Identify Subsidence Signs as You Embrace the Festive Season
For parents and families, Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings. Amidst the festive cheer, it’s also an opportune moment to observe your home for signs of subsidence. Did you know? In winter, particularly around Christmas, is the ideal time to spot these issues and consider contacting Subsidence Ltd for an on-site assessment and drain inspection in January 2024. Fancy a quick chat? Ask us your questions on 0333 1300592 8am-8pm every day.
The festive season often means more time spent indoors, which can lead to the discovery of issues like cracks in walls or sticking doors that might have gone unnoticed during the busier parts of the year.
As you decorate your home for Christmas, you’re likely to get a closer look at areas that are not usually in focus. Hanging decorations can reveal new cracks in walls or around door frames, which are potential signs of subsidence.
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Understanding Subsidence: Causes and Early Warning Signs
Subsidence in homes is often a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. A key element in many cases is the condition of underground drainage systems. Over 50% of Subsidence Ltd customers fall foul of the drainage inspection and broken drain pipes.
Here is a timeline describing how broken drains, rather than tree roots themselves, can lead to subsidence:
Initial Damage to Drains (0-2 years):
The process often starts with damage to the property’s drainage system. This could be due to general wear and tear, poor construction, or external pressure.
Approximately half of domestic property subsidence cases are linked to issues with drainage systems.
Water Leakage and Soil Saturation (2-5 years):
The damaged drains begin to leak water into the surrounding soil. This is especially problematic in areas with clay soil, which is common in many parts of the UK. The leaked water saturates the soil, leading to its expansion and, subsequently, an alteration in soil volume and pressure. We covered this in our series of articles and research for South London, East London and North London. West London isn’t as affected by the Thames River, however some postcode hotspots do generate enquiries from our clients.
Tree Root Growth Towards Leaked Water (3-6 years):
Contrary to common belief, tree roots are not the primary cause of subsidence. However, they can ncrease the problem.
Leaked water from broken drains attracts tree roots, which grow towards the moisture source. This can further disrupt the soil and drain integrity.
Soil Desiccation and Shrinkage (5-10 years):
Over time, especially during dryer periods, the soil begins to dry out or desiccate. This leads to soil shrinkage.
The fluctuation between wet and dry periods causes the soil to repeatedly expand and contract, weakening its ability to support the building’s foundation.
Foundation Movement and Initial Signs of Subsidence (6-10 years):
The foundation of the building starts to move due to the unstable soil, leading to subsidence.
Early warning signs include the appearance of cracks in walls and around door and window frames, typically wider at the top; doors and windows sticking or failing to close properly; and sloping floors.
Progression of Foundation and Subsidence Extreme Damage (10+ years):
If unchecked, these issues can lead to more severe structural problems, increasing the risk and cost of repairing the property foundations.
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Call us on 0333 1300592 or get in touch via our enquiry form. We will provide a meticulous examination of internal subsidence cracks, to deliver a crucial insight into the structural health of your property and family home.
The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Subsidence in UK Homes:
All of our customers will be sent our 10 Year Warranty together with an invitation to honestly review our full service.
In the UK, the changing seasons can have a significant impact on homes, especially concerning subsidence. Subsidence is the gradual sinking of the ground, causing a building to sink or tilt. The Great British weather, with its unique characteristics, plays a key role in this process.
Dry Summers and Clay Soil: Much of England, especially the South East, has clay soil. Clay soil is like a sponge – it expands when wet and shrinks when dry. During hot, dry summers, the clay soil loses moisture and shrinks. This can cause the ground beneath a house to sink or shift, leading to subsidence. Homeowners might notice new or widening cracks in walls or around door and window frames.
Wet Winters and Saturated Soil: Conversely, in wet winters, the soil absorbs a lot of water, expanding and sometimes moving the foundations of homes. This expansion and contraction cycle over the years can weaken the structural integrity of a building.
Vegetation and Trees: Seasonal changes also affect the vegetation. During summer, trees and large shrubs absorb moisture from the soil, making the bad problem worse due to the shrinkage of clay soil. Quite simply, if trees are close to a house, their roots can accelerate subsidence risks.
Postcode Hotspots for Subsidence in England and Wales:
London: The London Clay formation makes it a hotspot for subsidence. Many areas in and around London are particularly susceptible due to the type of soil and the density of buildings. South East England: Similar to London, this region has a lot of clay soil, making it prone to subsidence.
South Wales: Certain areas in South Wales also show a higher incidence of subsidence, often influenced by historical mining activities and the type of soil.
The Welsh Strata and Geological Formation
Understanding these factors is crucial for homeowners to identify and address subsidence issues early. Methods like resin injection, offered by Subsidence Ltd, can provide effective, less disruptive solutions to these problems. It’s about adapting to the unique challenges posed by the Great British weather and the varying soil types across England and Wales.
Remember that the colder and wetter weather of the UK winter can exacerbate subsidence issues. The soil can contract and expand more dramatically, leading to more visible signs of subsidence during this time. Identifying potential subsidence issues during Christmas allows you to plan for an early inspection in January. This proactive approach can prevent more significant problems later on.
Arranging for an assessment and drain inspection by Subsidence Ltd in January 2024 can allow you to relax knowing you are being proactive. It’s good to know that any potential issues will be professionally addressed by our engineers ensure the safety and stability of your home for the year ahead.
With 30 years’ of construction expertise in resin injection methods and an understanding of UK-specific subsidence issues, the team at Subsidence Ltd offer a comprehensive evaluation of your property’s condition, offering the most efficient and cost-effective solutions that are quicker and cheaper than structural underpinning.
CEO of Subsidence Ltd