Property movement and cracking in Spain, decaying reinforced concrete
There are many reasons why property movement and cracking in Spain can cause a property to become unstable. Sometimes this is due to subsidence but this is not always the case. Indeed, a relatively common problem in Spanish properties can be due to the decay of the steel reinforcement used in the construction of the property itself. Many properties in Spain (whether houses or flats) have a ferro-concrete construction. This means that steel is used to reinforce the concrete used in building the property. So, for example, steel rods are surrounded by concrete to give the concrete strength for walls, foundations, ceiling and roof slabs as well as beams. Meanwhile, some properties have a steel beam construction. This is then enclosed with blocks or brickwork. Obviously, it is important that the steel within a property is correctly connected and protected from damp so as not to lose its integrity. This is…