Detecting subsidence in your home is important for maintaining its structural integrity.
What Are the Signs of Subsidence?
1. Cracks in walls and ceilings: Look for new or widening cracks, especially those that are diagonal or larger than a quarter of an inch. Pay attention to cracks around windows and doors, as they may indicate shifting.
2. Doors and windows: If doors and windows are sticking or not closing properly, it could be a sign of subsidence. This happens when the frame of the house shifts.
3. Uneven floors: Check for sloping or uneven floors. If you notice that certain areas of your floor feel higher or lower than others, it might be a sign of subsidence.
4. Gaps between walls and floors: Look for gaps where the wall meets the floor or ceiling. These can indicate movement in the structure.
5. Chimney leaning: If your chimney appears to be leaning or separating from the house, it could be a sign of subsidence.
6. External signs: Check the exterior of your home for signs of subsidence, such as cracks in the foundation or brickwork.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Subsidence?
If you notice any of these signs, contact your insurers immediately to report possible subsidence. If they accept your claim, they’ll appoint a surveyor to inspect your property and determine the cause, which may involve tests such as drilling boreholes, soil analysis, and level monitoring. Once confirmed, your insurers will propose a schedule of works to resolve the issue.
Will My Insurance Help Me?
It is not unusual for subsidence to be caused by several issues. Insurers will often take the easier route to remedy the problem which can lead to further subsidence and issues in the future. It is therefore imperative that the cause of the subsidence is fully investigated, and all contributing factors resolved before any works are carried out to your property.
If you are not happy with the proposals made by your insurers and feel they haven’t properly addressed the cause, you can obtain your own structural surveyors report and open a dialogue with your insurers to request further consideration of the cause of the issue and the work required to resolve matters fully.
Get in touch
Our subsidence solicitors can advise you on how to approach and liaise with your insurers, and/or assist with making a formal complaint to them and potentially to the Financial Ombudsman.
Disclaimer
The contents of this blog or any other published by Talbots Law cannot be considered as legal advice. You should take no action without prior consultation with a qualified solicitor or legal professional. This blog is written by Tessa Rhodes, a Director in our Dispute Resolution team.