Remedial Engineering

DOES YOUR HOME HAVE CRACKS IN THE BRICK WORK?

Some building damage can be caused by soil movement. But it doesn't necessarily mean that the builder has taken short cuts or skimped on concrete. Even in the some of the 'best' footing systems, a dripping tap, a broken stormwater or sewer pipe or trees planted too close will literally break a building's back. Good site maintenance is essential to protect the footing system of all buildings.

TOO LATE?

It may not be too late, but the longer it is left unchecked, the greater the risk that more expensive repairs will be required in the future. Baker Rossow is highly experienced in the area of distressed building investigations and design of repair works.

IS COSTLY REPAIRS WORK NEEDED?

In many cases, no remedial or repair work is necessary. A little movement in a building from season to season is quite normal in many cases. An inspection and advice can put your mind at ease.

WHY IS IT HAPPENING?

We will be able to tell you why your building is experiencing movement and, if appropriate, recommend the most economical course of action to effect repairs or to improve the existing situation.

OTHER FACTORS?

Did you know that we often find movement and subsequent damage is occurring not because of short cuts that the builder has taken but by the circumstances which someone else has unknowingly brought about. A dripping tap or broken sewer pipe can cause far more damage than you might realise. We can provide you with the advice you need to correct the situation.

Here are some of the problem areas which we find are commonly responsible for distress in buildings:

• Broken or leaking pipes or drains
• Poor site drainage of storm water away from and around the building
• Poorly designed and installed paving systems
• Trees planted too close to the building
• Inappropriate siting and maintenance of garden beds close to the building
• Inappropriate tree species used in gardening and landscaping
• Changes in design and construction philosophies and policies over the years (they don't build 'em' like they used to - things have changed for the better)
• Inadequate footings to cope with the conditions.

CAN I PREVENT IT?

There is no simple answer to this question. There are things that you can do to reduce the risk and to help the footing system of the building to perform adequately. Baker Rossow can give you the advice you need.

Consideration must be given right from the very beginning and all throughout the following stages of planning and construction:

• Professional site and soil testing.
• Appropriate footings and slab design and supervised construction.
• Proper installation of service trenches containing power or communications, water, gas, or drainage systems.
• Correct siting and installation of septic tanks and waste trenches.
• Control of hot water systems and overflows.
• Suitable finishing of site earthworks to ensure drainage away from and around buildings.
• Correct planning and installation and ongoing maintenance of garden beds, lawns and, in particular, trees.
• Effective maintenance of plumbing and drainage installations.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Baker Rossow is also experienced in other types of damage investigations and repair works which include:

• Fire damaged structures.
• Damaged pavements, driveways and carparks.
• Buildings damaged by catastrophic events (for example storm, earthquake, flood, vehicle impacts, etc).
• Settlement of structures by consolidation of the foundation soils.