What is Underpinning?

Underpinning is essential to rectifying subsidence issues experienced by any building or structure. It’s a highly effective way of restoring the ground to its original strength, although it will often make the ground even stronger than it was prior to any treatment being carried out. 

So if you notice signs of subsidence in and around your home, then don’t panic, because there’s a brand new, innovative method on the market that is incredibly effective, reliable and non-disruptive. With results guaranteed to last for a considerable number of years, you’ll have absolute peace of mind when choosing the geopolymer resin injection solution.

But when, exactly, would underpinning be needed and what sets this modern method apart from the more traditional solutions in the industry?

When would underpinning be required?

Underpinning would be required if you think your house is suffering from subsidence, but if you notice the signs, then don’t worry, because this brand new solution will be able to fix the problem in no time at all. However, it can be difficult to pick up on those signs, especially if it isn’t something you have experienced before.

What are the signs that subsidence is occurring?

  • Cracks in walls, floors, ceilings and joints
  • Gaps between brickwork (particularly along the mortar lines) or between window frames and door frames
  • Uneven floors, walls or ceilings
  • Sloping floors, walls or ceilings
  • Doors or windows that are now jammed
  • Doors or windows that are difficult to open or close
  • The property physically leans to one side
  • Water pools in specific areas outside, such as driveways, garden paths or patio areas
  • Driveway, garden path or patio areas are bulging or cracked

What to do if you notice signs of subsidence

If you spot one or more of the aforementioned warning signs, then it’s important that you consult a professional to inspect and diagnose the problem. If subsidence is identified, then they’ll also have the expertise and experience to offer you a simple, effective solution, and that’s where Geobear comes in.

Geobear provides reliable subsidence solutions that you can trust, no matter how far gone the problem is. With state-of-the-art technology available and a team of experienced specialists with a wealth of knowledge at the helm of their operations, you’ll always be able to look to Geobear for an underpinning solution that’ll perfectly suit your requirements.

What do traditional methods of underpinning involve?

The Geobear solution differs considerably, and is also more eco-friendly, when compared to traditional methods of underpinning. Often, the conventional solutions are a lot more messy and time-consuming compared to the geopolymer resin injection method, and it’s not difficult to see why that is when you know and understand what’s involved with traditional underpinning solutions.

Firstly, the soil located underneath the building is excavated. The soil that once lay underneath the property will then be replaced with stronger materials with deeper fittings underneath the foundations. This is to ensure that the footings are placed in deeper, stronger ground to stabilise the foundations and enhance the overall structure.

Although that method sounds effective, there are a number of disadvantages to the aforementioned solution, including:

  • It can be incredibly messy
  • You may be asked to relocate for a few days whilst work is underway
  • Your garden may need to be landscaped afterwards
  • It could take a number of weeks for work to be completed

The innovative, non-disruptive underpinning solution

If subsidence is suspected, then it’s important that the problem is rectified as soon as possible. The ground will need stabilising, but traditional underpinning methods will mean an excavation and pouring concrete into the ground to strengthen the building’s foundations. Due to the way in which this underpinning solution is carried out, you could be waiting several weeks for your property to return to normal. However, the new geopolymer resin injection method will mitigate all the aforementioned issues – another reason to put your trust in this innovative solution.

What are the benefits of the geopolymer resin injection method?

There are many benefits to the brand new underpinning method, including:

  • It’s a very fast process when compared with more traditional underpinning methods
  • You won’t be forced to leave your home, as this method is non-disruptive and mess-free
  • This solution has been specifically designed to give long-lasting results, giving you absolute peace of mind for many years to come
  • The geopolymer resin injection method is extremely eco-friendly
  • This method is ideal for all buildings and structures

How the geopolymer resin injection method works

Firstly, small holes will be drilled into the affected ground, so an excavation won’t be necessary. Once the holes have been drilled, the geopolymer resin will then be injected into them, following the path of least resistance and expanding as it goes. This will ensure that there’s minimum disruption onsite, and you won’t be asked to vacate your home either.

All the micro voids in the soils  under ground will be filled by the resin, which will then harden at a highly impressive rate. This will cause the ground to stabilise and strengthen, lifting the property where applicable. Within just minutes, you’ll notice a significant change; doors will become unjammed, cracks may start to disappear and areas outside that used to bulge will become flatter. 

For a fast, efficient and highly-effective underpinning solution, you’ll always be able to look to Geobear to rectify subsidence within your home. Give this modern method a try and you can rest assured that you won’t have to worry about your home subsiding for many, many years to come.