Foundation damage poses a serious risk that threatens the stability and safety of buildings and infrastructure. Regardless of the cause, it can lead to significant structural issues, such as cracks in concrete structures, settlement, and in extreme cases even collapse.
SealteQ offers innovative, custom solutions for foundation damage. We restore and protect structures against external influences and ensure long-term preservation. Discover what our specialists can do for you.
Foundation damage occurs when the existing foundation of a house or building is no longer adequate to transfer loads properly to the subsoil. This may result from various factors, such as renovations, changes in the groundwater level, or natural settlement of the soil over the years.
Common types of foundation damage:
Foundation damage can have various causes, often a combination of several factors that weaken the foundation.
In addition, the presence of a basement can affect the foundation. Depending on the design, a basement may or may not be part of the foundation. In both cases, differences in settlement between the basement and the rest of the building can lead to damage and leaks.
Although not all foundation damage can be prevented, there are several measures you can take to reduce the risk:
Foundation repair can be approached in several ways, depending on the specific situation. Below we discuss the most commonly used methods:
Soil stabilization is a technique in which injection materials such as resins are injected beneath the foundation. Injection techniques offer an innovative and effective method for restoring and strengthening foundations. By injecting special materials, such as expansive resins or cementitious blends, into the subsoil, the bearing capacity of the foundation is significantly improved. This technique is particularly suitable where the foundation has settled due to unstable or subsided ground. An additional advantage is that the work can generally be carried out without vibrations and with minimal disruption to the surroundings.
The table method is a foundation repair technique in which the foundation is jacked up and new foundation elements are installed. This process effectively creates a “table” on which the property rests. This method is highly effective for severe settlement and provides long-term stability.
When concrete structures in the foundation are damaged by cracking or corrosion of the reinforcement, concrete repair is necessary. Corrosion of the reinforcement occurs when the steel comes into contact with moisture and oxygen, causing it to expand and crack the concrete. Concrete repair restores or replaces the damaged sections of the concrete foundation to prevent further deterioration.
Benefits: restores the structural integrity of concrete foundations.
Application: suitable for concrete foundations with cracks or reinforcement corrosion.
There are several symptoms that indicate foundation problems. Cracks in walls, a settling floor, or sticking windows/doors often point to issues with the foundation. Damp spots or mold in the basement also indicate a foundation that lets in moisture and may be failing.
Foundation problems are most common in the peat and clay regions of the Netherlands, especially in the west and north. These areas have unstable soils prone to subsidence. Homes there are therefore at significantly higher risk of foundation damage than on stable sandy soils elsewhere.
If your home’s foundation is not sound, the building’s stability may be compromised. You will see signs such as cracks in walls and floors, settlement, and sticking doors. Without foundation repair, the damage will worsen and can ultimately lead to severe structural damage or even collapse.
Foundation damage arises from a combination of factors. Often a changing subsoil plays a role: extreme drought or rain (climate change) causes clay and peat soils to shrink or swell. In addition, construction errors, overloading, and rotting timber piles (with low groundwater levels) can cause foundation problems.
Cracks in structures can indicate foundation issues, especially cracks with unusual directions. Vertical, horizontal, or diagonal cracks in walls and facades may result from uneven settlement or movement in the foundation and can indicate that the foundation may not be stable.
SealteQ offers innovative, custom-made solutions for foundation damage. Our goal is to ensure safe and stable structures over the long term.
Quality and craftsmanship are paramount at SealteQ. All our subsidiaries are therefore certified under an integrated quality management system.
Please contact us for a no-obligation inspection and receive professional advice on restoring your foundation.
