10 Subsidence FAQs: Answered

Subsidence can be troubling for homeowners and commercial property owners alike. It can strike at any time, under the right conditions. However, there are still many people who aren’t aware of what it is, and nor are they aware of the detrimental effects it can have on the structure of the property itself. 

According to Insurance Business Magazine, more than half of homeowners aren’t able to identify signs of subsidence. More worryingly, LV reported that 4.4 million homeowners have no idea what it is. With this in mind, we have put together a few of the most commonly asked questions regarding subsidence, so you can put your mind at rest. If all signs are leading towards the fact that your property might be experiencing subsidence, then you’re not alone. 

The team here at Geobear have decades of knowledge and expertise to draw upon to rectify issues of subsidence, including using an innovative resin injection method for mess-free and non-disruptive subsidence solutions. Although, you first need to know everything there is to know about the problem to make the right decision for you moving forward. Here are 10 FAQs regarding subsidence that you need the answers to:

1. What is subsidence?

Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath your property’s foundations becomes unstable. If the ground beneath begins to shift, so will the structure that sits on top. The most common reason for this is continuous soil expansion and shrinkage. However, there are other reasons as to why the problem might occur, including weak, old or non-existent foundations. It can become a serious structural issue if left untreated. As such, you need to know the signs of subsidence to fix the problem as early as possible. 

2. What are the signs of subsidence?

Subsidence can become a serious structural problem, which means that the signs are rather evident if you know what to look for. As already touched upon, according to IBM, around 51% of homeowners don’t know the signs of subsidence, until it’s too late. If you want to catch the problem early then here are the signs to look out for:

• Cracks around windows and doors
• Windows and doors becoming jammed or have become difficult to close
• Cracks, either internal or external, that run in a zig-zag pattern, along brick mortar
• Cracks, either internal or external, that you can put your little finger into, or that run at 2mm wide or more
• Extensions coming away from the rest of the house
• Floors and ceilings sloping 
• The property is noticeably leaning to one side

3. Are all cracks indicators of subsidence?

No. There are many reasons why cracks might form in your home. Subsidence isn’t always the culprit. It’s important that, as a homeowner, you know when subsidence isn’t subsidence. For instance, if cracks are less than 2mm wide, there’s likely an innocent explanation. Menial cracks can occur because of the following reasons:

• Settlement cracks
• Cracks in new plaster
• Hairline cracks
• Cracks due to lintel failure
• Cracks due to heavy and continuous traffic outside your home 

4. What causes subsidence to occur?

Subsidence, or the sinking of the ground as it can also be referred to, can be caused by several different things. While the consequences are the same as ground movement, the causes will vary depending on the location, soil type, condition of guttering and drainpipes and even the proximity of trees and shrubs. So what can causes it? Let’s take a closer look:

• Groundwater removal
• Weather
• Clay soil shrinkage
• Trees and shrubs being planted too close to your property
• Leaking drain pipes and guttering
• Properties being built on former mines, quarries or filled-in lakes

5. Can subsidence be fixed?

Yes. Subsidence solutions can be sought if you notice the signs. There are several methods of underpinning, with some being more disruptive than others. If you’re looking for a non-disruptive, mess-free underpinning solution that doesn’t involve excavation, then look to Geobear for underpinning solutions. 

We use an innovative resin injection method that involves injecting the ground with a resin. It’s designed to push its way along gaps and voids, expanding as it goes. As it expands, it hardens, thus strengthening the ground and the soil the structure and its foundations sit upon. It’s a long-lasting, durable underpinning solution that will last for generations to come.

6. Can subsidence be prevented?

Property owners can make provisions to prevent subsidence, or at least make it less likely to occur. However, many other factors at play are out of the hands of building owners. Subsidence can occur simply because the property is built on clay soil, for instance. However, there are some things that you can do to reduce the risk of it occurring. With this in mind, here are a few steps you can take if you want to limit subsidence risk:

• Remove large trees and shrubs that sit near your property
• If trees and shrubs cannot be removed, make sure they’re regularly trimmed 
• Fix leaking drain pipes and guttering 
• Don’t let water stand for too long 
• Repair dips in driveways, patios and garden paths
• Regularly maintain your drains, making sure they’re free from debris and are draining away in the correct manner
• Be on the lookout for subsidence signs, however small, so that the problem can be dealt with as soon as possible 

7. Is subsidence covered by my insurance policy?

Most insurance companies will cover subsidence under their house and building policies. In fact, according to TLI, subsidence has been their sixth most common type of claim for the last five years. As such a common problem for property owners, it would be more difficult for you to find a house insurance policy that doesn’t cover subsidence problems, one way or another. 

If you already have a house or building insurance policy, then double-check the terms of the policy before making a claim. If you’re buying a house and require building and contents insurance, ensure the policy covers subsidence, just in case you ever need to claim it. You’ll likely also find that the excess that needs to be paid for an insurance claim of this nature is around £1,000, claims Which.

8. Will subsidence devalue my house?

Naturally, any structural issue with your home will lead to it being devalued. When it comes to subsidence, the amount it devalues your house will depend on several factors, including severity, where the issue is located on the property, what caused it and the steps to be taken to rectify it. There’s no set amount that a house value will drop by, but you could expect a reduction of between 5%-25%, according to Sold.

9. Can I sell my house if it’s suffering subsidence damage?

Yes. You can sell your house if it’s experiencing subsidence issues. In some cases, you might also be able to sell your home whilst an insurance claim is being dealt with. However, you will need to tell the prospective new owners about the structural problem you’re dealing with (if you don’t tell them, it’ll likely be found during a structural home survey, so it’s always recommended to be open and honest from the outset). 

In addition, you will need to ensure they benefit from any insurance claim you’ve made. You will also need to decide who will be responsible for paying the insurance excess (amounts will vary depending on the policy). But subsidence shouldn’t prevent you from selling your home when you want to.

10. How long can subsidence issues be left without fixing?

As soon as it’s been confirmed that subsidence is affecting your property, you need to call in the professionals to have the problem dealt with as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the signs to become obvious. Whether it’s a wide zig-zag crack that appeared on one wall or if your windows and doors are jamming, you should make the right provisions to have the issue fixed as soon as possible. 

If you’re unsure about whether or not subsidence could be the culprit, ask a trusted, dedicated firm to carry out a survey – this is something we can do here at Geobear. We will carry out a thorough and meticulous inspection of your property, enabling us to either confirm or deny the problem. If subsidence is causing the problem, then you need to have the problem fixed as soon as possible; do not leave it as the problem will only get worse, and more costly to rectify as a result.

Geobear is pleased to provide subsidence solutions, including underpinning, to domestic and commercial property owners alike. If you’re looking for sterling underpinning services by an experienced firm, using non-disruptive technology to keep mess to a minimum, then look no further than the team here at Geobear. If you’d like further information, get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.