Understanding Cracks Across Different Parts of a Building
Chippenham’s traditional terraces, older town-centre buildings and newer residential developments have varied construction details. Extensions, attached garages and converted spaces can introduce further differences in foundations and the way connected sections are supported.
Damage may appear around windows, along mortar joints or where an addition meets the original building. Its position provides useful evidence, but the assessment needs to consider the wider structure. A foundation problem, a damaged lintel and an inadequate wall connection require different repair approaches.
At ASRS, we consider how the visible defects relate to the building’s construction, previous alterations and supporting conditions. Existing reports can help establish what has already been investigated and what information remains outstanding. Our subsidence repairs in Chippenham service addresses related movement concerns, including projects requiring foundation support alongside repairs to damaged masonry.
Discuss the Damage During a Free Site Visit
An initial visit provides an opportunity to review accessible damage and discuss the property’s history. Tell us whether cracks have changed, previous repairs have been completed or other building work is planned.
Our consultation and assessment service includes free site visits for domestic and professional clients. We review the available information and explain the next steps towards defining the repair requirements, including any further investigation needed before installation details are finalised.
First-class service
I would just like to pass on what a first-class service I received from your company. All the guys who attended, and Gary the Surveyor, were absolutely fantastic. I am so pleased with the work that was carried out.
LG – Witney, Oxfordshire
Professional attitude
I wanted to let you know that we were very pleased with the work, professional attitude, care and attention of the builders who worked on our property. Thank you.
PT – High Wycombe
A credit to ASRS
The team is a real credit to ASRS. Nothing was too much trouble. They took the time to explain what they were doing. Show the works as they were being progressed and left the area very clean and tidy.
LH - Milverton
A pleasure to deal with
Thanks for the work which - as far I can tell - was carried out to a high standard, and which started and finished on time and on budget.
I’d also like to put on record our appreciation of Lee who managed the job. He was careful and thorough, always professional in his approach and was a pleasure to deal with throughout.
TR – Aller, Somerset
Efficient and skilful
Thank you so much for the incredibly efficient and skilful way in which the structural repair work was carried out at my property.
I was particularly reassured by the team who carried out the work and kept me updated on what was happening.
BW - Bristol
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
Reasons to Trust ASRS
Free Site Visits
Arrange a free site visit to discuss the visible damage, your property’s condition and the next steps towards appropriate repairs.
Helifix Approved
We install established Helifix reinforcement systems where specified, helping strengthen damaged masonry while preserving the appearance of the existing building.
Skilled Installation Teams
Our trained installation teams follow the repair specification, with careful attention to workmanship, working arrangements and safety throughout your project.
Guarantees Where Applicable
Most specified Helifix repairs and micro piling projects can carry a 10-year indemnified guarantee, subject to the applicable project terms.
Matching Additional Foundation Support to the Structure
Underpinning is considered where the existing foundations require additional support. The design needs to establish the relevant building loads, suitable supporting ground and how the new arrangement will connect to the existing structure.
ASRS’s systems include screw-down micro piles, augered bored piles and steel-cased driven piles. Our conventional piling options provide further approaches where the ground conditions, access and design requirements favour those methods. The selected system must suit the property and the specified support requirements.
Our design and repair programmes can include drawings, method statements and calculations where necessary. We also work alongside appointed engineers and can implement their specifications. Installation positions, foundation connections, underground services and associated repairs should be considered together, giving the team clear details for carrying out the agreed work.
Foundation Repairs in Chippenham FAQs
Can foundation movement affect an attached garage as well as the house?
Damage to an attached garage should be considered alongside the house, particularly where cracks appear at their junction or affect connected walls. The assessment needs to establish how the garage was built, how it is supported and whether the two structures are moving together or differently. A later garage addition may have construction details that differ from the original property, but this does not establish the cause of the damage. ASRS can review the affected areas and available reports before discussing the repair requirements. Where additional foundation support is specified, its connection to the existing structure and any associated masonry repairs should form part of the agreed design.
Does a nearby tree explain why the foundations have moved?
A nearby tree may be relevant to an investigation, but its presence does not prove that it caused foundation movement. The assessment should consider the supporting ground, drainage, foundation construction and the history of changes around the property. Vegetation is one part of that wider picture, with its relevance depending on the conditions found at the site. ASRS can consider available investigation findings and work alongside the appointed professionals when planning repairs. Decisions about changes to trees should follow appropriate professional advice rather than assumptions based on a crack. Any foundation support or masonry reinforcement should address the established requirements of the building.
Can damaged masonry be repaired without rebuilding the entire wall?
Some structural repair programmes can retain existing walls, using specified reinforcement where the masonry remains suitable for repair. Helifix systems can reconnect cracked sections and help distribute loads through the affected area, reducing the need to remove otherwise sound material. However, reinforcement and foundation support address different parts of the problem. The condition of the wall, its connections and the findings of the foundation assessment determine what work is appropriate. ASRS can discuss the proposed approach and explain where opening up, reinforcement or other repairs are included. Retaining the entire wall cannot be promised before its condition and the repair requirements have been established.
Why can neighbouring houses need different foundation repair methods?
Neighbouring properties can differ in foundation construction, later alterations, loading and the condition of the ground supporting them. Their visible cracks may look similar while relating to different structural issues. One house might have damage around an extension, while another has a defect involving a lintel or wall connection. Access and the position of underground services can also influence how a specified repair is installed. ASRS therefore considers the information for each property rather than applying the same method because the houses share a street. The selected system and associated masonry work should follow the assessment and design requirements for the affected building.
Can ASRS work with the professionals handling an insurance repair?
ASRS works alongside engineers, surveyors, insurers and loss adjusters involved in structural repair projects. If your foundation concerns are being investigated through an insurance claim, share the available reports and explain which professionals are managing the repair requirements. We can discuss our installation scope and carry out work to an agreed specification, coordinating with the relevant parties where needed. The proposed programme should identify the foundation support, associated structural repairs and reinstatement included. Decisions about insurance cover and authorisation remain with the insurer and the arrangements for your claim. Clear project information helps establish what ASRS has been instructed to install and how the work fits into the wider programme.
Which areas of Chippenham and the surrounding district do you cover?
ASRS welcomes foundation repair enquiries from Chippenham town centre and surrounding areas, including Pewsham, Cepen Park, Monkton Park, Hardenhuish and nearby Langley Burrell. Each property is considered according to its construction, the visible damage and the information available about its foundations. Our regional coverage includes subsidence repairs across Wiltshire, with related services for properties requiring subsidence repairs in Trowbridge and subsidence repairs in Devizes. When making an enquiry, provide the address, photographs and any existing professional reports. Details of alterations and access arrangements can also help us understand the project before discussing a site visit and the next steps towards planning appropriate repairs.