As a major, potentially serious problem, subsidence is something that every homeowner dreads. Whether you own a brand-new, modern home or a traditional-style office building, the effects of subsidence can strike when you least expect it. From tree roots and hot weather to uneven ground and ill-prepared foundations, subsidence is something that cannot be prevented but can be easily rectified.
In this article, we’ll be detailing exactly how and why subsidence should be dealt with as a matter of urgency.
Key Takeaways
- Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a building shifts, causing the structure to sink and crack.
- Common causes include heavy rainfall, tree roots, hot weather, and poorly prepared foundations.
- Early signs of subsidence include cracks in walls, sloping floors, and doors or windows that stick.
- Subsidence can cause severe damage, with five categories ranging from minor cracks to serious structural risks.
- Resin injection is an effective, non-invasive method to fix subsidence, often completed in a day without major disruption.
What is Subsidence?
Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a building begins to sink causing the property’s foundation to be pulled down. This can cause both exterior and interior walls, floors, driveways and garden paths to shift and eventually crack, putting the integrity of the entire building at risk.
Property owners need to be aware of the signs of subsidence early on to start with subsidence repairs immediately. Measures such as improving drainage, avoiding planting large trees near structures, and consulting with structural engineers can mitigate risks and safeguard the building’s longevity.
Signs of Subsidence
Spotting subsidence early can save you from costly repairs down the line. Acting quickly when these signs appear helps prevent the problem from getting worse. The earlier you address subsidence, the easier and cheaper the repairs will be. It can be easy to spot signs of subsidence before it becomes a significant problem.
- Cracks in interior or exterior walls, particularly around windows or door frames
- Noticeable ripples or wrinkles in wallpaper
- Doors either becoming jammed or difficult to open and close
- Windows that are hard to open and shut
- Puddles around the outside of the house
- Cracks appearing in driveways or garden paths
- Floors that have developed a noticeable slope
Causes of Subsidence
It can be difficult for a homeowner to pinpoint exactly what it is that’s causing the subsidence. Although it is more common in older buildings, new build properties can also succumb to the problem. There could be a number of different factors at play that are causing the subsidence of your home, including:
- It can be difficult for a homeowner to pinpoint exactly what is causing the subsidence. Although it is more common in older buildings, new build properties can also face this problem. Several factors can trigger subsidence in your home, including:
- Heavy, persistent rainfall over a long period of time
This can make the ground uneven as it has the potential to wash soil away, therefore making it more likely that the ground will move or shift. - Clay or soil shrinkage caused by extensive periods of hot or warm weather
The heat can draw moisture out of the ground, causing it to shrink and leave voids, allowing for loose, dry earth and clay to fall into the gaps. - Tree roots
Tree roots will burrow into the ground to reach the water it needs to survive. As it draws up the moisture from the ground, it can cause the clay and soil to shrink, thus leaving the ground unstable. - Poorly prepared foundations
This is more common in newly built houses. If the ground underneath the foundation of the house hasn’t been prepared properly, then subsidence is likely to occur.
The Effects of Subsidence
Though house insurance usually covers subsidence, it’s still a big worry for homeowners—and for good reason. It can damage your home’s structure and put people inside, neighbours, pedestrians, and nearby drivers at risk.
Categories of Subsidence Damage
A house can fall within five different categories. Category one means that hairline cracks are visible and little action needs to be taken. Category two is for situations where cracks are around 3mm wide. According to the experts, a solution needs to be found in this instance as soon as possible to prevent the subsidence from progressing to a dangerous level.
Category five indicates severe damage, with cracks approximately 25mm wide, leaning walls, broken windows, and snapping timbers. Category five generally means that the house could fall down at any moment.
Most homeowners are able to address subsidence issues before their property reaches a category five risk. However, for those unable to resolve the problem, subsidence can lead to significant distress—impacting both the emotional well-being of the occupants and the structural integrity of the home.
Selling or Buying a Property with a History of Subsidence
Homeowners looking to sell a property with a subsidence history may face challenges. According to the Independent, mortgage lenders can be hesitant to finance such properties. However, some lenders may approve mortgages if there has been no recent movement, or if a structural engineer confirms that the repairs have been effective and will remain so for several years.
Buying a house with a history or risk of subsidence can create many obstacles. These challenges extend to insuring the property or even selling it later. Subsidence affects everyone in the property chain, making it crucial to address the issue quickly. Using a reliable and innovative solution, like the resin injection method, can resolve the problem effectively.
How Can Subsidence Be Rectified?
Subsidence is a serious issue, and it’s important to address it safely and effectively. The resin injection method provides a reliable solution that allows you to fix the problem without the need to move out.
Dealing with subsidence at home can feel overwhelming, but with Geobear, repairs are completed with minimal disruption to your daily life. In most cases, you won’t even need internal access to your home. The skilled engineers at Geobear deliver excellent results, and unlike traditional underpinning methods, there’s no need for excavation or digging. Typically, the repair is finished within a day.
The work Geobear performs is guaranteed to last for up to ten years, restoring your property to its full, healthy structure and aesthetic, enabling you to enjoy your home for many more years to come. So, if subsidence threatens the integrity of your house or another building you own, get in touch with Geobear for a fast, successful, innovative solution to an otherwise complicated problem.
Preventing Subsidence
While you can’t always prevent subsidence, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. Good drainage around your property helps manage excess water and prevent soil from being washed away. Avoid planting large trees too close to buildings, as their roots can disturb the foundations. When building, ensure the foundations are properly suited to the soil type. Regularly checking for early signs of movement or cracks can help catch any problems early. Taking these precautions will help protect your home and reduce the risk of subsidence.
Conclusion
Subsidence can’t always be prevented. However, early detection and prompt action are key to maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Homeowners can take proactive preventive measures to protect their property by understanding the signs and causes of subsidence.
If subsidence occurs, innovative solutions like resin injection offer a quick, effective way to restore your home’s stability without the need for extensive work or excavation. Addressing subsidence early ensures the safety of the building and helps avoid significant future costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is subsidence?
Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a building shifts or sinks, causing the property to move and crack.
What causes subsidence?
Subsidence can be caused by factors such as heavy rainfall, hot weather, tree roots, and poorly prepared foundations.
How do I know if my home has subsidence?
Signs include cracks in walls, sloping floors, doors and windows that stick, and puddles around the outside of the house.
What are the effects of subsidence on a building?
Subsidence can cause cracks in walls, sloping floors, sticking doors and windows, and damage to driveways or paths. Over time, it can weaken the building’s structure and, if left untreated, may lead to severe damage or collapse.
How does subsidence affect property value?
Subsidence can lower a property’s value as it indicates structural issues. Buyers may be hesitant, and mortgage lenders might require proof that repairs have been made. Insurance premiums may also increase, further impacting the property’s appeal.
Can subsidence affect neighbouring properties?
Yes, subsidence in one building can sometimes affect neighbouring properties, especially in terraced or semi-detached homes. Ground movement may extend beyond the original site, leading to structural concerns for nearby buildings.
Can subsidence be fixed?
Yes, subsidence can be fixed with methods like resin injection, which stabilises the ground and restores the building’s structure.
Is subsidence covered by insurance?
Most home insurance policies cover subsidence. However you should check your policy and provide proof of repairs if needed.
How can I prevent subsidence?
To reduce the risk, ensure good drainage around your property, avoid planting large trees near buildings, and check for early signs of ground movement.