Another cause of foundation movement is tree roots. Underground roots can grow towards your foundations and suck all the moisture content out of the soil around your footings causing these footings to fail. The roots can also cause your plumbing pipes to break releasing moisture into the soil around your foundations.

If this issue is detected early it may prevent from having to underpin your property.


The concept of a root barrier is very similar to that of a moisture barrier. The process involves digging a trench to a depth anywhere between 600mm to 2 metres, depending on your engineer specifications, and is normally 200mm wide. Once the trench is dug layers of hard plastic, known as root barriers, are placed down the inside of the trench on the side closest to your dwelling. The trench is then filled with a substance called Bentanite. This plastic along with the bentanite is so durable that it prevents any tree roots passing through it, diverting their growth away from your footings.


Trench being dug


Root Barrier in place


Bentanite Being Placed In Trench


Trench full of Bentanite with Root Barrier In Place