21/03/2025
This project shows the importance of investigating wall cracks, as in some cases they can be attributed to multiple external factors, including neighbouring structural work and even trees.
KTA was appointed to assess cracking in the rear wall and first-floor flying freehold of. After conducting an initial visual survey, we identified several potential causes of movement, including:
💢 Trees planted by the council in the pavement
💢 Leaking drains
💢 Inadequate structural work by the neighbour beneath the flying freehold
💢 Installation of three 3500-litre brewing tanks tightly positioned against the party wall by same neighbour
We recommended repairs to the drains and set up a monitoring plan for the cracks to confirm the movement was cyclic, likely exacerbated by nearby trees. We also suggested strengthening the structure below the flying freehold, which the neighbouring owner carried out. To address the bowing wall, we specified pattress plates tied through the external walls.
Further trial holes were drilled to assess the ground conditions and check for tree roots beneath the foundations. The investigation revealed very shallow foundations on moderately shrinkable clays, with tree roots present under the foundations. Based on these findings, we proposed a foundation underpinning strategy to stabilize the foundations by reaching deeper, firmer clay less prone to seasonal shrinkage and heave.
