Determining the best course of action can be challenging if your home needs subsidence remediation. You want to ensure the safety and stability of your home, but you also want to minimise costs and preserve as much of your existing structure as possible. In this blog, we will explore the options of house releveling and demolition/rebuilding and help you determine which is right for you.

What is Subsidence?

Subsidence is a common problem when the soil beneath a building settles or compacts, causing the foundation and footings to sink. This can result in structural damage, cracks in the walls and floors, and doors and windows that no longer close correctly. Various factors, including natural soil shrinkage, the withdrawal of groundwater, and the collapse of old mine shafts, can cause subsidence.

House Releveling: An Alternative to Demolition and Rebuilding

House releveling is when your home’s foundation is lifted back into its original position, thereby correcting the subsidence. This is usually accomplished by injecting polyurethane resin into the soil beneath the foundation, which supports and helps stabilise the building. House releveling using polyurethane resin is a cost-effective alternative to demolition and rebuilding, allowing you to preserve much of your existing structure while correcting the subsidence.

The Benefits of House Releveling

There are many benefits to house releveling, including:

• Cost-effectiveness: House releveling is significantly less expensive than demolition and rebuilding.
• Minimal disruption: House releveling is a relatively quick and non-invasive process that can be completed in a short period of just a few days rather than taking several weeks or months.
• Preservation of existing structure: By lifting your foundation back into its original position, you can preserve much of your existing structure, including walls, floors, and roof.
• Faster completion time: Because house releveling is quicker than demolition and rebuilding, you can get back into your home much faster.
• Reduced environmental impact: House releveling generates less waste than demolition and rebuilding and therefore has a minor ecological implication.

Underpinning: A Solution for Severe Subsidence

In some cases, subsidence may be so severe that house releveling is not an option. In these instances, underpinning may be necessary. Underpinning is a process in which new foundations are installed beneath the existing ones, providing additional support and stability. Underpinning is usually more expensive and time-consuming than house releveling, but it may be necessary for severe subsidence.

When is Demolition and Rebuilding Necessary?

Demolition and rebuilding may be necessary in extreme cases of subsidence when the damage is too severe to be corrected by house releveling or underpinning. This may be the case if the structure is severely compromised and cannot be safely stabilised or if the cost of remedying the subsidence is greater than the cost of demolition and rebuilding.

In conclusion, house releveling is a cost-effective and non-invasive solution for correcting subsidence in your home. Using a polyurethane resin injection to lift your foundation back into its original position, you can preserve much of your existing structure while correcting the subsidence. In severe subsidence, underpinning may be necessary, but demolition and rebuilding should only be considered in extreme cases. If you are experiencing subsidence in your home, it is essential to consult with a professional to determine the best course of action.

If you’re encountering subsidence problems in your home, seeking the assistance of a professional is a must. Raise and Relevel are here to help, boasting a team of knowledgeable and experienced specialists. We’ll work with you to identify the best approach for your situation: house releveling, underpinning, demolition, and reconstruction. Our objective is to offer you the ideal solution that meets your requirements and financial constraints while ensuring that our service is exceptional. The safety and stability of your home are our top priority. Don’t hesitate to contact us anytime at 1300 053 835 to learn more about how Raise and Relevel can assist you.