Subsidence is a threat to any property and can potentially endanger the structural safety of a home. Not only does this reduce the market value of a residence, it can also make it unsafe to live in.
Subsidence is caused when the ground beneath a building sinks and pulls the property’s foundations down with it. It is usually caused when the ground loses moisture through prolonged dry spells and when tree roots absorb significant volumes of water from the soil.
Homeowners are told to look out for cracks as a tell-tale sign of subsidence. Whilst cracks don’t necessarily mean that your home is subsiding any crack more than 3mm wide in a diagonal position with one end wider than the other can ultimately be an indication of subsidence.
Am I Covered?
Your standard home insurance policy should cover your main home and any outbuildings from any damage caused by subsidence, heave or landslip. Most insurance policies will have an excess of around £1000 for a subsidence claim, however, if you have had subsidence previously then the excess could be much higher.
At Risk Houses
Some houses have a much higher risk of subsidence than others due to a number of different factors including;
- Trees – If your home is surrounded by trees or large shrubs that are in close proximity then you are at a higher risk of subsidence. The roots form these plants draw moisture out of the soil causing it to dry and shrink. Around 70% of subsidence cases are caused by tree roots.
- Clay – The type of clay in which a house is built on is also a factor. Different types of clay change with the weather, for example, some shrink when it is hot and dry, making the ground unstable.
- Drought – If you live in an area that is prone to drought then you could see soil dry out more often which could increase the risk of subsidence.
To prevent subsidence, it is important that your home is built using piling in Manchester. Piling provides a solid foundation that will support your home even as soil changes underneath it.
