Discovering a gap in your wall as wide as a 10-cent piece coin? Specialists caution it could be a significant issue
Craig Dean, the Residential Services Director at Geobear, has shared some insightful tips on recognising the signs of subsidence in a home. Subsidence is a serious issue that can impact the structural integrity of a property and potentially lead to costly repairs.
Recognising Subsidence
Subsidence can show itself in various ways, both inside and outside the property. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
- Cracks in walls: Look for cracks in plaster, uneven or sloping floors, gaps around skirting boards, sticking doors or windows, cracks in brickwork, leaning chimneys, cracks at building corners or where extensions meet, gaps or cracking around window and door frames. Diagonal cracks, especially if wider than 3mm, are often a sign of structural movement or subsidence. Stepped cracks in brickwork are classic indicators of subsidence, following the mortar lines in a stair-step pattern.
- Other signs: A leaning chimney with a gap forming between the chimney and exterior wall might be a cause for concern, as it could lead to mold growth from moisture accumulation. Misaligned or sticking doors and windows may be difficult to open or close properly due to warped frames or swelling caused by foundation movement. Musty or damp basements can result from moisture entering through foundation cracks, which can lead to mold, mildew, or rotting wood. Protruding nails in walls are caused by shifting foundation pressure bending wall studs and pushing nails outward. Sagging floors or ceilings indicate structural shifts or external pressure on the foundation. Wallpaper crinkling or peeling, especially near ceilings, is a sign of underlying wall movement. Uneven or sloping floors may feel unstable or visibly tilt. Gaps or separation at junctions, like where extensions meet the main house or around window and door frames, are also signs of potential subsidence.
Subsidence can be related to issues such as leaking underground drains or roots from nearby vegetation that affect soil moisture and stability, contributing indirectly to the symptoms noted above.
Dealing with Subsidence
If you think your home is suffering from subsidence, it is important to get an independent specialist building surveyor's report for the assessment. A crack that is any wider than 3mm warrants further investigation.
It is essential to address subsidence promptly to prevent further damage and costly repairs. Geobear, a company with over 200,000 completed projects worldwide, resolves subsidence in homes in one-to-two days with a 10-year insurance-based guarantee.
Monitoring Cracks
Very fine, hairline cracks in plaster are usually caused by shrinkage, drying, or minor settlement and are generally harmless, but should still be monitored for changes. Architect Tina Patel, RIBA-chartered architect and director at Architect Your Home, advises monitoring a new or growing wall crack by marking points with pencil and taking photos to check for shifts in four weeks.
Impact on Insurance and Mortgage
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. Therefore, if you think there is a risk, it is important to have the independent report undertaken to verify this.
Tina Patel, with over 15 years' experience helping families transform their homes through thoughtful, stress-free design, emphasises the importance of maintaining your home and addressing any issues promptly to protect its value and the well-being of its occupants.
- In the process of maintaining a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle, it's crucial to pay attention to the signs of subsidence within one's home, as the structural integrity of the property might be at risk.
- Home improvements and lifestyle choices can include addressing potential subsidence issues by engaging a specialist building surveyor for an assessment, especially if cracks wider than 3mm are observed.
- Fitness and exercise routines can foster a sense of well-being, but it's equally important to maintain a home-and-garden environment free from the damages of subsidence for the long-term benefit of the property and its inhabitants.
