How to spot signs of subsidence
There are a few structural issues that can raise alarm bells the moment you hear them – dry rot, termites, Japanese knotweed, subsidence.
In this article, we are going to focus on subsidence: what subsidence is, what causes it, and the tell-tale signs you need to look out for.
What is subsidence?
Subsidence is one of four main types of movement that can have an impact on your property. It can be very tricky to identify and expensive to fix.
Subsidence is when the ground beneath a building sinks, causing the foundation to become unstable and the structure to shift. This shift can result in serious damage to the building.
What causes subsidence to properties?
Several factors can lead to subsidence, including:
- Clay soils – Clay-rich soils are prone to something known as ‘shrink-swell’ behaviour, meaning that they harden and soften depending on the quantity of water. Trees and vegetation can also worsen the situation too.
- Leaking drains – Leaking drains are one of the most common causes of subsidence. [1] Rather than the drains moving the build-up of water away from your property, it can saturate the ground and wash away the ground surrounding the foundations of your property.
- Plants – Trees and vegetation can exacerbate subsidence issues. The roots from the plants can spread beneath the home, disturbing the foundations and the surrounding ground.
What are the tell-tale signs of subsidence?
Catching subsidence early isn’t always possible but there are a few signs of structural movement you can look out for. These include cracks in the walls, sloping floors, and when windows and doors start sticking.
If you do start to notice signs of subsidence, contact your insurer as soon as possible and speak to an expert for advice.
What can I do to reduce the chances of subsidence?
There’s no quick solution that will completely sort your subsidence issue, especially if you are in a subsidence-prone area. There are a number of preventative measures that you can put in place to reduce the risk, though.
- Regularly inspect your property. Look for cracks and any other signs of instability. Make sure you don’t forget to check the foundations.
- Don’t plant trees close to your home especially if your property is on clay soils. Instead plant drought-resistant trees and shrubs which require less water.
- If the property you own happens to already be surrounded by large trees, consult a tree surgeon to find out what actions you can safely take without causing further damage to your home. Sometimes, removing a tree or plant can cause “heave”.
- Ensure your property is well-maintained to prevent leaks. If your area is prone to heavy rainfall, consider installing a rainwater collection system to reduce the pressure on the soil.
- Limit excessive humidity in your home as this can cause the soil to expand.
- If you have any concerns about subsidence, seek professional advice from a surveyor or structural engineer.
What do I need to know about subsidence insurance coverage?
Subsidence damage can be covered in many home insurance policies, but make sure to research what exactly is and isn’t covered. Our insurance experts can make sure that your policy offers suitable subsidence cover for your individual needs.
If you’d like to discuss subsidence on your current policy or want to make sure your insurance covers subsidence, get in touch with us today.