Everything You Need to Know About Subsidence

Subsidence is an issue that affects 20% of homes in the UK, in some form or another, according to WSP Solicitors. Those statistics show no sign of slowing down, either. In fact, subsidence problems are set to get worse as climate change begins to take hold, claims the British Geological Survey. 

Seeing as this is something that’s predicted to become more prevalent, it’s important that we know everything there is to know about subsidence. This way, you’ll be better equipped to identify the problem as quickly as possible and have it rectified before the problem becomes more severe. With that in mind, we’ll be explaining what subsidence is, what causes it, the signs to look out for, how to treat it and how to prevent it in the first place.

What is subsidence?

Subsidence is when the ground underneath the building foundations shifts, therefore causing movement and instability of the structure on top. More often than not, the ground will sink, pulling the foundations down with it. In the process, doors, windows and walls will move too, often presenting themselves in the form of a crack or doors and windows becoming jammed. 

They’re each a sign of subsidence that every homeowner should be aware of. But what causes it and what are the other signs of subsidence that might be found if it’s become an issue in and around your property, whether it be commercial or residential?

What causes subsidence?

Subsidence has no single cause. Often, it’s caused by a combination of things that happens over several years. From clay soil shrinkage and expansion to poor-quality building foundations, here’s what might be causing subsidence:

• Clay soil shrinkage and/or expansion – clay soil will shrink and contract as the weather changes. This can wreak havoc on your building foundations. When the soil moves, the foundations on top will too. This will then result in the structure itself moving too
• Tree roots – tree root subsidence is caused by tree roots growing and penetrating the ground underneath your foundations. They will extract moisture from the soil resulting in contraction. This will then cause the foundations to move, resulting in subsidence
• Leaking drains and/or guttering – subsidence is dictated by moisture. This is why any leaking drains or guttering needs to be repaired as soon as possible
• Poor foundations – foundations that are not deep enough, weak or of poor quality will cause the building on top of the foundations to move. This will then cause structural issues to occur with the property as the foundations move
• A lack of foundations – where this isn’t common when it comes to residential or commercial properties, it might be with structures like out-buildings, conservatories and even bay windows. Any structure that’s not integral to your house may have been built by someone without adhering to building regulations and so there could be a complete lack of foundations to start with. This will almost certainly lead to subsidence 

What are the signs of subsidence?

Subsidence brings with it many symptoms and issues. More often than not, they occur in combination with each other. While some signs might be down to something harmless, such as moving into a newly built property and experiencing settlement cracks, others are an indication of something more serious. 

If you’re unsure about whether or not your home is experiencing subsidence, you can look to Geobear for a subsidence survey. Here, we will carry out a thorough inspection and draw up a report of our findings. This will either confirm or deny subsidence problems in and around your home. In the meantime, the most common signs of subsidence are as follows:

• Cracks in walls, floors and ceilings, both internal and external, that you can fit your little finger into
• Ripples in wallpaper, with no signs of damp
• Doors and windows becoming jammed
• Doors and windows that are unable to close
• Sloping ceilings 
• Sloping floors
• Patios, garden paths or driveways that have dropped, dipped or cracked
• An extension coming away from the rest of the house
• The property is noticeably leaning to one side

Can subsidence be ignored?

Under no circumstances should subsidence issues be ignored, whether it be commercial or residential. If subsidence isn’t treated effectively, it could cause the entire property to become compromised. In the most severe cases, it could mean the collapse of the structure entirely. 

In addition, it could cause the house value to drop considerably, all with house insurance premiums rising, just in case the worst should happen. Subsidence can lead to no end of problems, so don’t be tempted to leave the issue, because it will not go away on its own. Instead, treat subsidence with underpinning solutions from us here at Geobear. 

How is subsidence treated?

Subsidence is easily treated if the problem isn’t severe. It’s done using underpinning methods. Underpinning comes in a variety of forms. From conventional solutions right through to newer, minimally intrusive methods, including the geopolymer resin injection technique. This is the method undertaken by us here at Geobear. 

It’s non-disruptive and highly effective, with quick-yet-long-lasting results that will stand the test of time. We don’t need to excavate the ground underneath, so you won’t have to worry about mess or noise when we’re on hand to treat the subsidence that your home is suffering from. When it comes to resin injection technology, we will inject the affected ground with resin. 

The resin will push its way through the voids, expanding and hardening as it goes along. In turn, this restores strength and stability to the ground, therefore restoring the foundations back to their top and original condition. It provides the same results as traditional underpinning methods, only without the mess and disruption. For subsidence solutions with guaranteed durability and longevity, look no further than Geobear.

How to avoid instances of subsidence

There are some instances where subsidence isn’t avoidable. This is because it’s dictated by a wide range of different things, including the soil type the foundations sit on. However, there are ways of mitigating or putting the problem off for as long as possible. Some of the things you can do to avoid instances of subsidence in and around your home are as follows:

• Cut or take out large trees, shrubs and/or bushes that are close to your property
• Maintain your guttering and drains
• Keep an eye on your property, both inside and outdoors, to catch early signs – they’re far easier and more affordable to repair
• Ensure home improvements are done to building regulations, especially if you’re having an extension built

Geobear is pleased to offer geopolymer resin injection underpinning solutions that will stand the test of time. Regardless of the severity of the issue, we can always be counted upon to provide a long-lasting, effective solution that will remain in place for generations. If you’d like further information about how we can help you through your subsidence problem, whether it be commercial or domestic, get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.