In simple words subsidence is the term used for when a property sinks into the ground which leads to unstable foundation. Subsidence occurs due to many different reasons and the most common one is soil shrinkage; research shows that shrinking and swelling of clay soil is responsible for about 75% of subsidence in the UK. Other common reasons are bad foundation, damaged drains, poor ground work, trees and vegetation.
If you think that your property might be suffering from possible subsidence then it is best to seek professional help from a chattered surveyor for a detailed structural survey. This form of inspection will address the main cause of any signs of defects. It is highly advised to take precautions on early stages because if not the state of the property will only get worse leading to more serious hazards and high cost in repairs. If the report of the survey shows the cause is leaking drains; immediate repairs of the drains will prevent further damage, finding the cause will make it easier as well as quicker to fix it.
Typical signs of subsidence that people witness in the early stages are:
- Cracks in the walls
- Cracks in the ceilings
- Existing cracks getting wider/bigger
- Cracks that are found closer to the doors or windows
- The cracks are diagonal
- Doors and windows sticking
It is also advised that before buying a new property, please do carry out a survey for any future risks of subsidence.
Image Referrence: https://www.axa.co.uk/home-insurance/tips-and-guides/spotting-the-signs-of-subsidence/
