daily life to go on uninterrupted
• Cost-Efficient: Because it avoids extensive excavation and structural damage, resin injection significantly reduces repair costs
• Powerful and Precise Application: The resin is strategically applied to provide maximum stabilisation while ensuring safety and long-term durability

Geopolymer Injection: An Advanced Solution from Geobear 

Geobear uses a specialised geopolymer injection method, a faster and more effective alternative to traditional underpinning methods. 

What Are Geopolymers? 

Geopolymers are structural expanding resins that offer superior strength and stability. These resins are environmentally neutral, water-resistant and designed to withstand heavy structural loads. 

Why Choose Geopolymer Injection? 

• Efficiency: The process utilises chemical expansion pressure rather than hydraulic systems, making the application safer and more controlled
• Versatility: It’s ideal for stabilising soil, re-levelling floors, increasing foundation capacity, and fixing structural cracks
• Rapid Repairs: Most Geobear projects can be completed within just a few days, as opposed to the weeks or months required for traditional methods

Why Choose Geobear for Clay Soil Shrinkage Subsidence Repairs? 

When it comes to clay shrinkage subsidence, choosing a reliable partner is essential for restoring your property quickly and effectively. Here’s what sets Geobear apart: 

• 40+ Years of Experience in innovative soil stabilisation techniques
• Expert soil investigations to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment
• Eco-friendly and minimally disruptive methods
• Cost savings of up to 50% compared to traditional underpinning or piling

With thousands of successful projects completed, including residential homes and large commercial properties, Geobear is a trusted name for ground improvement. 

Protect Your Property Today 

Clay shrinkage subsidence is a silent issue that can escalate quickly if left untreated. However, with Geobear’s cutting-edge resin and geopolymer injection techniques, addressing the problem is fast, effective and affordable. 

Don’t wait for the damage to worsen. Protect your investment and your peace of mind today by contacting Geobear today – we’re always pleased to help you through your subsidence problems.