Hot summers can affect a home’s foundations and contribute to subsidence issues, a problem no homeowner wants. During prolonged periods of dry, hot weather, the soil in your garden can shrink as it loses moisture, destabilising the foundations and leading to home subsidence. However, spotting the signs of structural damage from hot weather and knowing how to prevent it can be a challenge. In this post, we explore the signs of structural damage caused by hot weather and provide some insights in how to prevent these issues.
Signs of Structural Damage During Hot Weather
Whilst it can be challenging to understand if your home has subsidence, there are some signs to watch out for. Below we share some of the key signs of structural damage during hot weather:
Cracks in Walls or Floors
One of the most common signs of home subsidence caused by hot weather is the appearance of cracks in walls or floors. These cracks may develop suddenly or worsen over time as the soil beneath your property shrinks due to dry conditions. Cracks in plaster or around door frames may indicate subsidence is present. If you’re wondering what subsidence looks like, you can read our blog post on identifying cracks that may be linked to subsidence.
Sinking or Cracks in Foundations
Sinking or cracks in your home’s foundations can be a clear sign of subsidence, particularly in dry weather. As the moisture in the soil decreases, the ground beneath your property can shrink, leading to foundation movement. Uneven surfaces, gaps in exterior walls, or sinking near the foundation are early warning signs.
Doors or Windows That Won’t Close Properly
During hot weather, the shifting of the ground beneath your property can lead to structural changes. A common sign of home subsidence is a door or a window that no longer closes properly. If frames become misaligned, it could indicate foundation movement due to subsidence causes. This issue, when combined with other signs like cracks or sloping floors, could point to subsidence caused by hot, dry conditions.
Sloping Floors
Sloping floors are a tell-tale sign of subsidence during dry weather. As the soil beneath your foundation shrinks and shifts, it can cause your home to settle unevenly. If you notice uneven or sloping floors, it may be a result of subsidence. This can lead to cracks or gaps between floorboards and walls.
Preventing Foundation Problems During Hot Weather
Although hot weather can impact your home’s foundations and lead to subsidence problems, there are steps you can take to mitigate the risk. Below, we explore some of these tips in further detail:
Plant Trees Away from Building Foundations
Trees planted too close to your home can cause home subsidence as their roots absorb large amounts of water, leading to soil shrinkage. To avoid these common subsidence causes, ensure trees are planted at a safe distance from your building’s foundations. This helps prevent the roots from disturbing the soil and causing instability around your home. If you are planning on some spring planting in your garden, you can read some tips here on how to avoid tree related subsidence issues in the future.
Make Sure Your Drainage System Works Properly
A well-functioning drainage system is essential for preventing subsidence during hot weather. Ensure that your gutters, downpipes, and drainage channels are clear and direct water away from your property’s foundations. Poor drainage can cause moisture imbalances in the soil, contributing to subsidence and increasing the risk of ground shrinkage that leads to subsidence.
Contact Subsidence Ltd for Foundation Repairs
If the foundations of your home have suffered due to hot weather, Subsidence Ltd are here to assist you. Our expert team has the knowledge, skills, and expertise to lift and stabilise your property’s foundations within a day using our resin injections, and we provide a warranty for the work we complete to give you peace of mind. We can quickly and effectively fix home subsidence problems, backed by over 16 years of experience and over 1,000 satisfied customers.
To learn more about how much home and commercial subsidence repairs may cost, use our online calculator. We work across the UK in a number of areas, why not use our subsidence risk postcode checker to see if your area is more at risk of subsidence problems? To find out more about how we can help with your home subsidence problem, contact us today, and we can give you more information or a free quote.
CEO of Subsidence Ltd