When any building’s foundations start showing signs of shifting or even failing, the warning signs are often subtle at first. That means it can be very easy to overlook or underestimate these early indicators – especially if you’re busy with your day-to-day tasks. Unfortunately though, that can ultimately lead to damage becoming more significant and costly. Now, there is a reliable way to resolve them – and that’s underpinning. As one of our key services here at Vxcel Piling, it’s essentially a method of strengthening and stabilising existing foundations, and it may become necessary if the signs of subsidence, soil movement, or structural stress become evident. Here’s what to look out for!
Cracks are appearing in walls or ceilings
One of the most common and visible early signs is the appearance of cracks in walls or ceilings, particularly around door frames, windows, and where extensions meet the main structure. These aren’t the small hairline marks that occur naturally due to plaster shrinkage or minor settling – instead these tend to be wider cracks, especially those that are diagonal, stair-step shaped along brickwork, or that seem to grow over time.
Internal plaster cracks that continue through to the external brickwork are an even stronger cause for concern. If these cracks are wider than 5mm or reappear after patching, it may mean that the structural integrity of the building has been compromised.
Doors and windows are no longer fitting properly
If doors begin sticking or windows no longer close cleanly, it might not necessarily be a matter of age or swelling from humidity. Poorly fitting openings can be a tell-tale sign that the building is shifting or settling unevenly. As the ground beneath a property moves – whether from shrinking clay soils during dry periods, tree root activity, or decaying materials – the frame of the building can then become distorted.
This distortion is often felt first in the precision areas around window and door frames, making them hard to open, close, or lock. That means it’s hugely important to watch out for these changes, especially if they coincide with new or expanding cracks.
Floors are becoming sloped or uneven
If you’re walking across a room and you notice that the floor feels uneven, dips underfoot, or slopes in a particular direction, that’s not something to take lightly. In older properties, this can sometimes be mistaken for general ageing, but in many cases, it can indicate that the foundations are failing.
Uneven floors can develop when parts of the building settle faster than others, which can often be due to varying soil conditions or weakened sub-bases. You might also notice gaps appearing between skirting boards and floors, or furniture that no longer sits flush. These physical shifts can suggest that the underlying supports may no longer provide adequate strength – so again, that’s something to look into sooner rather than later.
Moisture is building up near foundations
Persistent dampness, pooling water, or excessive moss growth near the base of your building can be a sign that drainage problems are affecting the soil around the foundations. Over time, this can lead to washing away of support material or an imbalance in the soil’s bearing capacity. Particularly in clay-rich areas, water retention can cause the ground to expand and contract significantly between wet and dry seasons. These fluctuations contribute to instability beneath the structure, which may then require underpinning to correct. It helps to regularly check for soggy patches, leaky gutters, or blocked drains.
Nearby excavation or construction disrupts stability
Living next to a major excavation site, basement dig, or heavy groundworks project increases the risk of foundation movement. As well as large developments, smaller changes like conservatory builds or garden landscaping can have unintended effects on neighbouring properties. Soil that was once compacted and stable can be loosened, removed, or disturbed, reducing its ability to bear load. Vibrations from heavy machinery, alterations in water runoff, or changes in soil pressure can all translate to your building’s foundation shifting subtly but dangerously. For that reason alone, it’s important to watch for changes following nearby works, as the impact may not be immediate.
That’s all the essentials in a nutshell – if you have any more specific questions about underpinning or mini piling, we’re always happy to help here at Vxcel Piling. With over a decade of experience, we’re here to make every aspect of the project go smoothly, and we’ve got all the in-house expertise and equipment we need to get it done. You can give us a call on 01254 314010 or to find out what we’ve achieved for previous customers, feel free to take a look through our case studies!
