Plants That Can Damage the Foundations of a Building
When people think about foundation damage, they tend to presume it was caused by soil movement or shrinkage that eventually led to late-stage subsidence taking hold. Surprisingly, nature itself can be the culprit as there are many plants that have the power and strength to completely destroy the foundations of a structure unless dealt with by a professional. Here at Rhino Piling, we want to equip our readers with everything they need to know about our services and that is why we have decided to go over three potentially dangerous plants that should be prevented at all costs. Read on to find out more…
Japanese Knotweed
Identified by its bamboo-like stems, Japanese knotweed is every property owner’s worst nightmare. After all, it may only grow up to 3 meters in height but it is incredibly difficult to get rid of as it has the ability to survive from a root the size of a small fingernail. Once a property is affected by Japanese knotweed, it is important to act fast because this plant grows as fast as 10cm per day and has the strength to force its way through concrete, drains and even walls which can cause devastating damage to a buildings foundation and may even lead to subsidence. In order to remove it, the roots must be completely dug out and burned by a professional.
Oak Trees
Although a tree may appear harmless, their roots tend to spread in order to take up a space that is four to seven times wider than their crown. This means that a tree located within close proximity to the foundations of building can actually cause a lot of damage to the structure. After all, the roots are also incredibly strong and, just like Japanese knotweed, have the ability to force their way through concrete and drainage pipes. In addition to this, roots also soak up moisture from the soil in order to survive and this can lead to shrinkage and eventually subsidence. In order to remove an oak tree from the roots, it is important to call a licenced tree surgeon.
English Ivy
Whilst it may look aesthetically pleasing when it grows on the exterior of a property, English ivy has a wrath that can sometimes affect the foundations of a property in a variety of ways. This is because they support themselves by using a root system that penetrates through the brickwork. Whilst this type of plant isn’t as dangerous as tree roots or Japanese Knotweed, it is important to have the foundations inspected regularly as English ivy can lead to damp interior walls and structural damage over time.
Although a simple plant may seem like a minor bump in the road, there is nothing more unfriendly than the discovery of these plants, particularly Japanese knotweed. After all, a building can be completely ravaged by its growth unless it is dealt with promptly by an expert who knows how to kill it from the roots. Luckily, high-quality piling foundations can provide a structure with all the strength it needs in order to withstand the brutality of these plants until the property owner notices the problem. To find out more information, get in contact with the best piling Manchester has to offer and speak to a member of the Rhino Piling team today!
