A substantial crack in your wall, larger than a 10 pence coin, might indicate a significant issue, according to experts' assessments
Subsidence, a common issue affecting many homes, is the sinking of the ground beneath a building, causing the foundations to shift. This movement can lead to a range of symptoms that can potentially compromise the structural integrity of a building. In this article, we will discuss the signs of subsidence, both in walls and other parts of a property, and what homeowners should do if they suspect their home is affected.
Signs of Subsidence Other Than Cracks in Walls
While diagonal or stepped cracks in walls are more likely to be related to ground movement, there are other indicators that may suggest subsidence. These include:
- Sticking or jammed doors and windows that become hard to open or close due to shifting of the building frame.
- Sloping, uneven, or sagging floors, where floors feel tilted or furniture no longer sits level, indicating the foundation is settling unevenly.
- Separation or gaps developing at skirting boards or between structural elements, signaling movement in the building base.
- Visible leaning or separation of features like chimneys, which may lean or separate from the main structure due to localized foundation settlement.
Additional indirect signs can include creased or distorted areas near doors or windows and possible pooling of water in certain spots inside the property due to uneven floors.
Cracks in Walls and Their Implications
Horizontal cracks in walls may signal pressure or movement within the wall, and could indicate serious structural stress or wall bowing. Cracks that are any wider than 3mm warrant further investigation. Vertical cracks in walls that are less than 3mm wide should be monitored for changes, while wider cracks may require consultation with an expert in ground engineering to rule out subsidence.
Hairline cracks (less than 1mm) in plaster are usually caused by shrinkage, drying, or minor settlement and are generally harmless, but should still be monitored for changes. Diagonal cracks in interior plaster or exterior brickwork can be a sign of building subsidence.
Dealing with Subsidence
If any of the signs mentioned above are noticed, it is important to get an independent specialist building surveyor's report for the assessment. Having subsidence or a record of this on your property could impact your insurance and mortgage for excessive periods of time and even the ability to sell the property.
Fortunately, there are solutions available to address subsidence. For instance, Geobear has worked on over 200,000 completed projects worldwide, resolving subsidence in homes in one-to-two days with a 10-year insurance-based guarantee.
Architect Tina Patel, a RIBA-chartered architect and director at Architect Your Home, advises monitoring a new or growing crack in a wall by marking it with pencil and taking photos every four weeks to check for movement.
For homeowners dealing with subsidence, it is essential to seek professional help and take prompt action to ensure the safety and stability of their property.
External Signs of Subsidence
Externally, look out for cracks in brickwork, leaning chimneys, cracks at building corners or where extensions meet, and gaps or cracking around window and door frames. If in doubt, consult a specialist to assess the situation and provide a plan of action.
Craig Dean, residential services director at Geobear, experts in ground engineering and subsidence, explains that subsidence cracks are often wider than a ten pence coin and can be accompanied by other signs such as sinking or uneven floors, visible gaps between floors and skirting boards, and doors and windows that stick or misalign.
By staying vigilant and aware of the signs of subsidence, homeowners can take swift action to address the issue and protect their property.
- The health-and-wellness aspect of dealing with subsidence lies in the importance of maintaining a safe and stable living environment, as unknown structural issues can potentially compromise the structural integrity of a building.
- Part of the lifestyle changes that might be necessary for homeowners dealing with subsidence could include regular monitoring and inspections of their property, as well as seeking professional help to address the issue promptly.
- Homeowners may also consider investing in home improvement measures to address subsidence, such as the use of effective solutions like Geobear's methods in ground engineering, which can repair subsidence in homes in one-to-two days with a 10-year insurance-based guarantee, thus improving the overall condition and value of their property within the home-and-garden sphere.
