How Can I Tell if My House Needs Underpinning?

Underpinning is a technique used to fix issues of subsidence on both commercial and domestic properties. As such, underpinning is only necessary should your property be experiencing subsidence issues. But how can you tell whether or not your house is subsiding, and how can you be sure that underpinning is the right solution? In this article, we’ll be explaining what underpinning is, detailing the signs of subsidence, the importance of a site investigation and what you can do to treat subsidence effectively, in a way that will last a lifetime.

What is underpinning?

Underpinning is a technique used to address problems caused by subsidence. Subsidence happens when the ground beneath a building’s foundation shifts or sinks, leading to structural damage. The severity of the damage often depends on how quickly the issue is addressed. Fortunately, underpinning can halt further subsidence. There are several underpinning methods available, each designed to reinforce the ground and restore stability to a building’s foundation.

How to tell if your house needs underpinning: Signs of subsidence

If your house is subsiding and therefore requires underpinning, the signs will, most often, be evident and distinctive. Depending on the severity of the case, some signs might be more obvious and easily noticeable than others. There is a way to be sure about whether or not your house needs underpinning, and that’s to hire a professional underpinning firm, such as us here at Geobear. 

We are able to carry out subsidence investigations and surveys. This involves a thorough examination of your property, looking meticulously and with the utmost care and precision for signs of subsidence. A report will then be written containing our findings. This will either confirm or deny the presence of subsidence. 

If subsidence is identified, we will advise you on the next steps, recommending an appropriate treatment to get the problem resolved. But while you’re waiting for our dedicated team, you can look for signs of subsidence throughout your property, and those indicators are as follows:

• Cracks in exterior and interior walls going in a zig-zag pattern and that are wider than 3mm
• Cracks in exterior and interior walls that are wider at the top than at the bottom 
• Cracks appearing around doors and windows
• Wallpaper that has become wrinkled
• Floors and ceilings that are sloping
• Windows and doors that won’t close
• Windows and doors that have become jammed shut
• Extensions coming away from the rest of the house 
• The property is noticeably leaning to one side

How to fix subsidence: The geopolymer resin injection method

The geopolymer resin injection method from Geobear is a cutting-edge, non-invasive solution for restoring a building’s foundation to its original strength and stability. Compared to traditional subsidence repair techniques, this method can save both time and money. This technique involves injecting geopolymer resin directly into the ground beneath the affected foundations. As the resin spreads through underground voids and gaps, it expands, hardens, and stabilises the surrounding soil, effectively halting further ground movement. The process is clean and unobtrusive – most of the time, you’ll hardly notice our team is there. 

Why choose the geopolymer resin injection method from Geobear?

There are many reasons why you should choose the resin injection underpinning methods over more conventional subsidence solutions. Here’s why you should choose the geopolymer resin injection underpinning technique from Geobear:

• Clean and non-disruptive – no excavation is required, making this approach tidy and hassle-free for property owners
• Fast and efficient – work can be completed in just one day, depending on the extent of the damage
• Long-lasting results – this method delivers durable outcomes that can remain effective for decades
• Versatile application – it can correct long-standing foundation issues and is suitable for a wide variety of structures, regardless of shape or size
• Highly controllable – unlike hydraulic methods, resin injection offers a high degree of precision and control during application
• Strong load-bearing capacity – using patented Geobear technology, this technique allows for significant lifting power, making it suitable even for complex structural repairs
• Minimal impact on architecture – only a few small holes are needed to inject the resin, and the process can often be done through existing floor finishes – ideal for situations where traditional ground access is limited
• Environmentally friendly – with no need for digging or heavy disruption, this method avoids damaging gardens, landscapes, or natural habitats

Geobear is proud to offer underpinning services nationwide, delivering effective solutions for properties affected by subsidence. Our advanced resin injection technique restores structural strength and stability with minimal mess and disruption, unlike traditional underpinning methods. If you’d like more information about our subsidence services or wish to arrange a subsidence survey with one of our experienced team members, don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re here to help whenever you need us.