Request A QuoteSome structures in Sydney are founded on loose soil, which is one of the factors that can cause house foundation movement. House movement can be caused by various factors – some that are out of your control and some that you can take steps to prevent.
Below are some factors that cause the house foundation movement in Sydney.
1. Temperature Fluctuations
The temperature and moisture levels can work together during extreme heat and heavy rainfall to create an unstable foundation. As a homeowner, it’s vital that you’re aware of environmental changes and assess the potential risks. Taking proactive measures can help protect you from costly foundation repairs in the future.
2. Humidity Levels
High humidity levels in the home can cause severe problems with a house’s foundation. Excess moisture can weaken the soil that supports the structure of your home, resulting in shifting and settling, which can lead to structural cracking. Over time, this can cause major structural problems that require expensive repairs. Maintaining low humidity levels inside the home is crucial to avoid costly foundation repairs.
3. Ground Composition
The ground composition can have a significant impact on the stability of a house foundation. Different soil types, such as sand and clay, absorb moisture differently. Sandy soils are more porous and typically drain water faster than clay soils. Clay soils are less porous and can retain moisture for more extended periods.
If the ground is too sandy, it will not be able to support the structure’s weight, which can lead to cracking and sinking of the foundation. On the other hand, if the ground is too clayey, moisture will become trapped underneath it leading to swelling and heaving of the foundation. To avoid foundation issues, builders need to assess the ground composition of the site before construction begins.
4. Vegetation Growth
Vegetation growth around a house can cause movement in the structure due to different factors.
Firstly, tree roots can penetrate through the soil and extend below the foundation of a home, pushing it up or down as they expand. When trees are planted too close to a house, their roots may absorb moisture from the soil surrounding the foundation. As the soil dries out from lack of moisture, it can cause settling in the house foundation and possibly result in movement or cracking.
Finally, trees planted too close to a house may also drop large amounts of leaves, which can increase rainfall and lead to water runoff around the home’s foundation. This runoff can saturate the soil and create uneven settling in the foundation, leading to house movement. Therefore, it is vital to ensure trees are planted away from a house’s foundation and adequately maintained to avoid potential damage.
5.Subsoil Moisture
High moisture levels can cause the ground to become unstable, leading to shifts in the foundation and, ultimately, property damage. Heavy rainfall or flooding can cause significant problems with house foundations as the water seeps through cracks and weakens the base material. Homeowners should ensure that proper drainage systems are in place to help mitigate these risks.
Overall, house foundations can experience movement for various reasons. In Sydney, these five factors are the most common causes; changes in temperature, humidity levels, ground composition, vegetation growth and subsoil moisture.
It’s best practice for homeowners to regularly inspect their foundations and take action to mitigate these risks where possible. This can help protect the structural integrity of a property and reduce the chances of costly repairs in the future.
