As a homeowner, it’s important to understand subsidence and how it can affect your property. In this guide, we’ll explain what subsidence is, how to spot the signs, and what steps you can take to protect your home.
- What is subsidence?
- How much will subsidence affect my home's value?
- What are the signs of subsidence I should look out for?
- What causes subsidence?
- Is my home at risk of subsidence?
- How can I prevent subsidence?
- What should I do if I suspect subsidence?
- Will my insurance cover subsidence?
- How to make a claim for subsidence
- What else should I look out for?
What is subsidence?
Subsidence happens when the ground beneath your home sinks, causing the foundations to become unstable. This can lead to cracks and structural issues in your walls and floors, which can be concerning for any homeowner.
How much will subsidence affect my home’s value?
If your home has subsidence issues, it could reduce its value by around 20%. Considering buying or selling? You’ll want to address subsidence early on to avoid significant financial loss.
What are the signs of subsidence I should look for?
Keep an eye out for these common signs of subsidence:
- Cracks: Look for cracks wider than 3mm (thicker than a 10p coin) or cracks that are diagonal and wider at the top.
- Sticking doors and windows: If doors and windows are difficult to open, it might be a sign the frames have shifted.
- Creased wallpaper: Creasing in wallpaper where the wall meets the ceiling can also signal subsidence.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait to seek professional advice.
What causes subsidence?
Several factors can lead to subsidence:
- Tree roots: Trees planted too close to your home can disrupt the ground beneath.
- Clay soil: This type of soil can shrink during dry spells and swell when it rains, leading to instability.
- Leaking drains: If drains are leaking, the water can soften the surrounding ground, affecting your home’s stability.
Is my home at risk of subsidence?
To figure out if your home is at risk of subsidence, consider these factors:
- Age of your home: Older properties may have shallower foundations, increasing the risk.
- Soil type: Homes built on clay soil are generally at higher risk of subsidence.
- Location: Living in a drought-prone area can heighten the likelihood of soil cracking and subsidence.
How can I prevent subsidence?
You may not be able to prevent subsidence altogether, but you can do take some practical steps to lessen the chances:
- Tree placement: Before planting any trees, check their root systems and ensure they’re planted a safe distance away from your home. The Association of British Insurers has a guide to what’s what when it comes to planting trees near your home.
- Tree maintenance: Consider pruning or removing trees that draw too much moisture from the ground around your foundations.
- Regular inspections: Check your property for leaks and cracks to catch any potential issues early.
What should I do if I suspect subsidence?
If you suspect your home may have subsidence, here’s what to do:
- Contact your insurer: Reach out to your insurance provider to arrange a professional survey.
- Explore repair options: Depending on the findings, you may need to consider underpinning, tree removal, or repairs to drainage systems.
With Swiftcover, our buildings insurance covers damage and loss from subsidence, landslip and heave, so be sure to review your policy for details.
Will my insurance cover subsidence?
Most comprehensive buildings insurance policies (like ours!) cover damage from subsidence. However, it’s important to read your policy carefully to understand any exclusions.
Swiftcover customers can find their policy wording in their Swiftspace account.
How to make a claim for subsidence
To make a claim for subsidence with Swiftcover, you’ll need to call our team. Follow the steps on our 'Make a claim' page to make sure you’ve got all the information you need before you get in touch.
For more information about making a claim with Swiftcover, visit our Help Hub.
What else should I look out for?
Other issues can look like subsidence - like heave, landslip, and settlement. Here’s a quick overview:
- Heave: This occurs when the ground shifts upwards, leading to vertical cracks and lifting of pathways.
- Landslip: This happens on slopes and can cause tilting walls and cracks in floors.
- Settlement: This is the natural downward movement due to the weight of the building. This happens in the first ten years after construction.
