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Client: Crawford & Company
Location: Barnsley
Completed: 2026
Evidence of subsidence
When cracking began to appear throughout a rear kitchen extension, the homeowner was faced with a familiar but worrying problem signs of movement within part of their home and uncertainty over the extent of the repairs required. STRESS was appointed to investigate the cause of the cracking and deliver a long-term stabilisation solution, allowing the homeowner to continue with their planned refurbishment works. The property was a traditional two-storey semi-detached house with a rear extension constructed prior to 1984. Initial investigations identified ground movement as the likely cause of instability, requiring a carefully considered foundation strengthening approach.
Over time, progressive movement had resulted in stepped cracking to the external brickwork beneath the window openings, with further cracking visible internally within the kitchen. Site investigations identified ground movement as the likely cause of the instability. However the surrounding conditions added complexity to the repair:
A conventional underpinning approach would have required significant excavation, extended construction times and considerable disturbance to the homeowner. The challenge was clear, strengthen the foundations while keeping disruption to a minimum.
A soil investigation was undertaken to establish the cause of movement and determine the most appropriate remedial approach. The investigation confirmed that the building was built on permeable made ground to a 3.5m depth than a clay base, allowing STRESS to assess a range of suitable repair options for consideration by the insurer. Following assessment of the site conditions, ReFORCE was selected as an appropriate ground reinforcement solution.
Using precision resin injection technology, ReFORCE strengthened the ground beneath the extension without the need for extensive excavation or intrusive works. The system was installed to improve ground bearing capacity and provide a targeted foundation solution designed around the specific site conditions. The complete underpinning works were successfully completed in less than one week, allowing the homeowner to continue with their refurbishment plans much sooner than would have been possible using traditional methods.
Following completion, the rear extension was successfully stabilised, providing the homeowner with confidence that the underlying ground issues had been addressed. ReFORCE can provide an effective alternative to conventional underpinning particularly where access, programme timescales and reducing disruption are key priorities.
Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a building moves or loses strength, reducing support to the foundations. Common signs include cracking, sticking doors and windows, uneven floors and visible movement.
In many cases, yes. The ReFORCE lance injection system provides a minimally invasive ground stabilisation solution that strengthens weak ground beneath foundations without the extensive excavation associated with traditional underpinning.
Yes. The resin reacts fully with moisture during curing to form a stable, physiologically harmless material. It does not leach harmful substances into groundwater under normal conditions.
ReFORCE is designed as a long-term ground stabilisation solution. Research into geotechnical polyurethane resins, together with the protection provided by the surrounding soil, supports a design life of 100 years under normal conditions.
Installation times depend on the depth and number of piles required. A typical installation can often be completed within a much shorter period than conventional underpinning methods.
Yes. ReFORCE is designed to minimise disruption. It uses compact equipment, requires only small access points and avoids the large excavations associated with many traditional underpinning solutions. In most cases, occupants can remain in the property throughout the installation.
A faster alternative to traditional underpinning
Minimal disruption to the property and occupants
Reduced excavation and reinstatement requirements
A targeted engineering solution designed around the site conditions
Precision resin injection technology
Policy Holder feedback
As soon as STRESS were involved we were up and running. We can’t thank all involved at STRESS enough for their efficiency, professionalism, support and understanding. The very first phone calls with Ashley and Sam were so reassuring and helped to ease the frustration we’d experienced with the insurers so much. Given dates, time frames and schedulesof work were kept. We were well informed of the process throughout and Sam, Becky, Jason, Gareth and Brandon who worked around our property were the loveliest of people to have around. We’d highly recommend this company – five star excellence!
