Troy Building

04/03/2014

05/02/2014

05/02/2014

Subsidence
Subsidence is the downward movement of the ground supporting the building, the foundations of the house/building. Subsidence generally occurs in a structure when the ground bearing the structure yields, under the weight of the structure, and compresses to such an extent that the structure settles at the point of failure.

First obvious signs are the appearance of cracks - small diagonal cracks in plaster work. Cracks generally occur at weak points such as around doors and windows. Many cracks are innocent, but if they are wider at the top than the bottom, this may indicate a problem. These cracks may, but not necessarily, indicate movement of the foundations. Doors and windows may also stick due to the distortion of the building. Subisdence may occur progessively over a period or it may occur over a very short period and then stop.

Subsidence is usually caused by -

Leaking drains - damaged drains can soften or wash away the ground beneath the foundations.

Certain soils - clay soils are particularly vulnerable as they shrink and swell according to the moisture content.

Vegetation - trees and shrubs suck the moisture from clay soil and cause it to shrink.

The water which has escaped from the drains will not only erode the soil by washing away fines, but will also erode the limestone bedrock. This type of erosion is particularly common in the greater Cork area due mainly to the make up of the soils and the limestone bedrock in the area.

A simple hydrostatic test carried out on the sewers will determine if they are leaking. Digging a trial hole exposing the soil at the foundation line will facilitate an assesment of the soil to determine whether it has softened or not.

To stop subisdence it is generally necessary to underpin the house. The type of underpinning required will depend on the soil present and the existing foundations, and should only be specified by a suitably qualified engineer.

Work on a house will usually take two to three weeks to complete - 12 to 15 working days.

If you have any concerns about your property contact us.

Piling and beams
Piling and beams
Steel Bars underpinning
Underpinning in the hallway

05/02/2014

Renovations
Why not update your home - are you thinking of renovating or extending - putting your own stamp on your property.

Moving house is not an easy option in these times but you can change your home and gain that extra space by adding a bigger kitchen, a sunroom, extra bedroom, office or playroom.

Add value to your property. When you extend you are in control, you decide what is best for your home.

Over the last 30 years we have undertaken and completed to a very high standard numerous extensions of attics, kitchens, sunrooms. Renovated bathrooms, added wet rooms, bedrooms. Any of these will give your home a new look, provide you with the extra space and add to the value of your property.

Sunroom

05/02/2014

Water Damage
If you have a water leak the first thing to do is to turn off the water shutt off valve, so ensure that everyone in the house is aware of how to open and close this valve. Obviously this is not a permanent fix but it will stop further damage until you repair the problem.

There are many reasons in a home for water damage - from basic small problems such as a leak under the kitchen sink to more serious problems with your roof or damaged pipes under floorboards. Flooding seriously damages your property and possissions and will very quickly lead to problems with mold so you need to act on the problem as soon as possible.

We have repaired numerous water leaks over the years and in the more recent years many damaged homes from leaks and flooding damage. If you are unfortunate to have a water damage/flooding problem in your property contact us for a quick, professional and best price quote.

05/02/2014

Insurance claims and Flood damage
Has your home suffered from flooding or burst pipes?
Fire damage.
Sewer problems.
We have worked in this area for many years.

Contact us for advice and quotation.