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IS YOUR PROPERTY SUFFERING FROM SUBSIDENCE FOLLOWING THE HOT SUMMER?

Is your property suffering from subsidence following the hot summer?

With 2018 being one of the hottest and driest summers on record since 1910, many have found the extreme weather has left their property suffering from subsidence.

With 2018 being one of the hottest and driest summers on record since 1910, many have found the extreme weather has left their property suffering from subsidence. 

 

What is subsidence? 

Subsidence is the downward movement of the ground underneath a property which causes the foundations to become unstable. Properties built on clay soils are particularly vulnerable to movement due to clay’s shrinking properties in dry and warm conditions. 

 

What are the signs of subsidence? 

Frequently, the first and most obvious sign of subsidence is the appearance of diagonal cracks in walls, ceilings and floors often showing on the inside and outside of the property. These cracks are often found next to a weak area such as a door or window and can appear quite suddenly. The cracks are usually narrower at the bottom and wider at the top and can be thicker than the edge of a 10 pence coin.

 

How is subsidence treated? 

Subsidence caused by weather conditions can be treated in two different ways, both methods stabilising the ground underneath your property: 

  • Underpinning

Mass concrete underpinning is the traditional method to treat subsidence and prevent further movement and has been used for over a century. There are two approaches used, one being excavating short segments of the ground below the affected property foundations in controlled stages and filling the void with concrete and secondly utilising concrete pilings that are sunk into the ground and used to hold the foundation in place. 

  • Resin injections

A much newer method on the market is resin injections which have been used for around the last 30 years. This approach involves drilling small holes into the affected ground area near your property’s foundations and then filling them with liquid resin. The resin then expands and turns solid underneath the foundation lifting it back to its original position.

 

Will there be future problems? 

Once the cause of the subsidence has been identified and treated there should be no further problems as any work completed should prevent further movement.

 

What should I do next? 

If you suspect your property is suffering from subsidence we recommend informing your property insurer and speaking to a specialist subsidence treatment company such as Westone Housing on 01733 320500 or visit www.westonehousing.co.uk

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