Subsidence is every property owner’s worst nightmare. After all, it can develop slowly overtime and if you don’t know what signs to look out for then you can find yourself dealing with an expensive repair job. Here at Rhino Piling, we are the experts you want on your side when your property has started to sink into the ground. Read on as we go over three signs of subsidence that you should be on the lookout for…
Cracks in Walls
The most obvious indications of subsidence are cracks that form in the walls. With this said, it is important to carry out a full inspection before you suspect the worst-case scenario as cracks can also be caused by natural shrinkage. A crack that has been caused by subsidence will have a thickness of more than 3mm, a diagonal pattern and tend to be found near doors or windows.
Warping Door Frames
Subsidence occurs when the ground beneath a property starts to move, taking the building with it too, because it was not constructed on a secure support. As a result, your door frame can start to warp and change shape as the building shrinks. It may be subtle warping at first; however, if you notice that the doors start to get stuck easily then it may be time to have your property inspected for subsidence.
Rippling Wallpaper
Sometimes the signs of subsidence can be difficult to spot because they look like other major issues, causing homeowners to waste time trying to fix a problem that isn’t even there! For example, rippling wallpaper can be caused by something as problematic as damp or something as time sensitive as subsidence. If you have noticed that your wallpaper is rippling but there isn’t a musty odour, mildew or discoloured patches then it is important to test for subsidence.
The best way to prevent subsidence from taking hold of your property is to invest in a process known as underpinning; this transfers the weight of a property onto new supports that are installed within the ground. In fact, there are a wide range of different types of underpinning and the team here at Rhino Piling are qualified to provide them all! If you think that you may be a victim of subsidence, get in contact with the best experts in piling Manchester has to offer today!
