Hot weather and subsidence… what you need to know
Subsidence. What a scary word.
Last year, we saw a massive surge in insurance claims regarding subsidence. Research from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), referred to within this article, noted an average pay-out of about £9,600.
Thankfully, subsidence is almost always manageable. With a careful plan, you can continue living in relative physical and financial safety.
This article explains what subsidence is, why it’s impacted by summer heatwaves and droughts, and how a home survey helps identify the issue.
What is subsidence, and how do you notice it?
In housing terms, subsidence is the ground movement underneath your home and its foundations. By ‘subsiding’ (lowering or dropping), it introduces a tilt to the structure, putting unintended strain on the building’s joists, beams and joints.
Although it sounds scary and can be a severe problem, subsidence is usually manageable. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 20% of British homes suffer from it in some distinguishable form. Most of these have ongoing maintenance plans, and you’d likely never know.
If subsidence is found, securing a mortgage loan might be more challenging. However, with a detailed plan you commit to sticking to, some lenders will be willing to work with you.
Here are a few of the most common signs of subsidence:
Does the hot summer weather cause subsidence?
Summer itself doesn’t directly cause subsidence – but indirectly? Yes.
As reported by the ABI, the heatwave last year (that 40-degree day) saw a surge in subsidence insurance claims and pay-outs. There were 23,000 claims in total, with 18,000 (78%) coming after the record temperatures. The ABI expects members to pay out £219m in subsidence claims, the highest amount since 2006 (the year we had an awful drought).
Subsidence is caused by the movement of the ground. In most cases, this is related to water content. Clay-heavy soil is a well-known cause, with the clay absorbing and releasing moisture constantly. This means it swells and contracts, lifting and raising the building above it.
In summer – especially the heatwaves we’re seeing these days – plants require more water. They draw this through the soil beneath them, effectively emptying the surface layers of most moisture content. In turn, this leads to soil compacting and, therefore, subsidence.
What should you do once you notice signs of subsidence?
If you notice any signs of subsidence, don’t panic. It might be a relatively harmless condition or an unfixed sign of settlement, a normal part of a new home’s movement.
However, bring in a chartered surveyor to inspect the property and give you a definite answer. They’ll complete a dedicated RICS Home Survey.
If the survey identifies signs of subsidence, we’d recommend requesting a structural engineer to provide a report, undertaking destructive testing, such as digging a pit or removing render and plaster inside the property, so that the supporting structures can be assessed.
In the meantime, be wary of planting large trees or anything with expansive root systems near your home’s walls. This plays a part in keeping it safe from subsidence in the future.
GB Home Surveys helps with subsidence
Subsidence is all too common, and with the climate change we see in the modern world, it’s likely to worsen. Who knows what this summer will bring? But it’s likely to be an extreme, one way or another.
Watch out for signs of subsidence; as soon as you notice warning signs, call someone. The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to fix and work with.
GB Home Surveys is made up of local teams of chartered surveyors. Our employees operate in Bristol, Devon, the Cotswolds, Bath, Taunton, South Wales, Birmingham, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.
If you’re worried about subsidence – or any other residential problems – please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always thrilled to have a commitment-free chat, explaining the best next steps for you.
We can be reached through the contact form below. We look forward to hearing from you.
