Ground Conditions and Property Movement in Glastonbury
Glastonbury contains historic stone buildings, period terraces, traditional cottages, commercial premises and modern residential developments. These buildings vary considerably in age, materials and foundation design. Alterations completed over many years can also create connections between sections with different structural characteristics, increasing the potential for localised movement.
The town includes both elevated areas around Glastonbury Tor and lower-lying land connected to the Somerset Levels. This variation means drainage, ground composition and site levels can differ over relatively short distances. Water escaping from damaged drains may weaken supporting material, while seasonal moisture changes and nearby vegetation can influence certain soils. Buildings on sloping sites may also depend on retaining structures for support. At ASRS Ltd, we examine the building and its surroundings carefully so that the repair is based on the actual cause of movement rather than assumptions about the area.
Signs That a Structure May Be Moving
Subsidence can create stepped cracks through mortar joints, diagonal fractures extending from windows or doors and gaps between sections constructed at different times. Internal signs may include sloping floors, cracked finishes and openings that no longer operate correctly. Damage that continues to widen or returns after previous filling should be investigated before further decoration is completed.
Cracking in Glastonbury’s older stone and masonry properties may have several possible causes. Ageing mortar, inadequate lateral restraint, failed lintels and movement within retaining walls can create defects that resemble foundation settlement. A professional assessment is therefore needed to determine how the damage has developed.
Depending on the findings, ASRS may recommend masonry reinforcement, Helifix crack repairs, ground anchors or additional foundation support. We also offer concrete repairs in Glastonbury where cracking, spalling or reinforcement corrosion has affected concrete components.
Helifix
Approved Installer
As an approved Helifix installer, ASRS provides a wide range of repair techniques that can be combined to produce the best solution for your structural problems, from wall cracking to foundation sinking. They include the Helifix systems, Anchor Systems’ ground anchors and micro piles, Cintec sock anchors, and various concrete repair products.
Call us for help with any of these
Common structural defects, issues and problems
We offer free site visits to both domestic and professional clients to assess the problem and propose the appropriate repair programme, tailored to suit the specific needs of the project. ASRS are approved installers of the Helibeam System, offering cost effective, non-disruptive and concealed solutions to all aspects of remedial masonry stabilisation. Our skilled installation teams are trained and experienced in all aspects of masonry repair. They have been trained to the highest standard in every installation process to cover all H+S requirements. With most of our design and installation specifications we are proud to offer a 10yr indemnified guarantee on Helifix repairs and Micro Piling. We offer a 25yr guarantee for Wall Tie replacement.
Reasons
To trust ASRS
Free Quotation
Helifix Approved
Skilled Workforce
Guaranteed
Strengthening Foundations and Masonry
The correct subsidence repair should address the relationship between ground movement and the resulting damage above. ASRS Ltd assesses the direction and distribution of cracks, the condition of the masonry and the way different sections of the building connect. Drainage, vegetation, changes in ground level and previous alterations may also be relevant. We can work alongside structural engineers, surveyors, insurers and loss adjusters when further investigation or an engineered specification is required.
Cracked masonry can often be strengthened using stainless steel reinforcement installed within carefully selected mortar joints. This helps redistribute structural loads while allowing sound stonework or brickwork to remain in place. Where additional support beneath the building is necessary, micro piles may transfer loads from the existing foundations to stronger ground. Properties affected by changes in level may also require retaining wall stabilisation or ground anchors. Several techniques can be combined where the movement has affected more than one part of the property.
Structural Repairs With Minimal Disruption
ASRS Ltd understands that structural work can be concerning, particularly when it affects an occupied home, historic property or operating business. We plan each project around the building’s use, access requirements and construction. Our experience across masonry reinforcement, foundation stabilisation and associated repairs allows the work to be coordinated as one considered programme.
As an approved Helifix installer, ASRS can install concealed reinforcement that strengthens damaged masonry without extensive dismantling. This can be especially beneficial where retaining the character and original materials of an older building is important. Our trained teams follow the agreed repair design, maintain a safe working area and treat the surrounding property with care. We explain the proposed work clearly and keep clients informed as the project progresses. The aim is to provide an effective structural solution while limiting unnecessary disturbance to the building and its occupants.