Are those cracks signs of settlement?

Cracks are often the first sign of a deeper issue, like ground settlement or subsidence.

For commercial property managers and building owners in the UAE, these cracks are not just a cosmetic problem—they can be a risk to your business operations, assets, and workforce. We solve the problem quickly and cleanly, ensuring your building is safe and compliant.

What causes structural cracks in commercial buildings?

Structural cracks are a symptom of a problem with the ground underneath a building. In the UAE, ground conditions can be variable, leading to building movement. Common causes include:

Poorly compacted fill

Many commercial zones and compounds are built on reclaimed land. If the fill material wasn't perfectly compacted during construction, it can settle unevenly over time.

Water washout

Leaking underground pipes, drainage issues, or heavy irrigation can wash away fine soil particles (especially in sandy ground), creating voids that destabilize the foundation.

Loose sandy soils

The natural consolidation of loose sand under the weight of a heavy structure can lead to settlement.

Nearby excavation

Heavy excavation or dewatering from nearby construction sites can disturb the ground beneath your property.

Excessive loading

Increasing the load on a warehouse floor or adding new levels can exceed the ground's bearing capacity.

Why are cracks a critical concern for commercial properties?

Unlike a residential issue, cracks in a commercial building can bring your entire operation to a halt. The potential for business disruption is the main reason to act quickly. Ignoring structural cracks can lead to:

  • Health and safety risks: Unstable structures can pose a direct threat to staff, customers, and visitors.
  • Operational downtime: Repair work can be noisy and disruptive, impacting your ability to do business leading to operational losses. Traditional solutions like underpinning can take weeks or even months.
  • Devaluation of assets: Structural problems can significantly reduce a property's value.
  • Increased repair costs: The longer you wait, the worse the problem gets, leading to more extensive and costly repairs.
Long eaton library crack

 

Close up view of large diagonal crack in a cement slab floor

Why are cracks a critical concern for commercial properties?

Unlike a residential issue, cracks in a commercial building can bring your entire operation to a halt. The potential for business disruption is the main reason to act quickly. Ignoring structural cracks can lead to:

Health and safety risks

Unstable structures can pose a direct threat to staff, customers, and visitors.

Operational downtime

Traditional repair work (like underpinning) is noisy, messy, and can take months. This disrupts your ability to do business.

Devaluation of assets

Structural problems can significantly reduce a property's value.

Increased repair costs

The longer you wait, the worse the problem gets, leading to more extensive and costly repairs.

How does the Geobear solution fix cracks and ground issues?

Since structural cracks are caused by ground failure, cosmetic repairs (like filling the crack) are only temporary. You must fix the root cause.

The Geobear solution targets the problem at its source. We use a precise, non-disruptive geopolymer injection method to improve the ground beneath your building.

Precision and speed

We inject our geopolymer resin through small-diameter holes, directly into the problem area. The material expands, filling voids and powerfully compacting the soil to restore its load-bearing capacity.

Minimal disruption

The entire process requires no excavation and can often be completed in a single day or over a weekend. This means no business downtime, no major mess, and no need to move staff or equipment.

Engineered for your needs

Every project begins with a detailed site investigation and a unique engineered plan. We work with you to find a solution that fits your operational needs, allowing you to stay open while we work.

Proven expertise

Geobear has over 40 years of global experience. We are the trusted partner for major commercial entities, contractors, and insurers worldwide.

Need help determining if it is settlement?

Don't let structural cracks threaten your business operations. Our non-disruptive geopolymer solution is up to 70% faster than traditional methods, letting you stay open while we work.

Request a no-obligation site assessment
Bear pointing Bear pointing