Subsidence Cracks – How to tell if a wall crack is subsidence
Homeownership often comes with its fair share of challenges, and one common concern for homeowners is the appearance of cracks in their homes. While not all cracks are cause for alarm, some may be subsidence cracks, a potentially serious structural issue. Here’s how to identify if a crack in your home is a result of subsidence and what steps you should take when you suspect this problem.
Cracks in Walls? How wide are they? Where are they?
Cracks in your home’s walls or foundation can vary in size, shape, and location. Hairline cracks on their own may not be a sign of structural damage, this could just be an aesthetic symptom from plaster, or perhaps damp patches drying, expanding and contracting with the Great British weather.
Did you know? Some postcode areas of the UK, especially regions close to the Thames are built on London Clay. These postcodes are susceptible to subsidence-related cracks in walls, skirting boards coming loose and in some cases, opening and closing doors and windows are sticky.
Visit our subsidence risk postcode checker page to find out more about what areas in the UK are more susceptible to subsidence.
Speak to our highly experienced engineers directly on 0333 1300592 or send a message online with our enquiry form.
London Clay, Postcode Locations and Soil Conditions.
If you are located in an area with clay soils that expand and contract with moisture changes, it may contribute to subsidence issues. Check if there’s a known subsidence issue in your area. We have a comprehensive list of postcode hotspots across the UK including East London, West London, City, and South London as well as those in the Midlands and East Anglia, contact us to see if your postcode may be affected.
Local soil conditions can play a significant role in subsidence. If your cracks have been getting wider over time, foundational shifts may have happened, or this could be due to broken drains around the area your property was built on.
If you are convinced your home is at risk of subsiding further, get in touch and our engineers will offer step by step advice. We offer a same day chat response when you message over Whatsapp, you can send us your photographs to examine.
To determine if a crack is due to subsidence, consider these factors:
Crack Location and Signs of Subsidence UK Nationwide
The location of the crack is a vital clue. Subsidence cracks often appear near structural weak points, such as the corners of windows and doors. If you notice cracks in these areas, especially if they are wider at the top than at the bottom, it could be a sign of subsidence. Look for additional signs in your home, such as doors and windows that are sticking, sloping floors, or visible changes in the ground level outside the building. These symptoms, along with cracks, further support the possibility of subsidence.
Crack Width, Pattern and Thickness. How many walls have cracking?
Pay attention to the width of the crack. In general, cracks that are wider than 3mm (about the thickness of a 10p coin) are more likely to be a concern. Narrower cracks, while still important to monitor, are typically less worrisome.
If you observe several cracks clustered in the same area or along the same wall, it’s a strong indicator that these could be subsidence cracks. The presence of multiple cracks in proximity raises concerns.
Subsidence-related cracks often have a distinct pattern. They may be diagonal or stepped, as opposed to straight-line cracks that are more common for other types of wall stress. How much do I need to spend on subsidence repairs? Calculate the material cost using our exclusive online cost calculator.
10 Year Warranty on Subsidence Resin Repairs
Think about when you first noticed the cracks. Sudden and rapid changes in crack size or the appearance of new cracks are more concerning than gradual changes. Keeping a record of when you first observed the issue can be valuable when consulting with professionals.
Subsidence Ltd have a strong team of professionals, with over 60 years of combined experience. We are so confident with our one-day fixes with resin injection around your home foundations, we provide all customers with a 10 year warranty.
What to Do if You Notice Cracks Forming in Walls
If you notice cracks that match the criteria mentioned above, it’s crucial to consult with a specialist company. They possess the expertise and tools to assess the situation accurately. A detailed inspection can help determine whether subsidence is the cause or if there’s another explanation for the cracks.
In some instances, monitoring the cracks over time may be necessary to establish the extent and rate of any movement. Promptly addressing structural issues is essential to prevent further damage and to ensure the safety and stability of your building. Neglecting subsidence-related signs can lead to costly repairs and potentially jeopardise the structural integrity of your home.
Cracks around Door Frames and Window Frames
Cracks around door frames, cracks above door frames or cracks around can also be another tell tale sign of house subsidence. These cracks can cause doors and windows to stick and shift when you try to open and close them. Best to get it checked.
How to Repair Subsidence
Correctly identifying subsidence cracks in your home is paramount to maintaining its structural integrity. By closely examining the cracks, considering their location and pattern, and consulting with professionals when in doubt, you can address the issue early and prevent further damage. Should you suspect subsidence please get in touch.
We specialise in Subsidence repair via resin injection, the latest technology in subsidence repair, which is not only much more affordable than traditional unpinning, it’s also far quicker and less disruptive to your home. Call us today on 0333 1300592 or fill out our enquiry form.
CEO of Subsidence Ltd