Imagine that you’re strolling through a scenic Melbourne suburb and you notice homes which have noticeable cracks. If you’re like most people, your mind will wander towards the underpinning of melbourne constructions. We’ll go back to the beginning and try to answer this question: Why do homes tilt or crack, check this out? This is usually caused by reactive soil. Come along on this surprising, squishy adventure of learning!
Clay soil that is reactive can be compared to the unpredictability of a friend at a social gathering who cannot decide what outfit to wear. Like someone who has overindulged at a buffet, the soil in this type of soil can swell when it rains. How about during dry spells. In dry spells it contracts, dropping its additional weight. Similar to your friend going on a sudden fitness spree. Soil reacts when it undergoes such drastic changes.
Melbourne has pockets of soil rich in this kind of clay. But why should homeowners be concerned about this moody earth? The ground under a foundation can shift constantly. This is like standing on a wobbly floor. It’s possible for buildings to settle unevenly. This can result in cracks or even structural damage.
The mud gets even worse! The urban lifestyles we lead contribute inadvertently to the pollution problem. Watering plants, landscaped gardens and even leaky plumbing are all examples. All of these things can affect the soil’s water content, making it more reactive. Let’s not get started with trees. Their roots, while adding charm, can actually rob the soil of moisture.
All is not lost! Using advanced techniques in construction and underpinning, you can stabilize your house and keep it safe from clay soil. Plus, by using proper drainage and mindful landscaping you can minimize the negative effects caused by this soil.