When purchasing a property, there are many factors to consider especially if this a century old home. There is a geological difference around the UK, for example, you have London Clay around the river Thames area, and several postcode areas around Birmingham which are subsidence hotspots too.
But one that often gets overlooked is subsidence. While this may not spring to mind, it is a creeping issue that should be discussed with your property developers, surveyors or subsidence specialists such as ourselves. If you spot any signs of subsidence or discover that subsidence is an issue in the area, it’s worth remembering that this level of structural damage can affect the property’s value, cause safety concerns and hinder your overall living experience.
Subsidence Facts and Fiction
When searching this topic online, you will be met with a minefield of scaremongering and confusion, so we’re here today to simplify it for you. In this article, we will give you seven unique and insightful facts about subsidence that are helpful to know whether you’ve had your home for ten years and are putting it on the market or you are waiting for your offer to be accepted.
Subsidence Repair UK
At Subsidence, we believe that homeowners deserve good, honest advice when they’re looking for a solution to the devastating effects of subsidence. We know that if your home is suffering, it’s stressful. The last thing you need is misinformation and extortionate quotes. That’s why we offer no-nonsense advice and quote you in full for the completed job. No hidden extras, no nasty surprises, just fast and effective service that can remedy your subsidence in as little as a day, at a much more affordable rate than our competitors.
Get a quote for your subsidence repair now or use our Subsidence Cost Calculator to get an estimate of the costs you can expect.
You’re here for 5 facts about subsidence, but we have two additional signs that you are easily able to identify.
Top 7 Subsidence Facts
Read on to discover seven land subsidence facts that our experts have put together to give you peace of mind and clarity on subsidence damage.
How Common Is Subsidence?
While subsidence may seem like a rare occurrence, especially as it’s not discussed often, you may be surprised to learn it’s actually quite a common issue. According to industry statistics, more than 5.76 million properties in Great Britain are exposed to medium or high subsidence risk. This is a staggering number, and when buying or selling a property, you should always be sure to look out for any potential signs of subsidence.
Your Geographical Area Plays a Significant Role.
Not only is subsidence a common issue, but your location can also determine how likely it is your property will be affected. The probability of experiencing subsidence on your property rises considerably if it was built on clay soil or in areas with a history of mining activities. Therefore, those most vulnerable are located in certain parts of the UK, such as London and the South East. That’s why we recommend undergoing geographical research before buying a property.
Seasonal Fluctuations Can Trigger Subsidence.
Alongside the fact that your location plays a key role in subsidence risk, as does the climate. As we covered in a previous blog post, hot temperatures can significantly heighten the chances of subsidence damage. How? The soil below the property’s foundations experiences a cycle of drying and wetting, especially during the Summer months. This expands and contracts the soil, leading to instability.
Tree Roots Can Be Both a Cause and a Cure.
Another critical point to make when we look into the causes of subsidence is the proximity and type of vegetation around a property. In fact, certain types of trees, such as willows, have water-seeking roots that can cause all surrounding soil to dry out. Because of this, it causes a shift in a property’s foundations, causing them to sink into the earth, resulting in the onset of subsidence. On the other hand, certain vegetation types can actually stabilise the soil, so doing your due diligence in this area is paramount.
Early Signs Are Often Overlooked.
When identifying subsidence, more often than not, the earliest signs, such as small cracks near doors and windows, are not taken seriously. This is because they can easily be mistaken for a property’s natural ageing and settling, but that isn’t always the case. Our experts recommend an intervention at the earliest point as the earlier subsidence is caught, the easier and less expensive it is to treat.
Be Warned – Not All Insurance Policies Cover Subsidence!
Whether on your residential or commercial property, if you spot any possible signs of subsidence, it is important that you check with your insurance provider whether or not such a situation is covered. Standard home insurance policies do not always cover subsidence; therefore, studying the fine print or consulting with your provider is crucial before addressing the issue. It is also worth considering this when you are purchasing a property in an area that is at high risk for subsidence. It may be worth looking for a provider that offers this coverage to safeguard yourself in the future.
Fear Not – Modern Treatment Methods Are Highly Effective.
Lastly, we have a fact on treating subsidence. Gone are the days when the only solution to subsidence was the disruptive and costly process of underpinning. At Subsidence, we pride ourselves on using a much more modern approach to subsidence recovery. By utilising innovative resin injections, we offer a less invasive and faster method that is still highly effective in stabilising a property’s foundations.
Using our revolutionary material, we insert it into the soil as a liquid before it expands underground. This fills all cracks and gaps while forcing out any water and compacting the ground to strengthen it, creating a stable base for your property.
Book a Subsidence Survey Today!
Whether you’re a homeowner now or will be in the future if you think there is a chance the property has subsidence issues, the severity and likelihood should not be underestimated. Get support as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If you’d like our expert team to carry out a subsidence survey on your property, get in touch with us today.
We can identify any subsidence signs within the interior and exterior of your property, as well as give you advice and guidance on your next steps. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about this critical issue, don’t hesitate to check out our website or contact us for a comprehensive subsidence consultation.
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CEO of Subsidence Ltd