When we think of issues in and around the home, the first few examples that may come to mind, might be roof damage, a leaky pipe, damp and mildew, or even the out- of-date décor. Subsidence however, is not necessarily an issue that instantly springs to mind. For property owners or potential buyers, subsidence is a very real and serious concern, that can cause major problems if not prevented or managed.
What is subsidence?
Subsidence is caused when the ground underneath a building begins to collapse or sinks lower, effecting or taking with it, the buildings foundations. Clay soil is very susceptible to subsidence, especially during the warmer months when the earth shrinks due to extreme dryness. Trees can also contribute to subsidence, with species such as Populus, Oak and Conifers having a higher water intake than other trees, therefore absorbing large amounts of moisture from the soil.
Noticeable signs of subsidence can include large, thick cracks that often appear next to a door or window and can often spread internally and externally. Other signs may include shrinkage in wallpaper, jarring of windows and doors, and cracks running along the masonry. Fixing subsidence can be extremely costly and invasive so if you believe that your client’s home is showing signs of subsidence, ask them to contact their insurance provider right away, to see what exactly they are covered for.
While cracked brickwork, and doors or windows jamming, are a common sign of subsidence, it could also mean that the property is suffering from ground heave. Ground heave has the opposite effect of subsidence, as the ground will tend to heave upwards when soils (particularly clay soils) expand due to excess moisture.
The damage caused by ground heave can be just as detrimental to the property as subsidence but will require a different approach to managing it.
Buying a property with subsidence
If your client is going through the process of buying a property, it is important that they ask you and the surveyor questions such as “Has the property ever experienced subsidence” or “Is the property prone to developing subsidence?”.
A detailed inspection by a reputable surveyor, should also highlight if the property is currently experiencing problems directly related to subsidence.
By obtaining this crucial information upfront before purchasing a property, buyers are in a much better position if they wish to proceed with the sale. If a property has experienced subsidence in the past or currently has subsidence, it does not mean the property is unfit for purchase. It does however, mean that additional precautions need to be undertaken.
How to prevent and manage subsidence
If you feel as though your client’s property could be prone to subsidence, below is a list of measures that they can take to help prevent long term damage.
- If you are thinking of planting trees on the property, make sure to check what type of root system the trees have. If you are planting trees with a deep root system, plant them at least 40 metres away from your property, to help prevent the roots from invading your foundations and sucking out the moisture from the soil. Trees may include Maples, Oaks and Populus.
- If you have well established shrubs planted close to the foundations of your property, do not be tempted to dig them out right away. By disrupting the established root systems of the shrubs, it could cause the soil to become unstable or for water to build-up. Either regularly prune the shrubs to help reduce their water intake or speak to a specialist tree surgeon/ gardener who can advise on the safest way on removing the shrubs…
…If you want to keep reading and discover more about Guard Unoccupied Property Cover, we’ve got you covered.
To read the full article and explore more helpful guides, head over to the Guardcover website.
Click here to read the full article.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice or a recommendation. It does not take into account your individual circumstances. if in doubt, you should seek appropriate professional advice before acting on any of the information provided.
Guardcover is a trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Thistle Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FRN 310419. Registered in England under No. 00338645. Registered office: Rossington’s Business Park, West Carr Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7SW. Thistle Insurance Limited is part of the PIB Group.
This article was submitted by Guardcover as part of an advertising agreement with Today’s Wills and Probate. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and not those of Today’s Wills and Probate.
