Why sustainability matters in foundation repair

The pressure is on to reduce carbon emissions and waste across all sectors, particularly the construction and demolition (C&D) industries. Almost 40% of carbon emissions in the UK comes from the construction, operation or maintenance of buildings, with 11% of that total down to embodied carbon. Embodied carbon encompasses everything from manufacturing and mining to transporting and repairs.

The amount of waste produced is also concerning. The most recent figures showed the UK produced 5.4 million tonnes of non-hazardous waste in the C&D sector alone. Finding more sustainable solutions is essential in mitigating climate change and reducing waste.

What is resin injection?

Mainmark’s Teretek® resin injection offers a quick and reliable underpinning alternative. The process involves drilling small 16mm holes under the foundations of a building and injecting the resin to fill the gaps and voids. As well as increasing the ground’s load-bearing capacity, the resin can carefully re-level the building if needed. Additionally, Teretek® resin is water resistant and chemically stable, ensuring its durability over time.

The sustainability benefits of resin underpinning

Resin injection has many benefits, which makes it a more sustainable option on site. Here’s why:

1. Minimal disruption

Traditional concrete underpinning typically involves excavation and creating deep trenches under the foundations. It also requires the removal of large volumes of spoil and backfilling – all of which can cause significant disruption for the occupants who will have to leave their property. Resin injection eliminates the need for deep trenches, and work can be done while occupants remain in the building.

2. Less machinery

Excavation work typically requires heavy excavators, cranes, or bulk concrete pumps, which rely on diesel engines or generators. This significantly increases carbon emissions on site. However, resin injection doesn’t require lots of heavy machinery, therefore, there are less onsite emissions.

3. Less time on site

Resin injection offers a faster turnaround compared to concrete underpinning. Resin cures quickly and the injection method can be done in hours or in a few days, whereas mass underpinning takes weeks or even months. Less time onsite means less energy consumption and carbon emissions.

4. Reduced waste

As only a precise quantity of resin is required, there’s less waste and minimal leftover materials. Concrete is often supplied in bulk, which means there can be a lot of leftover waste.

5. Less transport needed

With resin injection underpinning, only one van is required, reducing traffic in and out of area and reducing carbon emissions from vehicles and freight onsite.

With growing demands for more sustainable practices in the industry, resin injection offers a less carbon intensive solution to subsidence repair. Of course, the choice of underpinning methods depends on the project as in some instances, traditional concrete underpinning maybe the best option to treat the issue. However, in many cases resin injection is a viable, sustainable alternative – reducing waste, site disruption, heavy machinery and emissions. If you need more advice, reach out to one of our experts. Get in touch today.