Ah, Melbourne. Known for its coffee culture, art-filled alleyways, and the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. But beneath its bustling streets lies a challenge that many homeowners face: subsidence. This phenomenon, where the ground beneath a structure sinks, can lead to uneven floors, cracks in walls, and, in severe cases, major structural damage. The solution that’s making waves? The Rectify! Let’s dive into some common subsidence issues in our beloved city and chat about how to address them with a pinch of positivity and a whole lot of expertise.

Clay Soil Woes: Melbourne’s soil has a significant clay content, which expands when wet and contracts when dry. This can lead to a yo-yo effect on foundations. Imagine your house doing the cha-cha with the ground! The key? Adequate drainage. Installing a good drainage system can prevent excess water from causing the clay to swell, keeping the dance moves to a minimum.

Tree Roots and Vegetation: Lush greenery is lovely, but those big old trees can have roots that stretch far and wide, sucking moisture from the soil and causing it to shrink. The remedy? Regularly check the vicinity of large trees. Consider getting an arborist’s advice and possibly investing in root barriers to keep those thirsty roots at bay.

Leaky Plumbing: Water leaks can soften the ground around a property, leading to sinking. The DIY fix? Regular maintenance checks! Get to know your plumbing system and fix any minor leaks before they turn into a subsidence-causing nightmare.

Poor Construction Practices: If your home was built on inadequately compacted fill soil or without proper foundational support, you might be in for a bumpy ride. The solution here often leans towards underpinning to reinforce and stabilize the foundation.

Natural Causes: Events like earthquakes, although rare, can lead to ground shifting. While we can’t control Mother Nature, we can make sure our homes are built to current standards and codes to withstand such events.