Cracks in the base, broken concrete, improperly closed doors and windows, and cracks in the interior walls are the most common issues. When a building's base appears to be unstable, or cracks occur in the brick or cladding, it may be an indication that the structure is crumbling. The base of the building may be seated on clay soil, which is often fragile. As a result, hydraulic piles must be used to secure the base to the bedrock.
The dry clay and the fragile nature of the soil are the primary causes of structure movement. A substantial number of houses are constructed on low-bearing soils. A concrete base will collapse quickly if the ground underneath it is not strong enough to support it. Steel piles would be forced into the bedrock rejection, stabilizing the foundation.