When the ground beneath a property starts to sink, it pulls the foundation with it, and that is subsidence. The outcome is shifting floors and walls that cause cracks in the structure, which can destabilise the property’s structural integrity. 

It’s a severe problem, and other issues can trigger similar symptoms; it’s important to reach out to a team with a structural engineer to complete a structural assessment to determine whether there are signs of subsidence. It may not be a subsidence issue; it could be a landslip (downward movement), simple settlement, or heave (reverse subsidence). 

In Melbourne, house subsidence is more common than you’d think, and there are signs to look out for, but the cause of subsidence is not always clear.

Addressing house subsidence is crucial for safeguarding your property and preventing potential collapse. Learn about the risks and take early action to avoid costly damage and insurance complications.

Unstable foundations

These can lead to serious structural damage and safety hazards. If you don’t address house subsidence quickly, there is a long-term risk of severe property damage to the point of potential collapse. A more cost-effective alternative to paying for major repairs is dealing with the issue immediately. 

Damaged property 

Tree roots and certain types of soil can cause subsidence, which means your patios, landscaping, walls, paths, and driveways are prone to damage just as much as your home. 

Subsidence can make it more challenging to sell a property or significantly lower the value of your home. Even for investment purposes, subsidence makes landlords’ insurance more expensive. 

Collapse of a building 

In the most severe cases, subsidence can result in building collapse. Home warranty insurance policies could prevent you from making successful insurance claims if you were aware of a cause for concern (e.g., concrete slabs around your home, including your driveway, have cracks) and didn’t take action. 

If you aren’t sure whether you have subsidence cracks or superficial settlement cracks, call in the professionals to review the cracking and shifting as soon as cracks appear. If there is a subsidence history, building insurance will cost more because a claim is likely.

We offer a range of solutions to address home or property subsidence issues. Our resin injection method involves filling holes and voids, strengthening your home’s foundation. 

While resin injection is one of our options, we’ll determine the best approach for your needs, whether it’s mass concrete underpinning or another method. This process includes strategically injecting resin into drilled holes to solidify the ground beneath your home, often resolving wall cracks and door or window issues. If needed, we can also perform wall crack repairs.

The benefits of using Raise + Relevel for your underpinning Melbourne needs

• At R+R, we are fully licensed and insured.
• We have a complete team of experienced and qualified engineers and technicians.
• We provide free consultation to assess your needs and will provide you with a quote.
• At R+R, we work closely with you throughout the entire underpinning process to ensure we exceed your expectations. 

Book an inspection if you suspect structural damage or subsidence beneath your home. Our team can conduct building inspections, look at house levelling and house foundations, and check for damage to your internal and external walls. 

Some cracking and shifting are natural, but we can determine if there is severe damage to the house and propose the most effective method to fix subsidence and steps for preventing subsidence. Contact our team today and let us know what you need. We’ll be happy to assist your Melbourne home.