Subsidence Reports: Avoid That Sinking Feeling

What Causes Subsidence?

Subsidence happens when the ground under your house collapses or sinks lower. When this occurs it puts a significant amount of strain on your home if one side sinks and cracks can begin to appear. There are several reasons why this might happen to your house, this includes geological, man-made and seasonal variations. For example, periods of drought can cause the soil to dry out, especially if the soil is made of clay, making the ground unstable. Other reasons for subsidence include trees and shrubs close to your foundations or drains that are leaking water causing the soil to become soft and begin to compact under the weight of your home.

What are the signs of subsidence?

Cracks can appear in your home for several reasons such as natural shrinkage and swelling due to temperature and humidity changes. Cracks that indicate subsidence are usually more than 3mm thick and wider at the top than the bottom. They are often found close to doors and windows, and you may notice other signs such as wallpaper crinkling at wall joins, doors sticking and cracks to your extension.

Can I prevent subsidence?

Minimising the risk of subsidence is, indeed, possible, particularly if your house is at risk. For example, plant trees or shrubs a safe distance from your home to avoid the soil around it becoming too dry. It is also advisable to undertake regular maintenance on external guttering, pipes and plumbing and install a water butt in your garden to catch rainwater.

What are subsidence reports?

Subsidence reports will give you a risk rating, which is an overall opinion of your property’s level of subsidence risk, from low to very high. They then go into further detail, giving an in-depth explanation as to why your property has been given its risk rating. We will also make suggestions for actions that could be taken to reduce the risk.

We also provide detailed subsidence information, which is essentially an in-depth explanation of subsidence and its main causes, alongside other lesser-known factors. This can help to home buyers to make more informed decisions about the property they are considering buying.

Finally, subsidence reports details information about remedial works that would be legally acceptable to have carried out.

Find out more about how we can help you with Subsidence reports by visiting our web page.

If you suspect your property may be experiencing subsidence, then get in touch. We can advise you on the best courses of action going forward and whether home insurance providers should be contacted. We also work with insurance companies, solicitors, surveyors, and local adjusters to ensure the right result is achieved for you.