A Guide to Subsidence Surveys & Assessments

Subsidence is a troublesome problem, and it’s every homeowner’s worst nightmare. But when instances of subsidence are found early, it often means that solutions can be brought in before the issue becomes irreparable. A subsidence assessment from Geobear will help to ensure signs are identified and an underpinning method is determined to restore the property to its full strength and stability. But what is a subsidence survey, why are they important and how do they differ from typical house surveys? Let’s take a look:

What is subsidence?

Subsidence is a term used when a house or another building or structure begins to sink into the ground below. This usually indicates failing foundations as they can no longer support the weight of the structure that sits on top of it. There are many reasons for subsidence and foundation structural failure, including tree roots, leaking drainpipes and gutters and clay soil. If you’re wondering whether your property is suffering from subsidence, then the following signs are normally early indicators, but it’s always best to bring in a professional to identify the problem formally, like us here at Geobear:

• Cracks in walls, floors and ceilings
• Cracks in exterior walls, running in a zig-zag pattern, along mortar lines
• Sinking or sloping floors and ceilings
• Doors and windows that cannot be opened
• Doors and windows that cannot be closed
• The property noticeably leans to one side
• An extension is moving away from the rest of the house

What is a subsidence survey or assessment?

A subsidence survey or assessment is a service carried out by subsidence experts, like us here at Geobear, to determine instances of subsidence and foundation failure on a wealth of properties, both commercial and domestic. We carry out subsidence assessments with the utmost care and precision, ensuring surveys are meticulously carried out to identify any and all subsidence indicators. 

A conclusion is drawn, and recommendations are made, including subsidence solutions, such as the geopolymer injection method of underpinning. If we find subsidence indicators throughout your property, you don’t need to panic. The Geobear team will be with you every step of the way, guiding you through the process from start to finish. 

The importance of subsidence assessments

A dedicated subsidence assessment should be carried out if you suspect such problems. It can inform you about a wide range of structural factors and issues, from site-specific conditions to assessing the application needed; there’s more to a subsidence assessment than you might have otherwise thought. Here’s everything a subsidence assessment from Geobear involves:

• Understanding site-specific conditions – the geopolymer treatment used often varies from case to case. This is normally due to varying factors based on where the property is built, such as geology, hydrogeology, soil type, groundwater conditions and organic composition
• A tailored geopolymer treatment method – treatments will be tailored to suit specific cases and issues, such as soil stabilisation of clay shrinkage. This allows us to identify specific problems and conditions at the site, making our underpinning method bespoke to each client
• Geopolymer selection determination – this determines the type of geopolymer that needs to be used for individual cases. Geopolymers vary in molecular weight, composition and expansive properties, all of which can affect their performance
• Assessment of application methods – we will evaluate the methods available for polymer treatment application. This involves considering factors like accessibility, terrain, infrastructure and environmental impacts. It will also determine the most efficient and effective methods available for our clients

The different types of house surveys available

A house survey and a subsidence survey aren’t always the same thing. A subsidence survey will look solely for instances and signs of subsidence. It will not look for other structural issues, like rising damp or roof problems. A house survey, however, will look more closely at those structural problems. This can encompass subsidence also. However, this depends on the house subsidence survey level you choose.

Typically, there are three house surveys you can choose from, including a basic one used for newer houses, a middle survey used for older properties and a more in-depth, complex survey which is often used for old, grade-listed or derelict buildings. A house survey needs to be carried out by an RICS-chartered surveyor, and those home surveys include:

• RICS Home Survey Level 1 – a basic overview of the condition of the property in general. Modern, new or small homes are suited to this type of survey
• RICS Home Survey Level 2 – also referred to as a Home Buyer Report, it inspects the building and the grounds, although it’s non-intrusive and surface-level. Most house buyers will choose this survey
• RICS Home Survey Level 3 – a comprehensive survey suited to expensive, large, old, extended  or generally complex structures

If you’re worried about subsidence being an issue, either in your existing property or in a prospective one, then choosing a professional subsidence solution firm, like us here at Geobear, to do a survey for you is the best way forward. We carry out meticulous subsidence assessments, providing you with a report of our findings to either confirm or deny instances of subsidence. 

My assessment has identified subsidence: what should I do now?

If our team identifies subsidence in our assessment, you should look to have the necessary underpinning work carried out. There are many different types of underpinning available. The good news is, it should be covered by your house insurance, depending on what your policy includes. Here at Geobear, our underpinning method is non-disruptive, mess-free and time-effective. 

We invented the geopolymer injection method. This is where we inject the affected ground with an expansive resin. It works its way along the gaps and voids, hardening as it goes. This restores strength to the ground and to the foundations. In some circumstances, it causes the ground to shift upwards, into a straight and level position once again. Choose Geobear for underpinning solutions today.

Geobear is highly experienced in identifying and rectifying instances of subsidence for both domestic and commercial customers. Using state-of-the-art technology for a non-disruptive underpinning service with results that will last for decades, we’re dedicated to providing subsidence solutions that are effective and long-lasting. If you would like further information about our subsidence surveys or our subsidence solutions, then get in touch with us today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.