Residential case study
Challenge
Settlement caused a detached porch to separate from the main house, creating widening cracks and concerns over costly underpinning.
Solution
Geobear stabilised the porch foundations using a minimally invasive geopolymer solution, completed within a single day without excavation or relocation.
Installation completed
Around porch perimeter
Transferable guarantee
A homeowner in Bromham, Bedfordshire became increasingly concerned after noticing their front porch gradually pulling away from the main property. What began as a small crack developed into a visible separation between the porch and the house, eventually reaching approximately 25mm.
Having researched traditional underpinning, the homeowner was concerned about the disruption, excavation and potential need to leave the property during the works. Already familiar with Geobear's ground improvement technology, they explored the solution as a faster and less intrusive alternative.
Site investigations identified clay soils beneath the foundations, consistent with local geology, with the porch requiring foundation stabilisation around its perimeter. Existing drainage and underground services were also assessed before treatment commenced.
The detached porch had experienced differential settlement, resulting in cracking both internally and externally and visible separation from the main house.
The project required a solution that would permanently stabilise the foundations while working around existing drainage, gas, water and electrical services. Traditional underpinning would have involved significant excavation, greater disruption and potentially temporary relocation from the property.
client quote
Chris George Dowdall
Following a detailed survey and drainage assessment, Geobear designed a bespoke foundation repairing solution tailored to the porch footprint. The treatment was delivered externally using multiple injection locations positioned around the perimeter, with specialist geopolymer material injected to multiple vertical depths beneath the foundations.
Prior to installation, drainage was inspected and service locations were identified to ensure the works could be completed safely. The entire treatment was completed in a single day with no excavation and minimal disruption to the homeowner.
The porch foundations were successfully stabilised without the need for traditional underpinning.
The homeowner remained in the property throughout the works and particularly appreciated the professionalism of the installation team, who explained every stage of the process and clearly outlined what to expect, including the possibility of minor cosmetic cracking during the controlled stabilisation process.
Following completion, the property received both Geobear's 10-year transferable guarantee and an insurance-backed guarantee, providing long-term confidence in the repair.
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