Home » Sinking Bay Windows? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Bay Window Subsidence

Sinking Bay Windows? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Bay Window Subsidence

(August 16, 2024)

Subsidence of any kind is every homeowner’s worst nightmare, whether it be the entire structure or sections of it. From extensions and conservatories to bay windows and outbuildings, almost every structure has the potential to subside, under the right circumstances. While it might seem unlikely, or uncommon, for a bay window to subside, it can pose an issue for homeowners who experience it. In this article, we’ll be explaining what subsidence is and what it means for your bay window. 

 

What is subsidence?

Subsidence is the movement of structures due to a shift in building foundations or the ground beneath them. Subsidence can happen to even the largest of buildings, but it can also happen to the smallest of structures, such as a bay window. 

If the foundations, or the soil underneath it, fail, then it can harm the building that sits on top. If left untreated, it can have detrimental consequences that can cost thousands to rectify. That’s why you must know what causes bay window subsidence and how it can be fixed. But first, how do you know that your bay window is subsiding? 

 

What are the signs of a sinking bay window?

You might be wondering, if you have a bay window, what the signs are that it is sinking. Much like spotting the signs of house subsidence, bay window subsidence often brings up the same signs. What are the signs of bay window subsidence? Let’s take a closer look:

  • Cracks forming between the bay window structure and the rest of the house
  • Cracks forming around a window or a door that sits within your bay window
  • Diagonal cracks that you can fit your little finger into that run in a zig-zag pattern
  • The bay window noticeably leaning to one side
  • The bay window coming away from the rest of the house
  • Cracks between the roof of the bay window and the rest of the house
  • The floor of the bay window slopes either forwards or left or right, in a downwards position (as if it’s sloping into the floor)
  • A sinking floor where your bay window sits

 

What causes a bay window to subside?

There are many reasons why your bay window has started to subside. Whether it’s an original part of the house or a retrofitted add-on that’s fairly new, bay windows subside for much the same reasons as entire structures, and we’re going to be taking you through those now. So, why is your bay window sinking? Let’s find out:

 

Poor or weak foundations 

Foundations that are old or that have been poorly built are susceptible to subsidence. This is because they’re not strong enough to withstand the weight of the structure on top. As such, the foundations will shift, causing the bay window to move along with it.

 

Soil shrinkage 

This is particularly prevalent if your property has been built on clay soil. It’s prone to movement, particularly shrinkage in hot weather. If your bay window is new and has been constructed on clay soil, then this could be the likely answer as to why your bay window is subsiding.

 

Lack of foundations 

If you’ve had a bay window constructed by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing, or if you’re doing it yourself, with no planning permission or without paying attention to building regulations (which is something you should not do), then there could be a complete lack of foundations. It might be that your bay window has been constructed on the ground itself, rather than being built with the correct footings.

 

Tree roots 

Nearby tree roots will seek out any moisture they can, often delving under the foundations to get what they need. If you have clay soil beneath your home, then tree roots can draw all of the moisture out, causing it to shrink, and moving the structure on top. Prune or get rid of any trees or shrubs you have near your bay window to prevent subsidence.

 

Thermal expansion and contraction 

This is soil shrinking and expanding, often changing as the weather does. This can cause the soil to move underneath your foundations, therefore causing the bay window on top to sink along with it, otherwise known as subsidence.

 

Poor design 

Often, bay windows need to be keyed into the existing brickwork. While bay windows can be constructed without this step being needed, there needs to be a solid design and some adequate construction plans to ensure it stays stable throughout its lifespan. If neither of those things have been done, then it can cause bay window subsidence. 

 

How to deal with bay window subsidence

Dealing with bay window subsidence, much like rectifying house subsidence, is simple enough when you choose Geobear for help. We use a resin injection method that is non-disruptive and incredibly effective. 

We will simply inject the ground with a strong resin that is designed to fill the gaps and voids that are present in the soil underneath. The resin will expand and solidify as it goes along, giving almost instant results every single time. 

It’s an underpinning method that doesn’t require you to vacate your home and no digging is necessary. We will maintain the integrity of your garden and the surrounding area whilst also allowing you to live out your everyday life uninterrupted.  

 

If you would like further information about our resin injection underpinning method, or to have a subsidence survey carried out on your bay window, to expertly confirm or deny the presence of subsidence, then get in touch with a member of our professional, knowledgeable team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.

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